Location: Scranton
Top Things to do in Scranton
The 10 Best Things to Do in Scranton, United States
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. Steamtown National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 716 reviews
This small museum is all about steam engines and their contribution to America's economy in the 19th century.
Reviewed By ShannonDake - Sioux Falls, South Dakota
If you love trains, this is the place to go! It's history is very interesting, and you can get right up close to view trains of different times. AND, you can ride one to another town, and back, which I would highly suggest!
2. The Electric City Trolley Station and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By John L - Medina, Ohio
I have never known much about trolleys. When I lived in Pittsburgh, you could ride the trolleys in town and across the Mon in the south hills, so when I visited the museum I learned about the cars, their propulsion, and those little details that humanize cold steel and wood. One of most interesting features of the museum is a ride on a five-mile (ten miles total) trolley out to Scranton's AAA baseball field. It was quite a trip. There is an excellent bookstore and gift shop. I highly recommend this. In addition, it is next door to Steamtown so you can get all steamed up in the morning and then ride in an electric streetcar. What a deal!
3. Scranton Lake Walking Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By Elie6 - Galway, Ireland
This is my go-to for running while here. As of mid-may, still closed bc they are being precise about clearing the hanging limbs and branches (from the tornado damage) from the trees before they let anyone on.
If its open when you get here, it is worth it. Go near dusk, see many animals.
4. Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 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 Ryan B - Ne Ohio
We visited the National Museum of Industrial History in Bethlehem and a staff member recommended we visit here. The intro movie was great but the quality was poor, most likely do to being shown a lot. The museum is laid out very well. The silk display was very nice and history of using child labor. The stories about the immigration to the area to work the mines was informative. Staff was also friendly and knowledgeable.
5. Nay Aug Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 271 reviews
Reviewed By Bradley C - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The gem of Nay Aug Park is definitely the waterfall and gorge. They have developed it (for safety reasons) significantly over the last 10 years. When I first visited, there were only rough paths w/o barriers. Today, you will find well made paths with guardrails and lots of signage. It is definitely a small gem tucked on the edge of Scranton city limits.
6. Scranton Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 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.
Reviewed By Lynne A - Moscow, Pennsylvania
If you are in the area, this is a must visit building. The architecture and the ceilings are a joy to behold. The theatre needs some work, especially to the ceiling, but the way that the main stage opens into the ballroom behind makes it a fabulous venue. We have been here for shows and events and it always lives up the setting. The only criticism is the prices for drinks and food, at a recent youth theatre event we bought 2 plastic glasses of wine, one beer and a pretzel and the cost was $26 - very steep.
On most Saturdays there is a free guided tour of the building.
7. Montage Mountain
Overall Ratings
4 based on 187 reviews
Montage Mountain features 26 trails, 7 lifts, snow tubing, and airboarding. Summer fun starts at Montage Mountain Waterpark! Featuring a wave pool, a regulation size volleyball court, lazy river, and the area's only 50 mph ZipRider, Montage Mountain has something for everyone to enjoy! Rent a private cabana or relax on one of three decks, and check out the all new summer food and drink menu!
Reviewed By Irene N - Long Island, NY
Our group have visited this mountain for skiing the past few years. It's a hidden gem. Our group of kids between the ages 5+ through teenagers and include parents who are ski and snowboard enthusiasts. Everyone always have a great time.
Kevin from group sales is the best! He is always so patient and helpful with our group's multiple inquiries and requests. In fact, everyone we have encountered with between Group sales/Customer Service and the Ski School were very nice.
Their Ski School mountaineer program have great instructors for kids between 5-12. They take the time to explain each child's strengths are and what they need to work on to get to the next level. We have been to other ski camp programs and it cannot even compare to Montage's mountaineer program. We keep coming back for the Ski School and the friendly service.
8. Houdini Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 146 reviews
RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED! A museum 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 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.
Reviewed By Steve M
My wife and I had an exceptional experience. Both John Bravo and Dietrich are top notch illusionists/magicians. Their lengthy performance was perfect for all ages. They get the audience involved and make sure everyone is entertained. Plus they have lots of magic tricks for purchase. This is a must should you be near Scranton. Suggest to call for best times to arrive.
9. Everhart Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By Ryan B - Ne Ohio
Great for a rainy day. All the staff we encountered were wonderful. It was obvious they take pride in their museum. Two wings were closed for renovations; but still worth the visit. The bird collection was amazing, we thoroughly enjoyed it. The art work was pretty interesting. The rock collections was larger than most we've visited and had good explanations.
10. University of Scranton
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By GSRDPM - The Woodlands, Texas
We visited the University of Scranton with my daughter who is interested in their direct entry BS/MS Occupational Therapy program. Beautiful campus with great class sizes, beautiful facilities, friendly students and great meal options. We left very impressed and our daughter is strongly considering attending there! We enjoyed the admission session, campus tour and individual meetings with OT program staff.
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