Family First Sports Park in Erie, Pennsylvania is an expansive sports park situated on 70 acres six miles from Lake Erie. It features 16 soccer fields, 12 basketball courts, and an Athletic Center. The city of Erie is best known for being located on the shores of a Great Lake and it has served as a shipping hub since more than 250 years ago. Today, it is as much a tourist destination as it is a shipping hub, and the attractions you will find in and around the city promise lots of fun for you and your team. Here are some things to do and places to eat for your team if you are coming to Family First Sports Park for a tournament.

Things to Do

Presque Isle State Park

This 3200-acre peninsula is Pennsylvania’s only seashore, located just over 20 minutes from Family First Sports Park. Stretching out into Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park is known for its sandy beaches and recreational activities. Your group can easily spend a whole day lounging on the beach and swimming in the lake’s clear waters. Hiking and biking trails are also abundant across the peninsula for more adventurous visitors. Boat tours depart several times daily during the summer months and take you out onto open water. These cruises provide excellent views of the city’s skyline and waterfront, and you may even spot local wildlife. Peninsula Dr & Fisher Dr, Erie, PA 16505

Erie Zoo

Located in the heart of the city, the Erie Zoo features more than 400 animals that represent 100 unique species. Whether you have an entire day to spend wandering around or just a few hours in between games at Family First Sports Park, it’s easy to enjoy traversing this accredited animal sanctuary and to appreciate the many majestic creatures it’s home to. Some of the zoo’s standouts include lions, giraffes, rhinos, tigers, and more. The zoological park is also adjacent to the city’s botanical gardens, so it boasts hundreds of plants from all over the world as well. 423 W 38th St, Erie, PA 16508

Waldameer & Water World

One of the oldest amusement parks in the country, Waldameer & Water World offers more than 100 different attractions. Coasters and thrill rides feature dizzying drops and spins, while family attractions are tamer for those with sensitive stomachs. A growing water park is the newest addition to the complex, and it includes plenty of water slides to help you cool off on a hot day. Admission into Waldameer Park and Water World is free, with unlimited wristbands or individual tickets available to give visitors access to attractions. Even guests who don’t want to go on rides can enjoy other attractions like midway games, park food, and live entertainment. 3100 W Lake Rd, Erie, PA 16505

Asbury Woods Nature Center

Only eight miles southwest of Family First Sports Park, the Asbury Woods Nature Center features more than 205 arboreal acres, and is dedicated to passing on environmental awareness to young people. The exhibit hall lets visitors explore live animal habitats, an amphitheater with educational programming, a live honeybee hive, and more. Groups can also participate in programs shaped around the seasons, from maple syrup harvesting in autumn, to snowshoeing in winter, to group hikes in the summer. The woods can also be enjoyed without a guide, and you’ll find more than four and a half miles of hiking trails that are always open to the public. 4105 Asbury Rd, Erie, PA 16506

Splash Lagoon

Located eight miles south of Erie, Splash Lagoon is an 80,000-square-foot indoor water park with attractions that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. Frequently voted one of the best water parks in the nation, Splash Lagoon features more than 10 water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and more. One of the newest additions is a treetop ropes course that lets kids climb on bridges, balance beams, and tightropes three stories above the water park below. Other attractions include an arcade and a laser tag complex. 8091 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509

Scallywags Pirate Adventures

Avast, ye landlubbers! Scallywags Pirate Adventures offers swashbuckling fun and adventure just 20 minutes from Family First Sports Complex. An enemy ship has nabbed the Scallywags’s treasure and the ship’s crew needs your help to recapture the stolen booty. Are you courageous enough to man the water cannons and help defend the ship? If so, then climb aboard and get ready for a great time on the high seas!

Scallywags is a ship designed by Pirate Captain Tiny Tim. It has been a dream shared by Tiny Tim and his fellow crew for more than 12 years. The wooden vessel was built in Maryland to U.S. Coast Guard requirements. It can carry 75 passengers and is outfitted with the latest lifesaving equipment. All of the captains are licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Welcome aboard, matey! 2 State St, Erie, PA 16507

Escape Game Erie

Escape Game Erie is an interactive attraction that’s fun for everyone. For 60 minutes, you and your group will immerse yourselves in a fictional scenario where the outcome is entirely up to you. However, unlike being the passive observer at a movie or play, you’ll be the center of attention at Escape Game Erie. Do you have what it takes to find your inner hero? Can you help lead your team through the locked door to safety? Or will you succumb to the pressure and leave yourself and company trapped behind that very door forever? Visit Escape Game Erie during your trip to Family First Sports Park and find out! 23 W 10th St, Erie, PA 16501

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Places to Eat

Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro

A perfect restaurant for large groups, the family-owned Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro offers southern and Caribbean fare in a casual setting. Variety is abundant, and pickier eaters can opt for simple steak or fried chicken, while more adventurous folks can try out Cajun flavors. Chicken and waffles is a standout, whether you go for brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s also very important to save room for dessert, because Pineapple Eddie is particularly known for its authentic cakes, pies, and cobblers. 1402 W 10th St, Erie, PA 16502

Like My Thai

If you and your team like Thai food, than you’ll love Like My Thai. This low-key Thai spot cooks up not just Thai food, but Vietnamese, Korean, and even Indonesian meals. Kick your meal off with some small plates like Korean BBQ soft tacos or fresh spring rolls. Like any Asian restaurant, Like My Thai serves a ton of traditional noddle and rice dishes from all over Asia. You can’t go wrong eating a meal here. 827 State St, Erie, PA 16501

Max & Erma’s

Max & Erma’s has everything you need if you’re in the mood for some delicious comfort food. From cheesy potato skins to bone-in chicken wings, you can rest assured that your team will be happy here. Also on the menu are many signature soups and salads, along with a diverse selection of sandwiches, burgers, steaks, and other awesome dishes. They even have a kids menu, which is perfect if you happen to be traveling with a young team. 2078 Interchange Rd, Erie, PA 16565 

Sara’s

Located at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park, Sara’s is well known as one of the best places to get food before or after a day at the beach. Originally a simple ice cream stand that opened in 1980, the establishment eventually grew into a full-blown eatery. Hamburgers and hot dogs are stalwarts alongside homemade milkshakes and ice cream. The restaurant, which has won several local awards, recently underwent a major refurbishment to bring it into the 21st century so that it could keep offering impeccable service for years to come. The location alone is enough to make a visit to Erie a memorable experience. 25 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505

After your team is done competing at the Family First Sports Park, you will enjoy your time along the Great Lake or venturing out to one of the city’s many attractions. You’ll find that there are many great team bonding opportunities in Erie!