Scranton, Pennsylvania: 10 Best Things to Do Nearby
10 Fun Things to Do Near Scranton, Pennsylvania
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| Ride from Scranton’s railroad past to quiet lake views, a coal mine adventure, and easy mountain escapes that make this Pennsylvania trip feel full of discovery. |
If you're looking for things to do near Scranton, Pennsylvania, you're in luck. Scranton, located in Lackawanna County, is packed with history, outdoor beauty, family fun, and a few surprises too. Whether you're planning a weekend trip, a day out, or just want to explore more of northeastern Pennsylvania, there are plenty of great spots nearby.
I’ve always liked places like Scranton because they feel easy to enjoy. You do not need a packed schedule or a huge budget to have a good time here. One minute you're walking through local history, and the next you're out by a lake or riding a trolley. It’s the kind of area that gives you a little bit of everything.
Here are 10 great places to check out near Scranton, PA.
1. Explore Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania
One of the most popular attractions in Scranton is Steamtown National Historic Site. If you love trains, history, or just unique places, this is a must-see. The site celebrates America’s railroad past and gives visitors a close look at massive steam locomotives.
You can walk through the rail yard, tour museum exhibits, and sometimes even take a train ride. Even if you are not a train person, it’s hard not to be impressed when you stand next to one of these huge engines. They feel larger than life, almost like standing beside a moving piece of history.
- Great for families
- Fun photo spots
- One of the top historical things to do in Scranton, PA
2. Ride the Electric City Trolley at the Electric City Trolley Museum
Scranton is known as the Electric City, so this stop fits perfectly. The Electric City Trolley Museum is a fun place to learn about the area's streetcar history. It’s interactive, interesting, and easy to enjoy even if you’re visiting with kids.
The trolley ride is the real highlight. There’s something charming about it. It feels a bit like stepping into another time, but without losing modern comfort. If you’re putting together a list of family-friendly attractions near Scranton, this belongs on it.
3. Walk Through Nay Aug Park
Need some fresh air? Head to Nay Aug Park, one of the best outdoor spots in Scranton, Pennsylvania. This park offers trails, bridges, open green space, and scenic views that make it a favorite with both locals and visitors.
The tree-lined paths are nice for a casual walk, and it’s a great place to slow down for a bit. If you ask me, every trip needs at least one stop where you can just breathe and not rush. Nay Aug Park gives you that.
You may also want to check out the park’s overlooks and natural areas while you're there.
4. Visit the Everhart Museum
If you enjoy art, science, and local culture, the Everhart Museum is worth your time. Located in Scranton, this museum has a mix of exhibits that often include fine art, natural history, and regional pieces.
It’s not the kind of place that feels stuffy or hard to understand. Instead, it feels welcoming and manageable, which is nice if you don’t want to spend all day in one museum. Sometimes smaller museums are better because they let you take things in at your own pace.
5. Spend Time at Montage Mountain Resorts
For year-round fun near Scranton, check out Montage Mountain Resorts. In winter, you can ski or snowboard. In warmer months, the area is known for water park fun, live events, and outdoor entertainment.
This is a great pick if your group likes a little more action. It’s especially handy when people can’t agree on what to do, because there is usually something for everyone. That kind of flexibility can save a trip.
- Skiing and snowboarding in winter
- Water attractions in summer
- Concerts and events throughout the year
6. Tour the Lackawanna Coal Mine
Want something a little different? The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour gives you a chance to go down into an actual coal mine and learn what mining life was like for workers in this region.
This is one of the most memorable things to do near Scranton, PA. It’s educational, but it never feels dull. Going underground adds a real sense of perspective. You do not just hear about history, you feel closer to it.
If you have kids or teens with you, this can be a surprisingly strong stop because it brings the past to life in a very real way.
7. Relax at Lake Scranton
Lake Scranton is a peaceful spot for walking, jogging, and enjoying nature. The loop around the lake is a favorite with locals, and it’s easy to see why. The view is calm, the path is simple, and the setting feels like a quiet break from busy life.
Sometimes the best travel moments are not the flashy ones. They are the simple ones, like sipping coffee before a lakeside walk or taking in a cool Pennsylvania morning. If that sounds like your kind of outing, put this on your list.
8. See the Houdini Museum in Nearby Forty Fort
If you're willing to take a short drive from Scranton, the Houdini Museum in Forty Fort offers a fun and unusual experience. This spot celebrates the life and magic of Harry Houdini, and it often includes live magic performances.
It’s quirky in the best way. Not every trip needs to be built around major landmarks. Sometimes a smaller, offbeat stop ends up being the thing you remember most. This one has that kind of charm.
9. Visit Lackawanna State Park
Just outside Scranton, Lackawanna State Park is a great choice for outdoor lovers. With hiking trails, fishing, boating, picnic areas, and wide open space, it’s easy to spend a half day or a full day here.
If you’re traveling with family, this is a solid option because everyone can do something different. Some people can hit the trails while others relax by the water. It’s a bit like a choose-your-own-adventure day, which is never a bad thing.
- Fishing and boating
- Hiking and birdwatching
- Picnic-friendly areas
10. Take a Day Trip to Downtown Jim Thorpe
If you want to branch out a little farther from Scranton, Jim Thorpe makes a fantastic day trip. This charming Pennsylvania town is known for its pretty streets, mountain views, train rides, and small-town feel.
There’s shopping, dining, and lots of photo-worthy corners. It has that cozy, storybook kind of atmosphere that makes you want to keep wandering. If your perfect travel day includes a little walking, a good meal, and a few fun finds along the way, this place delivers.
Final Thoughts on What to Do Near Scranton, PA
From railroad history to lake walks and mountain fun, there are so many enjoyable things to do near Scranton, Pennsylvania. Whether you like museums, parks, family attractions, or local history, this part of Lackawanna County has something worth adding to your plans.
The best part? You can mix and match these stops based on your mood. Want a quiet day? Pick Lake Scranton and Nay Aug Park. Want something more exciting? Try Montage Mountain or a mine tour. Scranton makes it easy to build a trip that actually feels personal.
Have you visited Scranton, PA or any of these nearby attractions? Share your favorite in the comments, and send this post to a friend who is planning a Pennsylvania getaway. I’d love to hear which stop you would pick first.
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