As our family has grown over the years, some of the outdoor activities we do at our favorite parks have changed in order to fit the abilities of our children. We have varied the types of activities we enjoy which also keeps things fresh and new for all of us.  Before having Miles, who is now a toddler, we used to take our older son, Lucas, paddling at Lake Nockamixon quite often.  We loved to kayak or row out to a secluded little area on the lake where we knew a heron spent most of its time.  Once we located the heron, Lucas would sit and watch it quietly with his binoculars until the heron decided to fly to another area of the lake.  Located within Nockamixon State Park, Lake Nockamixon is always large enough to enjoy wildlife, even when the park is crowded with boats and people. 

With Miles being a 19 month-old who is always on the go, paddling in a boat is not an option for us right now, so we typically head to the trails these days. Lucas is now 8 and loves to read trail maps to help us decide where we should hike.  The trail choices at Lake Nockamixon are varied so they offer new challenges and routes as the kids grow. Sterner Mill Trail would be the best option for younger children, as it an easier hike and still quite scenic. For a more difficult hike, suitable for experienced hikers and older children, the Quarry Trail and the Old Mill Trail are good choices.    If your kids are anything like mine, one of the activities they always enjoy the best is just spending time along the water, skipping and throwing stones.  There is plenty of space to do that along the shore at the lake.  

Nockamixon State Park is located in Bucks County, approximately 5 miles outside of Quakertown. This 5,286-acre park offers a variety of recreational options, including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, disc golf, and swimming. During winter months, Nockamixon State Park is a great place to go sledding or cross-country skiing.

The lake was originally going to be called “Tohickon Lake,” after the creek, but the name was changed to Nockamixon, which means  "place of soft soil" in the Lenape language. 

Swimming is prohibited in the lake, but the park has a swimming pool (with an admission fee) that is generally open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend; check the website for specific days and times.

Dogs are welcome at the park and there several picnic groves if you choose to bring food for a picnic. Quakertown is approximately 5 miles from the park and has many eating places to choose from.

Nockamixon State Park also offers a variety of educational and recreational programs, including children’s programs. For more information about Nockamixon State Park, check out www.visitPAparks.com or e-mail [email protected].