This itinerary is perfect for families with young kids who want to explore, play, and make memories together.
Simple, Stress-Free, and Endless Nature








Cook Forest State Park: A top destination for families, who want to explore nature while having plenty of activities to keep kids engaged.
Day 1: Forest Fun
- Start at the Cook Forest Fun Park, the ultimate family stop with go-karting, bumper boating, a water slide, gift shop, ice cream, and mini golf.
- Fish Together: Kids’ Fishing Pond (ADA-accessible) near the Cook Forest Visitor Center.
- Lunch Stop: Try the Trails End Restaurant (open on weekends only), Cooksburg Café, or the Gateway Lodge. MacBeth’s Cabins offers BBQ + Clarion River Brewing craft beer.
- Afternoon Hikes:
- Sensory Trail: a quarter-mile, paved loop located by the Sawmill Center for the Arts, with a guided cable, braille signage, and ample benches along the path. This trail is great for those with mental or physical abilities that may require a curated trail that soothes all of the senses.
- Swinging Bridge: a suspension bridge over Tom’s Run, it wobbles like a bouncy castle when you walk across it!
- Forest Cathedral Old Growth Area: a registered National Natural Landmark, and considered Pennsylvania’s finest and largest old-growth forest. On the same trail, stop by the Seneca Overlook and the Fire Tower to take in the stunning views.
Evening: Stargaze under some of the darkest skies in Pennsylvania—identify constellations, spot the occasional shooting star, and bask in the Aurora Borealis during certain times of the year.




Day 2: On the River
- Kayak or Float: Rent gear from Pale Whale Canoe Fleet and enjoy a lazy float down the Clarion River (perfect for beginners and little ones).
- Cooksburg Cafe: Try their Hershey’s ice cream to satiate your taste buds after a long day of paddling.
- Souvenirs & Crafts: Visit the Sawmill Center for the Arts, Cooksburg Dry Goods Gift Shoppe, and Dear Heart Medicinal & Mercantile for gifts and antiques.
- Dinner: Grab groceries at the Leeper Market so you can enjoy a cozy meal back at your cabin. If you prefer to go out to dinner, make your reservations at Cousin Basil’s or the Gateway Lodge.
Check out guided events hosted by the Clarion Conservation District and DCNR to add to your plan. Explore more & view the Cook Forest map at this link: Visitors Guide to Cook Forest.
Bonus Stops
- Peirce Planetarium: Offering monthly shows, the planetarium features knowledgeable lecturers who will guide you across the sky in this 40-foot dome located on PennWest Clarion’s campus.
- Breweries and Wineries that welcome kids + pets: August Falls Winery, Clarion River Brewing Company, Lost in the Wilds Brewing, and Mechanistic Brewing.
- Take a scenic car ride through the charming town of Lucinda, check out the Lucinda Railway Station and stop for lunch at the PA Mushroom Company on your way back home.
- Satiate Your Sweet Tooth: Check out all of our ice cream spots.
Where to Stay
Campgrounds
For families who enjoy pitching a tent, own an RV, or want to rent a cabin, Quiet Acres Camping, Kalyumet Campground & Cabins, and Wolf’s Camping Resort are popular family-friendly campgrounds in the area with each way to stay.

Clarion Highlands
Kalyumet Campground & Cabins

Clarion Highlands
Quiet Acres Camping

Clarion Highlands
Wolf’s Camping Resort
Cabins & Inns
For your next reunion or tight-knit celebration, book any one of the eight rooms at Sweet Forest Breeze and have access to a fire pit, dog-friendly rooms, and ample space for outdoor gatherings. For more cabin options, you’ll find plenty of spacious choices to fit your needs. Check out Pheasant Roost, Top Hill Cabins, Cabins at Cook Forest, Whispering Oaks Cabins. See our full list here.

Cook Forest
Pheasant Roost

Cook Forest
Top Hill Cabins

Cook Forest
Sweet Forest Breeze

Cook Forest
Whispering Oaks Cabins
Hotels
If you prefer the comforts of chain hotels, check out any six of our options off I-80, including MainStay Suites, Microtel Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Motel 6, or the Quality Inn.

Clarion Riverlands
MainStay Suites

Clarion Riverlands
Microtel Inn & Suites

Clarion Riverlands
Holiday Inn Express

Clarion Riverlands
Hampton Inn

Clarion Riverlands
Motel 6

Clarion Riverlands
Quality Inn
Seasonal Fairs & Festivals Beyond Cook Forest Area
Throughout the summer, Clarion County’s community hosts a variety of free and educational events, including Clarion Summer Fest and its well-loved Glassblower’s Village, the Big Marble Hunt, shopping vendors, and pickleball matches, the Clarion County Fair and its fairground rides, and Knox’s Horsethief Days.
Start Planning Your Trip
Whatever your interest, Clarion County is the destination for relaxation and readily available access to nature. Our rolling pastures, 8,500-acres of forest, and two rivers make planning your next trip with your family, significant other, or solo trip a breeze.
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