When families move to Clarks Summit, they discover a community that takes outdoor recreation seriously. This borough just north of Scranton provides the small-town atmosphere many families seek while offering park facilities and activities that rival much larger communities.
The parks here reflect the community’s investment in family life, from volunteer-maintained public spaces to commercial recreation venues designed specifically for family fun. Whether you’re planning weekend activities or building your weekly routine, Clarks Summit parks for families deliver diverse options within minutes of home.
This guide covers the parks and recreational facilities that matter most to families settling into Clarks Summit and the surrounding Abington area.
Hillside Park: The Crown Jewel
Hillside Park stands as northeast Pennsylvania’s premier community park. This 100-acre facility on Route 307 in South Abington Township serves Clarks Summit and surrounding municipalities with recreational amenities that families use year-round.
The park’s story itself reflects the community values that draw families to Clarks Summit. Entirely designed, managed, and maintained by volunteers, Hillside Park represents what happens when residents commit to creating something exceptional for their community. Five local governments, Clarks Summit, Clarks Green, South Abington Township, Glenburn, and Waverly Township, support the park through the Abington Area Joint Recreation Board.
For families, Hillside Park functions as an outdoor hub. The facility includes premium turf fields, softball diamonds, and multipurpose fields that host youth leagues, recreational play, and organized sports. If your children participate in soccer, baseball, or softball, you’ll likely spend significant time here.
The park also features two pavilion areas available for rental. The Lakeside Pavilion sits along Eston Wilson Lake, providing scenic views and access to walking trails for family gatherings. The Playground Pavilion offers proximity to play equipment, making it ideal for birthday parties and events centered around younger children.
Speaking of the playground, Hillside Park’s equipment works well for various age groups. The structures provide enough challenge and variety to keep kids engaged for extended periods while parents supervise from nearby seating or walk the lakeside trails.
Those trails around Eston Wilson Lake create one of the park’s most valuable family amenities. The paths work for strollers, young cyclists, and anyone looking for accessible outdoor time. Families use the trails for evening walks, weekend nature exploration, and teaching kids to appreciate outdoor spaces.
Hillside Park also includes a dedicated dog park. For families with both kids and pets, having a space where dogs can exercise off-leash while children play nearby simplifies weekend planning.
Newton Recreation Center Park: Community Recreation
Newton Recreation Center Park serves the Newton Township area adjacent to Clarks Summit. Located on Newton Ransom Boulevard, this facility provides another option for families seeking outdoor recreation and organized activities.
The recreation center model offers something different from traditional parks. Beyond open spaces and playgrounds, the facility hosts programming throughout the year, sports leagues, summer camps, and community events that create structure for family activities.
Families new to Clarks Summit often discover Newton Rec Center through youth sports registration. The facility’s fields and courts support various leagues and programs that help children meet peers and integrate into the community. For parents, this programming also creates natural opportunities to connect with other families at similar life stages.
The park includes playground equipment, sports fields, basketball courts, and walking trails. The multipurpose design means families can visit for structured activities like league games or simply show up for unstructured play and outdoor time.
Many Clarks Summit families alternate between Newton Rec Center and Hillside Park based on what suits their plans. Having multiple quality options within the area means you’re never stuck with a crowded park on nice weekends.
Merli-Sarnoski Park: Natural Escapes
Merli-Sarnoski Park sits in nearby Fell Township, but Clarks Summit families consider it part of their recreational territory. This 840-acre Lackawanna County park offers something distinct from community-focused facilities like Hillside Park, natural beauty and genuine escape from suburban density.
The park’s size alone provides breathing room. Families seeking quieter outdoor experiences appreciate the ability to hike, explore, and enjoy nature without the crowds common at smaller community parks.
Merli-Sarnoski includes two playground areas, making it family-friendly beyond just trails and natural features. Basketball and volleyball courts add active recreation options for older kids and teenagers.
The park’s trails work for various skill levels and ages. Families with younger children can stick to shorter, easier paths, while those with energetic older kids can tackle longer routes. Teaching children to hike and appreciate natural spaces becomes easier when you have accessible, well-maintained trails close to home.
Many Clarks Summit families use Merli-Sarnoski for different purposes than their go-to community parks. Hillside Park might be your Saturday morning sports destination, while Merli-Sarnoski serves as your Sunday afternoon hiking spot. The variety keeps outdoor time interesting and provides different types of experiences throughout the year.
Lahey Family Fun Park: Commercial Recreation
Lahey Family Fun Park brings commercial recreation to Clarks Summit with amenities perfect for family entertainment. This family-owned business has served the area for years, providing activities that complement public park offerings.
The facility features two 18-hole miniature golf courses. Mini golf works well for multi-generational family outings, grandparents can participate alongside toddlers just learning to swing a club. The courses provide entertainment without the physical demands of more intense activities.
Go-karts at Lahey offer excitement for older kids and teenagers. For families with children who’ve outgrown playground equipment but still need active entertainment, go-karts deliver without requiring you to drive to larger entertainment complexes.
Batting cages serve young athletes working on their skills, while bumper boats provide summer fun. The recently renovated arcade hosts modern games and prizes, giving families an indoor option when weather doesn’t cooperate.
Birthday party packages make Lahey a popular choice for celebrations. The facility handles logistics and entertainment, letting parents actually enjoy their child’s party rather than managing every detail.
Many Clarks Summit families incorporate Lahey into their regular rotation. Public parks serve daily outdoor needs, while Lahey provides special occasion entertainment and weekend variety.
South Abington Township Parks
South Abington Township, which includes much of the Clarks Summit area, maintains additional neighborhood parks throughout the community. These smaller facilities provide accessible outdoor space within walking distance of many residential areas.
Neighborhood parks typically include playground equipment, open fields for unstructured play, and sometimes pavilions or seating areas. While they don’t offer the extensive amenities of Hillside Park, their proximity makes them valuable for daily use.
Families with younger children particularly appreciate neighborhood parks. Walking to a nearby playground after dinner or for morning play doesn’t require loading the car and driving across town. This accessibility encourages more frequent outdoor time and helps children develop independence as they grow old enough to visit local parks with friends.
The township maintains these facilities, ensuring playground equipment stays safe and grounds remain usable. The distributed network of smaller parks complements the larger destination facilities.
Seasonal Activities and Programming
Clarks Summit parks for families extend beyond physical facilities to include programming and seasonal activities throughout the year. The Abington Area Joint Recreation Board coordinates various offerings at Hillside Park and other locations.
Summer programming typically includes camps, sports leagues, and special events. These structured activities help children stay engaged during summer break while giving parents reliable scheduling for work-life balance.
Fall brings sports leagues, Halloween events, and community gatherings. Many families find that park-based activities provide social connections that make a new community feel like home.
Winter activities adapt to the season. Some families use park trails for snowshoeing or sledding on appropriate hills. Community events continue indoors at recreation facilities.
Spring marks the return of outdoor sports seasons, Easter egg hunts, and the kind of fresh-air activities that remind families why they chose a community like Clarks Summit.
Planning Your Recreational Routine
Families new to Clarks Summit benefit from exploring different parks and facilities early in their transition. Visiting various locations helps you understand what each offers and which best suits your family’s interests and schedule.
Consider registering for programs or leagues relatively soon after moving. Youth sports and recreational programming create natural opportunities for children to make friends and for parents to connect with other families. These social connections accelerate the settling-in process.
Don’t overlook the value of regular, unstructured park time. While leagues and programs matter, simply showing up at Hillside Park or your neighborhood playground on Saturday mornings creates predictable opportunities for children to see familiar faces and develop friendships organically.
Many families find that mixing structured and unstructured activities works best. Your child might play in a soccer league at Hillside Park one day per week while you visit the playground or walk the lake trails spontaneously on other days.
Making Your Move to Clarks Summit
Understanding Clarks Summit parks for families helps you picture daily life in your new community, but getting there smoothly requires handling moving logistics. Relocating a household with children involves coordinating belongings, timing, and the physical work of packing and transporting everything you own.
We’ve helped numerous families move to Clarks Summit and throughout the Abington area. Our team knows the local roads, the types of homes common in different neighborhoods, and how to efficiently navigate residential streets with moving trucks.
Moving with children adds complexity. Kids need attention during the transition, belongings must be packed carefully, and timing matters for minimizing school disruption and maintaining some stability during change. Many families find that professional moving services free them to focus on helping their children through the transition rather than managing every detail of the physical move.
We offer packing services for families who need support with the overwhelming task of preparing an entire household for transport. Professional packing saves time and reduces the risk of damage to belongings, while letting parents maintain focus on other aspects of their move.
Getting Started
Clarks Summit parks for families reflect the community’s commitment to outdoor recreation and quality of life. From the volunteer-maintained excellence of Hillside Park to the family-focused fun at Lahey Family Fun Park, you’ll find diverse options for keeping your family active and engaged.
When you’re ready to make your move to Clarks Summit, contact our team to discuss your relocation plans. We’ll handle the logistics so your family can start exploring everything this community offers.