From its vibrant historical experiences and modern urban hubs to its expansive valleys, tree-covered mountains, and charming small towns, Lehigh Valley, PA is a possibility-packed destination for a family road trip. It’s easy to find enriching activities for a car full of travelers of all ages.
It’s an easy drive at about 90 minutes west of New York City or 60 minutes north of Philadelphia; all points point to family fun.
Lehigh Valley is home to modern family-focused attractions set amid a historic backdrop of rolling hills, lush countryside, and postcard-ready covered bridges
Thrill-seekers will adore Allentown’s Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, home to the Hydra floorless roller coaster, the Python Plummet waterslide, and the 1920s classic ride called the Whip.
Stay in Allentown, the area’s largest city. The Renaissance Allentown Hotel also gives families direct access to the PPL Center for big-name sporting events, family shows, and concerts. Eat at the Downtown Allentown Market and explore cuisines including Korean, Mediterranean, BBQ, and more. Adjacent to the Downtown Allentown Market, you can shop grab-and-go items at Radish Republic.
Check out the Da Vinci Science Center. While there, grab the controllers to make the giant T-Rexroth robot roar, step into a Category 1 hurricane simulator, and experience sightlessness in the 22-meter, maze-like tunnel called Tunnel Vision.
You’ll want to refuel in downtown Easton before your creative excursion to Crayola Experience™ where your little artists can enjoy the colorful play space, with four floors of activities.
From there, it’s a short drive to learn about the engineering marvels crucial to the development of the U.S. at the National Canal Museum. You can stretch your legs along the trails, board the Canal Boat for a guided tour, or even rent paddleboats for a different view of the canal system.
SIDEBAR Add in a friendly, family competition and race around the track at Lehigh Valley Grand Prix. No one says the kids have to win with this action-packed itinerary!
Show the students in your family how much fun learning can be with an educational adventure through Lehigh Valley.
Start the morning and relive Moravian history as you tour the Colonial Industrial Quarter home to an outstanding concentration of manufacturing trades during the early years of Bethlehem. Some of the buildings that housed these trades are still standing in the Quarter.
On weekends, parents and kids can have lunch at Lost River Brewing… yes, food trucks keep you fed on the weekends, while enjoying a pint or two on family vacation. Or, you can grab lunch at the Braveheart Highland Pub in downtown Hellertown before heading to a cavern.
Experience ancient rock formations as you journey through the underground world of Lost River Caverns, full of stalactites, stalagmites, and 52° temperatures year-round.
Make your way to downtown Easton. Stay overnight at either the Tru by Hilton or grab a family suite at the Grand Eastonian Hotel.
Take a voyage through the Lehigh Canal aboard the Josiah White II, a mule drawn boating experience that teaches about America’s early towpath canals.
SIDEBAR - Add a little extra excitement. Experience thrills and chills at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, one of the Northeast’s most popular amusement and water parks.
