Complimentary admission during this trip was provided thanks to The Crayola Experience and DiscoverLehighValley.com. As always, all opinions are my own!

When we came home from our week in Pennsylvania, there was one thing I heard over and over, “Can we go back next year?”. The trip was beyond our expectations in so many ways.

When I first realized we would be heading up north, there was only one (1) thing on my to-do list. Yes, “MY” to-do list.

I had to take my little girl to The Crayola Factory. While now I realize that it’s formally called The Crayola Experience, it’s a must-do if you ever get near Pennsylvania (or New Jersey) with young children. But be warned…I found it incredibly fun too. I love arts & crafts, so, go figure. 🙂

UPDATE: Since our original visit, there are two other Crayola Experience locations: Orlando, FL and Minneapolis, MN.

Since we live in Texas, we took a visit during the summer. Let me show you just how much fun we had!

It all started as we headed to Easton, Pennsylvania.  Had I known how close we would be to the New Jersey state line, I would have headed there just to say I’ve been. Easton is a charming small town and we will have to head back one day to check out all the shops and restaurants there.

But we were on a mission…for crayons.

Just steps from the parking garage, we quickly spotted animal tracks.  Someone noticed they were an “odd” color, so we thought we should follow.  Where did it lead?  To a building where crayons were tumbling down from the roof.  Loved the creativity shown before we ever entered a door.

Of course, once we entered, we were surrounded by COLOR!  I’m not just talking about red, blue, or green………..think Mac ‘n Cheese or Cotton Candy.  Yes, color names have gotten incredibly more “cool”  over the years.

We began with a little bit of history, learning about Crayola over the past century, followed by a live demonstration showing how they actually make crayons. Seeing a need for safe and affordable crayons, we learned that Binney & Smith made the first box of eight Crayola crayons – selling for only one nickel.

Did you know they make crayons the exact same way they’ve been doing it since 1903?  Impressive.  We were able to get freshly-made crayons and markers!

While she sat patiently watching the crayons being made, a certain girl I know was itching to get out there and create.

Create, she did.

Some of the many activities we took advantage of:

• Crayola Meltdown
• Modeling Madness
• Chalk Walk
• Crayola Color Carousel
• Paint Palette
• Be A Star Photobooth

But there was even more…

• Dry E Racecar
• Glow Galaxy
• Cool Moves
• Scribble Sea
• Doodle in the Dark
• Activity Studio

Never fear…..we had several bags to put all our creations in.  Yes, you get to take home all the fun items created.

One of our favorites was Crayola Meltdown!  This was one activity that all 3 of us participated in.  As you can see above, the exhibit is housed within over-sized crayons, and you get to paint with melted Crayola Crayon wax.

Once we were done, we had some shopping to do.

You’ll find The Crayola Store right outside The Crayola Experience…..no admission required and an incredible place just to step inside.

The Crayola Store is one of the most fun shopping experiences we had during the trip.  From the world’s largest crayon to awesome deals on familiar and rare Crayola products, there was something for everyone to see.

While you might want to go out for lunch and explore the charming little town of Easton, there is a Crayola-themed McDonald’s housed right there at the Crayola Factory. This makes it nice for a quick lunch or snack before heading out.

We spent about 4 hours total having fun and shopping…..but we were moving fast, as we had another appointment to keep.  It all depends on your kids.  My 5 yr old could have stayed there all day long….NOT KIDDING!

We can’t wait to go back!

Admission for ages 3 and up (all others are FREE): $12 Per Person UPDATED 2016 prices are $19.99 (but a $3 discount for online purchases brings it down to $16.99)

• NOTE: Reservations are recommended during the holidays to avoid long wait times to get in.

To read more about our Pennsylvania Road Trip:

• Bethlehem – aka Christmas City – 1st Stop on our Pennsylvania Road Trip
• Hyatt Place – Our Home Away from Home while in Lehigh Valley, PA

Other Great Spots for Kids:

• Top 10 Educational Weekend Trips with Kids
• Beaches Resorts Turks and Caicos
• Disney’s Carsland

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