Want the sun and sand without the ocean? Top picks for Pa beaches

Pennsylvania is home to many beautiful beaches — lakes that is, with pristine waters, sandy shorelines, and picturesque mountain views.

Lakefronts can offer calmer waters than their oceanfront counterparts, making them a great beach getaway the whole family can enjoy.

Here are five kid-friendly options for the holiday and beyond.

Beltzville State Park Beach — Lehighton

Beltzville State Park Beach is located in Lehighton and tops everyone's list of best beaches in the state. The 3,000-acre park is located in the southern foothills of the scenic Pocono Mountains, surrounding a 949-acre lake.

The lake offers calm waters for swimming on a sandy beach where little ones can build sand castles and a boat dock for boaters and anglers, as well kayaking, water skiing or paddle boating.

The park features an environmental center and amphitheater that offer a variety of programs and hands-on activities for kids and families to enjoy.

Kohler Beach — Erie

Kohler beach is one of nine beaches at Presque Isle State Park. It's also the most sheltered beach with shallow water for young children and a large sandy beach for play.

Worldkidstravel.com names it the safest beach in the state for it's gentle waters "providing a worry-free environment for toddlers to splash and play."

Kohler is referred to as beach #11 and sits next to picnic areas and pavilion as well as a convenient concession stand.

Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach — Mt. Gretna

Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach offers 8 acres of sandy shoreline and an endless grassy spread for family gatherings and picnics.

The 300 feet of sandy beach has lifeguards and features different docks with activities to engage all ages or abilities.

Adventurous teenagers will love jumping off the diving boards or high dive platforms and riding the overwater swing, while there is a separate kid's dock with shallow water for the little ones where floaties are allowed.

The beach also features a sand volleyball court and snack bars and rentals for inner tubes, beach chairs, canoes/kayaks, making this a hotspot for endless fun and convenience.

Lake Nockamixon — Quakertown

Nockamixon State Park in located in Bucks County, not too far from Philadelphia and those looking for peaceful and serene getaway with the kids.

The park boasts a 1,450-acre warm water lake for paddle boarding, windsurfing and sailing. Swimming, however, is at the park's half-acre pool.

The Nockamixon State Park ​swimming pool complex features two waterslides and a shallow end with water-spouting fountains for the little ones to enjoy. There are dressing rooms, first aid station and snack bar for convenience.

The park features paved trails for biking and hiking and horseback riding for fun-packed days with nature.

Bald Eagle State Park Beach — Howard

Bald Eagle State Park Beach is located northcentral Pennsylvania, Centre County, and boasts a 1,200-foot-long sand and turf beach with a children's playground and snack bars.

The 1,730-acre lake is surrounded by forests, fields and wetlands offering activities and views for wildlife watching and learning opportunities for kids, such as guided walks, hands-on activities and campfire programs.

Boating, kayaking, fishing, are all great outdoor hiking activities available, as are the multiple hiking trails for families with kids.