Be sure to check out our lists of things to do in Philadelphia& the fun things to do in Scranton, PA! Its mostly morphed into a theater where you can enjoy live performances of things like Titanic, Newsies and The Night Before Christmas. Check out our list of the best non-touristy things to do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. If you arent hungry, there are other things to buy at Lancaster Central Market as well. Experience dynamic theatre, one-of-a-kind art exhibitions, and captivating live performances. Visit. Hand dipped ice cream, outdoor seating, play area. Address:191 College Ave, Mountville, PA 17554, USA. This living history museum is home to a Pennsylvania German Village with historic buildings, which feature a collection of more than 100,000 artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries. Beer lovers can try an array of local favorites on the Lancaster Ale Trail, a self-guided brewery crawl with stops throughout Lancaster County. These impressive displays combined hand-drawn images with old-fashioned light machines to captive audiences around the world. So Many Things to Do in Lancaster Pennsylvania. There's much to discover beyond theme parks in this Southeastern state. Don't just stay where the tourists are get out there and explore! Address:226 Gap Rd, Strasburg, PA 17579, USA. See the current mud sale schedule for this year as well as images and videos. Address: 465 Speedwell Forge Road, Lititz, PA 17543, Tags: Travel, Pennsylvania Vacations, US Vacations. For assistance with any senior fitness or recreation program, contact Elaine at ecampbell@LancasterRec.org. By circlestar246. In 2 hours I will be teaching you how to make 3 different FUN luxury products, that you get to take home with you. If your kids are allergic to museums, take them to the North Museum of Nature and Science. Toddlers and children of all ages will have a blast exploring: You can find an extensive list of things to do on weekends in Lancaster, PA here. Note that the Wolf Sanctuary of PA is located in Lititz, a city near Lancaster but not quite within it, so youll need to drive about a half-hour to get there. Visitors to Wheatland praise the guided tours and the beautiful decor and furnishings found in the mansion on the property. Previous visitors of Renningers rave about their experiences, noting that it's open on Sundays only. Making homemade pretzels, visiting a clock museum and staying in a hotel that resembles a steamboat are just a few of the many unique things to do in Lancaster. Amtrak has several train stations in Lancaster County, making the area easily accessible from New York, Philly, DC, and Baltimore. Its a state of farms and cornfields, and theyre put to good use in places like the Field of Screams. Address:301 Linden St, Columbia, PA 17512, USA. take a self-guided driving tour of Lancaster's covered bridges. We will be meeting out front at the Entrance of the building. Try our amazing breakfast sandwiches, famous toasted cheese sandwiches, and fried cheese curds. The class will work predominantly from still life but on occasion, the instructor . Its housed in a big, Victorian-style building in downtown Lancaster, and its registered as a National Historic Landmark because of its heritage, culture and contributions to the PA arts community. The Strasburg Rail Road is the oldest continually-operating railway in Pennsylvania, so its definitely one of the top places to visit in Lancaster. Featured breweries include Lancaster Brewing Company, Black Forest Brewery, Artifice Ales and Mead and, a bit farther afield, Tregs Independent Brewing, one of the top things to do in nearby Hershey. Mount Hope Estate & Winery in Manheim is especially popular with a brewery, seasonal festivals and more available on its expansive property. Enjoy 45 minutes aboard a real steam train. If you're looking for a unique place to stay that's both nostalgic and fun, consider the Red Caboose Motel in Ronks, Pennsylvania. 1 Hollinger Lane, Star Barn Way Elizabethtown, PA 17022 717-902-9791 Learn More Map Video Strasburg Rail Road Steam through Amish country. It might be Annie; it might be Saturday Night Fever. Looking things to do when the grandkids visit your Lancaster County home? See, smell, taste, experienceFarm to Table products. or 717-399-7671. While you'll find antique dealers throughout the entire region, the best shops line the streets of Adamstown, known as the Antiques Capital of the U.S. [Read: The Top Romantic Getaways in Pennsylvania.]. If youre looking for points of interest in PA, try the only place in the entire state where you can find this sort of vintage wonder. Request Information Activities Come experience all of the wonderful things for every age in Lancaster County. Where stories from the Bible come to life on stage. Major attractions include a planetarium with an XD projection system; a live animal room with frogs, turtles, snakes and other living creatures; and a Lego Lab that lets kids use the popular blocks to build their own creations. Check out the North Museum of Nature and Science if you want to add some education to your trip through PA. Rather than dragging their feet, your kids will never want to leave! Address: 2425 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602-1423 Website: American Music Theatre Opening hours: 9am - 6pm Price: 59 USD 9. Past guests say the buggy rides with Aaron and Jessica's family in particular felt truly authentic, and that they had a lot of fun. Check out this list. Another fun thing about the Strasburg Rail Road is that it offers train robbery reenactments, so if you want to huddle extra close to that special someone, take a ride on the robbery train and let Bonnie and Clyde shake you down. Maximum 4 people per class, children 10 years and over are welcomed. Do you want to experience something exciting during your trip to Lancaster? The Lancaster County Park Environmental Center offers year-round events and activities for adults and children to learn about the wildlife around them. Address: 2285 Lincoln Highway E., Lancaster, PA 17602. Eastland Alpacas offers tours by donation. There are several places to mini-golf in Lancaster - Leisure Bowling and Golfing Center, Lost Treasure Golf and Maze, Boulder's Miniature Golf, The Shack Restaurant & Mini Golf, and Village Greens Miniature Golf and Snack Shoppe to name a few! Address: 301 Gap Road, Strasburg, PA 17579. Youll get a true, authentic look at Amish country when you visit their shops, tour their villages and take a bus ride through their farmlands. Renningers Antique Market is especially popular, with more than 500 vendors alone. Address:2451 Kissel Hill Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA. Visitors to the Lancaster area can stop in this bakery to learn how these famous hot pretzels are made and sample a few kinds along the way. It has a rich history that traces its roots back to Dutch, German and English influences, and its also popular among the Amish and Mennonite communities. Read More, How did the Battle of Gettysburg affect the small bustling town, &the people who called it home? As you plan your vacation to Amish County in Pennsylvania, you should know that you can't do all of Lancaster County in one day! Itll teach your kids something new, and they wont even realize the sneaky lessons that are taking place in the midst of their messy fun. As the largest shopping mall in Lancaster, PA, it covers a staggering 1.4 million square feet of retail space, and it boasts more than 170 shops across multiple stories. Despite the name, the Fulton Opera House doesnt see a lot of opera concerts anymore. The most famous is probably the Horse-Shoe Trail thats used by local horseback riders, but there are other paths and summits as well. If youre wondering what to do in Lancaster, PA, these are just a few attractions that will ensure an unforgettable vacation. You can also donate to various charitable causes that are championed by the staff. Running along the Conestoga River, this 1.3-mile trail is a great way to explore Lancaster's natural beauty even if you are a bit short on time. You can also tour the area via a mini-bus, stopping at an Amish farmhouse and for photo ops along the way. Theres a lot to see and do, and its all sugar-sweet. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Read More, This tour offers a great assortment of trails tailored to meet the ability of the riders. Visitors can also nosh on delicious. Its natural scenery includes woods, hills and lakes, and the wildlife is both rare and diverse. Locals claim that it was the business to put shoo-fly pie on the map. Philadelphia to Valley Forge Park, Private 4 or 6 Hour Tour. Lancaster, PA 17603. Box 578 The Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum is a living history museum in Lancaster, PA. There's no shortage of unique and exciting things to do in Lancaster, no matter why you choose to travel. Farm Tour: There are shopping malls and amusement parks; there are places to hike, bike, swim, fish and kayak. The perfect stop for all ages! Theres plenty of things to do in downtown Lancaster, including: The Fulton Steamboat Inn Sleep on a Steamboat, The Old Country Store Quilts and Fabrics in Intercourse, PA, Inn at Leola Village Fine Lodging, Gracious Hospitality. There are lots of cool things to do near Holtwood Dam, so if youre traveling to Lancaster, PA, consider a side trip to these stunning falls. The Fulton Opera House is the oldest working theater in the United States. This was a great place to take the family for a a bit of fun we will surely be back to this place real soon. Take in the scenic beauty of rural Lancaster County. You wont find anything else like it in the state! Read More, BLAQK House Collections is the only African American Gallery in the Downtown Pittsburgh and that it Showcases local and Unknown Artists. Address:100 Museum Rd, Stevens, PA 17578, USA, Steam Pipe Trunk Distribution Venue / flickr. Decades is a six-lane boutique bowling alley and arcade A master watercolorist and pioneer of the Precisionist 120 East King Street For example, they can learn how to code or how to mix different chemical solutions. A dark forest filled with jump scares will necessitate a new pair of pants. It offers all kinds of rides, games and activities for people who dont mind getting a little muddy in Lancaster. The good news is that the Kitchen Kettle Village makes it easy! Its an important site for Pennsylvania Germans and a fun attraction for Lancaster tourists. Get out and enjoy the many fun things to see and do throughout Lancaster County for all ages: Mud sales are a Lancaster County tradition - social events and auctions that raise funds for local volunteer fire departments. Visitors of all ages can find something to do at the retreat. Its been ranked as one of the scariest tourist attractions in Pennsylvania by outlets like USA Today and the Travel Channel, and its right there in Lancaster County when youre traveling to southeast PA. A dark corn maze will make you question every step. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Options include the Tap Takeover, a scenic train ride that features a tasting of four local craft beers; a Murder Mystery train ride for ages 2 and up, which features live performances with the usual "whodunit" twist; and Christmastime rides such as Santa's Paradise Express. Based conveniently on the Susquehanna River in Lancaster 41 Walnut St./1028 River Rd. Find special events and one-of-a-kind things to do in Lancaster County all-year long. Theres a reason why its one of the top points of interest in Lancaster, so make sure to put it on your list of attractions to visit while youre in Pennsylvania. Highlights of this Self-Guided Audio Tour It allows In addition to its everyday exhibits, the Lancaster Science Factory also hosts a number of classes, clubs and workshops. If youre looking for the best places to go in Lancaster, consider the Choo Choo Barn. By BingofLancaster. Sleep in a caboose, eat in a train car, shop and play and watch the Strasburg Rail Road's steam engines go right by our front porch. Check out this list of the best things to do in Lancaster, PA. 1. Longs Park has a petting zoo where visitors of all ages can make furry friends. Lancaster, PA 17602. learn more Amish Farm Experience Milk a cow, bottle feed calves, gather eggs, piglets, goats and more! You can also participate in different activities depending on the size of your family or group. Previous guests say they were impressed with the hotel's unique room types and family-friendly atmosphere. Owned and operated by King Swings, a local equipment supplier, it offers everything from swing sets to trampolines for kids with energy to burn. For a small fee, you can create your own ice cream flavor from scratch. Book an overnight stay in a one-room Amish schoolhouse or 18th-century inn, and enjoy special experiences that include an Amish farmland tour, ice cream socials, cornfield picnics and wine tastings. Church is located in a bad section of Lancaster but we have never had a problem. Executive Coach has been providing group charter services 525 Beaver Valley Pk Read More, Experience a bit of the Amish life on this private driving tour from Philadelphia to Lancaster County in Pennsylvania. Some things are just plain cool, and magic lantern shows are a great example. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Read More, Learn about Philadelphias thriving brewpub scene and taste up to 16different beers on this guided brewery tour with lunch or dinner. Lancaster has tons of things to do with kids that parents love too! The Science Factory is also great for a rainy day, as it has a number of indoor activities. Bird-in-Hand is a quaint village that transports visitors to simpler times. Address: 1849 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street, PA 17584. (717) 208-7244. It winds through Amish country, so youll get to snuggle with your sweetheart while watching the countryside pass by your window, and you can also stop for picnics or farm tours when a particular location catches your eye. The Wolf Sanctuary of PA is a nonprofit wolf refuge and education facility in Lititz, housing and caring for both wolves and wolf hybrids. Read More. Visit Website Amish Farm and House You can even pick up some handcrafted clothes and blankets at the gift shop. Both options display Everything you need to plan your Lancaster, PA getaway. The Choo Choo Barn was started by a WWII vet in 1945. Plus, dine at the new Caf 1832 or enjoy lunch onboard the train, featuring seasonal scratch-made fare from the staff at Caf 1832. Learn More Places to Stay If you plan your trip at the right time, you might even catch a special event like the Lancaster Playground Extravaganza. 18 hole miniature golf course Bube's Brewery is a 19th century brewery complex; a series 102 North Market Street Lancaster, PA 17602. If you enjoy the history and architecture of covered bridges, you'll love Lancaster County. Lititz Springs Park is a gorgeous place to escape the hustle and bustle of Lancaster. It is heavily used during the summer months and is the perfect place for a relaxing morning or evening stroll. It's also within steps of Dutch Wonderland amusement park. Lovers of live entertainment should check out the many local theaters in the Lancaster area, each of which rolls out its own selection of rotating shows. Lancaster, PA is within a few hours drive from multiple international airports (and we also have a regional airport): Or maybe you'd rather take the train to Lancaster. 1. If you dont mind a few beady eyes, however, its a quirky attraction that can give you a great vacation story! The names are legendary. If it rains for more than an hour while youre there, you can get a free return pass. It has a very classy atmosphere, especially when the waiters bring out your dishes in covered platters. 2022 2. 25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Pensacola (Florida), 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Fort Lauderdale (Florida), 2249 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602, USA, 2395 Covered Bridge Dr, Lancaster, PA 17602, USA, 510 Centerville Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA, 465 Speedwell Forge Rd, Lititz, PA 17543, USA, 454 New Holland Ave, Lancaster, PA 17602, USA, 191 College Ave, Mountville, PA 17554, USA, 400 College Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA, 142 Park City Center, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA, 909 Strasburg Pike, Strasburg, PA 17579, USA, 2451 Kissel Hill Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA, Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center, 26 Best & Fun Things To Do In Gettysburg (Pennsylvania), 25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Charleston (West Virginia), 26 Best & Fun Things To Do In Columbia (Missouri), 21 Best & Fun Things To Do In Ocala (Florida), 26 Best & Fun Things To Do In Franklin (Tennessee). Mountain bike rentals Your email address will not be distributed. Read More, Pennsylvania is home to a fascinating culture found in the rural farmlands outside of Philadelphia. It can be beautiful and tranquil; it can be exciting and unpredictable. The American Revolution was dramatic, gritty, and full of uncertainty- an era of unparalleled political and social upheaval, even by todays standards. Shop til you drop at the Park City Center. Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505. His show combines music, lights, shadows and narration. Journey back 451 Baltimore Street Address:455 Camp Rd, Stevens, PA 17578, USA. Budget-friendly Good for a Rainy Day Good for Kids Free Entry 23 places sorted by traveler favorites 1. Imagine visiting three Amish properties where our longstanding relationships allow you to become There are five acres to Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, and theyre packed with stuff to do. Address:301 Gap Rd, Ronks, PA 17572, USA. It is open as a museum that includes a gift shop and a cafe. Popular options include traditional sourdough pretzels and flavored pretzels like honey mustard and onion or ranch. With over 1 million objects Planning to travel to other parts of Pennsylvania? There are two ways to get soaring with this particular company: a shared or private tour. This is convenient if youre looking for Lancaster attractions to fit into a busy schedule. Speciality Museums. Its a funky, old-fashioned bakery that has been in operation since the 1940s, and not much has changed about its menu or decor. James Buchanan's Wheatland is made up of a Federal-style mansion and several outbuildings on more than 150 acres of land. No. Whether you're thinking of visiting Lancaster for an authentic PA Amish experience, to shop until you drop, for exploring our vibrant downtown, to enjoy great outdoor activities, or for sharing memories with the whole family Lancaster County, Pennsylvania has something for you. Seller of Travel Ref. Be sure to check out our list of things to do in Erie, PAand things to do in Pittsburgh! Popular places to visit Dutch Wonderland 4.5 /5 (236 reviews) With plenty of thrill rides, attractions, shows and water activities, this award-winning amusement park is one of the best in the state. State License Fla. Here are just a few of the top things to do in Lancaster, PA. Enjoy some blood-curdling fun at the Field of Screams. Mt Gretna, PA 17064-0578. Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square 4 /5 (160 reviews) Previous guests say it's one of the most unique hotels they've ever stayed at, with some saying it very much feels like you're staying on a steamboat or even the Titanic. Gettysburg, PA 17325. The Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center lives up to its name. BJ's Restaurants, Inc. Lancaster, PA 2 months ago Be among the first 25 applicants See who BJ's Restaurants, Inc. has hired for this role Columbia Historic Preservation Society Columbia, With over 50 activities on our farm, you and your children Cornwall Furnace, in blast from 1742 to 1883, is one of the 1525 Oregon Pike, Suite 1402 Lancaster, PA 17602. Itll be a fun, unique experience that gives you a greater appreciation for the lost art of marionette making. Here's some ideas of family-friendly things to do in Lancaster, PA. Get lost in a cornfield maze or tour a fascinating museum. Most popular is Shady Maple Smorgasbord, a 200-foot, all-you-can-eat buffet. Lancaster, PA 17602. Amish At Home Meals - Hosted By Samuel and Ruth Lapp at Amish Meals at Home with Samuel and Ruth Lapp. If you dont mind getting wet, theres also a Holtwood Dam Whitewater Play Park where you can go paddling or kayaking. A lot of it depends on what you want to do. This You probably stopped listening at the word pie.. Its founder, the late Robert Fulton, grew up in the area and is largely credited with the idea to propel boats by steam. Previous visitors say the rides are both scenic and informative. Golf course , mini golf, a Public Pool, Skate Park, Playgrounds, Massive Frisbee Golf Course, Baseball Fields, Soccer. Theyre short and sweet, so you wont need a bathroom break, and theyre appropriate for all ages. This market features more than 60 vendors who sell their goods from home decor and crafts to meats and cheeses three days a week, on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Many local families offer buggy rides, and you can even add on a personalized tour of a local Amish farm. 3050 Industry Drive Lancaster, PA 17603 717-290-1303, 2596 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt. Address:126 N Water St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA. When youre done with the geese, you can hike one of the many nature trails that will lead you around the Lancaster area. Today, this has been largely abandoned, but the mall still retains its snowflake-like architecture with corridors branching out from a centrally located plaza. Recommended for You Sight & Sound Theatres Where stories from the Bible come to life on stage. 54 of Black Rock Retreat, a Christian Retreat Center and Summer Family fun and entertainment. The Holtwood Dam is one of the top points of interest in Lancaster, PA. 2004-2023 Cool Destinations. As one of the leaders in agri-tainment, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm combines real-world farming lessons with family-friendly fun. The North Museum of Nature and Science is a place where science comes to life. Nature lovers should visit the Holtwood Environmental Preserve, home to the Shenk's Ferry Wildflower Preserve of spring woodland flowers as well as endless opportunities for camping, boating, swimming, hunting and more. You dont have to wait for Halloween to enjoy spooky adventures in Pennsylvania. You can create an amazing itinerary with nothing more than these suggestions! One of the best things about Lititz Springs Park is that it often plays host to special events, so if you visit at the right time, you can join everything from wine festivals to ice sculpture competitions. If youre looking for fun, free things to do in Lancaster, PA, put Lititz Springs Park on your shortlist. Mount Joy, PA 17552, 35 S. Willowdale Drive Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. Take back roads to avoid traffic on Route 30. Ice cream lovers, especially families, say they had a great time here. Amish Farm and House Tour was one of the first Amish tourist attractions in Lancaster, PA, and its still among the most popular today. The nicest thing about the Old Mill Stream Campground is its location. Address: 300 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks, PA 17572, (Courtesy of The Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant). The showmen who ran them would even travel in troupes from city to city. Each town has a slightly different atmosphere and culture to it. It can be a relaxing excursion; it can be a romantic date. 32. Pennsylvania hasnt had wild wolves in more than 100 years, but you can still observe them at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA. Its a non-profit organization that houses, treats, tracks and rehabilitates wolves and wolf hybrids in the greater northeastern area. It sends literal tons of water crashing down to the rocks below, and the sights and sounds of such a powerful scene will take your breath away. Read More, A proud affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, AACA Museum, Inc. at Hershey allows visitors of all ages enjoy vehicle displays of cars, motorcycles, buses, and Youll be just in time for the Lancaster Balloon Festival! The Lancaster County Winery Trail impresses visitors with its wine tastings and events, although some travelers complain about high prices and limited business hours.