The best things to do in Allentown

“Old-timey, circa-1921 movie house is a theater for current films, live acts & pre-show organ music.”

“When you’ve got an hour and an itch to swing, Bethlehem Executive Golf Course is the no-fuss spot to squeeze in a quick loop, tune up wedges and putter, or bring a newbie without the pressure. It’s local, friendly, and perfect for keeping the swing warm between Monocacy marathons.”

From the Bethlehem newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Jordan Lanes has that classic Lehigh Valley bowling energy, plus a chill bar, full menu, and 10 Brunswick Gold Crown tables when you need a break from the lanes. Leagues, birthdays, or just a weeknight reset, their events calendar keeps things lively, and they’ve been at it since 1955.”

From the Bethlehem newsletter, September 15, 2026

“B Social Bowling blends bowling and axe throwing with a hyper-local menu, craft brews in an indoor/outdoor beer garden, and inventive cocktails across three bars. Round up the crew this week, roll a few frames, then demolish pies fresh from the pizza oven.”

From the Allentown newsletter, August 28, 2026

“When the group chat can't decide between catching the game or button-mashing, Dave & Buster's Philadelphia delivers with massive screens, a stacked arcade, and food plus craft cocktails or mocktails. Great for rallying the crew before an Eagles game or celebrating random Tuesday wins.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Since 1963, Shepherd Hills Golf Club pairs approachable public golf with the hangout trifecta: Foundation Tavern, The Deck, and The Event Center with live music. Play a round then stick around for the food and entertainment, because this place is built for easy local weekends.”

From the Allentown newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Allentown Municipal Golf Course packs a legit 18-hole track with a lit driving range, solid practice spots, Jack's Slice for post-round pizza, and a stocked pro shop. 4/132 rating, so it’s friendly for casual rounds and spicy enough for grinders.”

From the Allentown newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Our Aquatic Neighbors Mural turns a 1500 square foot wall into a love letter to the Delaware River, with great blue heron, sturgeon, bufflehead ducks, beaver and freshwater mussels showing up like neighbors. Built with local students and Skype a Scientist, it’s smart, joyful public art to visit this week.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Whether you're new to golf or just chasing that satisfying thwack, Strawberry Green Driving Range has complimentary clubs, experienced trainers, and plenty of room to groove your shot.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Part of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s ever-growing outdoor gallery, Peace Through Imagination Mural is one of those pieces that quietly resets your brain during a neighborhood walk. It’s bright, reflective, and great for a quick pause between errands, plus it sparks the kind of sidewalk conversations Philly excels at.”

“The Club at Twin Lakes turns a former iron-ore mine into a championship public 18 that actually makes you think, with elevated tees, sloping fairways and plenty of water to keep you honest. After the round, Wild Turkey Grill hits the spot, and their team throws legit weddings and work events.”

From the Allentown newsletter, September 2, 2026

“If you’ve got access, St. Martin's Golf Course delivers pure old-school vibes at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, the kind of classic layout that clears your head and steadies the week in a single round. Bring a friend, stripe a few, leave smugly happier than you arrived.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Libertee Grounds blends a 9-hole mini-golf course with a relaxed bar serving Asian American bites, plus a golf simulator lounge when you want to swing for real. Great for weeknight hangs, low-stakes competition, and that friend group that can never agree on just drinks.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Tree of Knowledge Mural is a 2003 Mural Arts Philadelphia piece by Michael Webb honoring Eisenhower Fellowships, and its leaves hide objects alluding to human endeavor, knowledge, and perseverance. It’s the kind of mural you can linger at on a lunch break, spotting something new every time.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Meg Saligman’s 1999 Philadelphia Muses Mural reimagines the nine classical muses as a whirring arts machine, spinning out perfect spheres with portraits of local performers and clever circular motifs. Painted in studio on parachute cloth then applied like giant decoupage, it’s a quick, energizing art detour.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Amusement center featuring dodgeball, basketball, a ropes course, and pizza, plus a restroom.”

“If this week needs a blissful green timeout, Bala Golf Club is Philly's ultra-convenient private hang, a picturesque William Flynn design with major championship pedigree and 125-plus years of tradition, where you can go from Center City to the first tee in 12 minutes.”

From the Bethlehem newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Landmark's Ritz Five is the rare theater that actually curates, a five-screen home for independent, foreign, and documentary films with the kind of special series and one-off screenings that make you feel in-the-know.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Lehigh Country Club is that rare combo of classic Allentown history and legit hangout, a member-owned spot since 1910 with one of Pennsylvania's premier courses, a championship racquets scene, an expansive pool, and dining that turns post-round into an actual plan.”

“Whether you're dialing in wedges or sneaking in a fast round, Juniata Golf Club keeps it fun with a layout packed with par 3s, a no-fuss pro shop, and golf outings for clubs and groups that feel neighborly, not stuffy.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Putt U Miniature Golf runs two world-class 18-hole courses that play more like real golf, with long winding holes, water, sand, and stone. Tackle the challenging Blue or the uniquely laid-out Red with par fives, then test your bragging rights with friends this week.”

From the Allentown newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Play Mini Golf brings 18 holes of blacklight mini golf with upbeat music, plus foosball, ping pong, and console games for the in-between bragging. It’s an easy, weatherproof hang for Philly nights or a low-stress party spot when you just want laughs and friendly trash talk.”

From the Bethlehem newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Upscale, tech-infused mini-golf spot featuring modern technology and trendy vibes.”

“Since 1884, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom has been Allentown’s go-to for over 60 rides, shows, and attractions plus one of the Northeast’s largest waterparks and Planet Snoopy for the littles. Tackle Hydra, drop on Python Plummet, then make peace with a build-your-own funnel cake this week.”

From the Allentown newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Activity center where teams disarm paint, foam or slime bombs using arcade games, lasers and puzzles.”

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“If you’re up for a quick Philly detour, Water Gives Life Mural - by Eurhi Jones and David McShane rewards the trip with a dreamy botanical panorama inspired by Ruth Asawa, connecting rivers, city pipes, and local flora, and reimagining a beloved 1998 wall into a fresh sustainability conversation.”

From the Allentown newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Whether you're fine-tuning your wedges or introducing a newbie without committing a full 18, Cobbs Creek Golf Campus packs a 68-bay Toptracer range with heated bays, a Tiger Woods' TGR Design 9-hole short course, and the Charlie Sifford inspired Little Horse Tavern.”

From the Lancaster newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Whether you’re sneaking in a quick bucket from weather controlled tees or chasing aces on the freshly landscaped 18 with seven working fountains, Burholme Family Fun Center hits the sweet spot.”

“From Lehigh Valley Phantoms hockey to touring acts and family shows, PPL Center is the easy pick when you want something fun without leaving town. Mobile ticketing is simple, and grabbing Chickie's & Pete's or Tim Hortons between periods makes it feel like an effortless night out.”

From the Allentown newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Entertainment option featuring intricately designed, handcrafted rooms for immersive escape games.”

“Enduring movie theater showing new releases, 2nd-run films & quirky contemporary classics.”

“Long-running, 18-hole golf course & practice facility with a pro shop & snack bar.”

“Bethlehem Golf Club’s Monocacy course is a classic 18-hole design from William and David Gordon with rolling terrain and legit championship bite, so you’ll use every club this week. Solid local pick when you want country-club-caliber greens without the fuss, just pure Bethlehem golf.”

From the Allentown newsletter, August 17, 2026

“Bound Together, Mural by Tim McFarlane is a bold abstract public mural in Philadelphia that honors Chinatown’s northern edge while nodding to the area’s rural past. Created in summer 2021, it’s the kind of outdoor piece that rewards a slow look, then another, then a photo.”

From the Allentown newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Franklin Square keeps summer lively with the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival glowing through August 16, a dancing fountain show, the Parx Liberty Carousel, and Center City’s only 18-hole Philly Mini Golf modeled after hometown landmarks. Grab a SquareBurger, then see who sinks the most ridiculous bank shot.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Monster-themed mini-golf chain featuring a glow-in-the-dark indoor course, plus arcade games & a DJ.”