Allentown, Pennsylvania, often gets overshadowed by bigger Keystone State neighbors, but anyone who has spent a weekend here knows it has a serious fun side. From coasters and water slides to hands-on science, minor league baseball, and museums full of classic cars, the city is packed with attractions that can fill a day trip or anchor a longer Lehigh Valley getaway.
This guide rounds up five of the best “WOW spots” in and around Allentown. These are places locals actually visit and online reviewers rave about, with plenty of variety for families, couples, and groups of friends. You’ll find an award-winning amusement park, an art museum with Tiffany windows, a beloved ballpark, a cutting-edge science center, and a transportation museum that surprises a lot of visitors.
Use this post to plan a weekend where you mix big-thrill attractions with quieter cultural stops, and discover exactly why Allentown is much more than a quick stop off the highway.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom: Two Parks, One Huge Day of Fun
If you’re looking for maximum fun in one stop, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is the headliner. Now operated by Six Flags, this combined amusement and water park is regularly promoted as one of the most exciting things to do in Allentown, with over 60 world-class rides and one of the Northeast’s largest waterparks in a single admission ticket official park overview.
The park’s ride lineup includes big-name coasters like Steel Force, Hydra the Revenge, and Talon. According to its own stats and enthusiast sites, Dorney Park currently features dozens of rides, including eight roller coasters and a full slate of water attractions in Wildwater Kingdom park history & stats RCDB coaster listing. Families appreciate that Planet Snoopy adds a huge collection of kid-sized rides, while thrill-seekers head for towering drops, inversions, and high-speed launches.
On major review sites, visitors talk about the value of getting “two parks for the price of one” with a single ticket that covers both rides and water slides. One popular summary notes that there are more than 100 rides, shows, and attractions to enjoy, calling the combination of coasters, kids’ rides, and a top-ranked waterpark the perfect blend of thrills and family fun Tripadvisor overview & reviews.
Online fans also point out how long the park has been part of regional summer traditions. Dorney Park dates back to the 1880s, evolving from a trolley park into a modern destination that still features historical touches like its classic carousel alongside cutting-edge coasters park history & heritage. Enthusiast communities frequently share photos and trip reports, highlighting everything from the first drop on Steel Force to the sweeping views from the top of Talon.
If you’re traveling with a mixed-age group, this park is especially convenient. Adults and teens can disappear to the bigger rides while younger kids splash in the wave pool, float the lazy river, or spin through gentler attractions. Many reviewers mention that it’s easy to spend an entire day here and still feel like there’s more to ride next time visitor info & tickets guest impressions.
Why it’s a WOW spot
- One ticket covers both a full amusement park and waterpark.
- Thrilling coasters, classic rides, and a large kids’ area mean everyone has something to do.
- Long-running local favorite with modern upgrades and seasonal events that keep it fresh.
Allentown Art Museum: Free Admission & Tiffany Glass in the City Center
Right in downtown, the Allentown Art Museum gives the city a cultural anchor that visitors don’t always expect. The museum has leaned into accessibility and community, recently confirming that admission is free every day it’s open, with regular hours Thursday through Sunday and extended hours on Third Thursdays museum Tiffany announcement.
What really helps this spot stand out, though, is its collection. The museum houses thousands of works, ranging from European paintings and decorative arts to American works, design, textiles, and contemporary pieces. Recent additions include extraordinary landscape memorial windows by Tiffany Studios, which are showcased in a dedicated exhibition and described as stunning examples of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s pioneering glasswork Tiffany landscape windows exhibit.
Local coverage and social posts frequently call the Tiffany windows a must-see, praising the glowing colors and intricate details. One community post sums up the experience by pointing out that the Tiffany glass exhibit is a highlight and that free admission makes it easy for anyone to pop in, even for a short visit local Tiffany window feature. Visitors on art and travel forums echo that feeling, often describing the museum as a “hidden gem” in the Lehigh Valley art scene.
Beyond the permanent collection, the Allentown Art Museum regularly hosts special exhibitions, family programs, lectures, and hands-on activities. Its programming around the Tiffany windows, for example, includes events and educational experiences designed to help visitors of all ages connect with the history and craftsmanship behind the pieces programming details. For families, this mix of visual impact and educational content makes the museum an easy add-on between more high-energy activities.
If you’re staying downtown, the museum is walkable from restaurants, coffee shops, and the arena area, making it a natural part of a bigger urban stroll. Free admission means you don’t have to commit to hours inside: you can simply stop in for a dose of art, catch the Tiffany windows and a current exhibit, and then head back out into the city.
Why it’s a WOW spot
- Free admission lowers the barrier to enjoying a serious art collection.
- Tiffany stained glass windows and special exhibitions provide true “WOW” moments.
- Easy to pair with lunch, coffee, or other downtown stops.
Coca-Cola Park: IronPigs Baseball & Big-Game Atmosphere
Coca-Cola Park, home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, is a major point of pride for Allentown sports fans. Since its debut in 2008, the ballpark has picked up a long list of honors, including Ballpark Digest’s “Ballpark of the Year” and a “Best Game Operations and Presentation” award from gameops.com official ballpark profile. The stadium has drawn consistent praise for its intimacy, fan-friendly layout, and welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere.
Travel and experience platforms highlight how the park combines eye-catching design with a casual, community-based feel. One recent overview notes that the venue is both a cultural and social hub, calling out its architectural charm and emphasizing that it has become a memorable place for avid baseball fans and casual visitors alike Coca-Cola Park attraction summary. Local and visiting fans often describe it as a great minor league ballpark with lots of activities for kids, good sightlines from almost every seat, and food that goes beyond basic stadium fare Yelp fan impressions.
On review sites, families frequently mention affordable ticket prices, creative promotions, and little extras that keep kids engaged throughout the game. One popular review describes it as a fantastic ballpark for families, noting that seats are comfortable, prices are reasonable, and the team keeps younger fans involved with on-field fun and between-inning entertainment family-focused review.
Atmosphere-wise, write-ups highlight spaces like AT&T Plaza, which serves as a social hub and hosts local entertainment and live music on game days in-depth ballpark review. Add in themed nights, fireworks shows, and special events, and it’s easy to see why a night at Coca-Cola Park shows up on so many “things to do in Allentown” lists.
Even if you’re not a die-hard baseball fan, catching a game here is a chance to mingle with locals, enjoy a relaxed evening outdoors, and sample some regionally themed ballpark snacks. For visitors traveling with kids or teens, it’s also a great way to end a busy day of sightseeing.
Why it’s a WOW spot
- Award-winning minor league ballpark with a big-league feel.
- Affordable tickets, lots of kid-friendly entertainment, and fun theme nights.
- Strong community atmosphere that gives you a real taste of Lehigh Valley pride.
Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion: Hands-On STEM in the Heart of the City
The newly expanded Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion brings interactive STEM fun right into downtown Allentown. The center’s mission is to ignite curiosity and make science, technology, engineering, art, and math accessible through hands-on exhibits and programs for all ages official site.
Located at 815 W. Hamilton Street, the center offers a modern, multi-story space filled with displays that invite visitors to push, pull, build, test, and experiment. Visitor information emphasizes its role as a family destination, with clear directions, parking guidance, and tips for making the most of your visit visitor info & directions. Reviewers often highlight how much there is to do for both kids and adults, comparing it favorably to larger-city science museums.
The exhibit lineup includes permanent installations and traveling shows that rotate throughout the year. The center describes itself as home to “incredible permanent experiences” and a host of blockbuster touring exhibits exhibits overview. Coverage from local partners points to specific interactive elements, like an exhibit that lets visitors use mirrors and light to explore how solar energy can power a home PPL exhibit feature.
Early visitors to the new facility have been enthusiastic, calling it an excellent science center with exhibits that appeal to younger children and adults alike. One impression compares it to Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute, but notes that this Allentown version is very approachable and full of opportunities to discover something new at each station visitor review snapshot.
For families, Da Vinci is an ideal way to balance out more adrenaline-heavy activities like Dorney Park. It’s also a great bad-weather backup plan: you can easily spend several hours indoors here, moving from physics and engineering demos to creative art-and-science mashups without worrying about rain or heat.
Why it’s a WOW spot
- Brand-new downtown location with modern, interactive exhibits.
- Programming designed for curious kids, teens, and adults, not just little ones.
- Perfect complement to outdoor attractions and ballgames when you want indoor fun.
America On Wheels Museum: Classic Cars, Trucks & Transportation History
For something a little different, head to America On Wheels Museum, just north of downtown along the Lehigh River. This museum is dedicated to the history of wheeled transportation and features an engaging collection of classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, bikes, and related memorabilia.
Travel guides describe it as a place where you can wander through themed galleries, check out beautifully restored vehicles, and learn how American transportation has evolved over the decades Allentown attractions overview. One detailed summary calls out the Mack truck exhibit as a particular highlight, noting that the signage and displays do a good job of explaining the background of each vehicle and the industries they served visitor impressions.
On review sites, guests often comment that the museum is a “nice, small” facility in a beautiful building and that it’s worth a visit if you’re even mildly interested in cars or history Tripadvisor highlights. A number of visitors mention that the experience exceeded their expectations, especially when they took advantage of discounts such as Groupon deals.
Photos shared online show everything from early automobiles to flashy muscle cars and specialty trucks. One Yelp review notes that there are several cars and trucks to explore, plus smaller exhibits featuring models, artwork, and automotive memorabilia that help bring the wider story to life Yelp visitor photos & feedback. Staff are frequently described as friendly and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions or share extra context about the vehicles on display.
America On Wheels is compact enough that you can see the main galleries in an hour or two, which makes it easy to fit into a day that also includes downtown stops or a ballgame. If you have any car fans in your group, it’s a no-brainer; even non-enthusiasts often come away saying they enjoyed it more than expected.
Why it’s a WOW spot
- Unique focus on wheeled transportation, from classic cars to heavy trucks.
- Manageable size with well-curated exhibits and helpful signage.
- A fun, educational change of pace from parks, malls, and ballgames.
Planning Your Allentown WOW Weekend
What makes Allentown fun is how these attractions fit together. You can build a full weekend that balances high energy with low-key exploring:
- Day 1: Spend the bulk of the day at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, then wind down with a relaxed dinner in town.
- Day 2: Start with art and science downtown at the Allentown Art Museum and Da Vinci Science Center, then head to Coca-Cola Park for an evening IronPigs game and fireworks.
- Anytime add-on: Slot in America On Wheels Museum when you want something indoors, educational, and different from the usual tourist stops.
If you’re staying longer, you can layer in other local favorites like the Allentown Rose Gardens, a “lovely gem of a park” with walking paths, plantings, and a peaceful vibe Rose Gardens review. Pair a morning stroll there with an afternoon at one of the museums or an evening ballgame, and you’ll have a nicely balanced day.
Whether you’re a Lehigh Valley local rediscovering your hometown or a visitor building a road-trip itinerary, these Allentown WOW spots prove that fun is waiting at almost every corner of the city.