The Farmers' Almanac is calling for a sizzling, sultry, steamy, sweltering summer this year. If it's getting crowded at the community pool, find refreshing relief with these activities on one of the area's rivers, lakes, water parks or, even, underground!
Tubing with Twin Rivers
Conveniently located in Easton, Twin Rivers Tubing sends you down the Delaware with the lowest effort imaginable. Splash, dip and drift like a leaf down the river! Or choose kayaking, canoeing or rafting options for more action. Tubes come complete with cupholders and tethers so you can keep your friends and a cold drink close at hand.
Fishing at the Lehigh River
Folks plying their lures on a shaded bank is a quintessential summer sight on days too hot to do much more than sit. With tributaries like the Little Lehigh, Monocacy Creek and Saucon Creek, the Lehigh River is rich with spots to cast a rod. Further afield, Jacobsburg Park's Bushkill Creek is stocked for excellent trout fishing.
SUP with Miss Melanie Yoga
This less gnarly version of surfing is accessible to all ages, without requiring waves. With challenging PaddleFit fitness classes, Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga sessions and sunset paddle tours on Lake Nockamixon, Miss Melanie Yoga serves up so many ways to overbalance into cool, refreshing water. Strengthen your core and your patience with that sweet dip in the lake just inches away.
L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs
Not only does the L.L.Bean store at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley outfit you with everything you need for lake and river leisure, they also host classes to start you off on the right oar. Mostly held at Lake Nockamixon, L.L.Bean's Discovery lessons include paddle boarding, kayaking and even fly fishing with experienced experts. Learn everything you'll need to begin safely exploring and get a tour of the lake's ecosystem while you're at it!
Lost River Caverns
You may not get wet in this mom-and-pop-owned cavern system, but the consistent 52 degrees and captivating crystalline formations are a welcome respite from a hot day. Open to the public since 1930, the paved and handrailed pathways trace a 30–45-minute subterranean tour, particularly impressive to youngsters. The space known as the Crystal Chapel was once used as a ballroom, keeping dancers cool in a naturally air-conditioned environment.
Dutch Springs
A wonderland for divers and scuba enthusiasts, Dutch Springs offers refreshing fun at every depth. Snorkeling tours showcase aquatic life and sunken attractions led by a scuba professional, and the giant inflatable mountains and slides will have you scaling new heights for your next cannonball. Be sure to launch your friends from The Blob cushion for a satisfying splash.
Sprinklers at The Promenade Shops
Make yourself at home at this dog-friendly shopping spot in Center Valley. Once you've strolled the shops on a hot day, kids can splash and play in the interactive pop-jets in the Town Square. Available May through October throughout the day, it's still safe to call ahead if you're making a special trip to cool down.
Historic Bethlehem River Tours
Start from Sand Island on this 10-mile river tour along the scenic Lehigh. A guide accompanies groups to point out landmarks of historical significance and any lingering wildlife like, herons, eagles and turtles. As an added bonus, you'll get a snapshot as you pass by the towering stacks of Bethlehem Steel. The end of the paddle is the start of a flat, comfortable bike ride (or a shuttle!) back to where you started. Check out Historic Hotel Bethlehem's river tour package so that you can end the day with deluxe overnight accommodations followed by a complimentary breakfast the next morning.
Dorney Park's Wildwater Kingdom
The colorful, skyscraping slides at Dorney Park's Wildwater Kingdom are visible for miles around. Whether you're looking for the thrill of a precipitous plunge or lazily looping chutes to plop you in the clear, cold water, there are tubes to take you there. For youngsters of every age, zero-depth Splash Landing is full of geysers and sprinklers to safely cool off.
