Allentown · Lehigh County, PA

Family things to do in Allentown

Scout analyzed 102 Allentown places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.

Places analyzed

102

Matches

24

Typical spend

$20

Typical visit

1.7 hr

Scout-verified spots

Bitty & Beau's Coffee

Food & Drink

Bitty & Beau's Coffee

Bitty & Beau's is a great spot for a casual coffee stop or a light bite, fitting well into a morning or afternoon outing in Bethlehem. Expect to spend $5-15 per person for a drink and snack, with a visit typically lasting about 30 minutes.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
Youell's Oyster House

Hamilton Park

Youell's Oyster House

Youell's Oyster House is ideal for a dedicated dinner out, often pairing well with a pre-dinner drink or post-dinner stroll. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $50-100 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
The Market Grille

West Park

The Market Grille

The Market Grille is suitable for a casual, quick meal of American fare, especially burgers and hot dogs. Expect to spend $10-25 per person for a visit lasting under an hour.

FoodRelaxed
$10–$25 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Beltzville State Park

Outdoors

Beltzville State Park

Beltzville State Park is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor excursion, featuring hiking, swimming, and picnicking opportunities. Expect to spend little to no money on entry, but bring funds for potential snacks or activities. It pairs well with a packed lunch and good weather.

OutdoorsViewsSports
$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Hickory Run State Park

Outdoors

Hickory Run State Park

Hickory Run State Park is ideal for a full-day, free outdoor adventure with family or solo, offering extensive hiking and scenic views. Plan for a few hours to a full day, packing snacks and water, as it's an entirely outdoor experience.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Pinnacle Trail Head, AT Access

Outdoors

Pinnacle Trail Head, AT Access

This Appalachian Trail access point is ideal for a half-day or full-day hike, offering scenic views and a chance for outdoor exercise. It's a free activity, best for a solo or family outing, and pairs well with bringing your own picnic lunch.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
The Shanty on 19th

West End Theatre District

The Shanty on 19th

The Shanty is a casual American restaurant, good for a relaxed meal or happy hour. Plan for about 90 minutes and $20-40 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Ironton Rail Trail

Outdoors

Ironton Rail Trail

The Ironton Rail Trail is a paved trail perfect for a long walk or bike ride, offering scenic views along a river. It's a free outdoor activity that can fill a couple of hours, suitable for families or solo outings, especially on a nice day.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Lit Coffee Roastery & Bakeshop

South Side Historic District

Lit Coffee Roastery & Bakeshop

Lit Coffee Roastery & Bakeshop is ideal for a casual coffee break, a quick pastry, or an hour of focused work. It's a low-cost stop, perfect for starting a day out or pairing with nearby shopping.

FoodWellnessRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
Hawk Mountain North Lookout

Outdoors

Hawk Mountain North Lookout

Hawk Mountain North Lookout offers expansive views, particularly good for birdwatching during migration. Plan for a 1.5-hour visit, involving some walking to the lookout point, with an entrance fee around $10-20 per person.

ViewsOutdoorsAnimals
$10–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

Outdoors

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

This is a good spot for a half-day or full-day outdoor excursion, especially for bird watching and scenic views. Expect to spend $10-20 per person on entry fees and bring a picnic to save on food costs.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals
$10–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Nockamixon State Park

Outdoors

Nockamixon State Park

Nockamixon State Park is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor escape, offering activities like hiking, boating, and swimming. Expect to spend little to nothing if just hiking, or up to $20 for boat rentals or other activities.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Copperhead Grille Allentown

Nightlife

Copperhead Grille Allentown

Copperhead Grille is a solid choice for a casual meal of American pub fare, especially on game days. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $20-40 per person for food and a drink.

FoodCocktailsSports
$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Union & Finch

Food & Drink

Union & Finch

Union & Finch is a solid choice for American bistro fare in a cozy setting, suitable for a relaxed dinner outing. Expect to spend $20-50 per person for an hour and a half visit.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$20–$50 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Lehigh Gorge State Park - Rockport Access

Outdoors

Lehigh Gorge State Park - Rockport Access

This state park offers miles of trails along the Lehigh River for walking, biking, or rafting, making it suitable for a half to full-day outdoor adventure. Expect to spend little to nothing if just hiking, or more for guided rafting trips.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0–$75 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Lehigh Gorge State Park

Outdoors

Lehigh Gorge State Park

Lehigh Gorge State Park offers extensive trails for biking and hiking, making it suitable for a half to full-day outdoor adventure. Expect to spend little to no money for entry, with potential costs for rentals or parking fees depending on access point.

OutdoorsViewsSports
$0–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Trexler Nature Preserve

Outdoors

Trexler Nature Preserve

Trexler Nature Preserve offers hiking trails and wildlife viewing, making it a good choice for a free outdoor activity lasting a few hours, especially on a sunny weekend day.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Wildlands Conservancy’s South Mountain Preserve

Outdoors

Wildlands Conservancy’s South Mountain Preserve

This nature preserve is suitable for a 2-3 hour outdoor outing, offering trails and scenic views for free. It pairs well with a picnic or a visit to a local cafe afterward.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Blocker's Coffeehouse

Food & Drink

Blocker's Coffeehouse

Blocker's Coffeehouse is a good stop for a casual coffee break, suitable for an individual or a small group. Expect to spend under $15 per person for a beverage and light snack, with a visit lasting under an hour.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking
Westside Grill

Food & Drink

Westside Grill

Westside Grill is a suitable spot for a casual dinner outing or a family meal. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, with costs ranging from $30-$70 per person for a main course and drinks.

FoodRelaxedSocial
$30–$70 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking
Shades Of Death Trailhead

Outdoors

Shades Of Death Trailhead

This trailhead offers a free, scenic outdoor adventure, ideal for a multi-hour family or solo hike, particularly enjoyable during the morning or afternoon on a weekend. It pairs well with a picnic or exploration of nearby Jim Thorpe.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Lehigh Parkway

Outdoors

Lehigh Parkway

Lehigh Parkway is good for a free, leisurely walk or bike ride on scenic trails, typically lasting 1-2 hours. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a primary activity for an afternoon outdoors.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Bake Oven Knob

Outdoors

Bake Oven Knob

Bake Oven Knob is a hiking destination offering scenic views, suitable for a 2-4 hour outdoor adventure. It costs nothing beyond travel and can be paired with a picnic or a meal at a local eatery.

OutdoorsSportsHistory
$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
The Shelby

Food & Drink

The Shelby

The Shelby is suitable for a dinner outing, offering elevated American food and cocktails in an art-filled setting. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and $50-100 per person.

FoodCocktailsArts
$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

What Scout found

  • 60 of the 102 analyzed Allentown places fit family.
  • 55% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
  • 60% have easy parking.
  • Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Scenic, Adventurous, Playful, Quiet.

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