Things to Do with Kids in Mercer County
Playgrounds, farms, fairs, and family-friendly fun - a parent's guide to keeping the kids entertained around the county.
Mercer County is one of those places where kids can still be kids. There are creeks to splash in, fairs to wander, and enough ice cream shops to get you through every summer evening. Whether you're filling a rainy Saturday or planning a full day outdoors, here are some of the best things to do with children across the county.
Hit the Lake at Shenango River Lake
The Army Corps of Engineers recreation area near Clark is a goldmine for family outings. Pack a cooler and claim a picnic table, then let the kids run the trails or toss a line off the fishing pier. The shallow swimming area at the beach is supervised in the summer months, and the playgrounds nearby keep little ones busy while you catch your breath. Boat rentals are available at North Star Marina if you want to get out on the water.
Explore Buhl Park in Hermitage
Buhl Park is 305 acres of free, open-to-the-public green space - and it's genuinely one of the best municipal parks in western Pennsylvania. There's a public pool, a splash pad, tennis courts, walking trails, and a stocked fishing lake. In the winter, the Buhl Park Performing Arts Center hosts family shows, and the sledding hill gets plenty of use. In the summer, the Tuesday evening concert series on the lawn is a local tradition. Bring a blanket and snacks.
Visit Wendell August Forge in Grove City
This is one of those hidden gems that surprises both kids and adults. Wendell August Forge is the oldest and largest forge in America still making hand-hammered metalware. Kids can watch craftsmen shape aluminum and bronze right on the production floor - it's loud, it's fascinating, and it's free. There's also a gift shop with ornaments and keepsakes that make great souvenirs. Combine it with a trip to the Grove City Premium Outlets down the road for a full day.
Catch a Show at the Park Theatre
The Park Theatre in downtown Greenville is a restored 1927 movie palace that still runs first-run films at small-town prices. It's a treat for kids who've never experienced a movie outside of a modern multiplex - the marquee alone is worth a photo. Check their schedule for family matinees and the occasional live performance.
Pick Your Own at Local Farms
Mercer County's agricultural roots mean there are plenty of you-pick farms throughout the growing season. Strawberries come first in June, followed by blueberries, and then the apple orchards fire up in September. Several farms in the Sandy Lake and Stoneboro areas offer seasonal activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos in the fall. Keep an eye on local Facebook groups for farm stand updates - that's where most of these places post their hours.
The Great Stoneboro Fair
If your visit lines up with Labor Day weekend, do not miss the Great Stoneboro Fair. It's been running for over 150 years and it's everything a county fair should be: livestock shows, tractor pulls, carnival rides, demolition derbies, and more fried food than any one family should reasonably consume. One admission price covers everything including grandstand events and parking, which is a rarity these days. The kids will talk about it for weeks.
Rainy Day Options
When the weather doesn't cooperate, head to the Hermitage commercial corridor along East State Street for bowling, roller skating, or a movie. The Avenue of 444 Flags in Hermitage (a tribute to the Iran hostage crisis) is worth a quick stop even in the rain - it's a piece of local history you won't find anywhere else. For younger children, several churches and community centers around the county host indoor play groups and story hours. The Mercer County Library branches in Greenville, Sharon, and Grove City are especially good about programming for kids.
In This Guide
- 1.Hit the Lake at Shenango River Lake
- 2.Explore Buhl Park in Hermitage
- 3.Visit Wendell August Forge in Grove City
- 4.Catch a Show at the Park Theatre
- 5.Pick Your Own at Local Farms
- 6.The Great Stoneboro Fair
- 7.Rainy Day Options
More Guides
Things to Do for Couples in Mercer County
Date nights, weekend getaways, and quiet escapes - the best spots for two in and around the Shenango Valley.
Things to Do for Older Adults in Mercer County
Scenic drives, community meals, historical landmarks, and relaxed outings perfect for retirees and seasoned locals.
Community-Powered
Know something we missed?
This guide is built by locals like you. Share your tips, favorite spots, photos, and corrections to make it better for everyone.
Contribute to This GuideBuilt by Locals,
for Locals
Every guide on this site is shaped by people who know Mercer County best.
Help Build This Resource
Share What You Know About Mercer County
Our guides grow with every tip, correction, and photo from people who live here and love it here. Whether you have a favorite spot to add or a detail to fix, your local knowledge matters.
- Suggest places, activities, and hidden gems
- Share photos that show off the county
- Flag outdated info or corrections
- Get credited by name with a link to your site