by 1. Scuba Diving at Dutch Springs
Do not let living in a landlocked state stop you from having an underwater adventure. At Dutch Springs in Bethlehem you can scuba dive in their 50-acre lake to depths of 100 feet amongst koi, gills, perch and other fish. An underground filter provides maximum visibility and night diving is available for as little as 5 bucks on Saturdays.
Hanoverville Road, Bethlehem PA / www.dutchsprings.com
2. Lehigh Valley Zoo
LV zoo is a non-profit organization supported by its members. With nearly 8o different types of animals, from kangaroos to zebras, penguins to hissing cockroaches, an adult ticket costs just 12 bucks and goes back to support the animals. The zoo itself is situated on the side of a mountain and offers some beautiful views of the Lehigh Valley.
510 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville PA, 77057 / www.lvzoo.org
3. The Sigal Museum
Recently opened in 2010, this museum in Easton is a hub of regional history, with pre-colonial artefacts dating back to the 1700’s. The collection spans from Native American tools, war memorabilia and European settler furniture. If you’re into history, it’s definitely worth a visit. Here you can take a self-guided tour for just 7 bucks.
342 Northampton Street, Easton PA, 18042 / www.sigalmuseum.org
4. Lost River Caverns
Discovered in 1883, the parking lot of Lost River Caverns was once occupied by an active limestone quarry. Found by quarry workers, the underground Caverns were once used as a ballroom by locals. Today, you can explore the 1200 feet of walkways through crystal formations long the Lost River. Predicted to be over 250,000 years old, the chambers were formed by rain water rotting away the minerals and rock. Entry is just 12 bucks, and entry to a nature trail on site is free.
726 Durham Street, Hellertown PA, 18055 / www.lostcave.com
5. Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays
It is a little pricey for this list, but totally worth the extra cash. Based on a 125-acre abandoned quarry, you can shoot clay targets that come through the holes of decaying quarry buildings. There is a wooded and water area for more advanced shooters. There is also a helipad, just in case you chose to fly in. They are open year round and require a lesson if you have never shot clay before. After that, a round of 100 is 41 bucks.
2750 Limestone Street, Coplay PA, 18037 / www.lvsclays.com
6. Lehigh Valley Grand Prix
If you need a quick adrenaline rush, head to the indoor race course where vehicles reach up to 45mph on a ¼ mile track. One adult race is under 20 bucks. The course suits both beginners and experienced drivers, and is far safer than trying to race your buddy on the 22.
649 S 10th St, Allentown, PA 18103 / www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com
7. Hoops and Hops at Allentown Brewworks
Hoop dancing is fast becoming the latest workout trend, and every Monday the Brew Works in Allentown offers a 45 minute hula-hooping fitness class for just 10 bucks. They will even provide you with the hoop.
812 Hamilton St, Allentown, PA 18101 / www.thebrewworks.com/allentown-brewworks
8. Asa Packer Mansion
Take a look at how the other half live at the Asa Packer Mansion in Jim Thorpe. The historic building was built in 1861 and boasts original interior design from when it was first built. Packer, born in 1805, walked from Connecticut to Pennsylvania where he invested in the railroad industry and later founded Lehigh University. 2011 marked the 150th anniversary of the Mansion’s construction. A 60 minute tour is 8 bucks.
Packer Hill Rd, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 / www.asapackermansion.com
9. Shankweiler’s Drive-In Movie Theater
With the bitter winter gone, what better way to kick start summer than a drive-in movie? Shankweiler’s is America’s oldest drive-in theater. Established in 1934, 2014 marks Shankweiler’s 81st season. Some of this year’s titles include Transcendence, Spider-Man 2 and Godzilla. An adult ticket is just 9 bucks.
4540 Shankweiler Rd, Orefield, PA 18069 / www.shankweilers.com
10. North Summit Climbing Gym
The wide range of climbing facilities at North Summit offers something for first-timers and veterans. From top-rope, to lead climbing and bouldering all in an air-conditioned 6500 square foot location. New routes are added weekly. A day pass is 15 bucks, and they offer a 10 dollar pass for students every Wednesday.
481 Bushkill Plaza Ln. Wind Gap, PA 18091 / www.northsummitclimbing.com
