Family Fun Under the Sun: Nemacolin's Ultimate Summer Guide

You only get so many summers while your kids are still kids, so make this one count. Tucked into the scenic Laurel Highlands just 65 miles from Pittsburgh, Nemacolin is more than a luxury resort — it’s a 2,200-acre playground for unforgettable family summer vacations, where every trail, splash, meal, and smile brings families closer together. 

With its wealth of outdoor family activities, wildlife adventures, creative workshops, and a supervised club for kids, Nemacolin is one of the top kid-friendly resorts in Pennsylvania. Read on to learn family-friendly highlights, along with Nemacolin family packages, that can help you make the most of summer fun in the Laurel Highlands.

Butler Service Tailored for Families

At Nemacolin, butler service transforms your family’s stay into an enchanting, memory-making escape. From the moment you arrive, your personal butler becomes your behind-the-scenes magician — quietly attending to the tiniest of details so your family can revel in the moments that matter most. For children, this elevated service adds a touch of wonder and whimsy to each day. Imagine your little one returning from an afternoon adventure to find their favorite Jellycat plushie or Nemacolin’s signature Pearl stuffie tucked in with a bedtime story, or slipping into a cozy robe and slippers just their size after a custom-drawn bubble bath — complete with branded rubber ducks and a soft purple pillow in the bed perfect for drifting off to dreamland.

Birthdays can become unforgettable with festive in-room decorations and balloons, while quiet moments can be brought to life with curated art activities in your suite allowing for close-by creativity and connection. And as the day winds down, a butler-delivered tray of warm chocolate chip cookies and chilled milk — perhaps accompanied by a selected gift from the Laurel Lane Kids Shop — awaits at turndown time, transforming a simple bedtime routine into a treasured ritual. At Nemacolin, your butler ensures that every child feels seen, celebrated, and completely cared for, so you can relax, explore, and fully immerse yourself in the magic of your family’s getaway.

Outdoor Pools and Splash Zones

Family summer vacations just aren’t complete without carefree pool days. Fortunately, as one of the most kid-friendly resorts in Pennsylvania, Nemacolin is home to seven spectacular pools designed for swimmers of all ages and abilities — including four family-friendly outdoor pools that make the most of sun-drenched summer days. Reserve a plush daybed or private cabana to give your family a VIP poolside experience.

Pools at The Peak

The Peak, a vibrant hub of year-round excitement, features two heated outdoor pools kept at a refreshing 84 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the summer. Families can drift beneath the gentle cascade of a waterfall grotto or float lazily on inner tubes. While children explore and play, adults can enjoy a cocktail at the swim-up bar or take in the live, on-stage entertainment.

Paradise Pools

Situated in a peaceful enclave within walking distance of both The Chateau and The Grand Lodge, the two Paradise Pools are open May through September, and offer full food and beverage service for lunch and early dinner. The family pool offers a twisting water slide sure to spark squeals of excitement from Nemacolin’s youngest guests, while the adults-only pool, tucked just behind the family area, offers a serene escape for those 18 and older. 

Outdoor Family Activities                                                                

From laid-back fun for the youngest family members to pulse-pounding thrills for teens, Nemacolin offers outdoor adventures for every age and energy level.

Fallingbrook Mini Golf

Introduce kids to the joy of the game at Fallingbrook Mini Golf’s 18-hole course, full of charming obstacles that make every putt an adventure.

High Ropes Challenge Course

At the High Ropes Challenge Course, adventure-seeking families can take on 36 high-flying elements across three levels of ropes and platforms reaching 52 feet. The multi-directional harness system lets each climber choose their own route. Children under 4’8″ must be accompanied by an adult.

Little Ropes Tykes Course

Young adventurers ages 3-8 can explore nine kid-sized rope elements on the low-level Little Ropes Tykes Course. A special pass-through belay system simplifies kids moving in one direction while maximizing safety.

Climbing Wall

Families can cheer one another on while scaling Nemacolin’s 50-foot, freestanding Climbing Wall, offering beginner to advanced routes across three faces.

Target Paintball

With Target Paintball, kids and parents alike can take turns hitting stationary targets and building sharpshooting skills in this enjoyable family activity for all.

Archery & Air Rifle

Perfect for beginners and young learners, the Archery & Air Rifle experience teaches the basics of both sports in a fun and approachable setting, with adjustable challenges for older kids and adults.

Instructional Jeep Off-Roading 

Buckle up for a thrilling, memory-making ride across 88 acres of rugged terrain with Nemacolin’s Instructional Jeep Off-Roading adventure. With room for up to four passengers per Jeep, families can take the wheel and navigate the course together.

Whitewater Rafting on the Lower Yough

Outdoor family activities don’t get more thrilling than this Whitewater Rafting adventure exclusive to Nemacolin guests. Families with older kids (ages 10+) can brave the exciting Class III rapids of the Lower Yough River on a guided ride that blends teamwork, adrenaline, and unforgettable river views.

Wildlife Adventures & Nature Encounters

Nemacolin combines the thrill of a safari, the wonder of wildlife encounters, and the hands-on charm of farm and equestrian experiences, making it one of the most kid-friendly resorts in Pennsylvania.

Wildlife Habitats

Explore Nemacolin’s Wildlife Habitats by bike, on foot, by car or on a guided tour as a family, spotting majestic lions, playful wolves, and curious silver foxes along winding wooded trails — a wild adventure for all ages.

Guided Wildlife Tour

Get up close to exotic big cats from Africa and Asia on a Guided Wildlife Tour. With a wildlife expert leading the way, your family will learn fascinating facts, watch feeding demos, and discover how these animals are cared for.

Furry Farm Friends Meet & Greet

Bring the kids to Billy Goat Mountain for the Furry Farm Friends Meet & Greet. Children will have the chance to pet and feed a friendly donkey, gentle sheep, and playful goats in a safe, hands-on setting that’s perfect for first-time animal encounters. Bonus: The sweet grain used for this encounter is nut-free for those with a sensitivity.

Pony Rides

A beloved family tradition at Nemacolin, Pony Rides offer little ones the thrill of horseback riding on one of our full-sized, friendly trail horses under the close supervision of trained associates.

My Mini Pony Encounter

Bring your child’s fairytale to life with the magical My Mini Pony Encounter featuring Opal or Olaf, Nemacolin’s charming miniature horses. Kids can brush, braid, and decorate their pony with ribbons, bows, and glitter stencils, while parents or grandparents capture every sparkling moment. This enchanting experience accommodates up to eight children, making it perfect for group fun and memory-making.

Creative Play: Workshops & Learning Experiences

Family summer vacations at Nemacolin are packed with fun, and thanks to creative workshops, they also offer enriching opportunities that spark curiosity and learning.

Sensory Stations

The one-hour Sensory Stations invite your young artist, ages 2 to 4, to play, create, explore, and discover through engaging activities that stimulate touch, sight, hearing, and smell.

Kids Makerspace

For kids aged 5 and up, the Kids Makerspace offers exciting hands-on projects that ignite imagination and encourage creative thinking.

Kids Painting Classes

At the Kids Painting Classes, budding painters ages 8 to 12 can tap into their creativity with easy-to-follow watercolor and acrylic sessions, turning blank canvases into colorful masterpieces.

Aquarist Chat

Dive into the underwater world with an Aquarist Chat for an inside look at the aquarium’s marine life, from shimmering fish to fascinating care routines. After the tour, kids can bring the experience to life by crafting their own glittering fish mosaic to take home.

Candlemaking

At the Candlemaking class, kids aged 8 and up will shine bright with every candle they craft. Guided by skilled instructors, they can blend unique scents, pour warm wax, and design a glowing creation that reflects their one-of-a-kind style.

Brick Print with Legos

At the Brick Print with Legos workshop, kids aged 8 and up can channel their inner Andy Warhol and transform colorful Lego pieces into works of art. After building a custom Lego printing “plate,” they will roll on vibrant inks, and learn to use brayers to fashion bold prints.

Wooly Creations in the Studio

In the lighthearted Wooly Creations in the Studio class, suitable for kids aged 12 and up, soft tufts of wool are transformed into whimsical creations — one poke at a time. With step-by-step guidance, young artists will learn to handle felting needles, shape colorful wool, and add fun details to bring quirky creatures and playful designs to life.

Family Dining & Summer Treats

As one of the most kid-friendly resorts in Pennsylvania, Nemacolin offers a variety of delicious dining options the whole family will love. Head to The Peak for all-day dining — indoors, outdoors, or even poolside in your private cabana — featuring fresh, casual fare and a kid-approved menu with pizza, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and cheeseburgers. For a sweet midday treat, visit PJ’s Ice Cream Parlor, a charming 1950s-style spot dishing out nostalgic favorites. Stop by in the early afternoon when every scoop comes with a complimentary dessert-themed kids craft — fun and flavor in one stop!

Nemacolin Family Packages & Planning Tips

With summer being one of the most popular times to visit Nemacolin, early planning is key to securing your ideal stay — but there is still time to make it happen.

Special Offers

Make the most of your visit with Nemacolin’s family-focused offers. Save 20% on stays of six nights or more with the Stay More, Save More offer — perfect for extended getaways. Or opt for the Nemacolin Experience Package, which includes up to $500 in resort credits to use toward dining, activities, and spa experiences, adding extra value and fun to your family adventure.

Kids Club

Reserve a time at Nemacolin’s Kids Club to find the perfect balance between quality family time and kid-only adventures. The Kids Club gives parents a chance to relax or enjoy a date night, while little ones dive into fun, supervised activities like swimming, mini golf, arts and crafts, and exciting scavenger hunts. Available by the half day or for a special night out.

Private Swim Lessons

Skip the shlep to weekly group lessons back home and dive into Private Swim Lessons tailored just for you. With certified instructors and a focus on safety, each 30-minute session at Nemacolin offers personalized guidance for up to three people in one family — perfect for kids taking their first plunge or parents looking to finesse a freestyle stroke.

Itinerary Ideas

Begin your journey into the Nemaverse — where every experience is thoughtfully connected. Whether you’re envisioning a family escape with a chance to hear a lion’s roar or you want to take a dip in several of the pools, the Nemaverse helps you see how it all comes together. Use the interactive map to explore the breadth of activities and accommodations, and picture your perfect weekend getaway or luxurious extended stay. With the Nemacolin app, every path is at your fingertips — making discovery seamless from the very beginning.

Make your Nemacolin getaway even more memorable by pairing outdoor family activities at the resort with nearby attractions that showcase the best of summer fun in the Laurel Highlands. Head to Ohiopyle State Park for scenic hiking, thrilling mountain biking, and kayaking. For a unique underground experience, explore Laurel Caverns — Pennsylvania’s largest cave — spanning 430 acres and featuring three miles of winding, awe-inspiring passages.

Plan Your Summer Escape Today

Create unforgettable family memories this summer at Nemacolin, where outdoor adventures and kid-friendly experiences await around every corner. From wildlife encounters and creative workshops to poolside fun and ice cream sundaes, there’s something for every age and interest.

Reserve early at 877.783.5964 with a Resort Reservations Specialist to ensure the best availability for your family’s ideal escape. Need help planning your itinerary? Call the Experience Team at 855.421.1405 for assistance with dining, activity reservations, and personalized family recommendations.