5 Things To Do In Wilkes-Barre Before The Kids Go Back To School

It's hard to believe, but soon summer will be winding down. So before the kids head back to school, why not spend some time as a family enjoying all that our community has to offer?

If you're looking for a place to get started, we've rounded up five fun things to do in the Wilkes-Barre area before the kids head back to school. Pro tip: Call ahead to confirm hours and access, stay hydrated, and if you're heading outdoors, bring plenty of SPF and bug spray!

1. Breakout Escape Room

Address: 618 Blackman St, Wilkes-Barre Township, PA, 18702
Phone: 570-535-9587
Ready for a challenge? Breakout Escape Room in Wilkes-Barre features five distinct escape room experiences, each with a different theme and set of thrills suitable for all ages. Families and friends have 60 minutes to work together in solving intricate puzzles and completing tasks to escape before time runs out. Click here for more info.

2. Chacko's Family Bowling Center

Address: 195 N Wilkes-Barre Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Phone: 570-208-2695
If you’ve got time to “spare,” hit the lanes at Chacko's Family Bowling Center. Suitable for all ages, Chacko's hosts events, leagues and themed bowling sessions including Glow Bowling on weekends. When you need an energy boost, choose from an expansive menu of more than 200 food choices including homemade pizza and stromboli. Click here for more info.

3. Edward’s Garden Center

Address: 525 River Street, Forty Fort, PA 18704
Phone: 570-287-4329
Edward's Garden Center in nearby Forty Fort offers more than just plants and garden accessories — it’s a family-friendly destination full of surprises. Kids can participate in a Pet Scavenger Hunt, meeting friendly bunnies, ducks and ferrets, and collecting popsicle sticks for a treat in the gift shop. The center also boasts 17 stunning water displays and a wide range of garden accessories, creating a serene place for the whole family to explore. Click here for more info.

4. Toyota SportsPlex

Address: 38 Coal Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Phone: 570-208-9471
Beat the heat at the Toyota SportsPlex, where kids can sharpen their skating skills in various ice-based activities. Enroll in the Learn to Skate classes which run every Friday until August 30, perfect for children as young as 3, or choose flexible drop-in sessions for $15 per class. Alternatively, sign up for Learn to Play Hockey sessions on Saturday mornings. Click here for more info.

5. Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den

Address: 300 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 570-909-9631
Discover a hands-on adventure at the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den in Scranton, just a short drive from Wilkes-Barre! Kids and families can feed stingrays and horseshoe crabs during open Stingray Touch Tank hours, with staff offering guidance on interacting with these intriguing creatures. The aquarium also hosts scheduled animal feedings and special events, providing plenty of excitement for the whole family. Click here for more info.

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