Childhood memories of creative activities often involved Crayola products. The classic 64-crayon pack with a built in sharpener was introduced back in 1958. Crayolas were originally invented and produced by Binney & Smith back in 1903 earning them a permanent place in children’s early developmental years.
The Crayola Experience has a visitor’s center and museum communicating its history and product information. A 10-minute video followed by live demonstrations show manufacture of Crayola crayons and markers. Participants are provided opportunities for hands-on arts and crafts activities using Crayola products. Each visitor receives a souvenir pack of Crayola crayons and markers with art projects to complete at the facility.
The tour begins at the ‘The Factory Floor’ of the discovery center where workers demonstrate each stage of crayon production. In the ‘marker assembly area’ a machine mates barrels, cylinders and marker caps. Forty two thousand markers can be processed in an eight-hour shift.
The ‘Creative Studio’ allow participants to do ‘their own thing’. They first draw their own ideas on clear glass walls with special markers. Then a ‘Cool Moves’ stage captures each image onto a huge video screen. The ‘Easton Press and Bindery’ allows printmaking to be experienced, with a wrap up where Crayola Model Magic creates three-dimensional art.
The Crayola Experience is located at 30 Centre Square, Easton, a few miles south of its main manufacturing plant in Forks Township, PA. Admission is $12 for adults and children, kids under 2 and younger are free.
The Crayola Experience in Easton is a 4.5-hour drive of 285 miles from Rochester, NY. Drive I-90 east to Syracuse then US 81 south past Binghamton into Pennsylvania. From Scranton drive US 380 south then US 80 east to route 33 south, and then route 22 east to Easton.
Easton is a city on the Delaware River with a population of 26,800. It is nearly equal distance between New York City and Philadelphia. The Lenape Native American Indians called it ‘Lechauwitank’ or “The Place at the Forks”.
Bethlehem a city of 74,982, the seventh largest in the state is 11 miles south west of Easton. A small group of Moravians founded the community in 1741. Bethlehem is known for Bethlehem Steel Corporation, founded in 1857 and was the second largest steel producer in the country. After 140 years steel production was terminated in 1995 due to declining demand and overseas competition. Money Magazine named Bethlehem in 2006 as number 88 in the "Top 100 Best Places to Live.”
Allentown is the fastest growing city in the state with a population of 118,032, 17 miles south west of Easton. It holds the distinction as the place where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British during the American Revolutionary War.
Winter is a time where activities are close to home often creating a desire to find new places to take your kids. The Crayola Experience can offer enjoyable times.
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