PA Outdoor Adventure Pass
The PA Outdoor Adventure Pass connects families with 4th and 5th graders to outdoor adventures statewide. The program is operated by Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association (PORA).
Fast Facts:
- Price: $69 annual pass
- Eligibility: Pennsylvania families with 4th or 5th graders
- Access: One experience per participating provider per pass year
- Season: September through August (full year)
- Provider Network: Participating providers statewide across all four seasons
- Categories: Ski resorts, caves, adventure parks, zoos, water sports, and more
- Provider Cost: Free to join. Providers design their own offers.
- Economic Context: Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy contributes $20.4 billion annually
- Program Operator: Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association (PORA), evolved from ski industry roots
- Redemption: Digital system. Families provide their name; providers verify in online database. No physical pass required.
Story Opportunity – The Critical Window
Grades 4-5 are a developmental sweet spot. Kids are independent enough to try new activities but haven’t yet narrowed their interests. Research shows outdoor habits formed during these grades tend to stick into adulthood. The PA Outdoor Adventure Pass targets this window intentionally, giving families a structured tool to build lifelong outdoor recreation patterns.
Interview opportunities: Executive Director available to discuss program design, developmental research behind grade targeting, and family engagement strategies.
Story Opportunity – Provider Partnership Model
Independent businesses across Pennsylvania joined the program voluntarily at no cost. Each provider designed their own offer – BOGO, free admission, or percentage discounts – creating authentic experiences that reflect their business model. Early adopters range from ski resorts to caves, zoos to adventure parks.
Interview opportunities: PORA can connect journalists with participating providers to discuss why they joined, what experiences they’re offering, and early observations about pass redemptions.
Story Opportunity – Economic Connector
The pass drives families to businesses statewide, supporting Pennsylvania’s $20.4 billion outdoor recreation economy. One pass equals multiple provider visits, creating tourism spending in local communities across the state. Families purchase passes online, then visit providers throughout the year – each redemption generates foot traffic and potential additional spending at local businesses.
Interview opportunities: Discussion of economic impact model, provider recruitment strategies, and role in Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry growth.
Quote Bank:
“The data on children and screen time is deeply concerning from a medical standpoint. Children ages 8–12 are spending more than five hours a day on entertainment screens, and we see the consequences in our practices—increased rates of anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, attention difficulties, and obesity.”-Dr. Michael Spangler, VP Medical Affairs, UPMC Central Region / UPMC Memorial
“Every provider in our network joined voluntarily and designed their own offer. We’re not managing their operations – we’re creating the marketing infrastructure that brings new families through their doors. They decide what works for their business model.” –Lutricia Eberly, Executive Director, PORA
“This pass supports Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy by moving families across the state. One family might ski in the Poconos, explore a cave in Huntingdon County, and water recreate in Pittsburgh – each visit puts dollars into local communities.” –Lutricia Eberly, Executive Director, PORA
“We’re not selling discounts. We’re curating a year of intentional exploration. The one-visit-per-provider structure forces families out of their comfort zones – they can’t just repeat their favorites. That’s by design.” –Lutricia Eberly, Executive Director, PORA
“Stop going on your iPad, and get outside. It’s so much better, and it’s better for your brain.” Quillam Landrum, Passholder, Age 11
Download Media Kit Resources:
Social Media:
Media Coverage:
PA’s first Outdoor Economy Summit & Industry Expo to be held at Tussey Mountain
Screen-Free Week: take a break from entertainment screens | May 4, 2026
About PORA:
The Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association (PORA) is the trade association representing outdoor recreation businesses across the Commonwealth. The association began as the Pennsylvania Ski Area Association in 1978 and ran a 4th and 5th grade ski pass for 6 years before ceasing the program in 2020.
In June 2024, the association rebranded as the Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association. In September 2025, PORA relaunched the pass as the PA Outdoor Adventure Pass, expanding access to year-round outdoor experiences across all outdoor recreation categories.
PORA functions as a marketing clearinghouse, connecting families with participating providers statewide. The pass program serves as a tool for families to build outdoor recreation habits during a critical developmental window, while simultaneously supporting Pennsylvania’s $20.4 billion outdoor recreation economy through provider partnerships and tourism spending.
Media Contact: Lutricia Eberly
Executive Director, Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association (PORA)
Email: [email protected]
P.O. Box 412
Dillsburg, PA 17019