Things to Do With Kids Near Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania

Mahanoy City, a small town in central-eastern Pennsylvania, is rich in history, and known for its coal mining and railroad industries. Several larger cities are located within 100 miles of Mahonoy City, including Philadelphia, Frackville and Pottsville. Whether you are a local or just stopping through the area, there are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained.

  1. Museums

    • Jerry's Classic Cars and Collectibles (jerrysmuseum.com) is located in Pottsville, about 16 miles south of Mahanoy City. This 1950's and '60's rock-n-roll inspired museum showcases a Band Stand and Drive-In Theatre, plus classic car displays and a soda fountain. The Greater Hazelton Historical Society Museum (hazletonmuseum.org) is 16 miles NE, and contains a variety of area artifacts in a three story former fire house. No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum (no9mine.tripod.com) is located in Lansford, 16 miles east. Kids can tour the world's oldest continuously operated anthracite coal mine. It no longer operates as a mine, and now offers visitors a chance to ride a train 1600 feet into a mountainside and see the former mule-way, miner̵7;s hospital, and 900-foot deep original elevator shaft.

    Indoor Fun

    • Climb-a-Lot Clubhouse (climbalotclubhouse.com) is located 11 miles east in Tamaqua. Children ages 10 and under will have a blast at this 2,800 square foot indoor play area, complete with a tree house climbing structure, slides and tunnels. Strike Zone Alleys (strikezonealleys.com) in Pottsville is a bowling center with more than just public bowling. A youth league is available where kids get to bowl, and receive patches and trophies for their efforts. Bump-n Bowl is a similar experience, but with lane bumpers to give young bowlers an easier go. The Mahanoy City Public Library (mahanoylibrary.org) offers story time, plus a summer reading program with activities, prizes and a party at the end.

    Outdoor Play

    • When weather permits, head 30 miles NW to Knoebel's Amusement Park (knoebels.com), featuring Giant Crystal Pool. The pool is filled with mountain stream water, and offers water slides, diving boards and a play area. Knoebel also contains thrill rides, family rides, and a carousel. In addition, 60 miles is worth the drive when it means taking the kiddos to famous Hershey Park (hersheypark.com). This Amazing attraction features walking Hershey characters, shows, roller coasters, water rides and concerts. Hershey Park is adjacent to ZooAmerica (zooamerica.com), an 11-acre zoo with animals from around the world.

    Nature Activities

    • Kids can get up close and personal with feathered friends at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (hawkmountain.org), about 30 miles away in Kempton. Hiking trails guide visitors to view eagles, falcons, owls and hawks. Just 16 miles south of Mahanoy City, Barnesville offers 1,772 acres of outdoor recreation at Locust Lake State Park. Barnesville is just over 15 minutes away from Mahanoy City. The park features ice skating and fish in the winter. In sunnier weather, kids will enjoy biking, swimming, boating and hiking.

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