Things to do in Erie

Not Just Any Hotel – Only the Best Things to do in Erie, Selected for You!

Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
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Good (2527)

Erie Zoo

10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Park
423 W 38th St (at Glenwood Park Ave)
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Erie Zoo in Erie, Pennsylvania, features diverse animals including kangaroos and giraffes, along with a children's playground and an ice-skating rink.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Adults: $10, Children (3-12): $8, Seniors: $8. Children under 3: free.

Good (457)

Tom Ridge Environmental Center

10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
301 Peninsula Dr Presque Isle State Park
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Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie, PA, offers free interactive exhibits highlighting the ecological significance of the unique 3200-acre Presque Isle.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Good (598)

Erie Maritime Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
150 East Front Street
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Erie Maritime Museum features multimedia exhibits and the full-scale reproduction of the U.S. Brig Niagara, highlighting maritime history in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions or events may require a paid ticket.

Good (311)

Erie Art Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
411 State St (5th St)
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Erie Art Museum in Erie, Pennsylvania offers a diverse collection of art exhibits, film screenings, and educational classes to foster community arts engagement.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

General Admission: $5. Free for children under 12 and members. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Good (3605)

Presque Isle Downs and Casino

10:00 AM–2:00 AM
Casino
8199 Perry Hwy
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Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Erie, PA, features slots, table games, live racing, and diverse dining options year-round. A key entertainment hub in Erie County.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Admission is free. Gaming and dining incur separate costs.

Good (61)

Saint Peter Cathedral Church

9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Church
230 W 10th St (Sassafras St)
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St. Peter’s Cathedral in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a Roman Catholic cathedral known for its historical architecture and cultural significance in the region.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Special events may require a ticket.

Good (117)

Erie Land Lighthouse

Open All Day
Lighthouse
2 Lighthouse St
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Erie Land Lighthouse, or Old Presque Isle Light, is one of three lighthouses in Erie, Pennsylvania, on the shores of Lake Erie.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free.

Good (64)

Saint Patrick Church

9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Church
128 E 4th St (Holland St)
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St. Patrick Church in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a historical Catholic parish known for its rich heritage, stunning architecture, and community outreach.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Donations accepted for community programs.

Warner Theatre

1:00 PM–11:00 PM
Theater
811 State St (East 8th St.)
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Warner Theatre in Erie, PA offers a classic movie-going experience in a historic venue dating back to 1927, showcasing diverse films and live performances.

Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Varies. Standard ticket prices range from $8 to $12 depending on the show; discounted rates for children and seniors are available.

Good (4407)

Presque Isle State Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM
Park
301 Peninsula Dr
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Presque Isle State Park features 11 miles of beaches, lagoons, concert spaces, and a historic lighthouse in Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free. Some special events may have fees.

Good (4832)

Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort

10:00 AM–10:00 PM
Amusement Park
8091 Peach St
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Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort in Erie, PA features large indoor water attractions, including a wave pool, slides, and family-friendly activities.

Duration: 3-5 hours.

$39.99 for adults, $19.99 for children (ages 3-11), discounts available for multi-day passes.

Good (91)

Erie Bayfront Convention Center

9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Event hall
1 Sassafras Pier
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Erie Bayfront Convention Center offers 100,000 square feet of versatile event space, located on the scenic shores of Lake Erie in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Duration: 1 to 3 hours, depending on the event.

Varies by event. Many community events are free, while larger conventions may have entry fees.

Good (27)

Firefighters Historical Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
428 Chestnut St (5th St)
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Firefighters Historical Museum in Erie, Pennsylvania displays historic firefighting artifacts such as alarms, suits, and equipment from a 1903 firehouse.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Special events may have fees.

Good (485)

expERIEnce Childrens Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
420 French Street
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Experience Children Museum in Erie, PA, offers over 25 interactive exhibits aimed at children 8 and under, fostering creativity and learning through play.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Good (147)

Perry Monument

8:00 AM–8:00 PM
Monument
Presque Isle State Park
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Perry Monument, a historic lighthouse, honors Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and is located in Erie, Pennsylvania, offering scenic views and rich history.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. No admission charges apply.

Good (3694)

Waldameer & Water World

11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Theme Park
220 Peninsula Dr
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Waldameer & Water World offers over 100 rides, slides, and attractions, providing family-friendly fun in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Duration: 4 hours.

$20 for adults; $16 for children and seniors. Free admission for children under 2.

Good (213)

Leaf

8:00 AM–8:00 PM
Botanical Garden
1501 W 6th St (Bayfront Parkway)
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Leaf is a community arboretum in Erie, Pennsylvania featuring diverse plant species. Located in Frontier Park, it is accessible for all visitors.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some events and workshops may require a registration fee.

All An Act Theatre Productions

6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Theater
652 W 17th St (Poplar Street)
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All An Act Theatre Productions in Erie, USA, offers local theater experiences with a focus on engaging performances across various genres.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Tickets range from $15 to $20 for adults; discounts available for seniors and students.

Ambassador Banquet & Conference Center

9:00 AM–1:00 AM
Event hall
7794 Peach St
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Ambassador Banquet & Conference Center in Erie offers versatile event spaces for conferences, weddings, and social gatherings, accommodating various group sizes comfortably.

Duration: Variable based on event length.

Paid. Pricing varies based on the type of event and services requested.

Erie County Court House

8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Public Building
140 W 6th St
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Erie County Court House, built in 1888, is a historic site in Erie, PA, showcasing Richardsonian Romanesque architecture and serving as a governmental hub.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Public events may have separate fees.

Erie Playhouse

10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Theater
13 W 10th St (btw State St & Peach St)
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Erie Playhouse, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a historic theater offering diverse performances and cultural events since 1895, showcasing local talent and community creativity.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours for a performance.

Tickets range from $15 to $40, with discounts available for seniors and students.

Whispering Woods Golf Course

6:00 AM–8:00 PM
Golf Course
7214 Grubb Rd
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Whispering Woods Golf Course in Erie, United States, features 18 holes designed for golfers of all levels, set in a scenic wooded environment.

Duration: 4–5 hours.

Green fees vary; typical rates are $50 for adults, $25 for juniors.

Good (85)

Joseph A. Walczak Sr. Park

Open 24 hours
Amusement Park
4300 Alan Dr.
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Joseph A. Walczak Sr. Park offers outdoor recreation in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring grassy lawns, sports courts, playgrounds, and scenic views of Lake Erie.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free.

Good (95)

Rainbow Gardens

2:00 PM–10:00 PM
Event hall
3100 W Lake Rd (in Waldameer & Water World)
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Rainbow Gardens in Erie, PA is a spacious event venue within Waldameer Park, available for private events and gatherings, ideal for tourists and locals alike.

Duration: Varies based on event length.

Free for entry. Rental fees apply for events.

Good (256)

Shades Beach

Open 24 hours
Park
7000 East Lake Rd (Bartlett Rd)
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Shades Beach in Erie, Pennsylvania offers picnicking, a playground, and boating opportunities in a scenic park setting.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free. Boating facilities may have additional costs.

Erie First Assembly of God

9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Church
8150 Oliver Rd
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Erie First Assembly of God is a vibrant church community in Erie, PA, offering worship services, community events, and spiritual guidance.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations and offerings are appreciated.

Wesleyville Baptist Church

10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Church
3509 Buffalo Rd (Market St)
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Wesleyville Baptist Church, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a community-focused church founded in 1900. It offers spiritual services and community outreach.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcome for community programs.

Family Church Erie

9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Church
6075 Peach St
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Family Church Erie offers a welcoming community worship environment with engaging services, children’s programs, and social outreach in Erie, United States.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed but not mandatory.

250 W 7th St (Myrtle St)
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First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Erie, PA, serves as a historical and architectural landmark, offering a spiritual refuge and community engagement.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are welcomed for specific events and programs.

Good (1)

Basement Transmissions

6:00 PM–2:00 AM
Theater
145 W 11th St (Sassafras St)
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Basement Transmissions is a live music venue in Erie, PA, hosting diverse genres and artists since 2014, fostering local talent and community engagement.

Duration: 2-4 hours depending on the event.

Varies. Most events range from $5 to $15, with discounts for students and groups.

Good (2)

Picture Perfect Cake & Art

10:00 AM–7:00 PM
Museum
369 King St W
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Picture Perfect Cake & Art in Erie offers custom cakes for all occasions, specializing in wedding cakes, alongside a gallery of paintings and art classes.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free entry to the gallery. Cake purchases and art classes may incur costs.

Good (13)

Millcreek Mall Complex

10:00 AM–10:00 PM
Mall
5800 Peach Street
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Millcreek Mall Complex in Erie, United States, features over 200 stores, dining options, and entertainment venues, making it a retail favorite since its opening in 1975.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free to enter. Individual store prices vary.

Good (3)

The Shops At The Colony

10:00 AM–10:00 PM
Mall
W 8th St (btwn Sommerheim Dr and Lowell Ave)
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The Shops At The Colony in Erie, US features a diverse shopping and dining experience across multiple stores and restaurants, catering to all ages and tastes.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Individual stores may have specific promotions and pricing.

Penn State Behrend

8:00 AM–5:00 PM
University
4701 College Dr (at Jordan Rd)
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Penn State Behrend is a public educational institution in Erie, Pennsylvania, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a scenic campus setting.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free to explore campus; specific events may have associated fees.

Presque Isle North Pier Lighthouse

Open 24 hours
Lighthouse
Coast Guard Rd
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Presque Isle North Pier Lighthouse, located in Erie, PA, is a historic lighthouse built in 1858, offering scenic views of Lake Erie and a glimpse into maritime history.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. No ticket is required for access.

North Harbor Baptist Church

5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Church
8800 Buffalo Rd
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North Harbor Baptist Church in Erie, United States, offers a welcoming community place for worship, outreach, and spiritual growth for all ages.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcome and support church activities.

Mercyhurst University

8:00 AM–5:00 PM
University
501 E 38th St
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Mercyhurst University is a Catholic liberal arts college located in Erie, Pennsylvania, known for its strong academic programs and serene campus setting.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free to visit. Some events and performances may require paid tickets.

Whispering Woods Golf Club

7:00 AM–7:00 PM
Golf Course
7214 Grubb Rd
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Whispering Woods Golf Club, located in Erie, United States, offers an 18-hole championship course enveloped in natural beauty and serene landscapes.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

$50 for adults, $25 for juniors. Discounts available for seniors and members.

Millcreek Community Church

5:00 PM–7:00 PM
Church
Erie
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Millcreek Community Church in Erie, PA, fosters a welcoming environment for worship, community events, and spiritual growth with a focus on outreach and family support.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Community events may have special requirements.

7180 New Perry Hwy
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Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie offers an inclusive spiritual community, emphasizing personal growth and social justice in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated.

Lawrence Park United Methodist Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Church
Erie
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Lawrence Park United Methodist Church in Erie, PA, offers a welcoming environment for worship and community engagement, dating back to its foundation in 1920.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance and community services.

Islamic Cultural Center of East Erie

9:00 AM–10:00 PM
Mosque
2426 Parade St (E 25th St)
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The Islamic Cultural Center of East Erie offers a welcoming space for worship and community activities in Erie, United States, fostering intercultural dialogue and education.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for special events and programs.

Yorktown Commons Mall

10:00 AM–9:00 PM
Mall
Yorktown Center Dr (W 12th St)
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Yorktown Commons Mall in Erie features over 60 retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities. A hub for shopping and leisure activities in the region.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free entry. Individual store promotions and special events may have costs.

Watson-Curtze Mansion

10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Museum
356 W 6th St (Chestnut St)
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Watson-Curtze Mansion in Erie, PA is a historic house showcasing Victorian architecture. It offers guided tours highlighting its rich history and cultural significance.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for the upkeep and operation of the mansion.

Greater Bethlehem Temple Church

5:00 PM–7:00 PM
Church
4103 Washington Ave (W 41st St)
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Greater Bethlehem Temple Church in Erie offers a vibrant community experience, focusing on spiritual growth, outreach, and cultural events.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations encouraged for special events and community outreach.

Wayne Park Baptist Temple Church

Available for events by appointment
Church
923 E 6th St
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Wayne Park Baptist Temple Church in Erie offers a rich historical and architectural experience, serving as a community hub since its establishment in 1903.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated but not required.

FlightPath Fellowship

10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Church
4749 McMillen Dr
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FlightPath Fellowship in Erie, USA, is an aviation-focused hub offering educational programs, workshops, and family-friendly activities centered around flight and aerospace.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Special workshops may have a nominal fee.