Family travel can be tough. In Lehigh Valley, you’ll find things to do that will make your kids want to put down their devices, but will leave mom and dad’s wallet without too much damage.
From arts and adventure to drive-in movies and interactive museums, these attractions are sure to delight.
Twist and turn on the seven inversions of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom’s Hydra, Pennsylvania’s only floorless coaster; feel the rush when the floor drops you into a splash pool on Python Plummet; and take a spin with the entire family on the Whip, the park’s oldest ride. Did we mention Wildwater Kingdom is one of the country's best-rated waterparks? See for yourself. Can you follow the clues to make it out in time? Captured Lv Escape Room features four uniquely themed escape room experiences that are perfect for groups ranging from two to 10 players. Take on the ever-changing routes of varying intensity as you scale the walls at North Summit Climbing Gym. This indoor facility offers top rope climbing, bouldering, lead climbing, and more, all designed for climbers of all ages and skill levels to explore. Get your adrenaline pumping when you ride around the track at Lehigh Valley Grand Prix. Race individually or with a team in gas-powered go-karts that hit speeds up to 45 mph! Swing by Hangdog Outdoor Adventure for a thrilling climb. This four-story ropes course features zip lines, free fall jumps, a giant swing, and more.
Color outside the lines and create your next piece of artwork at Easton’s Crayola Experience™. Uncover the science of how things work at Allentown’s Da Vinci Science Center, where families can ignite their curiosity through hands-on, interactive exhibit experiences. Imagine a city where kids make all the decisions. At Imagi Nation, children ages 3-12 can role-play over 40 different careers—ranging from banks and markets to dental and health clinics—within a realistic, kid-sized community. Make it a family affair at the Allentown Art Museum with free art creations each weekend. Let your imagination run wild at the Book & Puppet Company, more than just a bookstore, participate in puppet shows and story hours. Bring your singing, dancing, and acting to the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre for high-quality training in the performing arts with professionally-staged performances.
Whether you’re looking to explore on foot, by bike, or via the water, Lehigh Valley offers an unparalleled outdoor recreation scene. Don’t miss the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Trail which spans 165 miles of rail trails, 48 of them passing through Lehigh Valley. Find more options via The Link, a network of multi-use trails offering year-round outdoor recreation and healthy living.
From African penguins to zebras, you’ll find more than 300 animals representing 100 species at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. Explore the science of the Earth at Nurture Nature Center as you learn about climate and weather patterns, hurricanes, and more with Science on a Sphere—a 6-foot suspended globe with 250+ views of earth and space. Head 125 feet below ground to Lost River Caverns where the temperature hovers at 54 degrees year-round to admire milky white stalactites, stalagmites, pillar, and dripstone formations. Explore the Fish Hatchery to learn about the various life stages of trout as they grow to full-size fish.
Lehigh Valley marks the path for athletes looking to hit the major leagues. Catch the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs, Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, in action at Coca-Cola Park (and be sure to enjoy some bacon-centric treats). During the winter months, head indoors to the PPL Center for a Lehigh Valley Phantoms game, AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers. Watch Olympic hopefuls speed around the banked track at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center, one of the top destinations in the world for track cycling. Get a rush at Pocono Raceway at the call for "Drivers, start your engines!" is heard for miles.
A great way for kids and adults to learn about agriculture is to make it fun. Lehigh Valley farms like Grim's Orchard & Family Farm, Klein Farms Dairy & Creamery, and farm stands are just a short drive from the main cities offering tours, festivals, and special events that teach about food production, as well as expose city slickers to life on the farm. With organic farming coined at nearby Rodale Institute, you'll find the freshest and cleanest produce from everything like strawberries, peaches, and cherries, to apples, pumpkins, and potatoes (yes potatoes), seasonally available for "You Pick" or pick-your-own.
