Experience · Allentown
Family Zoo Adventure & Indoor Play
Kick off a fun family afternoon exploring the diverse animal exhibits at Lehigh Valley Zoo, from kangaroos to penguins. Afterwards, grab a casual, kid-friendly meal and then let the kids burn off any remaining energy at a lively indoor play space, ensuring everyone leaves happy and tired.
A 4.5-hour West End Theatre District afternoon plan for families — Lehigh Valley Zoo, The Shanty on 19th, Star Park Indoor Playground and Bounce Park - Allentown.
- Duration
- 4h 30m
- Cost
- $60–$100
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Area
- West End Theatre District
- Walking
- Light walking · Total 11-mile driving route
- Best time
- 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Families · Kids · Adults · Solo
The plan
The plan
- 1Lehigh Valley Zoo(2 hr 30 min)→
- 2The Shanty on 19th(1 hr)→
- 3Star Park Indoor Playground and Bounce Park - Allentown(1 hr)
Why this plan works
Every stop sits in West End Theatre District, so the whole plan happens inside one neighborhood. Lehigh Valley Zoo is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Star Park Indoor Playground and Bounce Park - Allentown — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families, families with kids, adults, and solo who want a planned Allentown outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Kick off a fun family afternoon exploring the diverse animal exhibits at Lehigh Valley Zoo, from kangaroos to penguins. Afterwards, grab a casual, kid-friendly meal and then let the kids burn off any remaining energy at a lively indoor play space, ensuring everyone leaves happy and tired.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 12h 30mLehigh Valley Zoo
Family
Zoo offers kangaroos, cockatoos, bobcats, bison, pony rides, a penguin pavilion & a camp for kids.
What to do — Spend a few hours wandering through the zoo, visiting your favorite animals and discovering new ones. Check for feeding times or special programs upon arrival.
Scout Side QuestFind the animal that looks the most like it just woke up from a three-hour nap.
7.6 mi · 20 min drive
Then Drive approximately 15-20 minutes towards Allentown for lunch.
21 hrThe Shanty on 19thFood & Drink · West End Theatre District
Warm, easygoing stop offering American cuisine such as burgers plus happy hours & Sunday brunch.
What to do — Settle in for a casual lunch after your zoo visit. Their menu offers options that will appeal to both kids and adults.
3.4 mi · 10 min drive
Then A short 5-minute drive will take you to the indoor playground for the final stop.
3Optional 1 hrStar Park Indoor Playground and Bounce Park - AllentownFamily
What to do — If the kids still have energy, let them play freely on the bouncy castles and play equipment. It’s a great way to ensure they're tired out for the drive home.
Scout Side QuestDo your best dramatic slow-motion bounce walk across the next open section.
Scout Stories
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The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good Allentown itinerary for families?
- Yes. It's built for families, families with kids, adults, and solo and runs about 4 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at Lehigh Valley Zoo.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 4 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this Allentown itinerary cost?
- Roughly $60–$100 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Not entirely. The stops cover about 11 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.
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