The best things to do in Erie

20 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 20 places · showing the latest additions first

Bicentennial Tower

Entertainment

When the week gets loud, head up Bicentennial Tower for panoramic views of Lake Erie and the city from its two observation decks. It tops…

1 State St · ✓ checked Jul 30

When the week gets loud, head up Bicentennial Tower for panoramic views of Lake Erie and the city from its two observation decks. It tops out at 187 feet, which basically means sunsets, cloud drama, and instant perspective… plus a solid excuse to send smug skyline photos.

From the Erie newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Relive the 80s and 90s on over 100 free-play classics, then switch to glow golf, pool, a laser maze and laser tag at Play Port Arcade &…

2730 W 12th St · ✓ checked Jul 30

Relive the 80s and 90s on over 100 free-play classics, then switch to glow golf, pool, a laser maze and laser tag at Play Port Arcade & Family Fun Center. Perfect for midweek cabin fever and showing the kids what real button-mashing looked like.

From the Erie newsletter, August 8, 2026

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Harbor Ridge Golf Course is a family friendly 9-hole track with bent grass underfoot, a solid range and short-game spots to tune up, and…

3730 Harbor Ridge Trail

Harbor Ridge Golf Course is a family friendly 9-hole track with bent grass underfoot, a solid range and short-game spots to tune up, and the Harbor View Grill waiting after with a full bar and an expansive deck for legit Lake Erie sunsets plus occasional live music. Tee it up this week.

From the Erie newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Orchard Ponds Golf Club is your low-key 9-hole fix when you want a quick loop without the fuss. Warm up on the practice green, then stroll…

8007 Pagan Rd

Orchard Ponds Golf Club is your low-key 9-hole fix when you want a quick loop without the fuss. Warm up on the practice green, then stroll a quiet track framed by mature trees and peaceful ponds that stays friendly for beginners but still fun for confident swings.

From the Erie newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Waldameer & Water World packs 100+ attractions for every mood, from Ravine Flyer II’s huge wood-coaster drops that even cross a 4-lane…

220 Peninsula Dr

Waldameer & Water World packs 100+ attractions for every mood, from Ravine Flyer II’s huge wood-coaster drops that even cross a 4-lane highway to Rocket Blast’s award-winning splashy launch and the new five-person raft slides. Let the kids own the kiddie rides while you chase wave-pool serenity.

From the Erie newsletter, September 12, 2026

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Beach Zero

Entertainment

Heading to Presque Isle this week, start at Beach Zero, the family-owned since 2007 shop at the entrance to the park. Toys, floaties,…

83 Peninsula Dr

Heading to Presque Isle this week, start at Beach Zero, the family-owned since 2007 shop at the entrance to the park. Toys, floaties, umbrellas, boogie boards, tees, beach glass jewelry, plus snacks and hot or cold drinks keep your crew beach-ready without the last-minute scramble.

From the Erie newsletter, August 24, 2026

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Erie Zoo

Entertainment

Erie Zoo is your easy, low-stress reset. Wander leafy garden paths, meet the animals, let the kids burn energy on rides, then grab a treat…

423 W 38th St

Erie Zoo is your easy, low-stress reset. Wander leafy garden paths, meet the animals, let the kids burn energy on rides, then grab a treat or swing by the Ice Center. Simple, close-to-home fun that makes any weekday feel lighter.

From the Erie newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Whether it's a birthday, watch party, or just an excuse to hang out, Erie Movie House lets you rent the whole theater, cue up your own…

3424 W Lake Rd

Whether it's a birthday, watch party, or just an excuse to hang out, Erie Movie House lets you rent the whole theater, cue up your own movie, and go wild on free play arcade games with free popcorn included. BYO snacks and drinks, keep it chill, make it yours.

From the Erie newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Lake Shore Country Club serves up breezy Lake Erie views, golf, tennis, a pool, dining, and even Sunday brunch, so your week can actually…

5950 Lake Shore Dr

Lake Shore Country Club serves up breezy Lake Erie views, golf, tennis, a pool, dining, and even Sunday brunch, so your week can actually feel like a week. Planning a wedding or party? The Renaissance Grand Ballroom and North Lawn keep celebrations classy without the stress.

From the Erie newsletter, September 11, 2026

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

1910 Rotunda Dr

Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

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Whether you’re chasing a friendly rematch or just need a low-stakes laugh, Hazards Mini Golf Social Pub nails it with 18 holes of indoor,…

419 State St 2nd Floor

Whether you’re chasing a friendly rematch or just need a low-stakes laugh, Hazards Mini Golf Social Pub nails it with 18 holes of indoor, wildly themed mini golf, a full bar, TVs, snacks, and a brand-new golf simulator. No tee time required, plus leagues and private events keep things lively downtown.

From the Erie newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Adventures Erie- Erie, PA Mini Golf- Laser Tag -Axe Throwing nails the local fun trifecta with a cryptid-themed 18-hole course, outdoor…

9188 Lake Pleasant Rd

Adventures Erie- Erie, PA Mini Golf- Laser Tag -Axe Throwing nails the local fun trifecta with a cryptid-themed 18-hole course, outdoor laser tag, and easy-to-learn axe throwing. Grab a buddy for mini golf leagues, then circle back when their seasonal haunted house pops up to keep the adrenaline going.

From the Erie newsletter, September 3, 2026

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Erie Insurance Arena is where this town does big nights, from packed concerts to the roar of hometown sports and one-off spectacles that…

809 French St

Erie Insurance Arena is where this town does big nights, from packed concerts to the roar of hometown sports and one-off spectacles that live rent-free in your group chat. Peek the Erie Events calendar, pick a vibe, then go make some noise.

From the Erie newsletter, August 30, 2026

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Oliver's Bayfront Mini Golf dishes out 18 holes, par 57, with quirky terrain and legit bayfront views. Wrap the win and wander to Oliver’s…

130 E Front St

Oliver's Bayfront Mini Golf dishes out 18 holes, par 57, with quirky terrain and legit bayfront views. Wrap the win and wander to Oliver’s Beer Garden for snack bar fuel or food truck bites, an easy Erie hang that turns a random weeknight into a mini victory lap.

From the Erie newsletter, September 17, 2026

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Whispering Woods Golf Club is the local go-to when you want tree-lined fairways, quiet vibes, and a practice range to tune up the swing.…

7214 Grubb Rd

Whispering Woods Golf Club is the local go-to when you want tree-lined fairways, quiet vibes, and a practice range to tune up the swing. com, it’s a perfect place to sneak in a round or plan your next scramble.

From the Erie newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Lawrence Park Golf Club is a private 18-hole spot locals join for meticulously kept greens, Lake Erie backdrops, and a patio that turns…

3700 E Lake Rd

Lawrence Park Golf Club is a private 18-hole spot locals join for meticulously kept greens, Lake Erie backdrops, and a patio that turns sunsets into a post-round habit. The Grill Room keeps it casual with rotating Chef’s Features, and the community vibe makes membership feel like a weekly standing date.

From the Erie newsletter, September 6, 2026

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Downing Golf Course

Entertainment

Downing Golf Course is a classic par-72 with a legit test, from a driving range warmup to sand traps and a water hazard that seem…

1351 Troupe Rd (Harborcreek)

Downing Golf Course is a classic par-72 with a legit test, from a driving range warmup to sand traps and a water hazard that seem magnetized. It's hosted local championships and even the National Public Links, so bring your A-game and maybe a fresh sleeve, with GHIN handicaps available.

From the Erie newsletter, September 2, 2026

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Escape Game Erie

Entertainment

Whether your crew is full of first timers or puzzle pros, Escape Game Erie runs themed rooms like The Sorcerer's Secret, Escape The…

23 W 10th St

Whether your crew is full of first timers or puzzle pros, Escape Game Erie runs themed rooms like The Sorcerer's Secret, Escape The Niagara, and Axe After Dark that keep everyone grinning. Great for birthdays, family nights, or team bonding that somehow turns very competitive, at two Erie locations.

From the Erie newsletter, September 1, 2026

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Vertical Jump Park - Erie is basically our Trampoline Kingdom when cabin fever hits this week. Smash some bounce reps, chase the flip you…

2088 Interchange Rd Ste 250

Vertical Jump Park - Erie is basically our Trampoline Kingdom when cabin fever hits this week. Smash some bounce reps, chase the flip you bragged about, then swap to the in-house arcade for friendly button-mashing. Quick reset for restless kids and overcaffeinated grownups alike.

From the Erie newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Splash Lagoon

Entertainment

Splash Lagoon is an award winning indoor water park featuring the FlowRider, towering slides and pools, the Tree Tops Ropes Course,…

8091 Peach St

Splash Lagoon is an award winning indoor water park featuring the FlowRider, towering slides and pools, the Tree Tops Ropes Course, Treasure Island Arcade, and an XD Dark Ride, ideal for burning off kid energy or grabbing a low effort mini-vacation close to home.

From the Erie newsletter, September 18, 2026

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