Things to do

20 Things To Do In Scranton Pennsylvania

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Scranton is a fine city in the heart of Pennsylvania, rich in industrial heritage and blessed with fine cultural attractions. The municipality reserves historic architecture with lively art scenes; this comes with some of its places of interest, including the Steamtown National Historic Site and the Electric City Trolley Museum.

The other things that make this area the perfect place to entertain and dine out are unique shops, good restaurants, and theaters working in the revitalized downtown area. For the outdoor enthusiast, there is nearby Lackawanna State Park with hiking, fishing, and boating. 

Here are 20 things to do in Scranton, Pennsylvania:

1. Explore The Marketplace At Steamtown

Marketplace at Steamtown is a very lively place in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to shop and dine out. There are several unique shops and restaurants therein, which no doubt makes this marketplace quite appealing to visitors in Scranton and the locals alike.

Comprising a mix of national retailers, specialty shops, and boutiques locally owned, the marketplace presents quite a varied shopping experience for its visitors. Apart from the food court and restaurants, which host a diversity of foods ranging from casual dining to their special eateries, customers will find good reasons to visit this place to shop and eat.

2. Visit Electric City Harley-Davidson

Electric City Harley-Davidson, based in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is the largest dealership with the best selection of motorcycles and gear. Being a city attraction itself, it never misses an opportunity to catch the attention of motorcycle lovers and visitors just looking to have a view of the different new and pre-owned models in Harley-Davidson clothing and accessories.

The friendly atmosphere and knowledge of the staff make this dealership very much worth visiting for bikers and everybody living according to the philosophy of Harley-Davidson. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just someone curious, Electric City Harley-Davidson is not to be missed in the dynamic community of Scranton.

3. Watch A Game At Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders

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The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders offers endless entertainment and excitement for all types of fans. Affiliated with the Triple-A of the New York Yankees, the games at PNC Field mean watching future Major League stars in action.

Among the amenities of PNC Field is a family-friendly atmosphere, with such items as concessions, merchandise shops, and plenty of entertainment for ages across the board.

Viewing is good from every seat in the stadium the best bet for a good time with baseball. Themed nights, promotions, and special events galore bring extra zest to the ballgame, giving families and friends a real outing doing what sports people want to do.

4. Enjoy Lahey Family Fun Park

Located minutes away from Scranton, Pennsylvania, Lahey Family Fun Park is the central family activity location that should make a visitor's list of things to do when visiting the Scranton area. The various attractions one will find here in this park include an awesome mini-golf course, speedster go-kart racing, and video/arcade games.

On top of a scenic setting, the grounds at Lahey Family Fun Park are well maintained overall, offering fun in a safe environment to all visitors. Besides this, it features bumper boats and batting cages, then tops it off with a snack bar to be the ultimate place to spend the day having fun. 

5. Explore Scranton Iron Furnaces

The Scranton Iron Furnaces represent an exciting historical site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where one can walk around to see what is left of the 19th-century iron industry. Otherwise called stone blast furnaces, the site was once the hub of industrial activities in iron production to support national growth.

Presently, it showcases the industrial heritage of Scranton with the furnaces well-preserved to stand impressively as monuments to a bygone era. It is part of the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum, offering educational programs, guided tours, and various special events.

This unique attraction is sure to appeal to history buffs or anyone with an interest in learning more about how industry was undertaken in this region.

6. Catch A Movie At Cinemark 20 And XD

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Cinemark 20 and XD in Scranton, Pennsylvania brings forth a moviegoing experience to life. It features a modern state-of-the-art cinema with 20 screens and a great variety of the most current films out there, including blockbuster hits and indie gems.

Backing up the XD auditorium with cutting-edge projection and sound technology creates an immersive movie-going experience through crystal-clear visuals and booming audio.

Large chairs, comfortable couches, and other facilities in the cinema truly have the potential to make up a great visit, be it watching a movie with friends or with family. Furthermore, the refreshments available within the theatre building will keep you from worrying that you will miss something to complement your movie night out. 

7. Discover Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum And Iron Furnaces

The Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum and Iron Furnaces, located in Scranton, provides an overview of the whole industrial past of this area. It gives an extremely wide insight into the history of mining in anthracite coal and its influence on the social development and economy of the community.

One can get information on the miners' lives and the formation of ironworks from a broader perspective of the history of the area. Adjacent to the museum, the Iron Furnaces site conveys an impression of the remains of historic blast furnaces and offers a feeling of reality about being connected to the past. 

8. Explore Electric City Aquarium And Reptile Den

The Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den is one of Scranton's most popular points of interest for exploring the aquatic and reptilian worlds. From colorfully painted fish to friendly sea creatures and even reptiles, this is a unique attraction featuring a vast array of both freshwater and saltwater exhibits.

Stroll through themed habitats, view educational signs that describe the animals, and engage with hands-on exhibits. It's a great place to visit for families and animal lovers, let alone anybody seeking activities in Scranton that are engaging. The aquarium and reptile den will make this place memorable, with education by entertainment in surroundings that are nothing short of fascinating.

9. Visit The Catlin House

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Modestly grand and historic in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is the Catlin House, which serves as the current headquarters of the Lackawanna Historical Society. Built during the late 19th century, this tastefully opulent mansion today opens its doors to learning about the heritage of the region from its architecture and additional historical exhibitions. 

The house itself, owing to its grand design and being furnished with items of its time, acts more as a statement on the opulence and taste of a bygone era. It serves as the Lackawanna Historical Society's center for various activities, educational programs, and exhibits on local history and heritage.

10. Walk Along Lackawanna River Heritage Trail

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and features a surface good for walking, running, or even biking. It follows the pristine Lackawanna River and has wonderful views of the scenery around, hence a quiet getaway from bustling city life. It extends to a couple of miles, offering a very flat and convenient route for outdoor lovers of all levels.

One can enjoy the natural surroundings, observe local wildlife, and get to know about the industrial heritage of this area with educational signs and historical markers along the way. Be it a leisurely walk, bracing workout, or peaceful bike ride, the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail gives the perfect outdoor destination.

11. Visit The Anthracite Heritage Museum

Anthracite Heritage Museum is one of the leading places from which to get the history and culture of the coal mining industry. It is, thus, one among the many that are quite important to do around the Scranton area, thereby offering extensive examinations into past anthracite coal mining. It tells the story of miners, their technology, and the impacts of coal mining on their lives and in the community.

The artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays tell the story of this important industry, its struggles, challenges, and valued contributions. It is a valuable stop for people wanting to understand the historical and cultural dignity of coal mining in northeastern Pennsylvania.

12. Visit Montage Mountain Resorts

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From Scotland, PA, all the resorts at Montage Mountain have something seasonal that will suit every interest. In winter, this resort becomes one of the finest spots to ski and snowboard with its perfectly groomed slopes and state-of-the-art facilities to answer every skill level. 

When things heat up, the resort turns its attention toward the revamped water park complete with exciting water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools for the enjoyment of a day under the sun. During the year, Montage Mountain Resorts offers various events and activities that make it an all-around spot to spend time outdoors and be with family whatever the season may be.

13. Enjoy Nay Aug Park

Probably one of the most famous attractions in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is Nay Aug Park, hosting a great variety of outdoor recreation activities and nature. Hiking trails are scenic and cut through lush landscapes, so exploring the area in terms of its natural surroundings could not be better. The most outstanding feature is probably the very unique treehouse offering breathtaking views of the park and other surrounding areas.

It also features a beautiful waterfall that brings calm to the experience in the park. If you're looking for a simple walk, an adventurous hike, or just a place to sit down and relax quietly, Nay Aug Park should be on your list of things to do in Scranton.

14. Shop At Steamtown Mall

Situated in downtown Scranton, Steamtown Mall happens to be one of the most vibrant shopping malls, having a diversified retail mix of goods and restaurants. From retailers operating at a national level to specialty shops and independent boutiques, there are more than enough stores to satisfy a great number of tastes in shopping.

One can find whatever they need in style, electronics, home goods, and accessories. Besides shopping, some dining options are available in Steamtown Mall, which essentially includes restaurants offering meals and casual eateries. Thus, it remains a one-stop solution for meals and therapy shopping. 

15. Visit The University Of Scranton

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The University of Scranton offers its visitors the opportunity for a campus visit and exploration along with a cultural enrichment experience. Showing beautiful architecture, this campus depicts a mix of historic and modern architecture with an iconic DeNaples Center and a most picturesque St. Thomas Hall. It offers well-manicured green spaces to walk around, views of aesthetic appeal, and educative information about the university. 

The university also organizes a lot of cultural events on campus, which provide opportunities to participate in the intellectual and cultural life of the institution. From being interested in the architectural design of the campus to attending one of the many multiple events, the University of Scranton provides a friendly atmosphere with opportunities for enhancement.

16. Visit Scranton Cultural Center

The Scranton Cultural Center is a historic venue located in downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, with various kinds of cultural events held here. Such is this magnificently restored building, formerly a Masonic Temple, that offers an essentially elegant setting for concerts, theater performances, dance programs, and any other live events.

Its overall stunning architecture, notably the grandeur of its main lobby and ornate detailing, makes for a memorable backdrop to many varied performances and diverse cultural offerings. From Broadway shows and classical concerts to local productions and community events, the Scranton Cultural Center truly serves as the center for the arts and entertainment in this region. 

17. Explore Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour

The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour is a journey through the past to the operations behind mining coals. It gives users a chance to follow an underground coal mine while learning about its tunnels and just what a miner went through, what his life was like daily. The tour offers a firsthand view of mining techniques and equipment and history related to coal mining in the area.

Experienced guides will also give insights into the economy and community effects of the industry. This is quite an educational yet interesting tour that puts Scranton's industrial heritage into perspective and the role coal mining played in the formation of the area.

18. Discover Everhart Museum

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The Everhart Museum, located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is a very diverse cultural institution that is rich in exhibits on natural history, science, and art. It contains exhibits on natural history regarding geological specimens and fossils, taxidermy displays, and art galleries from local to international historical artists to the most contemporary ones. 

The Everhart Museum holds the distinguished position of serving as an excellent resource for learning about the natural world, scientific advances, and artistic expression through active and changing exhibits that appeal to a wide range of interests. From history buffs to science and art lovers, the Everhart Museum fosters a well-rounded experience that enriches.

19. Learn About Electric City Trolley Museum

Electric City Trolley Museum gives an exhibit on the historic trolleys with related artifacts that tell the story of their part in growth and transit. Interactive exhibits enable visitors to realize the technological and societal impacts brought about by the widespread application of electric trolleys.

One of the museum's key attractions is the fact that visitors can ride in a restored trolley, which goes a long way in giving them the bare taste of the streetcars in the early 20th century. Both history aficionados and those interested in the development of public transportation will be given a very entertaining yet instructive experience upon visiting the Electric City Trolley Station and Museum.

20. Explore Steamtown National Historic Site

Steamtown National Historic Site is a rich source of exploration regarding the history of steam locomotives and their role in developing American industry. The Steamtown site contains an extensive collection of locomotives, passenger cars, and other railroad artifacts that tell about the development of transportation powered by steam. 

Visitors may join guided tours through various exhibits of restored engines and historic displays that demonstrate the technological development of railroads and how they affected the development of the nation. It is also a working exhibition area with demonstrations, offering visitors the opportunity to see steam engines in operation.