September around Lake Wallenpaupack has that in-between-season feeling: the lake is still part of the weekend plan, but fairgrounds, fall events, and community gatherings start filling the calendar. If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in the Poconos, these September events give you plenty of reasons to get out of the house before the school-year routine fully takes over.
Labor Day weekend at Costa’s Family Fun Park
September 5-7 | Route 6 east of Hawley
Costa’s Family Fun Park is open for Labor Day weekend, which makes this a solid last call for a summer-style day out. Water-slide wristbands are available, or families can buy activities individually. That means you can build the day around the things your crew actually wants to do: mini golf, laser tag, go-karts, and the Children’s Playland.
https://www.costasfamilyfunpark.com/events/labor-day-weekend-hours
GDS Fair wraps up in Newfoundland
Through September 6 | Newfoundland
The GDS Fair runs through Sunday, September 6, bringing rides, livestock, exhibits, food, and arena events to Newfoundland. Admission is $10 Friday through Sunday, with rides included. Parking is free, and children 18 months and younger are admitted free. The fair began more than a century ago through the Greene Dreher Sterling Community Fair Association, with a focus on agricultural life and practical farm skills. That history still comes through in the livestock and exhibit side of the fair.
Hawley Silk Mill Fiber Festival
Sunday, September 6, 11 AM-5 PM | 8 Silk Mill Drive, Hawley
The Hawley Silk Mill Fiber Festival brings makers, live demonstrations, workshops, historical exhibits, music, food, and more than 30 vendors to the Silk Mill. It is a nice change of pace from the louder fairground events, especially for kids who like watching how things are made.
Families can expect alpacas from Windy Haven Farm to be part of the day, too. Between the animals, hands-on demonstrations, and music, there should be plenty to hold a child’s attention while adults browse the vendor tables. Admission is $10, and children 12 and under are free.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hawley-silk-mill-fiber-festival-tickets-1990021561059
Rails & Tails: Powerful Pups
Sunday, September 13, 1 PM | The Stourbridge Line, Honesdale
For the kid who lights up at the sight of a train, Rails & Tails: Powerful Pups is likely the standout of the month. This three-hour Stourbridge Line excursion includes a train ride, cartoon-pup characters, face painting, and outdoor activities at a private venue along the route.
Tickets are $45 for adults, $40 for children, and free for infants. Food will be available for cash purchase. This one is ticketed, so do not leave the booking to the last minute. Bring a small bag with water and anything your child may need during the ride, and check The Stourbridge Line excursions page for ticket availability and updates.
https://thestourbridgeline.net/excursions
SEEDS Free Book Share
September 19-20 | Wayne County Fairgrounds, Honesdale
The SEEDS Free Book Share is one of those community events that can turn into a treasure hunt for readers of all ages. It runs from 8 AM Saturday, September 19, through 4 PM Sunday, September 20, at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. Thousands of donated books will be available to take home.
It is free, family-friendly, and especially useful if you are trying to refresh a child’s bookshelf without adding another expensive errand to the weekend. Bring a sturdy tote or box. You may leave with more books than you planned.
Read the event details at SEEDS Free Book Share.
https://tockify.com/waynetomorrow/detail/166/1789819200000
Paws, Pistons & Propellers
Saturday, September 19, noon-5 PM | Cherry Ridge Airport, Honesdale
Cars, planes, food, raffles, trophies, and a 50/50 drawing are on the schedule for a car show at Cherry Ridge Airport. The event benefits Dessin Animal Shelter, and the rain date is September 20.
Registration is $10. Families with kids who can happily inspect a row of vintage cars or watch airplanes nearby will probably get the most out of this one. Don’t forget there is Betty Boops Cafe there for lunch as well.
https://pharoahsscranton.com/event/paws-pistons-propellers/
Run to Read 5K Run/Walk
Sunday, September 27, 9 AM | Bingham Park, Hawley
The Hawley Public Library’s Run to Read 5K Run/Walk gives families a chance to close out the month on the move. The event includes a 15-and-under division, participant shirts, awards, and an exceptional-athlete division open to all mobility levels. Registration is $25 in advance and $30 on race day.
https://www.hawleylibrary.org/run-to-read-5k-2026.html
September events near Lake Wallenpaupack range from fair rides and alpacas to trains, books, and a community 5K. Check each event website before you leave, especially for weather-related changes, tickets, and updated hours. Have a favorite local event we should add to the calendar? Let us know!