If you’re looking for an adventurous family weekend getaway within a few hours of Cleveland, Ohiopyle State Park is one of our favorite finds. Tucked into the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, this small town is packed with waterfalls, kid-friendly hiking trails, biking paths, and even natural water slides—making it an ideal destination for families who love being outdoors.
We’ve done quite a few weekend road trips from Northeast Ohio, and visiting Ohiopyle with kids stands out for how much you can do in just 2–3 days without feeling rushed. Whether your kids love climbing rocks, splashing in rivers, or riding bikes through scenic trails, there’s something here for everyone.
If you’ve explored places like Hocking Hills or Red River Gorge, Ohiopyle is another must-add to your list—it offers a similar mix of adventure and scenery, with its own unique experiences.
We visited Ohiopyle as a family of 7 with young kids, so everything in this guide is based on what actually worked for us with kids in tow.
How to Get To Ohiopyle
- Distance from Cleveland: ~200 miles
- Driving time: ~3 hours
- When we visited: July, 2 weekend nights
- Tip: Pack for both hiking and water play—many trails lead to rivers, falls, or slides!
Where to Stay in Ohiopyle with Kids
Benners Meadow Run Campground
We stayed at Benners Meadow Run, a fantastic family-friendly campground offering cabins, RV sites, and tent camping.
- Amenities: pool, mini golf, fishing ponds, game room, golf cart rentals
- Clean facilities, friendly staff, and great on-site store (ice, bait, ice cream, camping supplies)
- Centrally located—only 20 minutes from all major Ohiopyle attractions
This campground is perfect for families and groups with a mix of camping styles. We loved relaxing by the campfire after busy days of adventure!
We always recommend booking accommodations early during summer weekends, as this area fills up quickly.
Quick Trip Highlights
- 🚗 Drive from Cleveland: ~3 hours
- ⛺ Stay: Benners Meadow Run Campground
- 🥾 Top Hikes: Meadow Run Trail, Cucumber Falls
- 💦 Must-Do: Natural Waterslides
- 🚴 Adventure: Biking the GAP Trail
- 🍦 Food & Fun: Twisted Spoke Café, Falls Market Ice Cream
- 🏰 Bonus Stop: Fort Necessity Battlefield
Best Things to Do in Ohiopyle with Kids
If you’re short on time, these were the highlights of our trip:
- Meadow Run Natural Waterslides (favorite!)
- Cucumber Falls (easy + impressive)
- Biking the Great Allegheny Passage Trail
- Playing and wading in the Youghiogheny River
- Campfires and downtime at our campground
Important Things to Know Before You Go
- Parking fills early on weekends
- Cell service can be limited
- Book bike rentals ahead in peak summer
- Bring water shoes and a change of clothes—between the waterfalls, river, and natural waterslides, your kids will get soaked (and love every minute of it).
Ohiopyle Weekend Itinerary with Kids
Day 1: Arrival and Camp Setup
We left Cleveland on Friday afternoon and arrived around 5 p.m.—just in time to set up camp, grill dinner, and enjoy s’mores under the stars. It was the perfect way to ease into the weekend.
Day 2: Hiking, Sliding, and Exploring Ohiopyle
Morning: Cucumber Falls & Meadow Run Trail
We started our morning with a visit to Cucumber Falls, one of Ohiopyle’s most famous spots.
- Short 0.3-mile hike from the upper parking lot or take the Meadow Run Trail for a longer, scenic route.
- The Meadow Run Trail was one of our favorites—family-friendly, shaded, and full of river views, rocks to climb, and the beautiful waterfall.
- There’s even a path behind the falls—the kids loved getting a little wet!
Late Morning: Meadow Run Natural Waterslides
Just a short trek from Cucumber Falls, you’ll find the Meadow Run Natural Waterslides—a thrilling adventure awaits! These smooth rock chutes transform into natural water slides, leading into shallow, splash-friendly pools. Perfect for all ages, there are gentle areas for little ones and exciting slides for the older kids to enjoy. It’s a place your kids will never want to leave—a summer must-do!
This ended up being one of our favorite outdoor experiences—similar to some of the water adventures we found in Highlands, NC or Brevard, NC.
Lunch: Twisted Spoke Café
We headed into town for lunch at the Twisted Spoke Café, a laid-back, outdoor restaurant with shaded seating and a toy box for kids. The menu had something for everyone—including great local beer for adults.
Afternoon: Biking the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail
After lunch (and some much-needed iced coffee from Ohiopyle Coffee Company), we rented bikes at Ohiopyle Trading Post.
- The GAP Trail is mostly flat, scenic, and great for all skill levels.
- We rode for about an hour and a half, crossing bridges and stopping for river views.
- The kids loved the mix of adventure and independence on their bikes.
- If your family loves bike-friendly destinations, this reminded us a lot of our time biking in Stowe, VT.
Evening: Ice Cream and Campfire
We ended the day with ice cream at Falls Market Restaurant and a walk along the Youghiogheny River. The kids waded in the water before we returned to camp for an evening swim and campfire.
Day 3: Fort Necessity National Battlefield
On our final morning, we made a short 13-minute drive to Fort Necessity National Battlefield in Farmington, PA.
- Free entry and perfect for a quick, educational stop
- Includes a museum, kids’ play area, and short walking trail to the battlefield
- We caught the ranger talk and musket demo, which the kids loved
The visit took about 1.5 hours—just enough time before heading home.
More Things to Do in Ohiopyle with Kids
If you have more time, consider adding these activities:
- White Water Rafting – Multiple guided options for all experience levels
- Additional Hiking Trails – Variety of lengths and difficulty levels
- Fallingwater – Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece (kid tours available!)
- Dining Options: The Stone House Inn, Summit Inn Resort, and Bittersweet Café
- Laurel Caverns – Pennsylvania’s largest cave system
- Seven Springs Mountain Resort – Year-round adventure and scenic chairlifts
FAQ: Ohiopyle with Kids
Is Ohiopyle good for kids?
Yes! Ohiopyle is one of the best outdoor destinations in Pennsylvania for families…
How many days do you need in Ohiopyle?
2–3 days is perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring waterfalls.
Are the natural waterslides safe for kids?
Yes, but supervision is important…
When is the best time to visit Ohiopyle?
Summer for water activities, fall for foliage
Why Visit Ohiopyle with Kids
Ohiopyle ended up being one of those trips that completely exceeded our expectations. From hiking to waterfalls and sliding down natural rock chutes to biking along the river and relaxing around the campfire, it’s the kind of weekend that keeps everyone happy—kids and adults included.
What makes Ohiopyle so special is how easy it is to turn a simple weekend into a full adventure without needing a complicated itinerary or long travel days. It’s the perfect mix of outdoor fun, relaxation, and just enough structure to keep things stress-free.
If you’re looking for an easy, adventure-filled getaway from Northeast Ohio, Ohiopyle is absolutely worth adding to your list—especially in the summer months when the water activities really shine.
Plan your next weekend Adventure
Looking for more easy family getaways within driving distance?
- Check out our favorite family road trips from Cleveland
- Explore our guide to Hocking Hills with kids
- Visit nearby Deep Creek Lake
