When it comes to things to do in Allentown PA, you as a tourist or a local have plenty of choices and places to visit in this charming Pennsylvania city. The range of activities available is huge, from indoor activities to outdoor activities, from activities to do alone to activities that is best enjoyed with family and friends.
We will look at some of the fun things to do in Allentown PA in this guide, it is by no means exhaustive, but it will give you some ideas.
1. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
Without an iota of a doubt, the Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is one of the most visited attractions in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In fact, during certain times of the year, it is the most visited attraction in this city, and it is for a good and enjoyable reason.
The Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is suitable for both kids, teens, and adults. Everyone will find a ride or slide that interests them. For us, the key was going early so that we could enjoy more rides and slides.
From our experience at other amusement parks, it is best to get there within one hour of their opening and we did that with this park as well. We found this amusement park clean, and the workers were pleasant and easy to interact with.
To maximize your fun and experience here, it is really important that you take your time to plan your visit and note down which activities you want to participate in. Depending on the level of thrill you wish to have, you can organize your list accordingly.
Also, most of the activities have a minimum required height to participate in them. Therefore, planning ahead will eliminate time wasting while in the park. You can go to Dorney’s park rides & experiences webpage, where you will find all the different attractions, their thrill level meters and minimum height requirements.
Ticket Prices | Daily Tickets $39.99+ Season Pass $10/mo |
Hours | The best way to know is check the Park’s Page |
Address | 4000 Dorney Park Rd, Allentown, PA 18104 |
2. Da Vinci Science Center
The Da Vinci Science Center is another attraction that is quite popular in Allentown. If you are looking for things to do in Allentown with kids, then add a visit to Da Vinci Science Center towards the top of your list.
Even though it is themed and built with kids in mind, be rest assured that adults who have accompanied their kids to this place will have fun too. We learn everyday and there is plenty to see and learn in this science center.
The Da Vinci Science Center has a range of exhibits that are designed to keep your wards engaged. The center is not that big, especially when compared to other museums and science centers that we have been to, but they have friendly staff, eager to assist and guide.
Typically, the general ticket purchase will give your kids access to most of the activities in the center but there are a few that require an additional pay.
Ticket Prices | Members – Free Non-members – $15.95 |
Hours | Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Sun 12pm-5pm |
Address | 3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass, Allentown, PA 18103 |
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3. Lil’-LE-Hi Trout Nursery
We enjoyed our time exploring and walking through the Lil’-LE-Hi Trout Nursery. We found that there were several smaller ponds within the general pond/nursery area, and we made a brief stop at each of them.
As expected, the fishes in each pond were different, both in size and color, from fingerlings to fully grown trouts and every size in between. A visit here will certainly be on the list of things to do in Allentown PA with family.
Another aspect of our visit that I enjoyed was stopping and reading the well labeled information posts scattered around the ground of this nursery. The highlight of visiting this nursery is feeding the fish.
The quick rush by the school of fishes towards the dropping food pellets is usually a sight to behold. Come prepared to feed the fishes. There is a fish food vending machine onsite, so all you have to do is purchase some and feed away.
Question: Can I fish at the Lil’-LE-Hi Trout Nursery in Allentown, Pennsylvania?
Answer: Yes, you can fish at the Lil’-LE-HI Trout Nursery in Allentown, PA but only along the authorized or permitted section. You can only perform fly fishing downstream of the bridge. Please, do not bring fishing equipment into the trout nursery.
Ticket Prices | Free |
Hours | All Day : Dusk-Dawn |
Address | 2901 Fish Hatchery Rd, Allentown, PA 18103 |
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4. Museum of Indian Culture – Things To Do In Allentown PA
The Museum of Indian Culture is just up the road from the Lil’-LE-Hi Trout Nursery. It is an interesting museum to visit, even though it is small, it is still quite entertaining.
It didn’t take us long to go through the various sections and I quite enjoyed the narration by the guide. She said she was volunteering and does so quite often. You could tell that she was very knowledgeable and was expertly providing us with information and insights.
We were told that they organize indoor and outdoor activities, fairly regularly. We will attempt to attend one of their festivals, when next we visit. Something else that can be done while visiting this museum is to walk, stroll or hike the Little Lehigh Parkway and explore the Lenape Trail.
Ticket Prices | Adults $5 Seniors $4 Kids (12-17) $4 Under 12 Free |
Hours | Winter Hours Mon-Thur Closed Fri-Sun 10AM-4PM Summer Hours Mon-Wed Closed Thur-Sun 10AM-4PM |
Address | 2825 Fish Hatchery Rd, Allentown, PA 18103 |
5. Lehigh Valley Grand Prix
We were really impressed with the facilities available at the Lehigh Valley Grand Prix location. It is a nice indoor space for go-karting. They accommodate various age groups, and the track can be challenging, yet quite fulfilling.
Besides engaging in go-karting, this establishment also has an axe throwing section. If that isn’t your thing, then you can relax, have some drinks and food while watching the track.
Address : 649 S 10th St, Allentown, PA 18103
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6. Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum
The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum is another one of the things to do in Allentown PA that we recommend. As usual, when we visit a new city, we endeavor to visit museums as part of our general itinerary.
Our first impression of this museum as we entered was wow! Granted, it is not one of the biggest that we have been to, it does not even come close, but we think that it serves its purpose very well.
Which is to capture, preserve and showcase the history of the Lehigh Valley Area.
7. America On Wheels
America On Wheels is another one of those museums that do not look very remarkable from the outside. However, as soon as you walk in, those notions will be dispelled immediately.
This museum is very well taken care of, and the displays and exhibits do a good job of capturing and revealing automobile historical evolution from the early days to recent developments. It is a family friendly museum, so you could definitely visit with your significant other and kids.
Another thing to note is that the worker’s there are knowledgeable and usually eager to share their wealth of knowledge with visitors. If you prefer to have a quiet walk through, while engaging the interactive exhibits in the museum, this place is suitable for that too.
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8. Allentown Art Museum – Things To Do In Allentown PA
The Allentown Art Museum is popular with visitors and locals alike. When visiting the Lehigh Valley, it stands out as one of the places to visit. As is usual with most art museums, they have among their range of exhibitions a set of permanent ones and those termed as temporary exhibits.
This museum does too, amongst the permanent exhibits, you will find various collections that reflects a broad range of local and global artistic impressions. As though their awesome collection and display of arts is not enough, it is also completely free to visit, thus making it more awesome.
So, for free things to do in Allentown PA, I encourage you to visit this wonderful museum – Allentown Art Museum.
Ticket Prices | Free (Donations Are Appreciated) |
Hours | Mon-Wed – Closed Thurs-Sun – 11am-4pm |
Address | 31 N 5th St, Allentown, PA 18101 |
9. Lehigh Valley Zoo
The Lehigh Valley Zoo is located about 15 miles away from the Allentown City Center, in a quiet green town known as Schnecksville. In this zoo, they house a total of more than 300 animals which comprises of more than 100 different species.
The zoo by itself sits on about 29 acres, which is within a nature preserve that measures about 1100 acres and has lots of trails for hiking. There are plenty of good things to write about this zoo, some of which include the free parking and lots of benches to sit on.
This zoo isn’t the biggest that we have been to, however, it has enough animal and exhibits to ensure that visitors are satisfied at the end of their visit. Another impressive feature about this zoo is that they have giraffes, and you can feed them too. Lastly, they have special displays during holidays, check them out.
Address: 5150 Game Preserve Rd, Schnecksville, PA 18078
10. Cedar Beach Park
If you are visiting Allentown Pennsylvania and looking for an outdoor park to chill and relax in, then the Cedar Beach Park should be among your top picks. It is conveniently located in an area that has enough space for parking. There are various activities that can be done in this park.
If you just want to stroll and walk around, while reliving stress, this park is ideal for that. For those who have kids that want to run around, get on and off slides and swing back and forth, this park is also ideal for those activities. To the picnickers, there is something here for you too.
The park has picnic tables and are often used for family and friendly casual get-togethers. For those who would like to play or engage in sports, swimming pool, volleyball and basketball courts are available for your pleasures and enjoyment.
Overall, this park is well planned and easily achieves its purpose as a community meeting place for all and sundry.
Ticket Prices | Free |
Hours | All Week – 24Hrs |
Address | 2600 Parkway Blvd, Allentown, PA 18104 |
11. Allentown Rose Garden
The Allentown Rose Garden is yet another wonderful outdoor space in this city. It provides visitors and locals with a green and colorful recreational arena for numerous outdoor themed activities.
It is free to visit and open to the public. Depending on when you visit, the roses may be in full colorful bloom or may not, but the garden retains its beauty, all year round.
There are well paved pathways interconnecting various parts of the garden and benches to sit and relax or catchup with friends and family. There is also a little stream that is nearby, you can spend some time watching its slow flowing movement and the ducks swimming by.
Ticket Prices | Free |
Hours | All Week – 24Hrs |
Address | 3000 Parkway Blvd, Allentown, PA 18104 |
Summary Of Things To Do In Allentown PA
- Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
- Da Vinci Science Center
- Lil’-LE-Hi Trout Nursery
- Museum of Indian Culture
- Lehigh Valley Grand Prix
- Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum
- America On Wheels
- Allentown Art Museum
- Lehigh Valley Zoo
- Cedar Beach Park
- Allentown Rose Garden