Turn Everyday Interests into Outdoor Adventures
For most families, screens are part of daily life, and finding simple, realistic ways to balance that time with real-world experiences is a challenge. As Dr. Michael Spangler, VP Medical Affairs, UPMC Central Region/UPMC Memorial, has noted, children ages 8–12 are spending more than five hours a day on entertainment screens, with real impacts on sleep, attention, mental health, and physical wellbeing.
Sounds daunting, right? It doesn’t have to be.
Getting kids outside doesn’t always start with a big plan. Sometimes it starts with noticing what already sparks their curiosity.
That’s why the PA Outdoor Adventure Pass does much more than tell kids to “go outside.” We help families find outdoor experiences that feel exciting, accessible, and connected to what kids already love. Some kids love video games. Some love animals. Some want competition, speed, science, or water. The good news is that outdoor recreation doesn’t have to look one specific way.
We’re giving 4th and 5th grade families a simple way to turn everyday interests into real-world adventures across our incredible Commonwealth. Here’s how to match what your child already loves with experiences they can try through the Pass:
- Got a gamer? The kid who loves leveling up and beating the next challenge: try rock climbing and bouldering walls, adventure-park courses, ziplines, and mountain coasters.
- Got a thrill-seeker? The one who’s happiest going fast: try whitewater rafting in warm months, then skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing once the snow flies.
- Got a water kid? Try kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, tubing, and fishing.
- Got an animal lover? Try farm tours, petting zoos, and horseback riding.
- Got a future scientist? The child who asks how everything works: try cave tours and nature centers, where “how” is the whole point.
- Got a wanderer? The kid who likes to notice things and move at their own pace: try scenic hiking tours and guided nature walks.
- Stuck inside? Rain doesn’t cancel the day. Try indoor climbing walls, hands-on nature centers, and indoor water parks.
Once you know what kind of experience might excite your child, our Curated Categories are a great place to keep exploring. Choose the categories that call to your family, then browse the adventure options that match your child’s interests, your comfort level, and the kind of outdoor year you want to build.
The PA Outdoor Adventure Pass helps families replace passive screen time with experiences that build confidence, curiosity, movement, and connection. From caves and farms to water adventures, wildlife experiences, adventure parks, and ski resorts, we’re giving families a practical place to start.
Adventure doesn’t have to begin with a perfect plan. Sometimes it starts with what your child already loves.
Ready to start? Head to our Curated Categories to browse by adventure style, pick the ones that call to your family, and build your Pennsylvania adventure year – one pass, all year, for $69.