🍕 Friday Family Afternoon Pizza Paddle

On summer Fridays at Lackawanna Lake in Lackawanna State Park, families gather for the Friday Family Afternoon Pizza Paddle, a relaxed, friendly outing that pairs a short lake paddle with pizza straight from the pool snack bar. Located in North Abington Township, Pennsylvania, this drop-in program runs 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM from June 19 through August 14 and invites paddlers of every age to launch from the Boat Rental Shop for a one‑hour rental and a slice afterward. The lake itself is calm and shallow in most areas, ringed by mixed oak and hemlock forest and framed by rolling ridgelines.

Key features include a wide, protected basin ideal for learning to steer a kayak or sharing a canoe with a child, shoreline coves where great blue herons hunt, and open water where common mergansers and ospreys sometimes appear. The Beach Snack Bar is a practical highlight: grab a warm slice after you land, trade stories with other families, and soak up the late-afternoon light. This is an easy, low-commitment lake paddle suited to beginners and mixed-ability groups.

Rentals include kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats; life jackets are provided. The program’s casual, drop-in format means no reservation is required for most parties, and the large group size keeps the mood social rather than competitive. Check in at the Boat Rental Shop and sign the required waiver before launch.

Why this event stands out: it solves that classic summer dilemma—kids want pizza, parents want fresh air—by combining both in a supervised, scenic setting. As a part of Lackawanna State Park’s summer offerings, the paddle reinforces the park’s role as an accessible green space close to Scranton and the Poconos; it’s an approachable way to introduce young people to paddling without a full-day commitment. Practical notes: expect one‑hour boat rentals, bring water and sunscreen, and wear shoes that can get wet.

The event happens rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe. Pricing is listed at $35 per boat; walk-ups are welcome while space lasts. Owner/operator information is not provided.

Whether you’re local or passing through Scranton for a weekend, the Friday Family Afternoon Pizza Paddle is a simple, joyful reason to get on the water: minimal skill required, plenty of snack-time reward, and an easy way to build lake confidence before you book a longer trip. Arrive early on busy Fridays to secure your preferred craft; tandems and pedal boats go fast. Parents should pack sunscreen, a picnic towel, and a dry change for kids.

If the lake feels small and familiar after one visit, ask rental staff about weekday lessons or extended rentals—local guides can point you to quiet inlets and small fishing coves that feel nearly private for family afternoons.