Day Trip to the Poconos: Adventure by Day, Magic by Night

If you love a fun Saturday adventure? Then a day trip to the Poconos might just be the perfect plan.  Located under an hour from Allentown and Scranton, an hour and a half from Reading and Newark and two hours from Harrisburg, New York City and Philadelphia means you can pack in a full day of fun and still be home before midnight!  

Jason and Gizmo onstage

The Poconos is home to Jason Bishop: Straight Up Magic at Camelback Resort, but it’s also just a short drive from dozens of exciting daytime attractions. That makes it easy to plan a full day of adventure, food, and fun—all capped off with a world-class evening of magic and illusions.

5 day trip itineraries to the Poconos to inspire you:

1. Scenic Hiking + Waterfalls

• Start your day in the Poconos with a hike at Bushkill Falls, nicknamed the “Niagara of Pennsylvania.” The trails take you past breathtaking waterfalls and colorful foliage in the fall.

• Grab a nice dinner at Alaska Pete’s in Marshalls Creek or Barley Creek in Tannersville.

• Then head to Camelback Resort in Tannersville to settle in for an evening of jaw-dropping illusions at Straight Up Magic.

Pick your own pumpkins at a local pumpkin patch!

2. Pumpkin Patches & Apple Picking (Seasonal)

• Spend the afternoon at Heckman Orchards or Ritter’s Cider Mill, where you can pick apples, sip cider, and enjoy hayrides. The kids will love choosing pumpkins to take home.

• Head to Alta Vida at Camelback Resort to enjoy Mexican Cuisine.

• Cap the day with an evening of illusions that will leave the whole family talking long after the show ends.

3. Family-Friendly Adventures

• Take the kids to Camelbeach Waterpark in the summer or to Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark year-round.

• Mix in a round of mini golf or ride the Mountain Coaster.

• After a full day of thrills, bring the whole family to Straight Up Magic, where Jason’s dog Gizmo makes a surprise appearance.

4. Scenic Drives & Shopping

• Take a leisurely drive through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area or along Route 507 by Lake Wallenpaupack for sweeping views of the mountains.

• Stop by The Crossings Premium Outlets in Tannersville for some shopping deals.

• Wrap up your day with dinner nearby and then head to the theater for magic, comedy, and illusions.

Enjoy leaf peeping on beautiful scenic drives through the mountains

5. Wineries, Breweries & Relaxation

• Spend the afternoon exploring Pocono wineries like Blue Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery or sampling local brews at one of the craft breweries.

• Pair it with a hearty farm-to-table dinner in the region.

• End the night with Straight Up Magic, the perfect blend of sophistication and fun for couples or groups of friends.

Why the Poconos is a Great Day Trip

Tannersville is centrally located, making it a quick drive from New York City, Philadelphia, and much of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. You can enjoy the best of the Poconos in just one day—outdoor adventures, shopping, food, family fun—and then add an unforgettable evening of live entertainment with Jason Bishop.

Click here to read our Blog about why Jason Bishop: Straight Up Magic is a great choice to celebrate a special birthday.