Featured Family Fun Attraction: PA Outdoor Adventure

Put Down the Phones. Choose Adventure. Own The Year.

National data shows children ages 8–12 now average more than five hours of entertainment screen time per day, with some studies reporting totals exceeding seven hours. Younger children are also increasingly connected, with kids ages 5–8 spending more than three hours daily on screens. At the same time, research shows that outdoor activities improve children’s mental health, focus, sleep, and academic performance, while increasing physical activity and overall well-being.

Here's a solution to get NJ Families outside: An Adventure Pass!!

Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association (PORA) is launching an exciting outdoor adventure pass, which serves as a gateway to the outdoors. “Our outdoor adventure pass is the perfect opportunity for children in to spend time outdoors exploring Pennsylvania’s incredible recreation opportunities,” says Lutricia Eberly, executive director of PORA. This pass helps families replace screen time with real-world experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and connection.” It is available to all 4th and 5th grade students which is the critical developmental window when interests form and lifelong habits begin.

The adventure pass lowers barriers to access, introduces families to local outdoor recreation experiences, and supports early exposure to activities that benefit personal health, family connection, and long-term wellness. When kids navigate a ropes course, paddle a kayak, or try skiing for the first time, they’re building problem-solving skills, spatial reasoning, and risk assessment in ways that don’t happen in a classroom or on a screen.

What is the PA Outdoor Adventure Pass?

• Open to all 4th and 5th graders
• $69/child for a FULL year
• Participating merchants/providers are located across Pennsylvania
• curated family-friendly adventures — just pick and go!
• Activities are being added all the time, including skiing, caves, climbing, water sports, farms, nature centers, adventure parks, mini-golf, and more.

With one adventure pass, your child—and the entire family—can unlock a screen-free summer filled with experiences such as Indian Echo Caverns, Adventure Sports in Hershey, Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Tree Trails Adventures, Erie Zoo, Camelback Resort, SurfSUP Adventures, and many more.

For more information, visit paoutdooradventure.com or email adventurepass@paoutdoors.org

Sponsored content provided by Lutricia Eberly, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association (PORA). PORA represents outdoor recreation providers across Pennsylvania's $20.4 billion outdoor recreation economy. Founded in 1978 as the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association, PORA serves outdoor recreation providers across all 67 counties of the Commonwealth. The association provides advocacy, workforce development, risk management resources, and business growth opportunities for its members while supporting Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation industry through legislative representation and economic development initiatives.