221 West Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658 -(724) 238-4087

Family Friendly Attractions

Parks and Amusements

Idlewild and Soakzone Accommodations

Idlewild and SoakZone

Idlewild and Soakzone is an exciting amusement and water park with a richly historical past. With kid friendly rides and events, there is something to do year round even if you don’t want to get wet. Offering seasonal and holiday promotions and events, there is something for everyone at Idlewild and Soakzone. Thistledown in Ligonier is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some quality family time – offering a unique contrast for families looking for fun, history and education all in one trip. Click for Google Map

Fort Ligonier - Near Thistledown Ligonier - Latrobe PA Hotel

Fort Ligonier Days - Fort Ligonier

Open daily for tours and is the yearly sight of Fort Ligonier Days every year, drawing visitors from around the world. Fort Ligonier is a historic reconstructed/restored French and Indian War era fort, utilized between 1758-1766.  The Fort Ligonier site  features an exciting variety of exhibits occupying nearly 8 full acres. Fort Ligonier is located within walking distance of Thistledown Ligonier, be sure to call ahead as Fort Ligonier Days is one of the busiest weeks for our hotel. Click for Google Map

Ohiopyle State Park- Near Thistledown Ligonier - Latrobe PA Hotel

Ohiopyle State Park

Ohiopyle State Park encompasses more than 20,000 acres of  rugged natural beauty and is a great introduction to the Laurel Highlands. The park is known for its large number of activities and events – biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and more. Ohiopyle State Park is also home to 6 enchanting waterfalls, for explorers to discover. This park is just a short drive from Thistledown in Ligonier and is a perfect option for the “self guided” attraction seeker but also offers tours and guided attractions. Click for Google Map 

 

Seasonal Activities

Latrobe Air Show - Near Thistledown Ligonier - Latrobe PA Hotel

Latrobe Air Show

The Latrobe Air Show is held annually at Arnold Palmer Airport just a short drive up Route 30 from Thistledown in Ligonier. Featuring the regions best aerial acrobats this show is something you cannot miss. The Latrobe Air Show also features a fantastic vender area with food, drinks, and games. There is not a bad seat in the house when the entire sky is the viewing area! Click for Google Map

Highland Games Ligonier - Near Thistledown Ligonier - Latrobe PA Hotel

Ligonier Highland Games

Ligonier Highland Games is an annual event held at Idlewild Amusement Park celebrating Scottish Heritage and traditional games of skill and strength. Fun for the whole family, and rich in cultural experiences this is a festival that is big on fun. Thistledown in Ligonier is just minutes away from the game grounds, and makes a welcome retreat after a long day of log hurling and sheep tossing! Click for Google Map

Steelers Training Camp- Near Thistledown Ligonier - Latrobe PA Hotel

Steelers Training Camp

Steelers Training Camp is a unique and exciting opportunity to see the Black&Gold as they gear up for the NFL season! Located just down the road from Thistledown in Ligonier Saint Vincent College plays host to the annual training camp. Steelers Training Camp lets you experience early season football excitement without having to drive downtown. Click for Google Map

Ice Fest Ligonier - Near Thistledown Ligonier - Latrobe PA Hotel

Ligonier Ice Fest

Ligonier Ice Fest is hosted each year in the famous Diamond at the heart of Ligonier’s downtown. Held each year in January, Ligonier Ice Festival is a gorgeous showcase of more than 50 ice sculpture created by local and regional artisans. Family fun includes local food venders, horse-drawn sleigh rides and more. The entire festival is just a short walk from Thistledown in Ligonier, and is something you shouldn’t miss if your in town during the season. Click for Google Map

 

Area Camps and Conference Centers

Ligonier Camp and Conference Center - Near Thistledown Ligonier - Latrobe PA Hotel

Ligonier Camp and Conference Center

Ligonier Camp and Conference Center  is located just 6 minutes from Thistledown in Ligonier and is a welcome retreat for families with children participating in summer camp, or an excellent off site alternative to those attending meetings at the conference center. Click for Google Map

 

Antiochian Village Camp- Near Thistledown Ligonier - Latrobe PA Hotel

Antiochian Village Camp

The Antiochian Village Camp attracts hundreds of campers every year, throughout the season. Parents can take advantage of Thistledown’s close by location and enjoy a relaxing stay while the children have the summer of a lifetime. Our location lets you be nearby for piece of mind, and the surrounding attractions will keep parents entertained. Click for Google Map

Summers Best Two Weeks Camp - Near Thistledown Ligonier - Latrobe PA Hotel

Summer's Best Two Weeks

For nearly 50 years, Summer’s Best Two Weeks has run summer sports camps for kids ages 8-18.  This year over 3000 campers will come to SB2W to compete in athletics, strive to accomplish goals in dozens of activities, and live in community with one another. Parents looking to stay close to their campers will find a relaxing and entertaining atmosphere just a few minutes up the road from the camp, at Thistledown in Ligonier. Click for Google Map