Things to Do in the Lehigh Valley
Your local guide to parks, dining, shopping, attractions, and year-round activities.
The Lehigh Valley offers an impressive range of activities for residents and visitors alike, from miles of hiking and biking trails to nationally recognized cultural venues, craft breweries, award-winning restaurants, and major retail destinations. Whether you're exploring the region for the first time or looking for a new weekend adventure, this guide highlights dining, shopping, festivals, and family activities across Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the surrounding communities. For golf courses, ski resorts, and outdoor recreation, visit the Lehigh Valley Recreation Guide.
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Miles of trails, open green spaces, and community parks throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Trexler Memorial Park
AllentownA scenic park featuring walking trails, open green spaces, memorial gardens, and playgrounds. Popular for family outings and nature walks.
Visit websiteCedar Beach Park
AllentownOne of Allentown's largest parks with athletic fields, swimming pools, walking paths, and picnic areas. A year-round destination for outdoor recreation.
Visit websiteIronton Rail Trail
Whitehall TownshipA multi-use recreational trail spanning several miles through Whitehall and Coplay, built along the former Ironton Railroad corridor. Ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling.
Visit websiteWhitehall Parkway
Whitehall TownshipA 250-acre park featuring hiking and biking trails, a dog park, athletic fields, and picnic facilities. The park is a central outdoor recreation hub for the township.
Visit websiteSaylor Park
CoplayA community park along the Lehigh River with walking paths, sports facilities, and open green space for outdoor activities.
Visit websiteHokendauqua Park & Playground
Whitehall TownshipA neighborhood park with playground equipment, sports fields, and community gathering spaces.
Visit websiteSteelStacks & Casino
Bethlehem's iconic SteelStacks campus and the Wind Creek casino resort anchor the region's entertainment scene.
SteelStacks Arts & Cultural Campus
Bethlehem, PAA cultural campus built on the former Bethlehem Steel site, hosting concerts at the Levitt Pavilion, film screenings, art exhibits, comedy shows, and community events year-round. One of the most iconic entertainment destinations in the region.
Visit websiteWind Creek Bethlehem
Bethlehem, PAA full-service casino and resort complex (formerly Sands Casino) featuring slot machines, table games, a hotel, multiple restaurants, spa services, and live entertainment. A major entertainment and dining destination on the South Side.
Visit websiteArtsQuest Center
Bethlehem, PAA multi-venue arts center at SteelStacks featuring the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, the Musikfest Café, art galleries, and year-round programming including concerts, film festivals, and community events.
Visit websiteMuseums & Science Centers
From science and history to art and industry, the Lehigh Valley's museums offer world-class learning experiences for all ages.
Da Vinci Science Center
Allentown, PAA hands-on science museum featuring interactive exhibits, live animal encounters, a planetarium, and STEM education programs for all ages. A top family destination for learning and discovery.
Visit websiteLehigh Valley Heritage Museum
Allentown, PAA history museum operated by the Lehigh Valley Historical Society, showcasing regional heritage through permanent and rotating exhibits, an extensive research library, and educational programming.
Visit websiteAllentown Art Museum
Allentown, PAA fine arts museum with a permanent collection of more than 19,000 works spanning centuries and cultures, along with rotating exhibitions, workshops, and community art programs.
Visit websiteNational Museum of Industrial History
Bethlehem, PAA Smithsonian affiliate preserving and interpreting the region's industrial heritage through exhibits on steelmaking, iron and steel, and the legacy of innovation in the Lehigh Valley.
Visit websiteBanana Factory Arts Center
Bethlehem, PAA community arts hub in Bethlehem's South Side offering artist studios, rotating galleries, classes, workshops, and cultural events. Home to numerous working artists and creative organizations.
Visit websiteSigal Museum
Easton, PAHome of the Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society, featuring exhibits on local history from the colonial era to the present, along with genealogy research resources.
Visit websiteEaston-Phillipsburg Rail Trail / Bushkill Stream Conservancy
Easton, PAA scenic multi-use recreational trail following the former Lehigh Valley Railroad corridor along the Bushkill Stream, connecting Easton, PA with Phillipsburg, NJ. Popular for walking, jogging, and cycling.
Outdoor / Public AccessCrayola Experience
Easton, PAAn interactive family attraction in downtown Easton featuring 26+ hands-on activities including creating your own crayons, naming colors, and art-based experiences. One of the most popular family destinations in the region.
Visit websiteAttractions & Cultural Venues
Museums, performance halls, and unique experiences across the region.
SteelStacks ArtsQuest Campus
BethlehemA cultural campus built on the former Bethlehem Steel site, hosting concerts, film screenings, art exhibits, comedy shows, and community events year-round.
Visit websiteNational Museum of Industrial History
BethlehemAn affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, this museum showcases the region's industrial heritage through exhibits on steelmaking, textile manufacturing, and innovation.
Visit websiteMiller Symphony Hall
AllentownHome of the Allentown Symphony Association, this historic venue hosts orchestral performances, touring shows, and special events throughout the year.
Visit websiteAmerica on Wheels Museum
AllentownA transportation museum featuring vintage automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, and racing memorabilia. The museum also overlooks the Lehigh River canal path.
Visit websiteLehigh Valley Zoo
SchnecksvilleA public zoo in Schnecksville featuring more than 200 animals, a walk-through aviary, seasonal events, and educational programming.
Visit websiteCrayola Experience
EastonAn interactive attraction in downtown Easton where visitors can create their own crayons, name colors, and explore hands-on art activities.
Visit websiteFestivals & Events
The Lehigh Valley hosts one of Pennsylvania's most vibrant festival calendars, from nationally recognized music events to beloved seasonal celebrations.
Musikfest
Bethlehem, PAThe nation's largest free, non-gated music festival held each August for 10 days across downtown Bethlehem and the SteelStacks campus. Features hundreds of performances on multiple stages, food vendors, and artisan crafts.
Visit websiteCeltic Classic Highland Games & Festival
Bethlehem, PAOne of the largest free Celtic festivals in North America, featuring highland athletic competitions, traditional music and dance, cultural exhibits, and food. Held annually in downtown Bethlehem.
Visit websiteBach Festival of Bethlehem
Bethlehem, PAOne of the oldest continuously running classical music festivals in the United States, featuring performances of works by J.S. Bach and other composers at venues throughout Bethlehem.
Visit websiteGreat Allentown Fair
Allentown, PAOne of the oldest and largest agricultural fairs in Pennsylvania, held since 1852 at the Allentown Fairgrounds. Features carnival rides, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and food vendors.
Visit websiteMayfair Festival of the Arts
Allentown, PAAn annual celebration of the visual and performing arts featuring artist booths, live music and dance performances, interactive art activities, and family programming.
Visit websiteBethlehem Christkindlmarkt
Bethlehem, PAA beloved holiday tradition at SteelStacks featuring a multi-weekend German-style Christmas market with artisan vendors, live performances, ice skating, glassblowing demonstrations, and seasonal food and beverages.
Visit websiteEaston Garlic Fest
Easton, PAA community festival celebrating garlic-inspired cuisine with food vendors, live music, cooking demonstrations, and family activities throughout downtown Easton.
Visit websitePennsylvania Bacon Fest
Easton, PAEaston's signature fall festival celebrating the region's culinary heritage with bacon-inspired dishes, live entertainment, craft vendors, and activities for all ages in historic Centre Square.
Visit websiteBlueberry Festival
Lehigh Valley, PAA seasonal celebration featuring fresh blueberries, baked goods, artisan vendors, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Typically held at venues throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Check local listings for datesLehigh Valley Wine Festival
Lehigh Valley, PAAn annual wine tasting event featuring local wineries, vineyards, and food vendors, offering visitors the chance to sample and purchase wines from across the region.
Check local listings for datesAmusement Parks & Family Carnivals
From major theme parks to classic hometown amusement parks, the region offers year-round family entertainment.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
Allentown, PAThe Lehigh Valley's premier amusement destination with over 60 rides, 8 roller coasters, Wildwater Kingdom water park, and seasonal holiday events including Haunt and Winterfest.
Visit websiteKnoebels Amusement Resort
Elysburg, PAA classic, family-owned amusement park featuring wooden roller coasters, carnival rides, a swimming pool, and free admission. Located about 90 minutes north of the Lehigh Valley in Elysburg.
Visit websiteBushkill Park
Easton, PAA historic amusement park in Easton featuring rides, games, and family entertainment along Bushkill Creek. A beloved local tradition since 1902.
Visit websiteDining & Restaurants
A growing food scene with options ranging from fine dining to casual eateries.
Edge Restaurant
BethlehemA contemporary American restaurant in Bethlehem's South Side offering seasonal menus, craft cocktails, and a refined dining atmosphere.
Visit websiteUnion & Finch
AllentownA neighborhood gastropub in Allentown serving elevated comfort food, craft beers, and cocktails in a warm, welcoming setting.
Visit websiteGrille 3501
AllentownA fine dining restaurant known for its steaks, seafood, and extensive wine list. A popular destination for special occasions.
Visit websiteTre Scalini Ristorante
BethlehemAn Italian restaurant on Bethlehem's Broad Street offering classic pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and a curated wine list.
Visit websiteZEST bar+grille
BethlehemA modern restaurant and bar in Bethlehem's South Side featuring creative dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Visit websiteBilly's Downtown Diner
BethlehemA popular breakfast and lunch spot in downtown Bethlehem known for generous portions and classic American diner fare.
Visit websiteMcCall Collective Brewing & Restaurant
AllentownA craft brewery and restaurant in Allentown's South Side offering house-brewed beers and a seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients.
Visit websiteTap Room at Historic Hotel Bethlehem
BethlehemA classic dining experience inside the historic Hotel Bethlehem, featuring American cuisine and an extensive beer selection in an elegant setting.
Visit websiteBreweries & Taprooms
The Lehigh Valley's growing craft beer scene features local breweries across the region.
Shopping
Major malls, lifestyle centers, and farmers' markets across the Lehigh Valley.
Lehigh Valley Mall
Whitehall TownshipThe region's premier shopping destination featuring more than 150 stores and restaurants, including anchor tenants like Macy's, Apple, and Nordstrom.
Visit websiteThe Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley
Center ValleyAn open-air lifestyle center with upscale retailers, restaurants, and services along scenic walkways.
Visit websiteEaston Farmers' Market
EastonOne of the oldest continuously operating farmers' markets in the U.S., held Saturday mornings in Centre Square from May through November.
Visit websiteAllentown Farmers' Market
AllentownA year-round indoor farmers' market at the Allentown Fairgrounds offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and specialty items.
Visit websiteActivities for All Ages
Ideas for outings across the Lehigh Valley.
- Explore the hands-on exhibits at Crayola Experience in downtown Easton
- Visit the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville for animal encounters and seasonal events
- Walk the Ironton Rail Trail through Whitehall and Coplay for cycling
- Attend a free summer concert at the Levitt Pavilion at SteelStacks
- Spend a weekend morning at the Easton Farmers' Market sampling local produce and baked goods
- Tour the National Museum of Industrial History and discover the region's steel heritage
- Catch a film screening or art exhibit at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks
- Cool off at Cedar Beach Park's pools during the summer months
Looking for Events & Festivals?
The Lehigh Valley hosts a robust calendar of annual events and festivals throughout the year, from Musikfest and the Celtic Classic to seasonal farmers' markets and holiday celebrations.
View Events & FestivalsDiscover the Lehigh Valley
Considering a move to the Lehigh Valley? Tim Tepes can help you find the perfect community with easy access to parks, dining, shopping, and more.