Top 15 Things To Do in Allentown, Pennsylvania
A mid-Atlantic river town with surprising outdoor variety, Allentown stitches urban comforts to waterfront escapes. Days here can flip between boat tours and kayak paddles on the Lehigh, city tours and e-bike laps through reclaimed industrial parks, and a family-friendly stop at the local zoo. This guide pairs water activities—canoe, kayak, river tubing, and boat rental—with short, accessible adventures that suit families, day-trippers, and seasoned paddlers looking for a quick local float.
Top 15 Things To Do in Allentown
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Allentown Deserves a Spot on Your Weekend Map
Allentown is often underestimated until you stand on the riverbank and watch the Lehigh move: a workaday waterway that doubles as an accessible ribbon of adventure. It’s the kind of place where an early-morning canoe glide can be followed by a midday city tour, then a lazy river tube or an afternoon of fishing—each activity only minutes from coffee and a good lunch. The town’s modest scale is its advantage. Outfitters, boat rentals, and launch points are close enough to string together a mixed itinerary that reads like a sampler of outdoor life: Boat tours for scenic context, kayak trips for quiet exploration, and guided eco tours that translate local history into living landscape.
Culturally, Allentown sits at a crossroads. Its industrial past—visible in adaptive reuse projects along the riverfront—makes for evocative sightseeing and approachable urban trails. The Allentown Zoo and nearby cultural sites add a family-friendly layer; meanwhile, outdoor operators stage everything from mellow flatwater paddles to more technical outings for those chasing a bit of edge. For anglers, the Lehigh and nearby tributaries offer enough variety to satisfy a half-day trip; for paddlers, early mornings often deliver the calmest water and the clearest wildlife sightings. On land, e-bike rentals and city tours let you stretch horizons without needing to commit to a full day on the trail.
Practical access defines the city’s appeal. You’ll find boat rental options and short shuttles instead of long wilderness approaches; public parks and riverfront greenways provide natural staging areas and picnic-ready pullouts. That accessibility invites repeated visits and experimentation: short canoe loops one weekend, a guided rafting day trip the next, then a sunrise photo session with migrating waterfowl. For travelers who prize variety over epic single-destination pushes, Allentown is an ideal base: compact, surprising, and uncomplicated to navigate. Bring a plan that blends water activities with urban exploration and you leave having experienced much more than a single town—you leave with a layered, locally flavored outdoor weekend.
Because distances are small and services are frequent, Allentown rewards flexible itineraries. Rent a kayak in the morning, join a midday sightseeing tour to learn the city’s industrial history, and cap the day with a family-friendly stop at the zoo or a riverfront picnic.
Local outfitters often run combo experiences—think eco tours with a fishing option or boat tours that double as wildlife-watching trips—making it easy to tailor a half-day or full-day excursion without overplanning.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Late spring through early fall brings the most reliable conditions for paddling and boat tours; afternoons can be warm and occasionally stormy in summer. Shoulder months offer cooler air and quieter waterways.
Peak Season
Summer weekends (especially July–August) see the most activity on the river and at family attractions—book rentals and tours ahead.
Off-Season Opportunities
Spring and fall weekdays are ideal for solitude and lower rates; some water rentals scale back services in late fall and winter, but city trails and parks remain accessible year-round.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Short, low-stress outings good for first-timers or families: calm flatwater paddles, guided boat tours, and easy e-bike loops through parkland.
- Guided boat tour of the Lehigh River
- Intro kayak rental and short downstream loop
- City tour and e-bike rental for a relaxed afternoon
- Visit to the Allentown Zoo and riverfront picnic
Intermediate
Longer paddles, fishing from shore or quiet eddies, and mixed urban-water days that require basic navigation and stamina.
- Full-day canoe trip with multiple put-ins
- Guided eco tour combining wildlife and local history
- Fishing from the Lehigh River banks or slow pools
- Self-guided kayak loop with multiple access points
Advanced
More committed outings that may include stronger current sections, multi-segment trips, or combining land and water logistics—best with planning or a guide.
- Long river runs requiring shuttle logistics or guided support
- Nearby guided rafting trips (seasonal)
- Air activities or adventure sports arranged through regional operators
- Multi-stop exploration combining boat, bike, and hiking legs
What to Bring
Essential
- Quick-dry clothing and a light base layer
- Personal flotation device for paddling activities
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- Sun protection (hat, SPF 30+, sunglasses)
- Reusable water bottle and snacks
Recommended
- Light wind/rain shell for changeable weather
- Comfortable shoes that get wet (river sandals or old sneakers)
- Small first-aid kit and blister care
- Cash or card for rentals and local vendors
Optional
- Binoculars for birding along the river
- Action camera with floatation tether
- Compact fishing kit if planning to fish from shore or a calm eddy
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Confirm launch access, rental hours, and water conditions with outfitters before you go.
Start early on popular summer weekends—mornings are typically calmer on the river and cooler for paddling. Bring a dry bag for essentials and a lightweight change of clothes if you plan to move between water and urban stops. If you’re booking rentals or guided trips, reserve at least a few days in advance in summer. For quieter outings, target weekday mornings or shoulder-season weekends. Finally, respect private property along put-ins and pack out what you bring; local operators appreciate low-impact visitors and may share lesser-known launches or shuttle advice if you ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do most activities without a guide?
Yes—many activities (kayak rentals, boat rental, e-bike tours, and city sightseeing) are accessible without a guide. Choose a guided trip for unfamiliar river sections, group rafting, or if you want deeper local context.
Are river levels safe for beginners?
Levels vary by season and weather. Calm, flatwater sections and short loops are friendly for beginners; check with local outfitters for current conditions and recommended routes.
Is Allentown family-friendly for outdoor days?
Absolutely. The mix of short paddles, riverfront parks, the zoo, and easy sightseeing tours makes Allentown an excellent family base. Pick activities suited to your group’s energy and age range, and plan breaks between high-energy outings.