20 Best & Fun Things To Do In Scranton, PA

Things To Do In Scranton, PA

 

Scranton, Pennsylvania, provides a range of experiences that combine nature, history, and distinctive attractions.

Take a walk in Nay Aug Park, explore famous locations like Steamtown National Historic Site, or stop by oddball locations like the Houdini Museum.

This travel guide guarantees that Scranton has something for everyone, making it a great destination for every traveler, regardless of their interests in history or outdoor activities.

 

1. Anthracite Heritage Museum

With an emphasis on anthracite coal, the Anthracite Heritage Museum chronicles Scranton’s extensive coal mining past.

The significance of coal mining in the area and the experiences of the immigrant laborers who drove the sector are highlighted in this museum.

Exhibits about the mining process, coal’s contribution to the development of industry, and the lives of miners and their families are all fascinating.

The Anthracite Heritage Museum is ideal for history buffs and provides an insightful view into a significant period of Pennsylvania’s history because of its strong ties to Scranton’s past.

Address: 22 Bald Mountain Rd, Scranton, PA 18504, United States

2. See the RailRiders Play

Sports lovers should not miss a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders game.

The RailRiders, the New York Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate, play at the 10,000-seat PNC Field in the neighboring city of Moosic, Pennsylvania.

There are many family-friendly activities at the ballpark, making game watching here an entertaining and reasonably priced way to enjoy America’s favorite pastime.

You may support aspiring Major League Baseball players, munch on traditional baseball fare, and even try your hand at catching a foul ball.

An exciting and entertaining way to spend a day close to Scranton is to play RailRiders.

Address: 235 Montage Mountain Rd, Moosic, PA 18507, United States

3. Lackawanna Historical Society Museum

The mission of the Lackawanna Historical Society Museum is to preserve and disseminate the county’s rich past.

This museum, which is housed in the stunning Catlin House, provides an insight into the history of the area, ranging from its military contributions to its coal mining days.

Through carefully conserved objects and displays, the museum also showcases regional architecture and home life.

The museum offers an interesting and instructive experience, regardless of your interest in history or general curiosity about the region’s past.

The Catlin House is a wonderful place for history buffs to visit since it provides a glimpse into the lives of George and Helen Catlin.

Address: 232 Monroe Ave, Scranton, PA 18510, United States

4. Steamtown National Historic Site

Anyone interested in trains and the history of transportation should visit Steamtown National Historic Site.

With rebuilt trains and educational displays that transport visitors back to the heyday of railroads, this location conserves the legacy of steam engines.

You can take a little trip on a steam-powered train and discover more about the crucial role trains played in transporting people and coal across the nation.

The Steamtown National Historic Site is a popular destination in Scranton for tourists of all ages because it provides an immersive, hands-on experience that is both entertaining and educational.

Address: 350 Cliff St, Scranton, PA 18503, United States

5. Old Forge Pizza

Old Forge, Pennsylvania, which is only a short drive from Scranton, is known as the “Pizza Capital of the World,” and with good cause.

Old Forge serves both red and white pizza and is well-known for its distinctive pizza style.

It is a popular because of its unique crispy-yet-soft crust and rich cheese combination.

The town’s pizzerias serve some of the best in town, and locals call pizzas “trays” and slices “cuts.”

A visit to Old Forge is essential if you enjoy pizza because it’s a famous local specialty.

You’ll soon see why it has such a devoted fan base.

6. Archbald Pothole State Park

Despite its tiny size, Archbald Pothole State Park is home to the largest glacial pothole in the world, a stunning geological phenomenon.

This enormous hole, which is 38 feet deep and 42 feet wide, was created during the Ice Age thousands of years ago.

This natural formation and its creation history will captivate both geology enthusiasts and casual tourists.

The park is an excellent place to halt briefly while traveling through the area and offers beautiful hiking options.

It’s a distinctive, off-the-beaten-path attraction that will definitely make an impact.

Address: 960 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, Archbald, PA 18403, United States

7. Lackawanna River Heritage Trail

For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail provides a picturesque getaway.

The Lackawanna River is followed by more than 70 kilometers of paths.

Walking, running, cycling, or just taking in the beauty of nature are all excellent activities on this network of trails.

You’ll go through quaint towns, forested landscapes, and serene riverbank vistas.

The route serves as a focal point for outdoor recreation in the area and hosts neighborhood gatherings including races and cleanliness campaigns.

Hiking the full route or just a little portion of it is a great opportunity to take in Scranton’s natural surroundings.

8. Pronto

One of the best places to eat in Scranton is Pronto.

Its authentic Italian fare is sure to make an impression.

Classics like shrimp pronto and rigatoni bolognese are served at Pronto, which is renowned for its beautifully cooked meals and use of fresh ingredients.

Both residents and tourists love the restaurant because of its welcoming ambiance and excellent service.

Pronto offers an unforgettable eating experience, regardless of your preference for pasta, seafood, or a well cooked steak.

Pronto ought to be at the top of your list if you’re searching for a unique dining experience in Scranton.

Address: 110 N Main Ave, Scranton, PA 18504, United States

9. Lahey Family Fun Park

For an exciting day out close to Scranton, Lahey Family Fun Park is the ideal location.

Go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats, and an arcade are just a few of the age-appropriate activities available at this amusement park.

Whether you’re trying your skills in the batting cages or racing on the go-kart track, families can have hours of fun.

Lahey Family Fun Park is the perfect spot to relax, enjoy yourself with your children, or perhaps relive your own youth.

Anyone looking for games, fun, and outdoor thrill will love this place.

Address: 500 Morgan Hwy, Clarks Summit, PA 18411, United States

10. Nay Aug Park

Nay Aug Park, Scranton’s largest park provides guests with a lovely natural retreat.

This large park offers beautiful hiking paths, a breathtaking waterfall, and swimming opportunities throughout the year.

While nature enthusiasts will enjoy the park’s peaceful walking trails and year-round natural splendor, families can enjoy the park’s enormous treehouse and summertime waterslides.

Nay Aug Park offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity or a leisurely day out with the kids.

It is among Scranton’s top free attractions because of its wide range of offers.

Address: 500 Arthur Ave, Scranton, PA 18510, United States

11. First Fridays

Don’t miss the city’s “First Friday” gallery walks if you’re in Scranton on the first Friday of the month.

By displaying artwork by regional artists in a variety of establishments, such as galleries, eateries, and retail stores, this monthly event transforms the downtown area into a thriving center for the arts.

You’ll experience a vibrant fusion of culture, inventiveness, and camaraderie as you walk the streets.

It’s also a great way to meet the artists and find original works of art.

For those interested in art and exploring Scranton’s cultural side, First Fridays are a must.

12. Electric City Trolley Museum

Explore the history of transportation in Scranton at the Electric City Trolley Museum.

With vintage trolley vehicles on exhibit, the museum honors the city’s early adoption of electric trolleys, which earned it the moniker “Electric City.”

To experience a part of Scranton’s history, visitors can tour a variety of exhibitions and even ride an ancient trolley.

The museum is ideal for families or anybody curious about how transportation shaped the city because it offers not just a historical education but also an enjoyable, interactive experience.

Address: 300 Cliff St, Scranton, PA 18503, United States

13. Everhart Museum

For more than a century, Scranton’s cultural hub has been the Everhart Museum.

This museum was established by Dr. Isaiah Fawkes Everhart and features a wide range of exhibits, from stunning rocks and minerals to great art and prehistoric fossils.

The educational programs offered by the museum are intended to pique the interest and amazement of visitors of all ages.

With its engaging activities and interactive exhibitions, the Everhart Museum is particularly family-friendly.

For those who wish to become fully immersed in history, art, and nature, this is the ideal location.

A day of inspiration and education is what a visit here promises.

Address: 1901 Mulberry St, Scranton, PA 18510, United States

14. Church Picnics

Even if you are not a member of a particular parish, you may still enjoy the city’s sense of community by attending one of Scranton’s local church picnics.

These gatherings include games and family-friendly activities in addition to traditional homemade cuisine that frequently highlights the parish’s cultural background.

They provide a great chance to meet locals and have a good time, and they are held in several communities around Scranton.

Church picnics are a great opportunity to take in Scranton’s charm, whether you’re searching for delicious cuisine, exciting entertainment, or a friendly setting.

15. Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to delve deeply into Scranton’s coal mining past is the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour.

Climb 300 feet into a protected ancient coal mine to see the life and labor of coal miners.

You may learn more about how coal mining influenced the city and the surrounding area by taking the guided trip into the tunnels.

For those with a mining lineage or history aficionados, it’s an enlightening and fascinating experience.

Scranton’s industrial background is fascinatingly examined on this tour, which vividly and captivatingly brings history to life.

Address: Bald Mountain Rd, Scranton, PA 18504, United States

16. Erie Lackawanna Dining Car Preservation Society

Visitors have the opportunity to journey back in time and experience the heyday of train travel thanks to the Erie Lackawanna Dining Car Preservation Society.

This group, which is close to Scranton, has painstakingly restored classic dining cars and provides excursions that let you to see these remarkably intact historical artifacts.

The group occasionally provides real dining experiences, so if you’re lucky, you might even get to eat in one of the restored cars.

This trip explores an often-overlooked aspect of transportation history, whether you’re a rail lover or just interested in the past.

Address: 201 S Blakely St, Dunmore, PA 18512, United States

17. Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den

Located in the center of Scranton’s downtown, the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den is a great place for animal enthusiasts to visit.

While the reptile house displays an amazing collection of amphibians and reptiles, the aquarium is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, octopi, and colorful fish.

In addition to seeing tortoises, lizards, and snakes, visitors can witness a live feeding demonstration.

Families with little children or anyone else who wants to learn more about these amazing animals should definitely visit.

Exhibits that combine reptiles and aquatics provide an entertaining and instructive experience.

Address: 300 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA 18503, United States

18. Rattlesnake Falls

For nature lovers, Rattlesnake Falls, tucked away in Pinchot State Forest, is a hidden treasure.

Only a quick 15-minute stroll away is this breathtaking waterfall, which provides guests with a tranquil haven amidst breathtaking scenery.

The hike is accessible to most people because to its relative ease, and the final reward makes the effort worthwhile.

Rattlesnake Falls is a great place to visit whether you’re searching for a romantic getaway or just a peaceful setting to get in touch with nature.

This scenic location is ideal for taking stunning shots, so bring your camera.

Address: Spring Brook Township, PA 18444, United States

19. Houdini Museum

A fascinating look into the life and legacy of the well-known magician and escape artist Harry Houdini can be found at the Houdini Museum in Scranton.

Memorabilia from Houdini’s most well-known illusions is among the many objects from his life that are on display at the museum.

A live magic show, exhibit tours, and a movie about Houdini’s career are all available to visitors.

This museum offers an immersive experience that emphasizes Houdini’s enduring impact on entertainment for those who enjoy magic and history.

It’s a distinctive feature that makes Scranton stand apart and provides family-friendly entertainment.

Address: 1433 N Main Ave, Scranton, PA 18508, United States