What is there to do in the Bethlehem, PA area other than your normal tourist type things?|155751

I am visiting there on during the week of July 4th with my husband and 17 month old son. There_s only so much family time we can take before we have to escape and do something a bit more fun! So far, I_ve founds a zoo that we can take our son to, and a white water rafting trip my husband and I can take. Also, a winery that might have a tour available. Anything else?

There are some Amish things in the area, that are touristy, but give you a picture of life in that area.

There_s always bowling. An excellent lane is Jordan Lane on Rt 145 just south of Rt 22 (If you_re travelling south, make a right by Dunkin Doughnuts) You can_t miss it.
There_s also whitewater rafting on Rt 903 in Jim Thorpe or antique shops and train rides in town on the weekend.

Here_ s what I do. Look in the local newspapers for a block party, usually for a good cause like a volunteer fire co. , and you will have tons of fun. Great to take kids too. Also, post this question or search at the website below.

I grew up in Easton and when i lived there, there was a celebration downtown for the 4th called Heritage week with all kinds of things going on and a very good fireworks display. The Crayola Visitors center is downtown and a mile from Lafayette University with is beautiful. Bethlehem itself is kinda blah (except at the end of August for Musikfest) but Allentown always has stuff going on--- check the city website.

Other than normal tourist type things can be jogging in the swimming pool, racing along with the trains, swimming in shallow rainy water, dancing with animals.

Dorney Park and Wild Water kingdom is a amusment park in nearby Allentown, Pa. The Crayola Crayon factory is next door in Easton, PA. Bewarned that that areas arround Bethelhem _ Easton are having some flooding issues due to this weeks heavy rains. Philly is about a hour south but crowded for the 4th.

I live in the Slate Belt area and work in Allentown. My kids grew up in the whole area and there_s plenty to do. I think the Heritage Festival may be canceled, due to the flooding, check the local papers.

But, here is a web site about the lehigh valley http://www.lehighvalleypa.org/ Also, one about the lehigh valley wine trail. Many of the local wineries will let you taste, very informal. Check out http://www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com/

I almost forgot about the Kutztown Folk Festival! Lots of great food, things to see and do, shopping, Amish and Mennonite info, entertainment all in one place! Check out http://www.kutztownfestival.com/

Crayola is great for the 17 mo old. There_s also the Allentown Art museum, lots of great art and a kids section to boot. Of course, Dorney Park is a must for the hot weather.

You could check out the shopping at the outlets in Reading. Vanity Fair (yes, the bra people) started the original outlets ages ago. You can_t beat their prices and they have things other than bras. Clothing for all ages, name brands, food and household stuff. Check out http://www.vffo.com/

Lancaster and the surrounding area is great too. A day trip to Longwood Gardens outside of Philly is good too. Amazing plants there and to think it was all a home for a very rich family (the Duponts) is mind boggling.

Hope this helps a bit.