A visit to Allentown is not complete without experiencing its top attractions. You can learn more about the city’s history at the Liberty Bell Museum, which features an exact replica of the iconic bell and enthralling exhibits.
Alternatively, you can cheer on the IronPigs at the Coca-Cola Park baseball stadium. You can also shop for locally grown fruits and veggies at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market.
Trexler Memorial Park
Probably the most scenic park in Allentown, Trexler Memorial Park combines plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure with a relaxing nature escape. Grassy lawns and beautiful old trees are perfect for picnicking and recreation. The park’s trails are popular for biking, jogging, and walking, and there are also a number of paths suitable for strollers.
The renowned Malcolm Gross Rose Garden is a must-see attraction in this park. The roses bloom in a variety of colors, creating a picturesque outdoor space that is especially lovely during June and July.
Other attractions in this park include the Da Vinci Science Center, which boasts interactive exhibits that will captivate children. Sports fans can cheer on the Allentown IronPigs at Coca-Cola Park or shop for local produce at the acclaimed Farmers Market. Kids can also experience the thrills of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom or explore the history of transportation at the America on Wheels Museum.
Da Vinci Science Center
Da Vinci Science Center is a science museum and nonprofit organization. Its exhibits and programs connect people to science, promoting careers in STEM fields and sparking curiosity in children. The museum is based in Allentown, Pennsylvania and is open to visitors of all ages.
Exhibits include a combined engineering lab, playscape, climbing space and Energy Zone that lets kids discover the power of simple machines. They can also learn the basics of animation, design virtual green trucks, explore a saltwater marine tank and experiment with Newton’s second law in the Newton Chairs.
Other popular attractions include Tunnel Vision, where children can hone observation skills by crawling through a 72-foot maze-like tunnel in complete darkness. The Glow Room teaches them about light and color. Other exhibits include a pin wall that allows them to use thousands of injection-molded pins to create drawings and designs, and the Quakes and Shakes Seismometer, where they can hear the sounds of real earthquakes broadcast to their location on the planet.
Lehigh Valley Zoo
Located in Schnecksville, the Lehigh Valley Zoo is a must-see for animal lovers. The zoo boasts over 130 species of animals and offers a variety of interactive experiences for guests to enjoy.
From exotic species from far away countries to domestic animals found on a farm, the zoo has plenty of attractions to keep kids and adults entertained. The zoo is also active in wildlife conservation efforts and raises awareness about endangered species.
The zoo is an AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) accredited institution and provides the utmost care for their animals. A visit to the zoo will leave you with lasting memories of your adventure! Keep an eye out for the Zoo Reach programs, which allow the zoo to bring some of their 50+ ambassador animals to local festivals and businesses to help promote their conservation efforts. Also, be sure to follow Bean the sloth on Instagram to learn more about his adorable antics and upcoming meet-and-greet events!
Allentown Art Museum
The Allentown Art Museum reflects the region’s rich cultural heritage through a diverse collection and wide-ranging exhibitions. The Museum aims to embrace the broadest possible audience with tremendous variety and quality in its collections, educational and popular programs, and a full calendar of public events.
Its galleries explore the role artists played in shaping national identity, with works by such masters as Benjamin West, Franz Kline, Henry Ossawa Tanner, and Harry Bertoia. The Museum also showcases a remarkable array of American paintings and sculpture, as well as the 1915 library from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Francis W. Little House, relocated from Minnesota to the Museum.
Visitors with special needs are invited to visit the Museum for free on Sensory Saturdays, which offer a calming experience. This includes modifications to the gallery environment such as dimming lights, a Calm Space, and sensory kits for use with family members.
Baum School of Art
Located in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, Allentown has a vibrant arts scene, numerous parks and several family-friendly attractions. It also played a key role in the Revolutionary War and Civil War, which is honored by museums and monuments throughout the city.
A visit to the Allentown Art Museum offers visitors the chance to experience 2,000 years of cultural heritage in an accessible, visitor-friendly environment. The museum boasts an expansive collection of paintings, photos and sculptures.
Located in downtown Allentown, the Baum School of Art is a community non-profit visual art school that offers classes, summer camps and workshops. The facility is a vital part of the neighborhood’s ongoing renaissance and provides opportunities for all to discover their creativity. Whether you’ve never picked up a brush, a pastel or a slab of clay or have been creating for years, the school will help you create your own masterpiece.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
The Allentown area offers many attractions that are perfect for family excursions and weekend getaways. The city has a number of amusement parks, museums, and race tracks for those seeking fun activities.
For those seeking thrill rides and roller coasters, Dorney Park is a must-visit attraction. This popular destination combines an exciting amusement park with a water park for a two-in-one adventure that is sure to leave the whole family smiling.
Other great attractions in the area include Trexler Memorial Park, which has walking trails and a rose garden. Guests can also take in the scenic beauty of Lehigh Valley Zoo, which features over 100 species.
To get a closer look at the region’s history, the Allentown Art Museum is an excellent choice. The museum has a diverse collection of Renaissance and modern American artworks. Other interesting sites include the Li’l-Le-Hi Trout Nursery, which is one of the country’s oldest trout nurseries and has a variety of 12 ponds that contain trout at different stages of development.