Easton, Pa., With Kids: 15 Things To Do as a Family
Just west of New Jersey's Warren County and across the Delaware River, there's a gem of a small town waiting for families to explore. Easton, Pennsylvania, has a rich history dating back to colonial times and is now home to a bustling downtown, unique eateries for foodies, sprawling farms, and tons of terrific family-friendly destinations. Here are 15 spots perfect for memory-making during an Easton day trip with kids. Find more to do in the area with our guide to the Lehigh Valley.
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1. Explore the Easton Farmers Market
This farmers market has been around since 1752, making it the oldest, continuous open-air market in the nation. Pick up locally grown produce, hormone-free meat, prepared foods, and more, or enjoy the family-friendly special events like the zucchini races, Honey Fest, Strawberry Fest, as well as the Apple Jam in October. It's open Saturdays, 9am-1pm, from May through the Saturday before Christmas.
2. Go for Sweet and Salty
The iconic Carmelcorn Shop has been serving homemade caramel corn, popcorn, fresh-roasted nuts, fudge, and chocolates since 1931.
Immerse yourself in a rainbow of crayons at The Crayola Experience. Photo courtesy of The Crayola Experience
3. Get Creative at the Crayola Experience
This colorful, creative arts and crafts-filled play center is probably the best-known site to visit in Easton with kids. Spend the day exploring the various art stations from drip art to clay modeling.
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See a puppet show at Book & Puppet Co. Photo courtesy of the shop.
4. See a Puppet Show
Book & Puppet Co. isn't your average bookshop! Book & Puppet not only sells an array of books, but storyteller Andy and colleagues host an incredible lineup of entertaining puppet shows and storybook read-alouds for kids. Check the events page for the most up-to-date schedule.
5. Nevin Park
Take a stroll through Nevin Park on College Hill and admire its brand new fountain, lovingly restored last summer.
The Karl Stirner Arts Trail is a 1.6-mile-long trail connecting the Downtown, College Hill, and West Ward neighborhoods of Easton. Photo courtesy of the trail
6. Explore Karl Stirner Arts Trail
Take a 1.6-mile walk on the Karl Stirner Arts Trail along Bushkill Creek, where nature meets art. Enjoy 20+ pieces of art that have been installed along the trail.
7. See a Football Game
Head to Lafayette College to see the Leopards play, or watch one of the oldest high school football rivalries in the nation—Easton versus Phillipsburg when they duke it out on Thanksgiving Day.
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Forget scoops; indulge in rolled ice cream at The Ice Cream Lounge. Photo courtesy of the shop
8. Try One-of-a-Kind Desserts
Trade ice cream scoops for rolls at The Ice Cream Lounge. This unique venue takes thin sheets of ice cream and rolls them into delectable scrolls mixed with toppings. Or, avoid the brain freeze, and head to Khanisa's "The Pudding Bar" for cups filled with homemade pudding, plus incredible pies, cakes, biscuits, and toppings.
9. Williams Center for the Arts, Lafayette College
Enjoy a concert or show at the Williams Center, which offers plenty of live programs for families.
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Check out the programming at the historic—and haunted—State Theatre. Photo courtesy Easton Main Street Initiative
10. Go to The Theatre
Snag tickets to a show at the beautiful—and nearly 100-year-old—State Theatre. Grab a bite to eat in Downtown Easton before the show.
11. Go Tubing
If you're up for an adventure, go tubing, kayaking, canoeing, and rafting on the Delaware River with Twin Rivers Tubing.
Stroll along the canal and visit The National Canal Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
12. Visit the National Canal Museum
Take a trip back in time and learn about the old canal days. Take a paddleboat or canoe ride on the canal and meet Hank and Joe, the mules that pull the Josiah White II canal boat.
13. Visit Klein Farms
This dairy farm and creamery promises udderly fantastic farm fun. Say hi to the animals, play on the playground, and then stop in at the dairy store for delicious homemade ice cream.
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Putt-putt your way to par on indoor and outdoor courses at Two T's. Photo courtesy of the venue
14. Play Mini Golf at Two T's
The entire family can enjoy 18 holes of mini-golf on this gorgeous, well-kept outdoor course, or try one of the other activities like laser tag, go-karts, or indoor mini golf. There's a great ice cream shop on-premises as well.
15. Go Shopping Downtown
Take a stroll downtown to explore more than 100 shops and restaurants.
Places featured in this article:
Crayola Experience , PA
Easton Farmer's Market, Scott Park
The Carmelcorn Shop
Klein Farm
Book and Puppet
The State Theatre
Two T's Family Entertainment Center
National Canal Museum
Khanisa’s “The Pudding Bar”,