Leisure is abundant in youth. It gets completely lost somehow during adult years. Like magic, it bobs to the surface again about the same time you receive your AARP card in the mail. There are always going to be the things that have to be done, but it’s what we do in our leisure that defines us the most.

During all my years living here, I’ve always sought the elusive leisure time. I suppose everyone does no matter where they live. The temptation is often to do something fun as opposed to something you should be doing. There are lots of fun things to do here.

Teenagers, I think, seem to be most guilty of saying: “There’s nothing to do.” We have all heard it and probably even said it ourselves. There are some great comebacks to this and when you are facing a whiny teenager, you need some instant answers. But, you might not want to dig into your wallet - at all or just not too deeply. Their own new wallets probably aren’t full yet. So here are some suggestions that don’t require much planning or money. Make some notes and keep ‘em handy for the next whine-fest.

All of the local newspapers have special weekly guide sections about what’s happening where. You can read all about it in the free and readily available Weekender or Diamond/Electric City tabloids. The Luzerne County Convention and Visitors Bureau has an excellent website, www.tournepa.com providing great detail and regional links.

Free Leisure 101: There are some free and obvious answers such as visiting your local park or playground. You can take a bicycle ride on the levee system or hike along the river or mountains near where you live. A visit to the local library is a great way to pass the time. Don’t forget, it’s not just books any more; there are computers, magazines, and some DVD’s you won’t find at Blockbuster.

Advanced Free Leisure: There are some unusual things to suggest. Visit the airport. It costs a little to park there, but you can go inside and walk around and watch the airplanes land and take off. It really is kind of neat. You can visit a flower store or a greenhouse. The aroma is calming. Talk about calming, visit a cemetery. Pick one of the older ones because they are more interesting and the tombstones are great to read. Browse a bookstore, Tudor in Kingston is my personal favorite. If you want to visit the bigger ones, they have some different kinds of merchandise, movies and music (with headphones to sample different songs). Time just flies there. Specialty shops are everywhere for any interest: antiques, clocks, jewelry, or hobbies (The Train Shoppe). These are great fun for browsing. A super idea is a pet store. I’m always in a better mood when I come out. Some art supply stores like Marquis Art & Frame have galleries attached. Even the box stores have posters that are fun to flip through.

Higher Degree of Leisure Difficulty: With a few bucks and some minimal planning - try an archery range. There are some great horseback riding stables in the area. A rock climbing gym is right in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Gizmos in Edwardsville is a computer gaming center where you can go to play on-line video games on XBOX or Playstation (Halo, Madden, etc). The YMCA offers a day pass for the use of their facilities. Batting cages and driving ranges are scattered throughout the region (try Rich’s in Wyoming).

” All Ages: The popular choices: movies, bowling, roller skating, billiards, video arcade, fishing, or just go to a restaurant and sample different appetizers.
” Adults: There are nickel slots at Mohegan Sun. Want some “sipping” samples: Did you know that we have quite a few wineries in our area? We do. There are wineries in Nescopek, Lopez, Sunbury, Mehoopany and Eagle Rock to name just a few. The Lion Brewery in Wilkes-Barre also offers a tour of their facilities. There are night clubs out the wazoo! We’d need another article to discuss.

Leisure Excellence: Those who excel in leisure know all about the abundance of ethnic, seasonal, art and music festivals. Each weekend, there is something going on somewhere. Summer is full of local church bazaars. It’s easy to find a local community theater performances (Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre has been around for 85 years!). Historical places are plentiful and local museums (Historical Society, Trolley Museum, Houdini Museum, etc.) are surprisingly interesting. You might like one of the local comedy clubs. The local colleges and high schools always have a musical concert or sporting event to attend. The Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus has an observatory with public hours.

If money is not really an issue, but the season is: attend an arena hockey/football game or stadium baseball game, pick a golf course (we have many) or see if there is a concert at any of the venues. Fill your gas tank and take a long drive on a sunny day in autumn. There are suggested routes or find your own to see some spectacular foliage. Ice skating, snow-mobiling or skiing are excellent ways to spend a winter day.

Chronic Leisure: consider volunteering for one of our many civic and/or non-profit organizations. Join a club of your choice. Take some lessons: martial arts, tennis, crafting or dancing. Pick a college and take a course in an area of cultural or personal enrichment. Visit a hospital or a nursing home. Help out the SPCA. We are extremely fortunate to have so many wonderful options.

After reading all this, something should appeal to everyone except maybe the fussiest. For those, go get some ice cream from your local parlor put up your feet and quietly watch the sun set over our beautiful, gentle Northeastern Pennsylvania mountains.