Things to do

20 Epic Things To Do In Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania

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Lehigh Valley is a geographical region lying in eastern Pennsylvania. The region is formed along the Lehigh River and is home to multiple cities with a wide range of attractions. 

In Lehigh Valley, you can find everything from historic towns and museums to beautiful parks and outdoor spaces along with some of the best amusement parks and other family-friendly attractions.

So, we have made a list of 20 epic things to do in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, which will enhance your traveling experience during your next trip.

1. Visit The National Museum Of Industrial History

The National Museum of Industrial History is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It is a perfect destination for anyone interested in the past of the region. The museum offers knowledge on the Industrial Revolution of the United States from the early 20th century to now.

As you step inside the museum, you see some of the historic machines and equipment that played an important role in taking America to new heights. Inside the museum is the Bethlehem Steel exhibit. This exhibit showcases a restored steel mill machine shop.

As the tour comes to an end you will find a few old photographs, and tools sharing the industrial history. The National Museum of Industrial History is a great place for families and students. The facility takes everyone on a journey to the past.

2. Explore The Allentown Art Museum

A top-visited attraction nested in the heart of Allentown is the Allentown Art Museum. Its diverse collection contains art of both classical and modern ages. Here, you will have the opportunity to get a view of the American art galleries and European paintings.

Similarly, you will also find some rotating exhibitions that offer a fresh new perspective on the permanent collection of the museum while wandering around. In addition to that, there are education programs and workshops hosted throughout the year which one may explore.

The Allentown Art Museum is an ideal place to learn about artworks with fun times together with friends and family.

3. Spend A Day At Dorney Park & Wildlife Kingdom

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This fun spot in Allentown of Lehigh Valley was opened in 1884. Dorney Park & Wildlife Kingdom is a great place to hang out with family and friends. An amusement park with heart-pounding rides that take you on an adventure.

You can ride everyone’s favorite roller coasters and spend time in the Wildwater Kingdom to cool off. In the water kingdom, you’ll have access to water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.

And for the little ones, there are gentle rides with supervision. After a day of fun, you can watch live shows situated inside the compound to end the day with additional fun.

4. Shop At Allentown Farmers Market

If you are looking to get somewhere to shop while in Lehigh Valley, then it has to be the Allentown Farmers Market. As suggested by the name, you will find the market in Allentown. It is an excellent place to shop for quality products that are locally produced.

You can walk around the colorful food stalls, selling fruits and vegetables, pastries, and freshly slaughtered meat. There are some vendors, too, that sell exclusively handmade items you could bring home as souvenirs.

You can also talk to the farmers and artisans about their products. They might also be able to teach you about the entire process involved in sustainable farming and even give you a few tips to improve your backyard farm.

5. Visit The Da Vinci Science Center

Da Vinci Science Center located in Allentown of Lehigh Valley, is an educational hub primarily renowned for its interactive museum, which consists of lots of hands-on exhibits. Inside the museum, there is a lot of fun stuff on display that might interest both children and adults.

The tour inside the museum will be the best way to explore different science topics. You will observe live demonstrations and educational programs there, to bring you closer to the knowledge of science.

The Da Vinci Science Center is more than a fun place. Here you and your children can learn science and spend time joyfully and memorably.

6. Explore Local Art At SteelStacks

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You must visit SteelStacks, located in Bethlehem, to get an idea about the affluent art and cultural life of Lehigh Valley. Here you will get to see outdoor art installations and murals.

Besides, you can walk around the campus while enjoying artwork on walls and in public spaces. To add some more amusement to your visit, the SteelStacks hosts a variety of art events that also mirror the industrious and artistic history of the region.

Built on the site of an old steel factory, the location still houses the remains of a blast furnace that looks like an artwork in its own right. Overall, the experience offered by the SteelStacks lets you take a closer look at the creativity of the local artists.

7. Discover The Allentown Rose Garden

The Allentown Rose Garden is a nice place that started in 1952. The garden is located in the city of Allentown, Pennsylvania. It features over 1200 rose varieties in different colors. Within the garden, you will experience a scenic surrounding covered with blooming roses.

The Allentown Rose Garden is mostly popular among nature lovers. It is the best place to come and have a leisurely, much-desired afternoon or a quiet stroll with your partner. Besides the roses, the garden is also a perfect place to learn some horticulture.

For that, seasonal events and education programs could be quite helpful. As a free place, the Allentown Rose Garden is a must-visit spot to spend a relaxing day away from the city crowds.

8. Catch A Game At Coca-Cola Park

Coca-Cola Park is the home of Lehigh Valley IronPigs, and it provides a lively atmosphere to enjoy baseball games. This park is best known for having a family-friendly environment with comfortable seating, obviously plus fun stuff for the kids.

The overall number of visitors has been increasing each year within the Coca-Cola Park itself. This is mostly because of the highly appreciable ambiance and satisfaction concerning the night game-watching experience.

Meanwhile, the Coca-Cola Park is also a gathering place for community events, themed promotions and firework nights among the locals.

9. Visit The America On Wheels Museum

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For exploring the history of transportation along with a fun experience, the America On Wheels Museum is a go-to. While in this place you will find classic cars, historic trucks, and bicycles, telling a story about the evolution of wheels.

The facility is where you will find notable exhibits of iconic models such as the 1920s Packard and the 1950s Corvette. Along the exploration tour, you can learn about history through interactive and engaging displays.

Beyond that, the American On Wheels Museum offers education programs with hands on activities. These programs are suitable for everyone no matter the age.

10. Explore The Lost River Caverns

Located in Hellertown, Lost River Caverns is among the coolest places you may ever wish to explore while touring Lehigh Valley. This natural wonder takes you on a journey through beautiful caves and stunning rock formations.

One major highlight about this place is its cool dark environment inside. While walking through these caverns, you are presented with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites that formed over time from the dripping water.

After the tour, you can also drop by some gem and mineral shops to buy keepsakes and unique souvenirs that reflect the landscape of this area. That is why The Lost River Caverns can combine fun with an outdoor activity that will let you explore the world beneath our feet.

11. Learn About Trucks At Mack Trucks Historical Museum

The Mack Trucks Historical Museum is another cool place located in Allentown of Lehigh Valley. It is popular as a great place to learn about the history of trucks. The museum has multiple vintage Mack Trucks and classic models from the early 1900s.

Touring this place, you will have an opportunity to learn about the technology and innovations that made these trucks famous. The museum helps a lot in this learning process with easy-to-understand exhibits and displays on Mack Trucks.

These exhibits highlight the impact of these vintage trucks on American transportation and industry. For people seeking more fun, you can also attend the interactive displays and watch historical photos preserved as a priced possession to date.

12. Stroll Around The Cedar Beach Park

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Cedar Beach Park, with acres of open space and groomed walking or jogging trails, is an ideal spot for a day out to get away from the hectic life. The park is located in Allentown, Lehigh Valley region.

You can find beautiful green lawns, colored beds of flowers, and shady trees that make the surrounding environment pleasing. It is also a home to various wild animals and a large lake filled with ducks.

Moreover, Cedar Beach Park has soccer fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts if one is interested in having fun mixed with some physical work. Walking around the beach definitely will give you a peaceful getaway surrounded by beautiful surroundings.

13. Visit The Banana Factory

A visit to the Banana Factory is fun and creative while visiting Bethlehem. Situated few minutes away from the National Museum of Industrial History, this is among the great things to do in the Lehigh Valley, PA that functions independently as an art center.

It is simply a place where various art forms are showcased—from paintings, sculptures, and ceramics to digital works of art. The place is a creative gallery for the works of local artists, from which one can purchase any pieces they desire to take home.

While you spend an hour or so inside this Banana Factory, you will no doubt get inspired by the local talent. You will also be supporting the arts and culture of the region.

14. Explore Hoover Mason Trestle

Another great place to learn about the industrial history of Lehigh Valley is the Hoover Mason Trestle. In the past, this place was a railway trestle used in the steel-making process. As the years passed and the steel plant stopped operating, the place was later transformed into a public park.

Walking through this park, you can enjoy stunning views of the old steel mill and the surrounding city. Throughout the walkways, informative signs placed perfectly provide insights into the history of the steel industry.

Exploring this place not only offers a peaceful retreat but also an education stroll through an important part of the region's industrial heritage. This is one of the best things to do in Lehigh Valley, PA along with your friends and family while enjoying the fresh air.

15. Have Fun At Crayola Experience

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Known for a colorful and adventurous experience, the Crayola Experience in Easton is an interactive attraction. It is a unique site filled with creativity and imagination, suitable for kids and families.

The entire area of the Crayola Experience is free to explore with different zones for drawing, coloring, and creating art. Inside the facility, you can take part in multiple hands-on activities that offer a fun way to spend a day without knowing.

The experience is also the place to explore themed areas where you can learn about the history of Crayola. Kids along with their parents can watch the crayon-making process and enjoy exhibits that spark creativity.

16. Go Snowboarding At Bear Creek Ski & Recreation Area

Bear Creek Ski & Recreation Area is a nice, suitable spot to offer some sort of experiential excitement in the Lehigh Valley. The place has multiple slopes and trails, so it's perfect for both beginners and experts. The well-groomed runs and modern ski lifts will make your skiing day smooth and enjoyable here.

The beauty of the snow-covered slopes only enhances the experience.  If you are a beginner, then Bear Creek Ski & Recreation Area also has lessons and rental equipment available.

The day seems like it's a few hours because of all the fun and relaxed feeling of the park.  After a fun-filled day, a stay of a night or two at the resort lets explore the area in depth.

17. Attend A Show At State Theatre Center

The State Theatre Center is a massive historic theater in Easton. Here you can choose to attend various events like musicals, concerts, plays, and dance shows. The theater's interior itself is a piece of art to appreciate.

The comfort and the environment of the place only make the experience more delightful. With shows going on throughout the year, the State Theatre is home to emerging as well as well-known artists.

Along with live programs, the venue also hosts community events and educational programs. These events are mostly suitable for enjoying the local culture in a vibrant environment filled with fun and friendly locals.

18. Enjoy The Nature At Trexler Memorial Park

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A nature outdoor enthusiast's paradise, the Trexler Memorial Park place is full of activities and fun ways to get close to nature. This beautiful park is tailor-made for scenic walks through well-maintained trails that wind around green forests and open fields.

To add more adventure to your exploration you could also have a hike in nature. There are also picnic spots with wide areas where you can enjoy a meal along with friends and family.

Meanwhile, you can catch some fish in a pond nearby to add more dishes to your meal. While adults enjoy fishing, kids can spend time in playgrounds filled with fun activities to keep them engaged for hours.

19. Hike The Saucon Rail Trail

This Lehigh Valley rail trail is a good way to get out and have some fun. The Saucon Rail Track is a beautiful, highly scenic path on top of an old railroad track going for some 7.5 miles. You will enjoy great views of nature all around while on this trail.

The path is pretty easy to navigate with navigation boards throughout. Further on the path, you can also come across some birds and wild animals while hiking or biking.

The Saucon Rail Trail is a suitable spot to wander around and enjoy the beauty of Lehigh Valley. It's not just an entertaining experience but also good for your daily dosage of fitness.

20. Try Your Luck At Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino

If you are someone, looking to try your luck in gambling, this is surely the best place to do so. The Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino has a wide range of games and entertainment options.

You can try out the slot machines or the classic table games like blackjack, roulette, and poker. The vibrant atmosphere inside the casino not only keeps you entertained but also fills you with energy for a new round of games that you wish to play.

If trying out your luck rewards you with some extra cash, you can enjoy a meal at one of many restaurants inside. However, if the day goes bad it is better to stop immediately and return home with what you have left.