The kids are out of school, and pretty soon they’ll utter the phrase parents are all too familiar with: “I’m bored.”
Keeping them occupied, however, shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. From summer concerts to movies in the park, here is a list of free things to do in the СŷƵ and beyond this summer.
FESTIVALS
Sabor Latin Festival: ArtsQuest’s celebration of the region’s Latino culture, June 26-28 with music, food and family events, including concerts, arts and crafts, children’s activities, Latin dance presentations and more. steelstacks.org.
One Earth ReggaeFest: July 5, SteelStacks, Bethlehem. Day-long festival featuring eclectic vendors, authentic Jamaican food and more. steelstacks.org.
Easton Heritage Day: On July 12, Easton celebrates the reading of Declaration of Independence in Centre Square in 1776 with a family festival that showcases local history, offers activities for kids, and concludes with fireworks over the Forks of the Delaware. heritageday.org.
Blast Furnace Blues: Blast Furnace Blues Festival returns to ArtsQuest’s SteelStacks campus July 18 and 19 featuring two days of live music.
Musikfest: ArtsQuest’s 10-day festival returns Aug. 1-10 with hundreds of performances and activities for adults and children in downtown Bethlehem and at SteelStacks on the South Side. Most music and activities are free, but tickets are required for headliners such as Megan Moroney, Riley Green, Darius Rucker, Chicage, more. musikfest.org, 610-332-FEST.
Allentown Fair: Aug. 27-Sept. 1. While there is an $10 admission price for adults and amusement rides are extra, kids 12 and under get in free every day and everyone gets in free noon-2 p.m. Aug. 28-29. allentownfair.com
Martin on Main: noon-7 p.m. July 26, The Circle and South Main Street to Belvidere Street, Nazareth. Live music, food vendors, beer and wine, artisan and craft vendors.
Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival: Sept. 26-28, Historic Downtown Bethlehem. celticfest.org.
MOVIES
Allentown “Movies in the Park” series. Movies begin at sunset. “Snow White,” July 25, Cedar Rose Gardens 2700 Parkway Blvd. Rain date July 26; “More Than a Game,” Valania Park 531 Union St., Aug. 1, rain date Aug. 2; “A Minecraft Movie,” Aug. 29, East Side Memorial 125 E Walnut St., rain date Aug. 30; “Lego Piece by Piece,” Sept. 5., Jordan Skatepark 1001 N. 6th St Ext., rain date Sept. 6; “Captain America Brave New World,” Bucky Boyle Park 10 Pump Place, Sept. 26, rain date Sept. 27. 610-437-7750.
Allentown Movies at the Pool: Activities at 6:30 p.m., movies begin at sunset. “Mufasa: The Lion King,” June 20, Cedar Pool 101 N Ott St.; “Moana 2,” July 11, Mack Pool 1901 Mack Blvd.
Frank Banko Sensory-Friendly Family Movie Series: Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas of the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. The theater’s house lights are dimmed, the film volume is lowered and previews eliminated to provide a comfortable viewing experience for families with children with special needs. Films begin at 1:30 p.m. “Inside Out 2,” June 25; “The Princess and the Frog,” July 2; “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” July 9; “Moana 2,” July 16; “The Lego Movie,” July 23.
Bethlehem: Movies begin at sundown. “Toy Story,” June 24, Clearview Park; “Moana 2,” July 17, Yosko Park; “Sonic 3,” July 28, Bayard Park.
Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks Free Family Movie Series, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. Movies begin at 6:30 p.m. “Inside Out 2,” June 25; “The Princess and the Frog,” July 2; “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” July 9; “Moana 2,” July 16; “The Lego Movie,” July 23.
South Whitehall Township parks: “Moana 2,” July 18, 5320 Clauser Road, Orefield; “A Minecraft Movie,” Aug. 15, Springhouse West Park, 4320 Farm Drive, Allentown.
Lower Saucon Township: “Moana 2,” 7:15 p.m. June 27, Polk Valley Park, 2068 Polk Valley Road, Hellertown; “Monsters, Inc.,” 7:15 p.m. July 18, Steel City Park, 2122 Riverside Road, Bethlehem; “Mufasa,” 7:15 p.m. Aug. 15, Town Hall Park, 3700 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bethlehem.
MUSIC
Upper Saucon Township, Hopewell Park, 4695 W. Hopewell Road, Center Valley, 6:30-8 p.m. Castaway Band, June 20; Joyous, July 11; Alex Buono, July 18; Island Time, Aug. 15; Craig Thatcher Band, Aug. 22.
Alburtis Park, 328 S. Main St., 2-6 p.m. unless noted. Jesse Wade, June 22; Rehrig Brothers Band, June 29; Reservoir Hill, July 6; Last One Standing, July 13; Midnight Special, July 20; Banned From the Ranch, July 27; Honky Tonk Deluxe, Aug. 3; The Steel Creek Band, Aug. 10; Steve Ritter & Waitin’ On Sundown, Aug. 17; Moore Brothers Band, Aug. 24; A Tribute to Classic Country Music hosted by Joe Hollar, Aug. 31; Majestics, Sept. 1; Last One Standing, Sept. 7; Banned From the Ranch, Sept. 14; Bill Reese Country Show, Sept. 21; Midnight Special, Sept. 28.
Allentown, West Park, 16th and Turner streets, 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Royalaires, June 20; Pioneer Band, June 22; Allentown Band Sousa Concert, June 27; Italian-American Band, June 29; Marine Band, July 6; Royalaires July 11; Allentown Band, July 12; Pioneer Band, July 13; Macungie Band, July 18; Marine Band, July 20; Municipal Band, July 27; Royalaires, Aug. 1; Allentown Band, Aug. 3; Municipal Band, Aug. 10; Pioneer Band, Aug. 17; Royalaires, Sept. 5; Allentown Band Salute to Bert Meyers Concert, Sept. 7; Allentown Band Art-in-the-Park Concert, Sept. 13; Marine Band Ray Becker Concert, Sept. 14, 3 p.m..
Bomba at the Beach, Cedar Beach Park, 2600 Parkway Blvd., Allentown. 6-9 p.m. PhillyBombaPiena (Bomba Rhythm) and Las Nenas Rompe Corazones (Merengue), June 27; Azotando el Mambo (Merengue, Balada, Cumbia, Rancheras) and Charanga La Unica (Musica Cubana), July 18; Mambo Kaliente (Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, Salsa, Plena) and Mako Swing (Bachata, Merengue, Salsa, Mambo), Aug. 15; Herencia Jibara (Salsa, Merengue, Plena) and Hector Rosado (Salsa y Merengue), Sept. 19
Bethlehem Sculpture Garden, East of City Hall, 10 E. Church St., 6-7:30 p.m. A Few Good Men, June 20; Bren, June 27.
Bethlehem Live in the Garden, Rose Garden, Union Boulevard, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Life After Dead: Grateful Dead Tribute, June 21; JK3 + John Morgan Kimock Solo Works, opener Mr. Heavy, June 28.
Catasauqua Park Amphitheater, 501 American St., 7-10 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Scott Marshall and the Highway Souls, June 20; The BC Combo, June 27; Social Call, July 3; Weekenders, July 4; James Supra/Sarah Ayers, July 11; Lucky 7, July 18; Bobby Clark Band, July 25; The Big Wahu Caribbean Band, Aug. 1; Triple Dog Dare, Aug. 8; Castaway Band, Aug. 15; The Large Flowerheads, Aug. 22; Out Past Curfew Band, Aug. 29.
Easton Live from Nevin Park, Lafayette Street neat Route 611, 6-8 p.m. Rio and the Secret People, June 21; Not for Coltrane and Friends, July 19; Dan Wilins Trio, Aug. 16
Emmaus, Community Park Arts Pavilion, 1401 Shimerville Road, 6-8 p.m. Kutztown Bagpipe Band, June 22; Brake for Turtles, June 29; The Macungie Band, July 6; Stacy Gabel Band, July 13; The Large Flowerheads, July 20; Galena Brass Band, July 27; DMC Duo, Aug. 10; Tookany Creek Bluegrass Band, Aug. 17; Scott Marshall and The Highway Souls, Aug. 24; The Swingtime Dolls, Aug. 31.
Emmaus Triangle, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Twelve Strings, June 27; Cathay Ritter, July11; Sean Lally Band, July 25; Whiskey Therapy, Aug. 8; Fran Mayville Duo, Aug. 22.
Forks Township Amphitheater, 7-9 p.m. The Bobby Clark Band, June 25; Main Street Cruisers, July 9; The Bionic Defection, July 23; The Billy Bauer Band, July 30; The Harmony Garage Band, Aug. 13; Stefanie Johnson Band, Aug. 20.
Levitt Pavilion Steelstacks, 789 First St., Bethlehem, 7:30 p.m. unless noted. Alysha Brilla, June 19; Coyote Island, June 20; TAE & The Neighborly, June 21; The Greeting Committee, June 26; A Tribute to the Women of Salsa by Celeste “La Fiera”, June 27; Plena Libre, June 28; Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves, July 3; The Allentown Band (5:30-7pm), July 4; The BRUCE Show (8:30-10pm), July 4; Arise Roots (9-10:30pm), July 5; Winyah, July 10; Coral Moons, July 11; Copilot, July 12; Ocean Avenue Stompers, July 17; Indigenous, July 18; Shemekia Copeland, July 19; MELT, July 24; Durieux, July 25; Nathan and the Zydeco Cha-Chas’s, July 26; Joanne Shaw Taylor, Aug. 15; Dancing Dream, Aug. 16; House of Hamill, Aug. 21; Cristina Vane, Aug. 22; DuPont Brass, Aug. 23; Craig Thatcher Band, Aug. 28; Alexis Cunningham, Aug. 29; Young Dubliners, Aug. 30; Gentleman Brawlers, Aug. 31.
Morris J. Dimmick Park, 570 Durham St., Hellertown, 6-8 p.m. Hunkajunk, June 29; Truth & Soul, July 27; Nikki Briar Band, Aug. 24.
Palmerton Borough Park, Delaware Avenue, 7 p.m. Last One Standing Band, June 22; Joey and the T-Birds Band, June 29; Palmerton Band, July 6; Band of Brothers, July 13; The Pennsylvania Villagers, July 20; SteelCreek Band, July 27; Hazleton Band, 6:30-8 p.m., Aug. 3; The Mudflaps Band, 6:30-8 p.m., Aug. 10; Palmerton Band, 6:30-8 p.m., Aug. 17.
Upper Saucon Township, Hopewell Park Rose Garden, 4695 W. Hopewell Road, Center Valley, 6:30-8 p.m. Castaway Band, June 20; Joyous, July 11; Alex Buono, July 18; Island Time, Aug. 15; Craig Thatcher Band, Aug. 22.
TRAILS AND LINEAR PARKS
Get Your Tail on the Trail is offering a free trail walking program. Vary up your exercise routine and meet new people, learn new things, and experience different areas of the D&L Trail.
4 Miles for Health: 9 a.m. June 22, Bushkill Township Trail. A 2-mile ADA-compliant gravel trail running north out of Jacobsburg State Park and Environmental Education Center along the old railbed of the Slate Belt Trolley and along the main stem of Sobers Run. This out and back walk will cover the two miles between Bushkill Township Trailhead and Jacobsburg State Park. Register: tailonthetrail.org
Bike Into Geology: 9:30 a.m. July 13, Saucon Rail Trail, Water Street Park. A 4-mile bike ride along the Saucon Rail Trail. Register: tailonthetrail.org
5 Miles for Health: 8 a.m. July 20, Slatington Main Street Trailhead. A 3.3 mile “Rails-to-Trails” project, utilizes the former СŷƵ Railroad right-of-way that was operational from 1874 until 1947. Enjoy bridges, ruins, and views of Trout Creek on this hidden gem of a trek. Cover about half the trail in an out and back brisk morning walk. Register: tailonthetrail.org
HMP History Hikes: Waterways Walk: 1 p.m. Aug. 3, Hugh Moore Park, Easton. Discover Hugh Moore Park’s fascinating past along the Lehigh River and Canal, highlighting how it helped spur America’s Industrial Revolution. Learn about the park’s flora and fauna, the locktender’s house, and Island Park. Register: tailonthetrail.org
History of Bushkill Park: noon Aug. 24, Bushkill Park, Easton. Walk around Bushkill Park and listen to a history lesson surrounding the building of the park, the flooding, the building, the flooding, and now the slow rebuild once again. Register: tailonthetrail.org
HMP History Hike: Industry & Iron Walk, 1 p.m. Sept. 7, Hugh Moore Park, Easton. Discover Hugh Moore Park’s fascinating past while exploring its industrial ruins. Participants will learn about the Lucy Furnace and Glendon Iron Works, the Abbott Street industrial complex, and telegraph communications. Register: tailonthetrail.org
ART GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS
Allentown Art Museum offers free admission 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays through Sunday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. third Thursday. 610-432-4333, allentownartmuseum.org.
Lock Ridge Park and Furnace Museum, 525 Franklin St. Alburtis. The centerpiece of the 59-acre park is the Lock Ridge Furnace. The museum, operated by the Lehigh County Historical Society, offers exhibits illustrating how iron was made over a hundred years ago. Numbered signs allow visitors to take a self-guided tour at any time. Guided tours are offered 1-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through September. 610-435-1074.
Haines Mill Museum, 3600 Haines Mill Road, Allentown. A grist mill that dates back to the U.S. colonial times. The mill uses water power to grind crop grains into flour. The original mill was built around 1760. The mill was reconstructed in 1909 after a fire gutted the interior of the building and operated until 1956. Tours are available 1-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through September. Call Lehigh County Historical Society at 610-435-4664
America On Wheels in Allentown offers free admission on Thursdays to children ages 12 and under (may be a charge during a special exhibit). americaonwheels.org
C.F. Martin & Co. Guitar Factory and Museum, 510 Sycamore St., Nazareth. Free to walk through the museum, however, visitors are encouraged to offer a $5 donation to the Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation. https://www.martinguitar.com/
Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts and the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem offer free Sundays at the Museum every first Sunday of the month through November. Explore different art techniques and mediums. historicbethlehem.org
Burnside Plantation, 1461 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem, offers Saturdays at Burnside, 10 a.m.-noon the first Saturday of each month through October. Visitors will learn more about our “farm in the city” which has been a part of the Moravian community since 1748. Tour the Burnside House and barn and experience colonial cooking demonstrations in the Summer Kitchen. Crafts and interactive activities like story time and hands-on history lessons. www.historicbethlehem.org/experiences/series/saturdays-at-burnside
СŷƵ Passport to History will be hosting Passport to History Month, a celebration of the sites, stories and communities that bring СŷƵ history to life. Historic sites will open their doors in July with free admission, tours, activities and programs for all ages. Sites will be open June 27-29. lvhistory.org
KIDS
Summer Reading Programs: Libraries in most cities and towns offer summer reading programs for children that encourage children to read and enjoy reading by offering rewards, celebrations and prizes.
The City of Bethlehem Recreation Bureau invites city youth to participate in free summer park program located in select parks in various geographic locations throughout the city. Games, arts and crafts, and special presentations by community businesses and organizations will be some of the activities offered in the program. Participating parks: Yosko Park, 6th and Atlantic streets, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, June 16-July 21; Clearview Park, Pinehurst and Abington roads, 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays; Elmwood Park, 820 Dellwood St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 11-July 23; Bernie Fritz Park, Atwood and Memorial Avenues, 10 a.m.-noon June 19-July 24 (no program July 16). Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by someone 14 or older from their household.
The city of Allentown’s Summer Playground Program runs 1-3:30 p.m. Mondays and 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, June 16-Aug. 7. The program is facilitated by the city’s Recreation Bureau and offers various recreational and playground activities for Allentown residents ages 7 to 15. Participating children also receive free lunch, which is available Tuesdays through Fridays. Participates are invited to an end of season Romper Day Celebration Aug. 4. Registration for the Summer Playground Program can be done on-site, pre-registration is recommended.
Wildlands Conservancy: Explorer Day Camp: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 2, July 30, Trexler Nature Preserve, Environmental Education Center, 4935 Orchard Road. Schnecksville. Activities for students K through fifth grade range from survival skills, wildlife, art, and science. Registration required. wildlandspa.org.
Wildlands Conservancy: PreK Pathfinders: Animal Detectives: 10- 11 a.m. June 26, Wayne A. Grube Park, 1200 Willowbrook Road, Northampton. Children aged 3-5 and their grown-ups search for animal clues like tracks, feathers, and nests and meet a live animal up close. Registration required. wildlandspa.org.
Wildland Conservancy: PreK Pathfinders: Into the Creek: 10-11 a.m. July 8, Trexler Nature Preserve at the Ford. Children ages 3-5 and their grownups discover the world below Jordan Creek, collect and observe small aquatic species that call the water home. Registration required. wildlandspa.org.
Wildlands Conservancy: PreK Pathfinders: Creek Explorers: 10-11 a.m. July 24, Wayne A. Grube Park, 1200 Willowbrook Road, Northampton. Children aged 3-5 and their grown-ups connect with nature and discover the wonders of aquatic life, as we wade in to uncover the ecosystem beneath the water surface. Registration required. wildlandspa.org.
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
Hoover-Mason Trestle, once used as a narrow gauge railroad to carry the coke, limestone and iron ore needed to make the iron from the ore yards to the blast furnace is now a public walkway designed to be part-museum, part-community recreation resource and part-attraction. Located along the blast furnaces at SteelStacks with one entrance at the Visitor Center an another at either end of the Gas Blowing Engine House providing access from the Wind Creek parking lot or PBS 39 end of the campus. The trestle is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun.-Wed. and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. steelstacks.org/about/venues-at-steelstacks/hoover-mason-trestle.
Take a walk in Trexler Park, Lehigh Parkway or Cedar Beach Park, all located in Allentown. Hike in Jacobsburg State Park or discover nature during a walk along the Monocacy Creek in Bethlehem from Illick’s Mill Road to Sand Island. Travel the Delaware and Lehigh Corrider to Allentown or Easton and experience the history of the Lehigh Canal. Take a walk on the South Bethlehem Greenway and enjoy Bethlehem’s Southside Arts District.
Trexler Nature Preserve, 5150 Game Preserve Road., Schnecksville. The preserve offers various recreational activities including hiking, walking, jogging, mountain bike riding, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing. This 18-mile network of trails includes the 8.5-mile Trexler Border trail which is popular for horseback riding. The well-stocked Jordan Creek is also a popular spot for fishermen. Hours are sunrise to sunset. lehighcounty.org
The СŷƵ Covered Bridge Tour showcases seven of the 200 remaining covered bridges in the state of Pennsylvania. Five of the bridges are still open for traffic and the tour stretches over 50 miles. There are plenty of spots to stop for a picnic or hike. The route is marked with red signs on the side of the road. Download a brochure at discoverlehighvalley.com/things-to-do/tours/covered-bridge-tour/
Li’l-Le-Hi Trout Nursery, 2901 Fish Hatchery Road, Allentown. Park signage throughout the grounds can be used for self-guided tours. Open 7 a.m. to dusk daily. 610-437-7656.
Wildlands Conservancy: Wilderness Survival at Louise Moore Park: 1-3 p.m. June 15, Louise Moore Park, 151 Country Club Road, Easton. Explore the skills needed to survive and thrive in nature. Registration required. wildlandspa.org.
Wildlands Conservancy – Minsi Lake Canoe Paddle: 10 a.m. noon June 22 and 29, July 11 and 20, Minsi Lake Wilderness Area, West Shore Access, 49 Blue Mountain Drive, Bangor. Guided tour of Minsi Lake and learn about the history and conservation projects that protect the natural flora and fauna while exploring the lake. Canoes, paddles, and PFDs provided. Registration required. wildlandspa.org.
Wildlands Conservancy: Get Out! For Wellness: Hidden Lake Hike: 1-3 p.m. July 19, Hidden Lake, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, East Stroudsburg. Peaceful 1.9-mile loop through the forest around Hidden Lake, a serene location popular with anglers. Registration required. wildlandspa.org.
Wildlands Conservancy: Bike & Boat Adventures: Freemans Island Paddle: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 26, Sand Island, Route 33 Access Point, Easton. Paddling tour of Wildlands Conservancy’s Freeman’s Island Preserve. Learn about its biodiversity, ecological significance and Wildlands’ ongoing efforts to protect and manage all of our nature preserves. Then bike 7-miles on the historic D&L Trail, along the way, learn about the interconnected ecosystems and the trail’s role in regional conservation. Registration required. wildlandspa.org.
