Traveling with kids doesn’t have to mean lowering the bar. It simply means choosing the right kind of fun. And in the Laurel Highlands, you’ve got plenty of it. Think wide-open spaces, hands-on experiences, and just enough adventure to keep everyone engaged without wearing you out.

If you’re planning a family trip to Seven Springs, Ohiopyle, or the surrounding Laurel Highlands, here’s how to build a few days that feel easy, fun, and actually memorable for everyone involved.

Easy Wins

Let’s start with the kind of stops that feel like a win right out of the gate.

Ohiopyle State Park is about as family-friendly as it gets. Ohiopyle Falls is right in the heart of it all, delivering a big view without a big hike. It’s one of those places where you can park, take a short walk, and the kids won’t even have time to get bored before you’re there.

From there, head over to Meadow Run. This spot is known for its natural rock formations and shallow water areas where kids can climb, explore, and splash around. It’s part playground, part nature lesson, and it tends to keep them busy longer than you’d expect.

If you’re up for a little more movement, rent bikes and hop on the Great Allegheny Passage. It’s flat, scenic, and manageable for a wide range of ages. Translation: no one’s complaining five minutes in.

Animals, Arcade, Repeat

Some days call for a little variety, and this area delivers.

Living Treasures Animal Park in Donegal is one of those places that surprises people in the best way. It’s interactive, easy to navigate, and gives kids the chance to get up close with animals in a way that feels a little more personal than your typical zoo.

At Seven Springs Mountain Resort, you’ve got options that can fill an entire afternoon. Think arcade games, mini golf, and indoor activities that give everyone a break from the sun (or a backup plan if the weather has other ideas).

And if your crew still has energy to burn, look into alpine slides, chairlift rides, or seasonal activities like summer festivals, outdoor movie nights, and fall foliage events that give each season its own kind of charm.

It’s the kind of place where you can mix and match your day without overthinking it.

The In-Between Moments

Here’s the part people don’t always plan for, but it makes all the difference.

Between the bigger activities, leave space for the simple stuff:
• A quick ice cream stop in Ohiopyle
• A casual lunch with outdoor seating
• A picnic break at Laurel Hill State Park

Because let’s be honest, the best family days aren’t the ones packed from start to finish. They’re the ones where you’ve got a plan, but the real highlight ends up being the laughs, the snacks, and the little moments in between.

And when you give kids a little room to just be kids (run around, skip rocks, wander a bit), that’s when the trip really starts to feel like a vacation.

How It All Comes Together

A kid-approved trip in the Laurel Highlands doesn’t have to be complicated. A couple of well-chosen stops, a mix of activity and downtime, and just enough flexibility makes it all come together.

Pressed for time? Here’s the SNOWBALLER Breakdown:
• Start with Ohiopyle Falls + Meadow Run for easy outdoor fun
• Mix in Living Treasures Animal Park or Seven Springs activities
• Leave space for snacks, downtime, and a few unplanned moments

Because the best trips aren’t the busiest ones. They’re the ones everyone’s still talking about on the way home.

And when the day winds down, having the right place to land matters more than people think. A stay with SNOWBALL PROPERTIES gives SNOWBALLERs a comfortable home base to relax, recharge, and do it all again tomorrow.

Backed by the trusted experience of BEACHBALL PROPERTIES, including recognition like Airbnb Superhost and Vrbo Premier Partner, you can count on a stay that’s easy, reliable, and done right.

And around here, that’s exactly how a family trip should feel.

Come Have A Ball In The Laurel Highlands!

– Ginger & Hunter Harrelson