Hey kids! Are you bored and having a hard time convincing your parents that anytime is a good time for a get-a-way? Have no fear! It will be easy to convince them to bring you to Clearfield County, because there are plenty of FREE things to do together here. Here is a list for your next family outing:
Clearfield
Float down the West Branch of the Susquehanna River on a tube, raft, canoe or kayak or take a stroll along the river walk located between Market St. and Nichols St. Bridges. Then, enjoy a picnic lunch at Lower Witmer Park and play on the playground located in Upper Witmer Park. Mountain bike the Clearfield-to-Grampian Rail Trail. The 11-mile cinder trail is mostly flat and follows the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. The trailhead is located off of Old Town Rd., Clearfield, PA 16830.
Visit Liddle Gallery and view artwork and crafts made by Clearfield County artisans. Imagine what it would be like if you were in one of the paintings. And be sure to admire the large mural on the outside of the building before you enter. Located at 109 E. Market St., Clearfield, PA 16830.
Practice your skateboarding skills at the Clearfield County Fairgrounds skate park near Mill Road or challenge your friend to a tennis match at the courts inside the grandstand oval. Located at Stadium Drive, Clearfield, PA 16830.
Curwensville
Take a self-guided walking tour of Bilger’s Rocks, a 300-million-year-old geological phenomenon created by frost wedging. Explore 20 acres of massive rocks that tower up to five stories high and measure up to 20 feet thick. Located at 1928 Bilger’s Rocks Rd., Grampian, PA 16838.
Picnic at Irvin Park and play basketball or tennis on the free courts. Bring a fishing rod and try your luck along the banks of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Located on Irvin Park Rd., Curwensville, PA 16833.
Get your picture taken next to the Doughboy statue and read the names of those who proudly served in World War I. Learn about the Bucktail Regiment at nearby Bucktail Memorial. Download the free Geocaching app and use your smartphone to find the Bucktails & Doughboys cache. Located between State St. and North St. in Curwensville, PA 16833.
Wander one of many hiking trails at Curwensville Lake Recreation Area and read about the Lumber Heritage Region or Curwensville Dam. Try out the playground equipment and take a picnic lunch. Bring your fishing rod and reel in the big one or relax on the beach. Located at 1256 Lake Drive, Curwensville, PA 16833.
Coalport
Take a step back in time at Coalport Area Coal Musuem. See artifacts donated by family members of former coal miners who wished to have their memories preserved. Located inside the Coalport Community Building at 961 Forest St., Coalport, PA 16627.
DuBois
Stop by Winkler Gallery of Fine Art to see a children's carousel made in 1896 by W. H. Halstead in London, England. Marvel at a collection of paintings created by elephants. Located at 36 N. Brady St., DuBois, PA 15801.
Cruise the indoor streets of DuBois Harley Davidson, located at 101 W. DuBois Ave., DuBois, PA 15801, then stop by nearby City Park along Parkway Drive. Play a pickup game on the courts or run, walk or bike the Beaver Meadow Walkway.
Take in a baseball game at the beautiful Showers Field Complex. The field is home to the DuBois Area High School and Penn State-DuBois baseball teams. Located just off of Maple Ave., DuBois, PA 15801.
Houtzdale
Ride a horse on the Houtzdale Rails to Trails. Or walk, hike or bike the trail and stop near Country Convenience to read about the infamous 1893 Walter L. Main circus train wreck. On street parking is available along Hannah St., Houtzdale, PA 16651.
Janesville
Bring your boat to Janesville Dam for a fun-filled day of fishing or play a game of catch at the adjacent Mountz Memorial Park. Located at 525 Walnut St., Smithmill, PA 16680.
Penfield
Take part in free educational programs and learn about area wildlife at Parker Dam State Park. Build a sandcastle on the beach at Parker Lake, go birdwatching or stop by the park office to pick up a passport book for the Clearfield County Geo Trail. Located at 28 Fairview Rd., Penfield, PA 15849.
Go back in time exploring the Civilian Conservation Corps camp at S.B. Elliott State Park, located along Old Route 153, Penfield, PA 15849. Then, visit nearby Shagger’s Inn, a beautiful manmade waterfowl sanctuary near the park.
Quehanna
Spend a day at Quehanna Wild Area, the state’s largest wildlife area. Bring your binoculars to Hoover Farm wildlife viewing area and listen for the majestic bugle of bull elk. Take in the eye-popping beauty of the largest stand of white birch in the Eastern U.S. and visit the monument at Marion Brooks Natural Area. Then, take a walk on Quehanna Trail and watch for wildlife. Quehanna Wild Area is located along Quehanna Highway in Cameron, Clearfield and Elk counties.