10 Fun Things To Do Near Easton, Pennsylvania (Northampton County)
Looking for a fun weekend getaway in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley?
Easton, PA is a small riverside city with a big personality. It sits right where the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers meet, and it’s packed with family attractions, outdoor adventures, great food, and small-town charm.
Whether you’re planning a day trip from New York City or Philadelphia, or you’re exploring the Lehigh Valley, here are
10 great things to do in and around Easton, Pennsylvania.
1. Get Curious at the Crayola Experience
If you’ve ever opened a fresh box of crayons and loved that smell, this place is for you.
Located right in
downtown Easton, the
Crayola Experience is one of the city’s most famous attractions and a must-do for families.
- Create your own custom crayon label with your name on it.
- Watch how crayons are made in a live theater-style show.
- Try dozens of hands-on art stations – painting, coloring, melting wax, and more.
Plan to spend at least
3–4 hours here, especially with kids. It’s indoors, so it’s also a solid rainy-day activity in Easton.
Travel tip: Go early in the morning on weekends or holidays. Lines grow fast, especially in the main art areas.
2. Stroll Around Easton’s Historic Downtown & Centre Square
Just steps from the Crayola Experience, you’ll find
Centre Square, the heart of Easton. This area is very walkable and full of history, shops, and great food.
Things to do in downtown Easton:
- Check out the Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument in the middle of the square.
- Browse local boutiques and antique shops on Northampton Street.
- Grab a coffee or dessert at one of the local cafés or bakeries.
- Look for murals and historic buildings as you wander.
On a nice day, I like to grab an iced coffee, sit on a bench in the square, and people-watch for a bit. It’s a laid-back way to feel the vibe of the city.
3. Explore the National Canal Museum & Towpath Trails
Easton’s history is tied closely to its canals and rivers, and the
National Canal Museum in nearby
Hugh Moore Park brings that story to life.
Inside the museum, you’ll find hands-on exhibits about how canals worked, who built them, and why they were so important in shipping goods in the 1800s.
But the real fun is outside:
- Ride on a mule-drawn canal boat (seasonal) along the Lehigh Canal.
- Walk or bike the old towpath along the water.
- Enjoy a picnic in the park and let kids burn energy on the playground.
If you like a mix of light history and outdoor time, this is a great stop near Easton.
4. Spend a Night at the State Theatre Center for the Arts
Love live shows? Don’t miss the
State Theatre Center for the Arts, an ornate historic theater right in downtown Easton.
This beautiful venue hosts:
- Concerts
- Comedy shows
- Broadway-style performances
- Family events and classic films
The inside of the theater feels like stepping back in time, with gold details, chandeliers, and plush seating. Even if you’re not usually a “theater person,” catching a show here can turn an ordinary evening into something special.
Tip: Check the State Theatre’s event calendar before your trip to Easton and plan your visit around a show that interests you.
5. Eat Your Way Through the Easton Public Market
If you’re a food lover, you’ll want to wander over to the
Easton Public Market, just a short walk from Centre Square.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Artisan pizza
- BBQ and burgers
- Fresh baked goods
- Tacos and international bites
- Local produce and specialty groceries
You can grab a quick bite, sit at a communal table, or pick up snacks for a picnic along the river.
One of the nice things about a place like this is that everyone can choose what they want. Traveling with picky eaters? No problem—there’s usually something for everyone here.
6. Visit the Sigal Museum & Discover Northampton County History
Curious about the local history of the
Lehigh Valley and
Northampton County? The
Sigal Museum, located in Easton, is a great place to get the bigger picture.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Exhibits on Native American history in the region.
- Artifacts from the colonial era and Revolutionary War.
- Stories of early industry and immigration in Easton and nearby towns.
The museum is not huge, which is actually nice. You can see most of it in an hour or two without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a smart stop if you like to understand the story behind the places you visit.
7. Enjoy Outdoor Time at Riverside Parks & the Delaware River
One of the best things about Easton, PA is its location at the confluence of the
Delaware River and
Lehigh River. If you’re looking for outdoor things to do near Easton, you have plenty of options.
Popular spots and activities include:
- Scott Park – Right near downtown with river views, walking paths, and places to relax.
- Fishing – The Delaware River is popular for fishing; bring your gear and a valid license.
- Kayaking & canoeing – Look for outfitters along the Delaware if you didn’t bring your own gear.
- Walking and biking – Trails along the rivers and canals offer easy, scenic routes.
On a warm day, it’s easy to spend a few hours outdoors, then head back to town for dinner.
8. Experience the Famous Easton Farmers’ Market
If you’re in Easton on a Saturday (especially from spring through fall), make time for the
Easton Farmers’ Market in Centre Square.
It’s one of the longest-running open-air farmers’ markets in the United States and a local favorite.
You’ll find:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms.
- Homemade jams, honey, and baked goods.
- Local meats, cheeses, and specialty foods.
- Live music and occasional special events.
Even if you’re just visiting for the day, you can grab snacks for later, pick up a unique handmade gift, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Tip: Arrive earlier in the day for the best selection and easier parking.
9. Take a Short Drive to Bethlehem or Allentown
One of the nice things about using Easton as a base is how close it is to other Lehigh Valley cities.
Within about a
20–25 minute drive, you can be in:
- Bethlehem, PA – Explore the historic Moravian district, visit SteelStacks (the old steel plant turned arts area), or enjoy holiday events if you’re visiting in December.
- Allentown, PA – Check out the Allentown Art Museum, the America on Wheels transportation museum, or enjoy minor league baseball in season.
If you like to pack a lot into a weekend, you could easily spend one day focused on Easton and another exploring Bethlehem or Allentown, then return to your hotel in Easton at night.
10. Sip Local at Wineries, Breweries, and Cideries
The area around Easton and Northampton County has a growing craft beverage scene. If you enjoy a good drink, there are plenty of spots to explore.
Depending on your taste, you can look for:
- Local breweries – Sample small-batch beers and seasonal specialties.
- Nearby wineries – The greater Lehigh Valley wine trail has tasting rooms within an easy drive.
- Cideries and distilleries – Try locally made cider, whiskey, or other spirits.
Always be sure to have a designated driver or use a ride service if you plan to sample more than one spot. Many visitors like to pair an afternoon at a winery or brewery with dinner in downtown Easton for a relaxed evening.
Planning Your Trip to Easton, PA
To make the most of your visit to
Easton, Pennsylvania and the surrounding Northampton County area:
- Time of year: Spring and fall are especially nice for walking downtown and enjoying outdoor activities. Summer is great for canal rides and river time. Winter has its own charm with holiday markets and events.
- Parking: Downtown Easton offers street parking and garages. On busy weekends (especially during events or markets), give yourself a little extra time to find a spot.
- Trip ideas: Combine Easton with stops in Bethlehem, Allentown, or even a day trip down the Delaware River region.
Whether you’re traveling with kids, friends, or on a couples’ getaway, Easton offers a surprisingly wide range of things to do for a small city.
What Would You Do First in Easton?
Are you more excited about:
- Coloring outside the lines at the Crayola Experience?
- Snacking your way through the Easton Public Market?
- Strolling along the river and canal paths?
I’d love to hear what you’re most interested in doing near Easton, PA.
Share this post with friends or family who are planning a trip to Pennsylvania, and
drop a comment with:
- Your favorite Easton attraction, or
- A hidden gem in Northampton County that more travelers should know about.
Your tips and stories help other travelers discover new things to do in and around Easton, Pennsylvania!
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