“Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret,” goes the famous saying of Oscar Wilde. In the same way, going on trips that count with experiences you never want to let go of is mostly what the trip is worth.
The time of your life in Wilkes-barre, PA, will only be complete with a list of how to achieve it as nobody wants to go to their dream destination and come back with regrets.
You would want most detail of your trip to be something you already know before the get-go. So here’s how to best explore the diamond city itself.
Continue reading to find out the 23 best and most fun things to do in Wilkes-Barre, PA, The Diamond City.
Fun Things to Do in Wilkes Barre, PA
1. Attend a Performance at River Street Jazz Cafe
River Street Jazz Café a jazz-focused music place in Wilke-barre. The cafe is known and advertised as having an eclectic space.
If you wish to enjoy jazz music, we suggest River Street Jazz Cafe see exclusive performances by local, regional, and national jazz artists.
Over the last two decades, it has been the go-to destination for live acts in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Aside from the fantastic music, the Jazz Cafe has excellent lighting and sound system, an amazing menu, and a friendly staff that is always ready and happy to assist.
2. Get a Feel of Arts at Art n’ Vino.
A visit to Art N Vino will finally allow your inner artist to express itself. It is the ideal location for a city night date, especially for couples looking for romantic activities.
Visitors can sign up for various workshops, from painting to making custom wood signs. You could come with drinks to enjoy while working on an art piece.
You can come by yourself, on a date, or in a large group! It’s entirely up to you.
You are not required to have a background experience in painting or any other art form. Working with the knowledge provided to you at art n’ Vino will have you blown away by the outcome.
3. Beer Cheers at Breaker Brewing Company
Located in Wilkes-barre, the Breaker Brewing Company was established by two homebrewers on a plot of 2.5 acres.
The company specializes in the production of handcrafted small-batch beers. This is in recognition of the region’s coal-mining heritage.
From Tuesday to Saturday, the restaurant serves pizza, paninis, and various types of pasta. They also have a selection of draught beers.
Sundays, on the other hand, are exceptional because various food trucks provide the locals with a constant supply of food to try. The bar is only closed on Mondays, so explore other days as your schedule allows.
There are parking spaces available if you have a vehicle, but keep in mind that parking anywhere other than the designated areas is prohibited, as it may result in a penalty of some kind.
Things to Do in Wilkes-barre at Night
1. Games at Chacko’s Family Bowling Center
Bowling is a perfect choice of things to do in Wilkes Barre on a cool night for fun. It is also a good place to kick off Chacko’s Family Bowling center.
With its modern lines and automated scoring, Chacko is an excellent bowling facility for experts and visitors.
You can enjoy a friendly competition here, and if you get hungry, the Memory Lane Lounge serves lunch. So you will never have to leave the facility because the center has everything.
Keep an eye out for free games and glow bowling. Remember to stop at Dan Chacko’s Pro Shop for expert advice or new bowling equipment.
Visiting the Chacko’s Family Bowling Center is highly recommended for a fun place and should be included at the top of your list.
2. Casino Excitement at Mohegan Sun Pocono Casino
The Mohegan Sun Pocono Casino ranks easily among the top things to do in Wilkes Barre.
This historic resort offers a wide range of entertainment options, including 90 game tables and 2,300 slot machines spread across 82,000 square feet.
There are over 18 menu options, allowing everyone to find something they enjoy and offering different meal options every week.
There’s the Wise Crackers Comedy Club, where you can laugh the night away, and the Breakers Night Club, where you can dance the night away.
Meanwhile, Spa Sapphire, located within the casino, offers facials, manicures, massages, saunas, and other treatments. These are just a few amenities the Mohegan Sun Pocono offers.
3. Delight in an Evening Performance at Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre
The Little Theatre of Wilkes Barre is one of the country’s oldest continuously operating community theaters.
The Theatre has been a class act since its first season in 1922, and it ranks high on our list of the best things to do in Wilkes Barre.
Since its inception, it has featured hundreds of performances, with millions of people enjoying the shows. It is a great place for newcomers to get their feet busy and gain unforgettable experiences.
The Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre takes pride in showcasing local talent as it keeps unveiling the best of its talents.
Things to Do in Wilkes-Barre, PA, For Couples
1. Explore Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
The Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre was formerly a conference center converted into a multi-functional facility.
The plaza can accommodate over 8450 people due to its seating arrangement.
Over the years, many renowned events have taken place at Mohegan Sun Arena, including the famous WWE wrestling matches, ice hockey games, and the circus.
The arena had previously hosted performances by the Eagles, Elton John, and Bob Dylan. It also hosts other events, such as political rallies and graduation ceremonies.
2. Take a Golf Course at the Academy of Golf Center
Thought of enjoying the game of golf with your partner in one of the coolest golf centers in Wilkes-barre?
Those who love the game of golf would agree that taking golf lessons is a great way to learn from experts. At the Academy of Golf Center, teachers educate students of all ages and skill levels on golf.
The Academy is about 12 minutes from Wilkes-Barre and has every tool you need to polish your golf skills.
The outdoor driving range has heated stalls, allowing visitors to practice all year. Visit its pro shop and arm yourself with golf apparel and equipment from some of the industry’s biggest names.
There is also a mini-golf course where even the family’s youngest members can practice their putting skills.
So you can explore this opportunity and have fun learning about golf with your partner.
3. Go Hiking at Seven Tubs Recreation Area
The Seven Tubs came about from melting glaciers over 12000 years ago. For many years, a Wheelbarrow stream has carved canyons and gorges in the terrain.
The Seven Tubs Recreation Area is an area of trails, rock formations, and a waterfall that is accessible to the public; it is also home to a wide variety of birds and mammals that live in woodlands.
Hikers and visitors find the area quite enjoyable. Keep an eye on potential hazards like slick moss and loose rocks.
Another fantastic thing about the area is that it is wheelchair accessible, with sections of the path designed to accommodate everyone.
Things to Do in Wilkes-Barre, PA, For Kids
1. Take a Trip to the Kirby Park
Kirby park is a place to look out for, especially if you have kids. This is one of the fun parks for kids in Wilkes-barre.
Kirby Park, located not far from downtown, has a large green space and playgrounds for children.
There is a racetrack, a pond, and a fitness trail with picnic areas where loved ones can enjoy a relaxing picnic.
Everyone is welcome to use the park’s volleyball courts, softball fields, tennis courts, parking lots, and pavilions.
Kirby Park has an all-inclusive playground with about eleven pieces of play equipment suitable for people with disabilities.
A close friend of Fred Morgan Kirby donated exactly fifty acres of land to the city.
2. Play Hockey at The Toyota SportsPlex
Going to the Toyota SportsPlex is another interesting thing to do in Wilkes-Barre. It should be top on your list of places to take your kids, especially if they enjoy sports.
Toyota SportsPlex is home to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins.
You don’t have to be a hockey superstar to have fun on the ice. Activities like Curling, figure skating, public skating, and hockey are available for all ages and skill levels at this ice rink.
Wilkes University hockey teams, Wyoming Seminary hockey teams, and the Wilkes-Barre Junior Pens all play at the Toyota SportPlex. Your kids could surely have a great time playing with other kids.
The Diamond City Figure Skating Club also practices at the rink and is a US Figure Skating Association member.
This rink also hosts in-house hockey leagues, clinics, and camps for adults and children, along with Birthday parties and other events.
Romantic Things to Do in Wilkes Barre, PA
1. Get your Favourite CDs at the Gallery Of Sound
Gallery Of Sound is a Wilkes-Barre-based independent record store. It is a family-run business that buys, sells, and trades new and used CDs, DVDs, and LPs.
They have the most recent releases, covering nearly every period and genre.
Gallery of Sound also sells cool band memorabilia such as posters, patches, t-shirts, music books, pins, and collectibles.
Buying CDs, DVDs, and LPs of your favorite songs could be a romantic activity to try out with you and your date.
2. Experience the Falls Trail in Ricketts Glen State Park
Experiencing the Falls Trail at the exciting Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the best things to do in Wilkes Barre, PA. It is most likely Pennsylvania’s best hike.
Over 20 waterfalls can be found on this 7.2-mile trail. The trail is difficult, but it allows hikers to see each of these falls and enjoy one of the most beautiful places in the eastern United States.
The sight of Ricketts Glen’s frozen waterfalls during winter adds another dimension of adventure.
If you want to try the trial during the year’s colder months, you must take proper precautions because it is officially closed.
3. Enjoy the Vintage Theme Rustic Kitchen Bistro and Bar
Jim and Kathy Cafarelli founded Rustic Kitchen Bistro and Bar in 2001. This is where you will get a good treat in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Jim and Kathy have years of combined experience in design concepts and hospitality. The Rustic Kitchen concept now includes four restaurants and a Studio Kitchen that broadcasts live dinner shows.
Their efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including four Emmys. They use fresh, seasonal ingredients to make pizzas, seafood, meat dishes, and pasta.
The restaurant at the Mohegan Sun Pocono overlooks the casino, allowing guests to observe the action.
Indoor Things to Do in Wilkes Barre, PA
1. Explore Artifacts at the Luzerne County Historical Museum
The Luzerne County Historical Museum is a Wilkes-Barre historical museum. The Luzerne County Historical Society manages it.
This organization’s mission is carried out through various channels, including events, exhibits, lectures, a library, guided tours, and historic homes. The museum preserves a comprehensive collection of local history documents and artifacts.
Both relics from prehistoric times to the Revolutionary War, anthracite coal extraction, and modern times are displayed at the museum.
The Luzerne County Historical Museum houses nearly 200,000 items, books, and papers that tell the stories of residents and historical events while also connecting them to the present day.
You might also come across some interesting and unusual pieces from the collection in the Library and Museum and other online displays incorporating content from the collection.
2. Visit the Luzerne County Courthouse architecture
Another interesting place to visit is the Luzerne County Courthouse, one of the best things to do in Wilkes Barre.
Luzerne County Courthouse is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent in the entire state of Pennsylvania.
Visiting the building’s beautiful dome will give you a run for your money, and if you happen to be in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, take advantage of this opportunity.
Unless you have an appointment elsewhere within the courthouse, you may be limited to viewing the royal interior of the structure from the ground level.
This is due to the authorities’ prohibition on touring other parts of the building. Overall, you would never experience anything less than intriguing.
3. Take a Look at Forty Fort Meetinghouse
Forty Fort Meetinghouse, located only 12 minutes from downtown Wilkes-Barre, is the only active meeting house with a New England-style Pennsylvania.
After the meeting house was finished in 1807, it became a colony of Connecticut immigrants seeking to claim the valley as their territory.
Despite not being used for nearly 150 years, the structure has been maintained and appears virtually unchanged.
Cheap Things to Do in Wilkes Barre, PA
1. Test your Skill at the Wilkes-Barre Rock Climbing Gym
Wilkes-Barre Rock Climbing Gym is the place to go when you want to work out your body. It’s on our list of the best things to do in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
It is a climbing facility with various routes that will test rock climbers of all skill and ability levels.
Visitors are offered various punch cards or a day pass based on their available time and budget. Regardless, it’s always enjoyable.
You will be greeted by courteous and knowledgeable staff who will always be available and willing to assist you in receiving the appropriate training based on your needs and preferences.
Wilkes-Barre Rock Climbing Gym is always open when you need them.
2. Watch a Performance at F.M. Kirby Center for The Performing Arts
Are you looking for something to do in Wilkes-Barre that involves nightlife? If so, the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts is an excellent place to begin your search.
It is a lovely theater with a comfortable atmosphere ideal for various events such as comedy shows, plays, concerts, and other performances.
There is also the Young People’s Theater, which is geared toward children. It provides children access to various shows appropriate for their age and is ideal for broadening their knowledge of performing arts.
The Art-Deco design will take your breath away when you enter this historic theater. It’s enough to entice and even keep you!
You’ll also enjoy the newly renovated interior design and improved acoustics, ensuring an unforgettable experience every time you visit.
Free Things to Do in Wilkes Barre, PA
1. Take a Walk Through the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a national memorial that represents the honoring of service members of the U.S. armed forces that fought in the Vietnam war.
It is located over 2 acres, made of two granite walls with names of the service members who died engraved in them.
The memorial is maintained by the national park service and has over three million people visit each year.
As a way to learn more about history, you could visit this great place to gain more insights.
2. See the Market Street Bridge
The Market Street Bridge is one of the most important bridges crossing the Susquehanna River. It was constructed between 1926 and 1929 and is a fine example of a long-span 1920s urban bridge.
It is one of Pennsylvania’s longest and most decorated concrete bridges, standing approximately 1,400 feet.
The Market Street Bridge is a massive 12-arch granite and reinforced concrete structure with two towers at approach, each with a massive carved limestone eagle atop it.
Its original design included an ornamental light standard and a water gauging station. The latter has been out of commission since 1943, and all light standards have been replaced.
The Market Street Bridge, which replaced an earlier truss bridge, has beautiful architecture. Carrere & Hastings, a well-known New York City architectural firm, designed it.
The six longer spans over the river are open-spandrel arches with three-wide ribs. The floodplain end spans are shorter barrel arches with solid spandrel walls.
This answers the question of what to do in Wilkes Barre, PA, for some exploration time; the bridge is a breathtaking sight in Wilkes-Barre!
3. Go Vintage Shopping at Lark Mountain Marketplace
Lark Mountain Marketplace is in Wilkes-Barre Township, close to the Mohegan Sun Arena and a short drive from the Mohegan Sun Casino.
It is an 8000-square-foot antique shopping center with over 50 vendors for your shopping pleasure.
Lark Mountain has a plethora of specialty vendors selling one-of-a-kind items. Some vendors sell primitives, vintage advertising, military items, estate and costume jewelry, mining equipment, video games, and other items.
Stroll down memory lane to find one-of-a-kind antique and vintage items for yourself or as gifts.
You can warm up by drinking some free coffee in their gathering room. While you’re there, talk to the staff; they’re friendly and helpful.
Conclusion
The best and most fun things to do in Wilke-Barre, PA, can’t be exhausted, as the city is filled with many attractions.
We hope the 23 listed places in this article where you can explore and have a good time in the amazing city are enough to get you started.
Kindly comment via the comment box to share your experience and thoughts on these places.
