One of my favorite places to stop in the Lehigh Valley to let the kids run around and get some fresh air is Lehigh Parkway. Although it’s located in the city of Allentown,  it’s such a quiet and serene little park that you will forget all about being in an urban area. Little Lehigh Creek runs through the center with multi-use trails along both sides. The paths are cinder and primarily flat with a few rolling hills, which makes them perfect for pushing little ones in strollers or letting toddlers run along the trails. 

When both of my kids were babies and young tots, I put them in the running stroller and we would head out to enjoy the 6 mile loop that goes from one end of the parkway to the other.  There are several bridges, including a covered bridge, along the way if you want to cut across the creek or shorten your trip.  Your kids will enjoy seeing plenty of ducks, geese, and possibly some heron or egrets if they are lucky.  On a few occasions we have even come across a flock of wild turkeys! If you and your kids like running, the Lehigh Valley Road Runners puts on a summer running series for kids ages 3 through 14.  Races are every other Saturday during the summer, plus they are free.  

Both of my children love stopping at the Lil-Le-Hi Trout Nursery when we go to Lehigh Parkway.  Open year round, it is the only city-owned fish hatchery in the country.  There are vending machines where you are able to buy bags of fish food for either $1.00 or $0.50 (depending on the size bag you choose) to feed the fish.  There are several areas nearby to feed the trout that are raised to stock Little Lehigh Creek. My kids have loads of fun watching the fish swarm around the food.  Toddlers can enjoy feeding the fish as well, as long as they are supervised around the trout tanks. 

The Museum of Indian Culture is also in the Parkway.  There is a small fee for guided tours of the museum.

Lehigh Parkway is dog friendly and has plenty of areas for picnicking There are also many dining and shopping options to eat nearby as well; head down  South Cedar Crest Boulevard and you’ll find plenty.

If you’re looking for a great playground, Cedar Beach Park, located at 2600 Parkway Boulevard in Allentown, is also nearby.  The new play area here has sections for children of all ages and abilities, including multiple slides, swings, climbing walls, and other unique features like a giant rope web in the middle of the park.  It has a rubberized surface, making it safer for kids if they happen to fall.  Cedar Beach also has a pond, paved paths, basketball courts, volley ball nets, and plenty of shaded areas for kids to play.  It is definitely my children’s favorite playground in the area.