Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Allentown, PA

  • Published 2022/12/03

Situated in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Allentown is a beautiful city with a lot to offer.

No matter your interests, this city has an array of attractions that will surely please everyone in the family, from sports fans to history buffs and kids!

There are captivating galleries and monuments you must not miss in this beautiful city.

Allentown will surprise you, from its streets to parks to natural landscapes on every corner.

Plan your perfect vacation and try these free things to do in Allentown, Pennsylvania!

Cross the Bogert Covered Bridge

Exterior of Bogert Covered Bridge

Bob Pool / Shutterstock.com

Bridging the Lehigh River, Bogert Covered Bridge is a beautiful spot for a walk any time of year.

The 145-foot-long bridge built in 1841 is still the oldest in Allentown, towering over the Little Lehigh River.

In the spring, you can spot migrating birds in the trees along the riverbank.

Summer brings blooming flowers and a chorus of frogs in the evening.

Side view of Bogert Covered Bridge

Bob Pool / Shutterstock.com

Fall brings gorgeous foliage, and the river is often covered in thick ice in winter.

The bridge is a sight to behold, with its intricate woodwork that still stands now.

Add the Bogert Covered Bridge to your Allentown itinerary to explore and appreciate the local scenery.

Interior of Bogert Covered Bridge

Smallbones, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Go on a Romantic Date at Malcolm Gross Rose Garden

Roses are the symbol of love for a reason, and this place in Allentown will help you express your love to your loved ones.

A unique and romantic gesture to give your lover is to invite them on a date to the Malcolm Gross Rose Garden.

Have a lovely time as you wander stunning displays of roses, weeping willow trees, and other flower varieties.

Otherwise, take pictures of your significant other as you take a look and enjoy the beautiful roses around this park.

The fragrance from the flowers here will add to the romantic ambiance of your date as you look into each other’s eyes.

You can also set up a picnic blanket for your intimate dinner date.

The Malcolm Gross Rose Garden is most lovely during the summer when all the flowers bloom, and it’s one of the best places to bring your loved ones.

Dive into the World of Arts at Allentown Art Museum

Exterior of the Allentown Art Museum

Alphageekpa at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Allentown Art Museum is an art lover’s paradise in the heart of Allentown.

This museum houses a significant collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works from different artists.

It has impressive permanent collections with meaningful works from local and international artists.

Each piece here will drive you to imagine, ponder, and feel what the artist is thinking, immersing you in the world of the arts.

Rotating exhibitions at the museum will inspire minds and create a welcoming environment for exploring and exchanging different cultures’ points of view.

The artworks in the museum also spur essential conversations that could lead to positive societal change.

Allentown Art Museum has pieces that will charm even the most critical of art collectors.

Gaze at the Starry Skies with Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomical Society

Gazing up at the stars on a clear night is an experience like no other.

They look so close that you feel you could reach out and touch them, but this place in Allentown will help you and your eyes reach these stars.

The Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomical Society (LVAAS) has provided stargazers a place to gather and gaze at the stars since 1957.

The LVAAS South Mountain Observatory, located in Allentown, is one of the largest public observatories in the state.

The observatory hosts events throughout the year, including stargazing, astronomy presentations, and star parties for children.

Gazing at the stars in Allentown’s skies in the Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomical Society South Mountain Observatory will make visiting worth it.

The LVAAS South Mountain Observatory is the perfect place to explore the universe, regardless of your experience level and knowledge in astronomy.

Walk the Trails with Scenic Views at Trexler Memorial Park

A marker at Trexler Memorial Park

Eric T Gunther, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Trexler Memorial Park is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Allentown.

The park offers scenic views of the Lehigh Valley and is home to various trailheads that lead to different areas of the park.

The park is also home to a meandering river that offers a peaceful and serene setting for visitors to enjoy.

Log cabin at Trexler Memorial Park

Biz Pic Baby / Shutterstock.com

The river is lined with trees and shrubs, and there are a variety of benches along the trails that offer views of the river.

The park also features a playground, picnic areas, and a pavilion.

Trexler Memorial Park is an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors, and it’s a great place to take a stroll, run, relax or take in the scenery.

See the Lehigh County Soldiers and Sailors Monument

The Lehigh County Soldiers and Sailors Monument is on 7th Street.

The 99-foot tall statue, made of copper and Vermont granite adorned with bronze castings, resides in the center of Allentown.

It is topped with a statue of the Goddess of Liberty.

The monument, built in 1899, demonstrates that even if a nation is severely divided, its citizens can still reunite.

They must remember their commonalities and the values upon which their government was founded.

Its “One Flag, One Country” column represents the unity between a Union and Confederate soldier.

The monument was initially built to commemorate the 47th Pennsylvania Volunteers and other Americans who served during the Civil War.

Today, you can see the monument in the middle of Allentown.

Take a picture with Lehigh County Soldiers and Sailors Monument and relive the bravery of the soldiers who fought for the country.

Get a Glimpse of Old Technology at Haines Mill Museum

Exterior of the Haines Mill Museum

Shuvaev, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Haines Mill Museum is a great place to catch a glimpse of how technology has changed over the years.

From the millstones used to grind grain to the looms used to weave fabric, the museum looks at how our ancestors lived and worked.

If you visit the site, you can see a water turbine and rolling equipment still powered by water from the mill race.

This gives visitors a sense of how the commercial venture thrived in its day.

The museum is on Walnut Street and is open from April through October.

Admission is free for all visitors, and tours are available upon request.

The museum also hosts various special events throughout the year, making it an excellent destination for families and history buffs.

Visit Haines Mill Museum the next time you’re in town. You won’t regret it!

Spend Fantastic Play Time with Your Kids at Fountain Park

When you’re looking for something fun with your kids, why not head to Fountain Park?

It’s the perfect place to let your little ones run around and burn off some energy.

Fountain Park has a large playground with plenty of swings, slides, and other equipment to keep your kids entertained.

There are also basketball courts and soccer, baseball, and softball fields in the park where you can play sports with your kids.

You can also have a picnic in the grassland area of this park!

Fountain Park is the perfect destination for a day of family fun.

Head on over and have a blast at Fountain Park!

Stretch Your Muscles at Cedar Creek Park

Daytime view of Cedar Creek Park

Atwngirl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Are you looking to stretch your muscles in Allentown?

Cedar Creek Park is the perfect spot!

The park features 2.3 miles of unique trails perfect for a stroll or a more vigorous hike.

You can also play in the four basketball and two volleyball courts to stay on the move.

You can even take your kids here and get them to the Destination Playground in this park which measures 1,900 square feet.

Footbridge trail at Cedar Creek Park

Atwngirl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Since the park is along Cedar Creek, there are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenic views.

The park is dog-friendly, so get your pets out for fun!

If you want a place to get some fresh air and exercise, check out Cedar Creek Park.

Your muscles will thank you!

The waters of Cedar Creek Park

Atwngirl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Let Your Kids Play with Fish at Li’l-Le-Hi Trout Nursery

Are you looking for a fun and educational activity for your kids?

Bring them to Li’l-Le-Hi Trout Nursery!

The Little Lehigh Creek has a trout nursery on its banks which has opened since 1883, making it one of the oldest operating nurseries in the country.

The Li’l-Le-Hi Trout Nursery takes care of thousands of fish on display for guests to enjoy.

These include fingerling trout up to prize trout.

Your kids will have a blast learning about fish and helping care for the hundreds of trout that call the nursery home.

Who knows? They might even discover a new passion for fishing!

So come down and let the fish show your kids a good time!

See the Amazing Design of the Historical Trout Hall

Exterior of the Historical Trout Hall

Rcamuse, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Located in historic downtown Allentown, Trout Hall is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture.

James Allen, son of Loyalist William Allen, built this first significant building in Allentown.

Trout Hall served as a fishing and hunting lodge, though it wasn’t your average rustic cabin in Pennsylvania’s north woods.

The building reflects the Georgian style of architecture with its symmetrical facade and rectangular shape.

The house is two-and-a-half stories tall, made of stone, and four windows wide.

Three attic dormers on the front and back of the roof let in light.

A visit to Trout Hall will surely be a memorable experience for anyone who appreciates beautiful architecture.

Expand Your Knowledge at Allentown Public Library

Entrance doors of Allentown Public Library

Atwngirl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Allentown Public Library is a great place to learn more about the things around you.

With a wide variety of books, magazines, and other materials, the library has something for everyone.

If you’re interested in history, you can find books on local history, and there are also books about world history.

If you’re interested in science, the library has a wide selection of books on physics, chemistry, biology, and other sciences.

Likewise, if you’re looking for something to read for fun, the library has a great selection of novels, short stories, and non-fiction books.

This library has a tremendous selection of books and offers various programs and events.

Allentown Public Library is a great place to learn more about the world around you.

You can drop by and find an excellent book to read.

Become Part of the Artwork at Arts Park

Arts Park is a beautiful place to visit and experience art.

Different kinds of artwork are displayed, ranging from sculptures to paintings to installations.

One of the unique things about the Arts Park is that it offers visitors the opportunity to become part of the art.

Several interactive pieces are scattered throughout the park, and visitors are encouraged to touch them, play around, and explore.

There are also performances and workshops to let visitors get involved with the creative process.

The Arts Park is perfect for anyone who loves or wants to learn more about art.

With so many interactive elements, you’ll get immersed in a new appreciation for the arts.

Relax by the Creek at Bucky Boyle Park

Lehigh Creek at Bucky Boyle Park

Tim Kiser (w:User:Malepheasant), CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Come to Bucky Boyle Park in Allentown and relax to the sounds of Lehigh Creek running through the park.

The creek is surrounded by trees and grassy areas, making it the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the peaceful sound of water running over rocks.

This park, located alongside Little Lehigh Creek, will help you soothe your daily worries.

Visitors can also take advantage of the picnic tables and grills in the park or go for a walk in this park.

The park is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, and the running water of Little Lehigh Creek is sure to provide a calming influence.

Visit and enjoy the peacefulness that Bucky Boyle Park has to offer!

Other Free Things to Do Nearby

See Your Guitars Made at Martin & Co.

There is no guitar shop like Martin & Co.!

Not only do you have the opportunity to purchase a hand-crafted guitar, but you can also see how each one is made.

As you enter the store, you will hear the sound of music and smell the scent of wood.

The walls are lined with guitars of all shapes and sizes, and the staff is always happy to help you find the perfect one for your needs.

You can also tour this place to fully understand Martin’s commitment to providing the best quality guitars.

Likewise, you can visit the museum and see a collection of historical instruments, memorabilia, photographs, and other objects that paint the picture of Martin’s story.

They take great pride in their work, which shows in their guitars’ quality.

Stop by Martin & Co. in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, 26 minutes from Allentown.

Final Thoughts

Allentown has many fantastic attractions that can provide fun and entertainment for everyone.

There’s always something to do in this attractive city.

You won’t get bored on vacation as you try these free things to do in Allentown, Pennsylvania!

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