Located in the heart of Northeast Pennsylvania, Wilkes-Barre is the perfect jumping off point for any adventure in the region. This former coal-mining town lies on the banks of the beautiful Susquehanna River, offering a multitude of things to do and see. This up and coming city has everything you need to deliver a picture-perfect vacation, starting with these 20 must-see things to do in Wilkes-Barre.
Other Wilkes-Barre Guides
- Staying in Wilkes-Barre? Check out our list of hotels in Wilkes-Barre
- Dining in Wilkes-Barre? Here is our guide to the best restaurants in Wilkes-Barre
Wilkes-Barre Attraction Guide, 2019
F.M. Kirby Center for The Performing Arts
If you are looking for things to do in Wilkes-Barre tonight, look no further than the F M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. This theater boasts an intimate setting, ideal for hosting everything from concerts to plays to comedy shows, and more. The Young People’s Theater gives children easy access to a variety of age-appropriate productions, perfect for introducing the youth to the arts. The Art-Deco style of this historic theater makes it an attraction itself while the refreshed interior and advanced acoustics deliver an exceptional experience each time you visit.
Seven Tubs Recreational Area
Conveniently located just a few miles from downtown Wilkes-Barre, you will find the Seven Tubs Recreational Area inviting you to come and explore. When you want to escape the city life and get in touch with Mother Nature, Seven Tubs has everything you need to make it happen. This 500-acre haven is an oasis for hikers and runners. Boasting waterfalls and streams nestled into a wooded landscape, the two-mile hike is perfect for the whole family. The picnic area is a great place to rest and eat a snack. The area gets its name from the potholes formed in the land from the running glacial meltwater. Do not be surprised to see deer, foxes, and opossums while out on your hike through Seven Tubs.
Viva Farms
This trendy restaurant boasts a diverse menu of gastropub offerings in addition to is bar area and cigar lounge, making it the perfect spot to spend an entire evening. The vast beer selection will appeal to craft brew aficionados looking for a wide variety of choices when indulging while out and about. Don’t be surprised if you come for the food but stay for the fun atmosphere and friendly local vibe.
Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
This multi-purpose arena plays host to a variety of the region’s hottest acts. The arena is also home to the American Hockey League’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins team. The ice arena offers a variety of open skate times for when you want to burn off some energy and connect with locals while visiting Wilkes-Barre. A variety of food and drink vendors and easy parking make any event at the Mohegan Sun at Casey Plaza both convenient and enjoyable.
R/C Wilkes-Barre, Movies 14
If you are looking for relaxing things to do in Wilkes-Barre tonight, R/C theater has all of your needs covered. Sometimes you just want dinner and a movie and there is no better place to be for that than this 14-screen theater complex. The theater shows a variety of first-run films in a myriad of genres, guaranteeing that everyone in your party will find something that they like. Parking is free in the garage behind the theater, making this a convenient spot to wind down after a busy day.
Thai Thai
Open for both lunch and dinner, Thai Thai brings an explosion of flavors to the Wilkes-Barre region. It is also one of the best restaurants in Wilkes-Barre. The vast menu features a host of native dishes including the popular Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Pad See Aew, Tom Kha Gai soup, and more. Thai Thai Restaurant is also famous for its authentic Thai Iced Tea and Mango with Sticky Rice dessert. Although the restaurant does not have a bar onsite, they do allow guests to bring in their own alcoholic beverages, making it an exceptional value. Thai Thai Restaurant is centrally located on Main Street.
Mohegan Sun Pocono Casino
The hub of entertainment in the Northeast Pennsylvania region, Mohegan Sun Pocono has everything you need under one gigantic roof. It is consistently rated as one of the best hotels in Wilkes-Barre. This venerable resort features a bevy of nightlife options, including an 82,000 square-foot gaming floor boasting 90 game tables and 2,300 slot machines. Over 18 different dining options guarantee that every personal taste and preference will be satisfied. The Wise Crackers Comedy Club will keep you laughing all night long while the eclectic Breakers nightclub will keep you up dancing. The Spa Sapphire provides a number of services such as facials, manicures, massages, a sauna, and more. These activities are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to everything that the Mohegan Sun Pocono has to offer its guests.
Woodhouse Day Spa
This cozy retreat is an idyllic place to spend the day, delivering an experience that will leave you refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your travel itinerary. A friendly and welcoming staff is the centerpiece of this inviting experience. Guests can choose from a variety of spa services including illuminating facials, seaweed leaf body wraps, couples massages, agave nectar pedicures, and more. The full-service spa menu provides a bevy of options to pamper both your body and your mind.
Wise Crackers Comedy Club
Located inside of the Mohegan Sun Pocono, the Wise Crackers Comedy Club features a variety of rotating acts that will leave you howling each time you visit. Before the show, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the resort’s many dining options. When you visit Wilkes-Barre, it would be a shame to miss out on the laughs at this popular destination. Whether it be a girls night out on the town or a fun date, Wisecrackers Comedy Club has all the ingredients for a perfect evening in Wilkes-Barre.
Anthracite Cafe
Serving up some of the best home-cooking in the Wyoming Valley is Wilkes-Barre’s Anthracite Cafe. This local gem prides itself in its festive beer garden and from scratch kitchen. A vast rotating beer tap delivers some of the best brews in the region while a host of seasonal menu favorites keep the flavors fresh and exciting. The moderately priced menu attracts locals and tourists alike. Don’t miss out on trying the famous wings while in town!
Evolution Nightclub
Evolution Nightclub offers the perfect solution when looking for things to do in Wilkes-Barre tonight. Located inside of the Woodlands Inn, this pulsating club will make you get out on the dance floor in a hurry. Evolution Nightclub is a great place to land if you want to keep the night going after dinner out on the town. Make sure you bring a pair of comfortable shoes so that you can dance the night away!
Chackos Family Bowling Center
This family fun center is an ideal place for people of all ages to hang out and enjoy each other’s company. Hourly open bowl rates make it convenient to stay for a little bit or for a long while. Weekend night Glow Bowling is one of the most happening events in the Wilkes-Barre area. If you get hungry, the Memory Lane Lounge serves up a diverse menu offering pizza, strombolis, sandwiches, wings, and more. The lounge also features live musical entertainment, making Chackos Family Bowling Center a one-stop shop for fun in Wilkes-Barre.
The Strange and Unusual
This self-described oddities parlor is one of the most interesting places you will find in all of Wilkes-Barre. Visit Wilkes-Barre and miss out on this and you will regret it. The retail shop feels more like a museum with its interesting collection of strange and unusual items for sale. Where else can you find vintage furniture, skeletons, thought-provoking t-shirts, and much more? If you are looking to shop off of the beaten path, The Strange and Unusual will scratch your itch for the truly bizarre while entertaining you at the same time.
The Game Chateau
The Game Chateau is the perfect place to spend a night out when you feel like spending the night in. This cozy board game cafe gives visitors the opportunity to relax with a treat while playing board games and connecting with others. Located in Plaza 315, this unique cafe features a variety of some of the most well-loved board games including Settlers of Catan, Quiddler, Telestrations, Yahtzee, Twister, and more. There will be a game for every taste when you stop in the Game Chateau for a treat and to mingle with the locals.
Crimson Lion Hookah Lounge
For a more trendy experience, head to the Crimson Lion Hookah Lounge. This lounge and cafe can provide for all of your hookah needs with a myriad of fun flavor combinations and hose sizes. The cafe features standard coffee and tea fare along with more unique offerings such as butter beer and affogato. The inviting atmosphere and friendly staff immediately put visitors at ease, even those who are not familiar with the hookah hipster culture. Whatever your fancy, the Crimson Lion Hookah Lounge has got you covered.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Hockey
This minor league affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins made its debut in the area in 1999 and has since cultivated a rabid fan base of hockey fans. As the only American Hockey League team in the area, the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins will win you over with their tough play and competitive spirit. All home games are played in the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. The lovable mascot, Tux, will delight fans of all ages with his silly antics. This affordable experience is an ideal way to acclimate yourself with the culture and people of Northeastern Pennsylvania and their love for the sport of hockey.
Wilkes-Barre Rock Climbing Gym
This venue is perfect for when you want to work up a sweat and challenge your body with a unique fitness experience. With a variety of diverse routes, rock climbers of all skill levels will be challenged at this climbing gym. Visitors can buy either a day pass or choose from a variety of punch cards, depending on your budget and time available. The friendly and professional staff is always on hand to guide you and provide the necessary amount of instruction for your specific needs and preferences.
Heat Bar and Nightclub, NEPA
This welcoming nightclub bills itself as Northeast Pennsylvania’s premium gay dance club and lounge. Boasting a myriad of professional productions, karaoke nights, and entertainment, there is never a dull moment at Heat. The friendly vibe extends through both the attentive staff and the diverse clientele, ensuring that nobody will feel out of place at Heat. A hopping dance floor will make it hard to stay in your seat. An extensive bar menu makes it possible to get food well into the night.
Art N Vino
Indulge your inner artist with a trip to Art N Vino. When looking for romantic things to do in Wilkes-Barre for a date night, it does not get any better than this. Visitors can sign up for a variety of classes from painting to customizable wood sign making. Guests are welcome to bring in their own beverages and sip away as they create their masterpiece. Come with a big group, on a date, or by yourself. No artistic experience necessary! You will be shocked at what you are capable of creating under the expert and friendly guidance of the staff of Art N Vino.
La Tolteca Mexican Restaurant
The premier Mexican food of Wilkes-Barre is definitely La Tolteca. This local favorite serves up generous portions of authentic Mexican cuisine in a colorful setting. Favorites include the fajitas, mole, and seafood chimichangas. As the name implies, the margaritas are also top-notch. Do not forget to leave room for the delicious Tres Leches Cake.
With all of the unique and diverse attractions and things to do in Wilkes-Barre, it is no wonder why so many people choose it as their home base when exploring all that Northeast Pennsylvania has to offer.