8 Fun and Free Things to Do in the Poconos

1. Take a Downtown Stroll

Whether you're just passing through for an afternoon or staying in accommodations nearby, our region's picture-perfect small towns are well worth the visit. Step back in time in the quaint borough of Delaware Water Gap, located along the Appalachian Trail, do some window shopping in Lehighton, located along the D&L Trail, or take advantage of free BikeShare rentals to explore Hawley, tucked away on Route 6 between the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack and the banks of the Lackawaxen Rvier. Wander through the charming streets and admire the historic architecture in our county seats of Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford and Honesdale.

2. Attend a Free Summer Concert or Event

Join the community for some live music during one of several free outdoor summer concert series happening throughout the Poconos! Bring a chair or blanket and listen to talented local musicians select dates June through August during the Wayne County Creative Arts Council Summer Concert Series in Honesdale on Mondays and Thursdays and Concerts in the Square on Thursday nights in Stroudsburg, as well as Music on the Lawn at the Milford Community House on Saturdays and Lansford Music in the Park on Sunday evenings in Kennedy Park.

The Milford Music Festival and the Honesdale Roots & Rhythm Music & Arts Festival are also great opportunities to enjoy toe tapping live performances for free. Don't forget to check out our events calendar for free seasonal festivals and community celebrations all year round.

3. Celebrate America 250, Lansford 150, and Wally 100

The Poconos is celebrating some big milestones in 2026: it's the semiquincentennial of the United States, the sesquicentennial of the borough of Lansford, and the centennial of Lake Wallenpaupack! Attend the free festivities at events like the Wally 100 Kick Off Celebration at Silver Birches on May 24, featuring kayak races and historical exhibits, or the Secrets in the Park - Happy Birthday U.S.A. and Happy 150th Anniversary Lansford on June 18, featuring the America 250 Freedom Truck and an outdoor screening of National Treasure.

Save the date for more free summer fun like the Lansford 150 Anniversary Musical Celebration at Panther Valley Stadium on June 28 or the Lake Wallenpaupack Centennial Celebration happening July 24-25.

4. Explore the Pocono History & Art Trail

Keep the America250 celebration going and learn about the history of the United States with a trip along the free Pocono History & Art Trail. This digital pass includes information and audio narration that will introduce you to culturally significant sites throughout the Poconos region, including our National Historic Landmarks.

Located along the Upper Delaware River, the Roebling Aqueduct Bridge is the oldest existing wire suspension bridge and is designated as both a National Historic Landmark and a National Civil Engineering Landmark. It was designed in 1847 by engineer John A. Roebling, who went on to create the Brooklyn Bridge. The beautiful Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford once belonged to Gifford Pinchot, known as the "Father of the American Conservation Movement," and offers free parking and admission to the beautiful estate grounds. There is a ticket cost for the indoor mansion tours, but free visitor films are offered on tour days in the historic Baitbox. To dive into the ancient past, head to Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park. Formed from glacier melt, this unique landscape is a National Natural Landmark and has remained relatively unchanged for more than 20,000 years. For even more historic places, sign up for the Pocono History & Art Trail, check out our guide to historical markers in the Poconos and more museums in the area.

5. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bike)

Bring your own set of wheels and fly through lush, historic biking paths in the Pocono Mountains. Notable trails include the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, also known as the D&L Trail, which stretches 165 miles from New Jersey through Pennsylvania. Catch glimpse's of our region's mining history as you cycle the 37 miles of the D&L which lie within the Poconos and celebrate all that's great about the D&L during the Carbon County D&L Trail Fest on June 14, 2026.

Looking for more free biking trails? Both the Levee Loop Trail in East Stroudsburg running parallel to the Brodhead Creek and the McDade Recreational Trail in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area running parallel to the Delaware River are popular with cyclists.

6. Watch for Wildlife

Meet the "locals" during your time in the Poconos: catch a glimpse of our indigenous wildlife. Encompassing over 500 acres, Lacawac Sanctuary provides a home for numerous species of birds. Wander the nine miles of trails and see how many you can spot: don't forget your binoculars! Lilliana's Nature Discovery Area at Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center is a great place for kids to discover nature, and the two and half miles of trails and observation dock on the two ponds provide plenty of vantage points to spot wildlife on land and in the water. See how many creatures you can spot on the approximately 600 acres at the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary in White Mills or the over 700 acres at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center.

7. Meet Local Farmers and Makers

As you drive through the Poconos, you'll pass many pastoral fields belonging to local farms and markets. Why not make a stop to see their produce and learn more about their work? Many towns and communities host farmers' markets with free admission that are a feast for the eyes. Take a stroll to browse the colorful food stalls and locally-grown products at the Monroe Farmer's Market in Stroudsburg's Courthouse Square, the Hawley Farmer's Market, the Milford Farmers Market, the Wayne County Farmer's Market in Honesdale, and the Brodheadsville Farmers Market at Zion United Lutheran Church.

From farmers markets to makers markets, many events like the Arts and Crafts Fair in Bingham Park in Hawley are free to attend and offer fun opportunities to meet Pocono artisans and admire locally-crafted goods.

8. Plan a Picnic and Hike

Open sunrise to sunset, our national parks, state parks, and local parks are accessible year-round. Pack some snacks or a picnic lunch and head to Prompton State Park, Big Pocono State Park, Delaware State Forest, or Promised Land State Park. These five are also pet-friendly, so you can bring along your dog! Many of our state parks like Tobyhanna State Park and Gouldsboro State Park feature free beaches to visit. Enjoy your meal al fresco against the rolling hills, pristine lakes, waterfalls, and beautiful scenery of the region. Remember to take any trash with you and leave no trace. Check out the series on state parks from Pocono Television Network to find the perfect park for you.

Pocono Vacation Savings

Find more ways to save money on your Poconos vacation: take a look at our special offers on both day activities and accommodations. From campsites to hotels, check out places to stay for every price point and plan an overnight visit so you can experience as much as possible. Find even more things to do and browse local restaurants to plan out what delicious food you'll try during your trip. See you in the Poconos!