Maybe you’ve never heard of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, home of the three cities Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. But here’s why you should make it your getaway destination for the week of Chol Hamoed Sukkot, October 2-6, 2023:

Besides being close to New York and Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley offers plenty for families to do. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find so many attractions so near to home yet so far from bigger city traffic, crowds and costs. You’ll also have multiple kosher food and sukkah dining options. To top it all off, local hotels and sites are offering discounted room and admission rates for the Jewish community!

The Valley features more kid-friendly educational destinations, outdoorsy sites for family adventures, and other fun and eye-opening attractions than you could possibly visit in one week. To name just a few, there are the kid-approved Crayola Experience, Da Vinci Science Center, Lehigh Valley Zoo, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Bushkill Falls and Lost River Cavern.

For certified kosher food, there’s always the Noshery at Muhlenberg College in Allentown. It’s open to the general public with daily menu offerings that include matzah ball soup (from its Star-K-certified meat kitchen) and falafel and grilled cheese sandwiches (from its Star-D-certified dairy kitchen). Read more about the Noshery here: https://content-service.sodexomyway.com/media/Kosher%20Brochure%20F22_tcm390-181102.pdf?url=https://dining.muhlenberg.edu/

Some grocery stores in Allentown have bakeries that make kosher-certified goods. They stock assorted kosher foods on their shelves too. And specially for Chol Hamoed week, arrangements are in the works for kosher food to be brought in from established New York area restaurants on certain evenings.

When it’s time to dine, Muhlenberg, the JCC in Allentown and the Da Vinci center all are making sukkahs available to visitors. Some synagogues will be inviting visitors to use their sukkahs too.

There you have it: interesting and fun family destinations, kosher food and sukkah dining, and discounts. It’s all you need, besides the synagogues. And of course, we have those too, 10 of them. See you soon!

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Valley offers a plethora of family-friendly attractions that promise unforgettable experiences. From educational adventures to thrilling outdoor escapes, this region has something for everyone. Here are five captivating reasons why the Lehigh Valley should be at the top of your family vacation list during Sukkot.

1. Express your creativity at the Crayola Experience

The Crayola Experience is a beacon of creativity and learning for both kids and adults. Located in Easton, this interactive attraction immerses visitors in the vibrant world of crayons. With hands-on activities that encourage artistic expression and imagination, families can create their own crayon labels, watch crayons being made and even take part in live shows. Use the link to get your discounted tickets! Affiliate Program - Crayola Experience

2. Stimulate your mind at the Da Vinci Science Center

For those who crave a mix of education and entertainment, the Da Vinci Science Center at Cedar Crest College is a must-visit. Named after the Renaissance artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci, the center stimulates curiosity through hands-on exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It’s a place where learning becomes an adventure, captivating minds of all ages.

You can order your tickets here! Reserve Tickets - Da Vinci Science Center - Da Vinci Science Center, and use discount code Sukkot#2023 to get $3 off general admission while booking online or over the phone.

3. Embark on foliage-filled adventures

Nature lovers can immerse themselves in the wonders of Bear Creek Mountain Resort during autumn. As the season casts its enchanting spell, the resort transforms into a picturesque landscape. The verdant slopes that once hosted summer activities now come alive with a breathtaking mosaic of red, orange and gold leaves, creating a brilliant backdrop for outdoor adventures. Families can savor the crisp mountain air as they embark on scenic hikes, their paths adorned with the rich hues of the season. With the promise of cozy bonfires and warm apple cider, and the camaraderie of loved ones, Bear Creek Mountain Resort encapsulates the essence of the fall, inviting families to make cherished memories.

4. Get your hockey thrills at the PPL Center

Sports enthusiasts can go to watch the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers. This dynamic team based at the PPL Center offers an exhilarating experience that captures the essence of this fast-paced sport. The electrifying atmosphere, the sound of skates on ice and the cheers of passionate fans creates an unforgettable outing perfect for bonding with loved ones.

5. Marvel at exotic animals the Lehigh Valley Zoo

Nature lovers can immerse themselves in the wonders of the Lehigh Valley Zoo. Situated in Schnecksville, this zoo features a diverse range of animals from around the world, offering an opportunity for families to connect with wildlife and foster a love for nature conservation. With educational programs and interactive exhibits, the zoo is a stimulating learning environment for young minds.

No matter your personal preferences, the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, offers a treasure trove of family-friendly attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether it’s indulging in creative activities at the Crayola Experience, exploring science at the Da Vinci Center, basking in the autumnal beauty of Bear Creek Mountain Resort, embracing the excitement of a hockey game with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms or connecting with nature at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, this region is a haven for memorable family adventures. So, pack your bags, gather your loved ones and embark on a journey to the Lehigh Valley for a vacation filled with laughter, learning and lasting memories.

You won’t want to miss these nearby natural marvels that capture in equal parts the serenity and beauty particular to the Lehigh Valley and surrounding area.

Nearby fun

No need to stray far from your hotel to experience natural beauty. These locations are easy to visit and offer a unique experience.

1. Jacobsburg Park:

This pleasant nearby trail offers pretty views and an easy opportunity for the kids to burn some energy! Experience beauty from all perspectives here with wide wooded paths that lead to winding trails which offer an overlook of the valley below. The relatively short trail path means this site can comfortably sit in a trip itinerary without taking up too much of your busy day!

2. Hawk Mountain:

Lehigh Valley’s Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a wild bird sanctuary located along the Appalachian flyway. It’s an outdoor destination for hikers, birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Hawk Mountain is a great place to learn about raptors and see them in person. Trails and lookouts offer beautiful scenery and access to nature every day of the year. RaptorPedia is an always-in-progress resource for learning about raptors at Hawk Mountain and around the world.

This trail is not suitable for children under 6.

3. Trexler Nature Preserve

The overlook at Trexler Nature Preserve is a sunset-lover's dream. You've never seen a gorgeous golden-hour landscape like this. When you're done taking pictures, take advantage of the Lehigh Valley Zoo, located on the same property.

4. Bushkill Falls

The “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill Falls is among the Keystone State's most famous scenic attractions. This unique series of eight waterfalls nestled deep in the wooded Pocono Mountains just north of the Lehigh Valley is accessible via an excellent network of hiking trails and bridges, which afford fabulous views. Check out the Pennsylvania Wildlife Exhibit and Native American Exhibit, fish Twin Lakes, visit the variety of gift shops or enjoy a round of miniature golf. At Bushkill Falls there's plenty for the entire family to see and do!

5. Columcille Megalith Park

While out of the way, this place is so unique it had to be mentioned. Nowhere else could you find such a beautiful combination of nature trail and replica of ancient architecture. Park attendees often cite a feeling of peace and serenity as they walk these paths.

The park offers unique rock structures along a winding wooded path. Feelings of fancy and wonder will arise as Celtic-style structures appear along your walk. A delight for parents and kids alike!

Open from dusk to dawn, this site will be a breeze to fit into your itinerary. Free admission means it’ll be easy on your wallet too!

Natural wonders

1. Lost River Cavern:

Located in nearby Hellertown, this natural wonder is definitely worth the trip. With beautiful displays of Pennsylvanian gemstones, this attraction is sure to take your breath away.

The caves have been open to the public since 1930. There are guided walking tours of the natural limestone cavern and underground river. These educational tours offer insight into the geology of the cave and its formations, as well as the history of the property and surrounding community. Registration is required, so book it here.

2. Crystal Caves: 

While this attraction is a bit out of the way, it’s a site to see! The cave has been dazzling tourists for over 145 years! A tour guide will take you into the depths of the earth. At about 125 feet down, you can expect colder temperatures, so be sure to bring extra layers. More than that, though, you can expect to see some truly beautiful natural rock formations. You won’t find caves like this back home!

You can make a day of this too. Above ground, you’ll find 150 acres of scenic nature, as well as a mini golf course!

3. Ringing Rocks:

A swift strike to a stone in these fields results in something scientists are still puzzling out: a bell-like ringing tone! Suspected to have been deposited by ancient glaciers, these rocks were formed under high pressure, making their composition extra dense and capable of ringing. To your children, though, this oddity of a landscape can serve to show them that not everything is as it seems – some things have an almost magical wonder.