Experiencing Lehigh Valley, PA can be easy on the wallet. Find free and fun things to do across both Lehigh and Northampton counties and Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and everything in between.
Budget-friendly activities come at no shortage in Lehigh Valley. From exploring the region’s rich history and heritage to one of the top spots for hiking and biking, we’ve made planning ahead for some free time or filling a few hours during a visit fairly simple. Morning, afternoon, or evening, you’ll be surprised at how much there is to do without spending a dime in Lehigh Valley.
The story of Lehigh Valley is told through its unique historical background. Take a tour of the 18th and 19th century log cabins or covered bridges throughout the region or stroll along The Hoover Mason Trestle, an elevated ⅓-mile walkway built along the old blast furnaces of Bethlehem’s SteelStacks™. Lehigh Valley’s historic Moravian Bethlehem, a tentative World Heritage Designation, draws both U.S. and international visitors with sites demonstrating a unique, historically rich, and culturally significant way of life for over 300 years.
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the same sites from a different perspective, kayaking the Lehigh or Delaware Rivers, hiking miles of trails like the Appalachian or D&L Trail, or pedaling miles of Lehigh Valley’s highly-sought-after bike trails and quiet country roads. Taking in the sights during a long walk along any of our parks, gardens, and nature preserves doesn’t disappoint either. You can even take a self-guided tour of the LiLi'l-Le-Hi Trout Nursery in Allentown, PA. During the warmer months, as the sun goes down live music fills the air across the Valley. Parks and pavilions present free summer music series for a groovy time with family and friends.
Admire the art that oozes from every direction when you take advantage of the galleries, museums, and murals open for you to view at no charge. Get into how it’s made with a stop at the Martin Guitar Factory & Museum or the Mack Trucks Museum. Take advantage of the free art galleries sometimes offered by area colleges and universities. Art comes alive at the Allentown Art Museum, which is free every day, and the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, offering free admission on the first Sunday of the month from February through November, except during Musikfest in August.
Reward your youngster for their patience with free and fun, hands-on learning and experiences in Lehigh Valley. Step into a once-uncharted space at the Lost River Caverns or meet the milking cows at Klein Farms. Programming through the Banana Factory Arts Center also offers free demonstrations and activities for children to get inspired by their artistic abilities. Burn some energy on great playgrounds in Lehigh Valley.
Open-air farmers’ markets bring out the best of Lehigh Valley’s agriculture. Fresh, local produce is offered weekly on main streets across several of our cities and boroughs, including the long-standing Easton Farmers’ Market which was established in 1752. If you’re looking for something old and vintage, try Weil Antique Center. If you’re looking for something new, stop by the Lehigh Valley Mall or Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley. A stroll down any one of our main streets also offer unique shopping experiences and things you’ll only find here.
Two of Lehigh Valley’s top food festivals are free to the public and attract visitors from all over. PA Bacon Fest takes over the streets of downtown Easton, PA with the savory treat offered in so many variations, it’ll make your head spin. Garlic Fest also takes place in downtown Easton, and you’ll be able to smell it for miles. Local food vendors and artisans put their own spin on the two, making them experiences unique to the valley. Springtime brings Mayfair Arts Festival at Cedar Crest College, bringing food, art, and music to campus for a week. Summer brings free concerts across the region, including Levitt Pavilion at SteelStacks™ in Bethlehem, PA and over 300 free concerts during MusikfestⓇ, the country’s No. 1 Music Festival in North America by the USA Today/10Best readers’ poll.
