TheLakeInsiderThe insider's guide to America's luxury lakes
← Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack · The kid list

Where to take the kids.

The places that don't make you apologize for the kids. Restaurants with crayons that aren't an afterthought, parks with shade and bathrooms, the ice-cream stop with the line on a hot Tuesday.

Coffee & breakfast

1 stop
  • Hawley
    Lake Wally Cafe
    Editor's pick

    All-day breakfast on Main Avenue in Hawley — blueberry pancakes, cinnamon French toast, and a hearty two-eggs-and-home-fries platter for the table headed out on the water. Closes at 2 on Mondays, later the rest of the week; a gluten-free menu covers the table that needs it.

    Mon 7am–2pm · Tue–Thu 7am–5pm · Fri–Sat 7am–8pm(570) 390-7344Visit ↗

Parks & trails

1 stop
  • Hawley
    Palmyra Township Public Beach
    Editor's pick

    The only public beach on the lake, on Lake Wallenpaupack Road — lifeguards, a snack bar, volleyball courts, and picnic tables and grills that rent for $10 a day. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 11 to 5, weather permitting.

    Memorial Day–Labor Day · 11am–5pm570-226-9290Visit ↗

Iconic stops

2 stops
  • Lake Ariel
    Claws 'N' Paws Wild Animal Park
    Editor's pick

    A private zoo built from one trail and 18 species in 1974, now five trails and over 120 species on Ledgedale Road — hand-feed parrots and giraffes, a petting zoo, a dino-dig pit, and a daily Animal Ambassador show. Open mid-April through late October only.

    Mid-Apr–late Oct(570) 698-6154Visit ↗
  • Hawley
    Costa's Family Fun Park

    Bumper boats, go-karts, mini golf, water slides, and gem mining on Route 6 just east of Hawley — a seasonal, mid-June-through-Labor-Day operation with a snack bar serving Hershey's hand-dipped ice cream. Pay-per-attraction or a multi-activity wristband.

    Mid-June–Labor DayVisit ↗