Location: Scranton
Top Things to do in Scranton
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Scranton That You Shouldn't Miss
Scranton, at the center of the Lackawanna River Valley and nestled between the Pocono and Endless Mountains, is surrounded by nature. Just ten miles from the city is Lackawanna State Park, where visitors are welcome to sail or ice skate across the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake. But there's no need to leave the city to enjoy the great outdoors. Nay Aug Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and includes a zoo, a museum, two Olympic sized swimming pools and a great gorge topped with a treehouse.
Restaurants in Scranton
1. Electric City Escape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By karenmV9253AP - Old Forge, United States
My husband and I, along with two of our friends, did the Escape the Coal Mine experience. It was AWESOME! The staff is very helpful in explaining how it works. I think four people for this room was perfect. You get two free clues and then remaining clues add onto your finishing time. Some of the clues were tricky and you definitely have to look everywhere around the room. I recommend completing things in order in the first room so you don't get mixed up. The lighting was a little dim so we did use the flashlight on our cell phones sometimes to read certain items. (Remember, you are in a coal mine.) The lights did flash on and off for a second to add to the effect. It is a great activity for team building and problem solving. We made it out with 2 minutes left. When you finish, they take your picture and share it with you electronically (no extra charge). I would DEFINITELY do another room! Tons of fun!!
2. Steamtown National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 866 reviews
This small museum is all about steam engines and their contribution to America's economy in the 19th century.
Reviewed By Mark---MXM - New York City, United States
Strongly recommend visiting Steamtown NHS; terrific indoor & outdoor exhibits; and pleasant/entertaining 30 minute trainride by a 1920s steam engine (for $5/person); great value — cost to visit museum & see trains — no charge. Nice 15 minute move too. Terrific 1/2 day event. Didn’t do the 3-hour or so excursion ... will try during next visit.
3. Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 650 reviews
The tour will take you 300 feet below the earth into the pitch blackness old-time miners, some as young as seven or eight, had to face. While you won’t have to deal with poisonous gases, you will feel the chill. The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour is open from April 1st through November 30th and is closed only on Thanksgiving Day.
4. Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
This museum documents the story and culture of the workers in the mines, mills, and factories of the Anthracite region of Pennsylvania, as well as the state and national impact of their labor.
Reviewed By RoyalWolves
My father's family emigrated to Scranton in the early 1900s and a number of family members, including my grandfather, great-grandfather and several great-uncles, worked in the mines there, so I wanted to see what their life was like. The Coal Mine Tour and Museum was an amazing step back in time and very educational. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and made the mining history of the area come to life. Now I have a whole new appreciation and respect for what my family members and so many other working men went through in their daily lives in the mines. The museum had a lot of interesting memorabilia, and the gift shop has a nice selection of books (I bought several) and souvenirs. Overall it was a great experience and fun trip. I highly recommend it.
5. The Electric City Trolley Station and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Reviewed By Dreamersdoit1 - The Villages, United States
I had an idea of the trolley systems but until I went to this museum, I did not understand the extent of the use of the trolley systems. There is a great movie to start your tour and then you are free to walk around and explore. There is even a children section that your kids will love. Only $5.00 per person if you are a Senior (age 62+). Bring the family. A great indoor activity.
6. University of Scranton
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By F2962FIsusanm
This school and this city are representative of some of the best things about America. Definitely worth the time to check out the campus.
7. Scranton Lake Walking Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By Georgeschirra - Scranton, United States
Lake Scranton is a beautiful location to visit. The patch is very clean, patrolled by security and miles long. The lake is surrounded by woodland which makes it great to witness all sorts of critters. Unfortunately dogs, bikes, rollerblades and anything motorized is not allowed on the premises. There is also a large lookout point which is very scenic! I featured this lake in a vlog on my YouTube channel
8. Scranton Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Performing Arts Center and Event Venue. Weddings, Showers, Parties, Fundraisers, Brunches, Lunches and Dinners. Meetings and Conference Rooms and Spaces. National Broadway, Concert and Comedy Tours, Theatre, Classical, Dance, Ballet. Food, Wine and Beer Events. Historic Landmark Tours. Children's and Youth Performances, Day and Summer Camps, School Trips. Educational Opportunities.
9. Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail (LRHT) is part of a seventy mile multi-purpose trail system that follows the Lackawanna River. The LRHT begins at the confluence of the Lackawanna & Susquehanna Rivers in Pittston and continues north where it connects with the Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail.
Reviewed By SunNStars - Keyport, United States
What a beautiful trail for bike riding. First and foremost, April from the visitors center was instrumental in helping me plan my rides. First, by sending me the tour book when I had trouble printing it at home before my trip and second, when I was in PA and needed more guidance I called her and she was so pleasant, patient and helpful to me. Truly a dedicated ambassador for this trail. We did 2 rides in 2 days and both were magnificent. The trails are very well maintained and peppered with artwork along the way. Numerous benches and places to stop for a picnic and to take in the fall foliage. Beautiful scenery along theses trails. Highly recommend for biking and/or walking.
10. Houdini Museum, Tour & Magic Show WEEKENDS
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 166 reviews
RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED! SOME DAYS SOLD OUT! Houdini.org - Dedicated to Houdini, the famous magician. Includes a film, a guided tour of the exhibit and a 1 hour stage magic show with nationally known magicians,with doves, ducks, a rabbit and a poodle. Lots of comedy and audience participation. Our magicians have appeared on HBO, Mysteries At The Museum, and other network specials. We often sell out and advance phone reservations are discounted. Arrive between 1 PM and 2:15 and see the entire event. Earlier tours are a bit longer. Everyday July-Labor day. Rest of the year weekends, except for groups. Check our web site for up to date info & special showings.
Reviewed By Balkin25 - Seabrook, United States
I have always been fascinated by magic. When I was younger I even dabbled in performing magic for my family. Doing research for a weekend trip I came across the Houdini Museum in Scranton Pennsylvania and I just had to schedule a visit. To call this just a museum is not the best description. It is an experience. Your entrance fee gets a presentation that lasts about an hour full of information about Houdini’s life. Following the presentation, you get a tour of the museum. In the first section, there are pictures and movie posters. A tour guide give history of some of the pictures and posters as well as more detailed stories about Houdini’s life. The next room is full of props and other memorabilia from Houdini’s life. After the tour of the museum you are back in the stage room where you are entertained with a live magic show that lasts a hour. The full tour lasts about 3 hours. I found the whole experience to be a lot of fun and full of information. The tour only has one showing a day and there is very limited seating so I suggest getting your tickets in advance to ensure you being able to go when you want. For anyone who is a fan of Harry Houdini or just a fan of magic in general I highly recommend seeing the Houdini Museum in Scranton Pennsylvania, it is well worth the visit.
