"A three year old child is a being who gets almost as much fun out of a fifty-six dollar set of swings as it does out of finding a small green worm."
Bill Vaughn

We've all heard the universal kids' phrase, "I'm bored, there's nothing to do." So we thought we'd put our area to the test. We surveyed a bunch of kids ages three and above and asked them to tell us their favorite things about Northeastern Pennsylvania. Listed below are their A to Z responses. Surprisingly, homework and bed making didn't make the list. We've edited out all references to bug squishing, snake catching and "hiding the remote control on dad."

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Arena Football - we're now home to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers, the newest member of af2. So now kids will think its cool to play football indoors. Lamps everywhere are shuddering.

Anthracite Heritage Museum - this museum is located in McDade Park in Scranton and is a great place to learn about Scranton's industrial history and what the words "hard work" really mean. Call 570-963-4804.

Biddy Basketball Leagues - there is no shortage of youth basketball leagues in our area. Local schools and church groups can get you in touch with the league nearest you. Chamber member Hoop City offers leagues and clinics for youth.

Bowling (Cosmic style) - think LOUD music, flashing, multi-colored lights, and bumpers to prevent gutter balls and you'll have an inkling of what Cosmic Bowl is all about. Great for birthday parties. Chamber members South Side Bowl and Idle Hour Lanes offer Cosmic Bowling and also leagues for the under 18 crowd.

Book Stores - the Viewmont Mall and Mall at Steamtown list several excellent national bookstores as tenants and several smaller new and used bookstores are scattered throughout our area. Chamber members specializing in books and/or comics include Borders, Comic World and Tudor Book Shop & Café. Just remember to wear your body armor when the next Harry Potter book goes on sale!

Boy Scouts - Scouting is very active and well-organized in Northeastern Pennsylvania with several excellent campsites under control of the local scout council.

Boys and Girls Clubs - Scranton is home to two exceptionally-run clubs, one in West Scranton and one near Central City. For information about leagues, activities and after-school programs, call 570-342-8719.

Children's Library - The Lackawanna County Library System operates the Albright Memorial Library, which includes a large youth services division. A children's library building is located on Vine Street in Downtown Scranton next to the main library building. Storytelling and puppet shows are common attractions there.

Coal Mine Tour - How'd you like to go 300 feet underground and walk around in a damp, dark, chilly coal mine? Sound too scary? Well your kids will love the Lackawanna County Coal Mine Tour, which is located in McDade Park in Scranton. Tens of thousands of visitors tour this national-award winning attraction every year. A real coal miner will show you how the anthracite coal that fueled the industrial revolution was dug from the earth under the most difficult conditions imaginable. A must see for the entire family.

Camping - Mother Nature has blessed Northeastern Pennsylvania with some of the most magnificent terrain and best campsites on the entire East Coast. Campers travel to this area from all over the country to enjoy our spectacular scenery, hiking trails, swimming areas and fishing streams. To find a list of all Pennsylvania state parks (most of which feature campsites) click here. To see a list of Chamber member campgrounds go to the Business Directory and search for "Campgrounds and Camping".

Dance Studios - there are close to 40 dance studios listed in the Greater Scranton phone book. Fred and Ginger would love it here. Chamber members that provide dance instruction can be found by clicking on Business Directory and searching for Dance Studios.

Disney on Ice - this breathtaking touring production has appeared at the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza on several occasions. Man, that mouse can skate!

Electric City Trolley Museum - children can learn how Scranton became known as The Electric City when they visit this museum dedicated to the history of the trolley. The museum is located in Downtown Scranton adjacent to the Steamtown National Historic Site.

Everhart Museum - kids especially love the natural history section, which includes 20,000 specimens including butterflies, insects and more than 2,500 birds. But don't miss the dinosaur skeleton and fossils, folk art, glass collection and much more.

Fishing in the Kids' Derby's along the Lackawanna River - A large section of the Lackawanna River is now classified as a Class A Wild Brown Trout Stream. Some parts are stocked for children's fishing derbies. See Fishing & Hunting on this web site for more information. Search the Business Directory for "Fishing and Hunting".

First Night Scranton - thousands of families venture to Downtown Scranton on New Year's Eve for a memorable night filled with musicians, magicians, dancers, jugglers and a spectacular fireworks show. This is an exceptionally well organized, volunteer-driven, non-alcohol event with very reasonable ticket prices.

Frozen Ropes - since 1988, hundreds of little league programs, high school coaches, and college programs have implemented our cutting edge techniques and innovative drills. Amateur and professional players flock to the nearest Frozen Ropes training center to prepare for their upcoming baseball and softball seasons. At Frozen Ropes, we have several different programs. Services include: private training, buddy training, clinics, summer camps, and birthday parties.

Gymnastics - Your children will receive gymnastics training from former Olympians and national champions if they join Chamber-member Keystone Gymnastics (570-963-5917), which is located in Dunmore, Lackawanna County. Several students have received full scholarships from Division I colleges because of the gymnastics skills they have learned at Keystone. For gymnastics related news, books, and web resources, visit Gymnastics Directory.

The Grump - this green, furry mascot of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons never fails to thrill kids with his antics on the field and in the stands.

Girl Scouts, Scranton Pocono Council - this long-established council serves more than 6,300 girls and nearly 2,000 adults in 51/2 counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Hockey - As if local dentists weren't already busy enough, they're getting lots of new customers thanks the growth of hockey in our area. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, play their home games from October to April at the First Union Arena at Casey Plaza. Youth hockey may be the fastest growing children's activity in our area with leagues sprouting up like weeds. Call Chamber member Pocono Pirates Youth Hockey at 570-342-4311 for more info.

Ice skating at Lackawanna Stadium on Ice - Those of "strong ankle" can put their figure eight skills to the test at this annual winter fixture. Each December, the Lackawanna County Commissioners set up a National Hockey League-size ice-skating rink on the grounds of Lackawanna County Stadium. Features include night skating, rentals and snacks. Call 570-969-2255 for details.

Jumping into the huge pool at Lackawanna State Park - There are numerous public swimming pools in the area. The one in Lackawanna State Park is the size of Cleveland. The 160-foot diameter pool is open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day unless posted otherwise. A bathhouse and food concession are located adjacent to the pool.

Just Paint It - Kids into ceramics will love this Chamber member. Located in Clarks Summit, Lackawanna County, Just Paint It is a great place for your child's birthday parties. Kids choose from a variety of unpainted ceramic pieces and paint them their favorite colors. Ever see a purple turtle? The on-site kiln does the rest. Call 570-587-3511.

Kirby Center - Sesame Street Live, Blues Clues Live, Scooby Doo Live and the new Shanghai Circus are just a few of the touring productions that have appeared at this landmark theater in Downtown Wilkes-Barre.

Little League Baseball - Who says baseball is a dying sport? There are dozens of local leagues offering T-ball, little league, teener and legion baseball. Just look up Baseball Clubs in the phone book to start your search.

Lahey Family Fun Park - Includes miniature golf, batting cages, go-karts, bumper boats, a video arcade and a children's soft play area all on 10-acres on the Scranton/Clarks Summit border. Great for birthday parties and group and family outings.

La Festa Italiana - "Northeastern Pennsylvania's largest celebration of culture and cuisine" is held every Labor Day weekend at Courthouse Square in Downtown Scranton. Close to 200,000 visitors attend the three-day celebration, which features more than 60 vendors offering a wide variety of foods and displays. Continuous live entertainment for all ages is featured during the afternoons and evenings.

Lake Hideaway - Just 15 minutes outside of Scranton, Lake Hideaway is kid-heaven (and parents love it, too.) Swimming. Sandy beach. Tennis. Basketball. Volleyball. Bass fishing. Picnic groves. Party pavilions. Fifty acres for kids to run and play, while parents can sit and relax. Rent a table for the summer and have your own private spot in the country. Lake Hideaway is a safe, healthy, outdoor environment. It's is a place to please three generations, and it has! Located on McAndrews Rd. at Gardner Rd. in Moscow, across from the Elmhurst Country Club. Call 842-2342 or 842-2748. For more information e-mail LHideaway@aol.com.

Merli Sarnoski State Park - this 840-acre park is owned and maintained by Lackawanna County and is located off Route 106 in Fell Township. The park consists of 750 acres of preserved natural forest and includes a lake for swimming and fishing, bath houses, hiking trails, playgrounds, fields, and picnic areas.