29 Top Fun Things to Do in Scranton (PA)

Scranton is an exceptionally beautiful city in Northeast Pennsylvania, Lackawanna County, United States.

This city is known as one of the largest in the State and the most populated in the northeast, with a population of over seventy thousand.

Scranton offers a unique diversity of attractions; there is something from every sector, assuring you an amazing experience.

During your visit to Scranton, do well to stop by the Everhart Museum, Lackawanna County Coal Mine, Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, Catlin House, and other attractions in this guide.

Are you planning an exploration of Scranton? Here are the top things to do in Scranton, PA.

Things to Do in Scranton, PA

1. Scranton Cultural Center

A place that offers you an amazing experience is the Scranton Cultural Center, and it ought to be added to your list of fun things to do in Scranton, PA.

Scranton Cultural Center is presently one of the most extraordinary centers for culture, performing arts, and entertainment, although initially used as a Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite Cathedral.

The center is a 180, 000 Square foot facility with an outstanding architectural feature, which is one of the main highlights of the facility.

Scranton Cultural Center contains a grand ballroom, two theaters, many rooms for meetings, and several multi-use rooms.

The cultural center offers public tours, which are open to those who would like to discover more facts about the key elements of the building, with many tours guides available thrown more lights and answer questions.

Scranton Cultural Center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it was designed by Godley & Fouilhoux, Raymond Hood, and Harry V. K. Henderson.

Address: 420 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18503; United States,

2. Everhart Museum

The Everhart Museum was donated to the city of Scranton in 1907 by Dr. Isaiah Fawkes Everhart, a famous Scranton physician after whom the museum was named after.

The Museum houses an extensive collection of science, history, and art exhibits. Everhart Museum offers numerous hands-on activities available for students, including educational classes for adults and summer camping.

The Everhart Museum holds a farm-to-table event every year that involves the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

This museum first started as an outlet for showcasing an array of native birds and wildlife samples; as it grew, its collection also grew.

The Everhart Museum is open all the days of the week from February to December except on Wednesdays, and it is usually shut down in January for thorough maintenance.

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

3. Artworks Gallery & Studio

For art lovers, here is something for you; add a visit to Artworks Gallery & Studio to your checklist of things to do in Scranton, PA.

Artworks Gallery & Studio is dedicated to providing a space to inspire the creative spirits of emerging and experienced artists with disabilities.

The art gallery consists of a multi-use room with a superb atmosphere conducive to artists with high hopes and dreams of improving their craft.

Artworks Gallery & Studio is a venue for one of the popular events held on a First Friday involving other local galleries and businesses.

The gallery is open on Monday from 8:30am-5pm, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday from 8am-5pm, Wednesday from 8am-7pm, and Sunday from 12pm-4pm.

Address: 236 Penn Ave, Scranton, PA 18503, United States

4. Electric City Trolley Museum

Are you ready for a wonderful adventure? Add a visit to Electric City Trolley Museum to your list of places to visit in Scranton, PA.

Electric City Trolley Museum was built to collect and preserve the rail line history in Scranton.

The city of Scranton was proclaimed the “Electric City” in the late 1880s, and it was the first ever in Pennsylvania State due to its passenger trolley line.

Electric City Trolley Museum features exhibits which include a refurbished trolley car, model trolleys & railways, railway lights, headlights, train materials, and more.

There is an interactive trolley exhibition for children to explore, plus a trolley car which takes visitors on a ride through different historical sites.

Address: 300 Cliff Street, Scranton, PA 18503, University States

5. Houdini Museum

Are you a fan of Harry Houdini? If yes, visiting Houdini Museum is one of the top things to do in Scranton, a place that genuinely appreciates his life and talent, PA.

Houdini Museum was established in honor of Harry Houdini, one of the world’s most popular and distinguished magicians.

The Museum showcases several artifacts, pictures, and posters focusing on the life of Houdini and his career.

Houdini Museum offers tours of the facility to visitors as well as a live magic show performed by world-famous Dick Brooks and Dorothy Dietrich.

The Museum offers you an exceptional experience that lasts about 2½ hours to a maximum of 3 hours. Although reservations are highly advised since the slots available are limited for each show.

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

6. Waffle House

Dining at Waffle House is one of the top things to do in Scranton, PA for foodies; this is a popular food spot which has been serving the public since 1955.

Waffle House is well known for preparing and serving the best waffles with several other varieties of meals that will surely tickle your taste buds.

Like the popular saying, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” but while eating, it is also important to eat healthy.

Waffle House serves the best Hash Brown and Sausage Bowl, scrambled eggs, Sausage Egg and Grits, Bacon Cheeseburger w Jalapeno Hash Brown, Ham and Cheese Omelette, Chicken Sandwich Deluxe Plate, Sausage Egg & Cheese Hashbrown Bowl, and more.

You can request a coffee, hot tea, lemonade, orange juice, ice cold milk, and many others to go with your delicious meal.

Address: 708 Davis St, Scranton, PA 18505, United States

7. Montage Mountain

You want to get outside and have fun? Visit Montage Mountain.

Montage Mountain is one popular location among many families that allows them to engage in various outdoor activities.

The mountain is excellent for activities like snow tubing, skiing, and snowboarding during the winter season.

Montage Mountain offers lively skiing tutorials to visitors and residents, irrespective of age. There is a gigantic water park featuring a large wave pool, slides, poolside cabanas, and many more available during the summer months as a perfect way to cool off and relax.

There is a concession stand where you can enjoy a light meal, or you can also visit the Slocum Hollow Bar & Restaurant for a more condensed and comfortable meal.

Address: 100 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton, PA 18507, United States

8. The Gardens

That moment when you feel stressed and worn out, visiting the Gardens is one of the best things to do in Scranton, PA.

The Gardens is a fantastic nursing & rehabilitation facility comprising one hundred and thirty-nine beds offering different unique services.

This center offers a wide variety of services, including short-term rehabilitation such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

The Gardens has been offering both short-term and long-term care services since 2014, featuring several important amenities.

Their staff is experienced and committed to offering services with great concentration on individual wellness.

The Gardens offers every client free access to weekly laundry services, special restaurant meals, housekeeping, and all-day-long personal care services.

Address: 2751 Boulevard Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509 United States

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9. Electric City Escape

Electric City Escape guarantees a unique experience with your family and friends through the fun games available.

Each room has a special theme which requires an entirely different style and procedure for breaking the codes and winning the games. 

Electric City Escape offers players 60 minutes to crack codes, solve riddles, and find hints to help you unlock the room and escape in time.

The rooms are not like your usual escape rooms; Electric City Escape rooms are more sophisticated and extensively designed to offer more thrill and excitement.

Electric City Escape is an awesome place for several events like team building events, corporate meetings, date nights, family reunions, and more.

Address: 507 Linden St, Scranton, PA 18503, United States

10. Scranton Iron Furnaces

Scranton Iron Furnaces is a remnant of the iron industry in the country, dating back to the country’s early days.

This historic landmark comprised of four blast furnaces made of behemoth stone, and it once partnered with the Lackawanna Iron and Steel company.

Scranton Iron Furnaces is open to tours where visitors get to learn more about the roles it played in the advancement of the United States iron industry.

You can also opt for a self-guided tour available throughout the year. Historic Trolley rides are also available from April to October.

Address: 159 Cedar Avenue, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18505; United States

11. Nay Aug Park

 Nay Aug Park is a park widely recognized as the largest park in the Scranton, which brings you close and personal with nature.

The park contains several well-paved trails, ideal for peaceful walks around the park, taking you through breathtaking waterfalls, streams, and rocky gorges.

Nay Aug Park features two playgrounds explicitly erected for children to have fun, run around, and make new friends.

There are two Olympic-sized pools featuring many water slides where you can relax and chill during the hot days.

Nay Aug Park also consists of a massive treehouse that soars high into the air with 150 feet for children.

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

12. Electric City Axe Throwing

Have you ever tried Axe throwing? A visit to Electric City Axe Throwing is a perfect addition to your list of fun things to do in Scranton, PA.

Electric City Axe Throwing is a family-friendly center that offers family and friends an amazing experience when they challenge one another.

You don’t have to worry about not having any preliminary skills on how to throw axes; videos are available to show you all you need to do and professional coaches to guide you.

Electric City Axe Throwing is the first and the only center in Scranton offering axe throwing games with top-notch targets, projected game axe throwing, and more.

This center is perfect for several kinds of tournaments, private parties(birthday parties, fundraisers, bachelorette parties, corporate gatherings), leagues, and more.

Address; 1141 Capouse Ave, Scranton, PA 18509, United States

13. Lake Scranton Walking Path

Lake Scranton Walking Path is a 3.5-mile-long trail in the city of Scranton, excellent for jogging and walking.

The trail runs around a sixteen thousand-acre reservoir known as Lake Scranton, which was constructed to supply water to the city.

Lake Scranton Walking Path is open to pedestrians, but vehicles and bicycles are highly prohibited as well as pets.

The beauty of the lake offers picturesque views of the trail; this is a lovely place to while away time and reflects on your thoughts.

Address: Route 307, Scranton, PA 18505 United States

14. Amendolaro Gift Boutique

Amendolaro Gift Boutique is a beautiful store dedicated to providing the public with special gift items suitable for different events.

There is a large and impressive selection of clothes, accessories, jewelry, and watches, all in different colors, designs, and patterns.

Amendolaro Gift Boutique offers elegant items from brands like Casio, Alex & Ani, Katie Loxton, Brighton, and lots more.

The staff is always available to ask your questions and offer suggestions, in case you’re finding it difficult to choose for any occasion.

Address: 412 Spruce St, Scranton, PA 18503 United States

15. Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum

If you’re interested in the history of Pennsylvania? To your list of things to do in Scranton, PA add a visit to Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum.

Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum tells the visitors about the history of immigrants, emphasizing on their tradition, work and lifestyle.

Pennsylvania became home to numerous immigrants far back in the 1800s who decided to integrate into the society and start a new life.

Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum showcases exhibits such as a duplicate of a saloon, a replication of a coal miner’s home, photographs, and more.

The Museum also displays a large stone edifice once used by the Lackawanna Iron & steel company for iron smelting.

Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum is open from Wednesdays to Sundays; make sure you visit the museum and learn about the European immigrants.

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

16. Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den

Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den is a 20, 000 square foot facility that offers you an opportunity to explore both land and over animals.

This conservation and educational center educates visitors about the significance of animal creatures in the world and how we can protect them.

Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den offer interactive displays and exhibitions that allow guests to get clearer views of eels, sharks, fish, octopuses, and other species.

Visitors get to learn more about animals that lay eggs, including animals like crocodiles, snakes, lizards, tortoises, and more.

Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den offer visitors an educational and interactive tour, around camouflaging octopuses, majestic stingrays, and more.

The knowledgeable tour guides also educate the public on all they need to know about different species and their favorite spots in the ecosystem.

Address: 300 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18503 United States

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17. McDade Park

Are you an outdoor enthusiast? If yes, Visiting McDade Park is one of the top things to do in Scranton, PA, especially with your travel companion.

McDade Park was founded in the 1970s and has become a general location for several indoor and outdoor activities in the city.

The park features multi-use fields and a large playground with lots of eye-catching play equipment open to everyone.

McDade Park contains a bathhouse and an Olympic-sized swimming pool, perfect during the hot summer months.

The park is also rich in history, home to the Anthracite Heritage Museum, the Cancer Memorial Garden and Arboretum, and the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour.

McDade Park features almost two miles of trails, excellent for hiking and cross-country running. The park also offers equipment for rentals and opportunities for visitors to have fun.

Address: 1 Bald Mountain Road, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18504; United States

18. Steamtown National Historic Site

 For the curious and open-minded people, visiting Steamtown National Historic Site is one of the best things to do in Scranton, PA.

Steamtown National Historic Site was founded to preserve and promote the essential history of steam locomotives.

Once in the history of Pennsylvania, locomotives used to be a crucial means of transportation for passengers and coal.

Steamtown National Historic Site displays a wide array of memorabilia dating back to the early days of the railroad, a well-refurbished steam locomotive, photographs, and more.

The Museum features a roundhouse specifically for technicians where repairs and maintenance of the trains are done.

Steamtown National Historic Site features a theatre where short films about the railroad history are shown for visitors to enjoy.

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

19. Reaper’s Revenge

Are you a fan of creepy and scary stories? Visiting one of the scariest locations is one of the best things to do in Scranton, PA.

Reaper’s Revenge features up to five different creepy facilities open for visitors to explore and get the desired thrills.

One of the five is the Haunted Hayride which offers you a hay wagon to go through an obscured track of sixty-six acres surrounded by numerous scary creatures.

Lost Carnival, Pitch Black, Sector 13, and Delirium are the other four attractions ideal for those with strong minds; get ready to have fun.

Address: 460 Green Grove Road, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18447; United States

20. Lackawanna County Coal Mine

Lackawanna County Coal Mine offers visitors a memorable experience in Scranton through the various tours available.

The Coal Mine played an important role in Pennsylvania’s economy for several years; it is now open to those who would like to tour the property.

Lackawanna County Coal Mine offers visitors an opportunity to look closely at what underground mining is all about.

The tour guides are well experienced and knowledgeable enlightening the visitors about the coal mining history.

You also get to see 300 feet underground, the levels miners get to before you walk by three veins of the coal and learn more about the equipment used and mining methods.

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

21. Lackawanna River Heritage Trail

A visit to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is an excellent addition to your list of fun things to do in Scranton, PA.

Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is a stunning trail that spans for over seventy miles cutting across urban and rural areas.

The trail is well-paved and properly maintained, making it perfect for running, cycling, jogging, and walking.

Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is a spot for several special competitions, including group biking, walking, running, and more, held all year round.

The trail passes through several vital points and towns, linking over thirty towns going through Wayne County, Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Susquehanna.

Lackawanna River Heritage Trail takes visitors through the paths filled with many cultures, history, tradition, arts, and good people.

Address:Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, Scranton, PA, United States

22. Backyard Ale

Backyard Ale is a laid-back restaurant and pub in Scranton that offers an amazing experience when you visit alone or with your buddies.

This restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious craft beers and high-quality cocktails, offering the needed satisfaction and refreshment.

Backyard Ale is open to every group sizes, and they do not require any prior reservation before you visit, offering a comfortable and relaxed environment.

They offer drinks like pipeline porter, mesquite bbq brown ale, fall foliage, turbo nerd xipa, 1911 hard cider, Guinness stout, Miller lite brewing co., and more.

Backyard Ale also offers delicious meals like chicken tenders, chicken wings & bites, cowboy burgers, chicken bacon ranch sandwiches, salmon sandwiches, cheesy pepperoni bread, and more.

The restaurant is open on Wednesday from 4pm-2am, Thursday to Saturday from 12pm-2am, and Sunday from 12pm-11pm (closed on Monday and Tuesday)

Address: 523 Linden St, Scranton, PA 18503, United States

23. Catlin House

Catlin House is a beautiful mansion built in 1912 in a Tudor-inspired style that formerly served as the home of an early Scranton Businessman, George H. Catlin.

The house consists of elegantly preserved and well-decorated sixteen rooms with distinct designs and vintage antiques.

Catlin House is characterized by stained glass windows, a staircase made from wood, and gorgeous wood paneling.

This mansion also features a lecture room and a research library currently serving as the Lackawanna Historical Society’s headquarters.

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

24. The Curiosity Shop

Are you planning any special event or just want to add to your wardrobe? Shopping at the Curiosity Shop is among the best things to do in Scranton, PA.

The Curiosity Shop opened its doors to the public in 1983 and has consistently served patrons the best products ever since.

They specialize in offering beautiful, quality, and contemporary items with a high longevity level for affordable prices.

The Curiosity Shop offers you a wide range of jewelry, scarves, purses, home decor, gift items, and more from reputable brands.

Everything here is well organized; each item is arranged according to its category with friendly and helpful staff offering customers assistance when the need arises.

Address: 640 E Market St, Scranton, PA 18509, United States

25. Cooper’s Seafood House

A place that offers you an exceptional dining experience with your friends in Scranton is Cooper’s Seafood House.

Cooper’s Seafood House is a nice restaurant where you can enjoy wide options of fresh and quality meals with flavorful drinks.

The restaurant is a family-owned and operated business that existed from 1948 and has become an essential element in Scranton.

Cooper’s Seafood House is located in what was once the Erie-Lackawanna Station and has grown from seventy-five seats to more than Five hundred seats.

The restaurant offers a beautifully decorated interior adorned with nice designs, and there have been two latest additions, the deck and lighthouse.

Cooper’s Seafood House offers a comprehensive food menu, including Guinness French Onion Soup, Cedar Plank Salmon, Buffalo Chicken Burger, Caesar Salad, Scallops in Lobster Sauce, Seafood Crepes, and more.

They also serve wines and cocktails such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Frozen Strawberry Daquiri, Spiked Watermelon Iced Tea, and more.

Address: 701 N Washington Ave, Scranton, PA 18509, United States

26. Bee’s Backyard

Bee’s Backyard is a 12,000 square feet indoor entertainment center for children located at Steam town Marketplace. Give your kids a uniquely fun experience when you bring them the Bee’s Backyard.

This facility features big inflatables, a soft play yard, a toddler-designated play area, and other fun amenities. Your kids are in for a great deal of fun as they can jump, climb and swing past bridges, tight ropes, and cargo nets.

Whenever the kids are famished, you can check out the Bumble Bar to get cold drinks and snacks such as man and cheese, popcorn, and hot dogs. There are special rooms in Bee’s Backyard to host your birthday parties. 

The facility is clean and safe, and its staff is welcoming and super friendly. Bee’s Backyard is such an amazing place to visit with kids.

They hold public events such as Open Play and Special Events, which involve seasonal holiday celebrations with group events such as fundraisers, field excursions, and group parties.

Address: The Marketplace at Steamtown, 300 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA 18503, United States

27. DEFY Scranton

DEFY is a new extreme trampoline Sports Park in Scranton, PA, offering visitors many fun activities. It is a family-friendly destination with lots of things to do; you can bounce, fly, and jump all you want at this incredible indoor facility.

This trampoline park features a large room filled with trampolines where visitors can bounce, jump and try out those flips and tricks they have been practicing.

Visitors can explore their Ninja Course, dodgeball, high-end air track, stunt fall, wall Tramp, aerial skills, dunk zone, and foam pit/airbag.

DEFY is an excellent destination to hold special occasions, including team-building events, birthday parties, etc. DEFY is open to people of all ages and offers fun services at great value.

Address: 1011 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, Scranton, PA 18508, United States

28. Weston Field

If you are a sports enthusiast, one of the best things to do in Scranton, PA, is to visit Weston Field. It is a full-service community facility in Scranton named after Charles Weston. It was established around 1916

This sports park and fitness hub provides visitors with all they need to have great fun and be fit. This attraction serves as the main office for Scranton’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Weston Field has an outdoor and indoor pool, outdoor basketball courts, outdoor running/walking track, kiddish playground, men’s steam room, weight room/treadmills, gym, meeting rooms, boxing ring, track, soccer field, birthday parties, and gym rentals. 

There are many things to do at Weston Field to keep you, your friends, and your loved ones entertained throughout your stay. There is never a dull moment here, which is why this destination should be a must-see for anyone.

Address: 982 Providence Rd, Scranton, PA 18508, USA

29. AFA Gallery

If you are an art enthusiast,  an ideal place to check out if you are planning a vacation in Scranton, PA, is the Artist for Art Gallery, well known as the AFA Gallery.

It is a local gallery that showcases artworks of different forms by local artists. You can browse the various artworks on display, including paintings, glasswork, sculpture, and wood.

AFA gallery continually holds art events and rotates the artworks of artists from this region monthly. From time to time, they also showcase the artworks of artists not from this region.

Apart from art exhibitions, the Artist for Art Gallery hosts educational workshops, lectures, figure drawing classes,  and poetry readings.

Most of the social events in the city are influenced by the AFA Gallery, including Second Saturday,  Fringe Festival, and events held at the Everhart Museum.

Address: 101 Penn Ave, Scranton, PA 18508, USA

Have more time in Pennsylvania, check out our list of things to do in Lancaster, things to do in Erie, and things to do in Hershey for a memorable vacation.

Plan a Trip to Scranton

Scranton is also popularly known as the Electric City due to its contribution to the iron and coal industry featuring electric streetcar systems.

The city is immensely rich in history, culture, and arts offering visitors the opportunities to explore several historical landmarks, cultural centers, and art museums.

Start planning your trip to Scranton