There's so much to explore at the area's only museum for 35 S. Willowdale Drive, Suite 1818 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. It's typically best to stay for a few days so that you can experience everything our area has to offer and yet, be able to take some time to rest while enjoying the beautiful views of Amish farmland, rolling hills, and peaceful woodlands. Amtrak has several train stations in Lancaster County, making the area easily accessible from New York, Philly, DC, and Baltimore. Budget-friendly Good for a Rainy Day Good for Kids Free Entry 23 places sorted by traveler favorites 1. Check out this list. While many of the caboose rooms sleep two, three or four people, the Large Family Caboose and Baggage Car sleep six guests, plus there is a refrigerator and microwave. Columbia, PA 17512. You can also tour the area via a mini-bus, stopping at an Amish farmhouse and for photo ops along the way. Address: 2249 Lincoln Highway E., Lancaster, PA 17602. Don't just stay where the tourists are get out there and explore! Run by a single puppeteer with a passion for his craft, the Lancaster Marionette Theatre puts on shows that are a delight to watch. 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 The names are legendary. Read More, Learn about Philadelphias thriving brewpub scene and taste up to 16different beers on this guided brewery tour with lunch or dinner. Your email address will not be distributed. Read on to learn about the best ways to fill your days when you visit Lancaster. Start time 09:00 AM Listen to the tinkle of wooden wind chimes. Take in a play or a movie in the park. Address: 300 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks, PA 17572, (Courtesy of The Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant). The best time to visit Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is in the spring or fall. Visitors who stop in can also enjoy living history interpretations, learn about open hearth cooking and baking, and see traditional craft demonstrations. Check out The Wright's Ferry Mansion, which was built to increase access to new areas along the Susquehanna River, and make a stop at the National Watch & Clock Museum, home to the largest known collection of 19th-century American clocks and watches in the world. This center provides visitors with information on the Amish Amish Mennonite Information Center - Morgantown. Mount Hope Estate & Winery in Manheim is especially popular with a brewery, seasonal festivals and more available on its expansive property. 10 Fun Things to Do in Lancaster March 2023 | Expedia The Green Dragon Farmer's Market 548 Flea & Street Markets By Sdm0627 Past visitors have commented on the delicious goods at the Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop and the excellent shopping at the on-site stores and boutiques. A botany exhibit houses rare and beautiful plants. Marvel at elaborate model train displays or climb aboard a train pulled by a full-sized, steam-powered locomotive. Address: 301 Gap Road, Strasburg, PA 17579. Campgrounds are available if youd like to turn it into a full weekend adventure. Top 13 Romantic Things To Do In Lancaster, PA - Trip101 To help you plan, we've compiled lists ofplaces to stay(including hotels in Lancaster, PA) and where you can eat while you're here (we're known for our PA Dutch smorgasbords, which are buffets of Amish-style food). Lititz Fire & Ice Festival 2023s Annual Celebration in Lititz, PA, Halloween & Oktoberfest Activities in Lancaster County, About Columbia, Marietta, and the River Towns, Eastern Lancaster County (including New Holland, East Earl, and Churchtown), Shopping in Lititz Small Town Charm & Many Unique Shops, Paradise, PA Hotels, B&Bs, and Campgrounds, attractions and things to do in Lancaster, Things to do in Eastern Lancaster County, PA, Things to do in Southern Lancaster County, PA, Traveling to Lancaster County, PA for Activities. Address: 2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. That said, the campground comes with plenty of amenities to keep you comfortable. Read More, BLAQK House Collections is the only African American Gallery in the Downtown Pittsburgh and that it Showcases local and Unknown Artists. Visit Website 312 Paradise Lane Ronks (near Strasburg), PA 17572 Its free to explore the Kitchen Kettle Village, but if something catches your eye, your money will be supporting local businesses. Read More, Many visitors to Lancaster seek out meaningful personal contact with the Amish community. Do you want to experience something exciting during your trip to Lancaster? 32. Why You Should Go Mountain bike rentals 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. It dedicates more than 1,700 square feet to hundreds of displays of trains, trams, locomotives and other hallmarks of Lancaster, PA. Previous visitors of Renningers rave about their experiences, noting that it's open on Sundays only. The Choo Choo Barn was started by a WWII vet in 1945. Play laser tag or miniature golf. Read More, Short and highly selective information in the audio commentary for top 16 tourist attractions in around Philadelphia. The Lancaster County Winery Trail impresses visitors with its wine tastings and events, although some travelers complain about high prices and limited business hours. His show combines music, lights, shadows and narration. Its the biggest Turkey Hill building in the state, so its worth a visit while you have the chance! Here's some ideas of family-friendly things to do in Lancaster, PA. Get lost in a cornfield maze or tour a fascinating museum. The museum in particular gets high marks for its beautiful natural setting. Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505. Who are the Amish and why do they live like that? Day Trips to Lancaster County, PA - LancasterPA.com A fun fact about the Park City Center is that it used to be called the Mall of Four Seasons because each of its four corridors had a seasonal theme. But the food is just the first feature of the evening. A lot of it depends on what you want to do. It offers all kinds of rides, games and activities for people who dont mind getting a little muddy in Lancaster. Description Classic Watercolor Thursday Evening w/Alice Meyer Wallace A five (5) session course This class with instruction by Alice Meyer Wallace will focus on classic watercolor techniques-Sargeant, Homer, Rodin, Nolde, and particularly Charles Demuth, from Lancaster, PA. Come enjoy this fun and relaxed class! We offer quality opportunities to learn, improve health and most importantly, to have lots of laughs. 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. If it rains for more than an hour while youre there, you can get a free return pass. Theres nothing like dinner and a show, and the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater will give you a New York-style theater experience right in the heart of Pennsylvania. Regardless of its history, Dutch Haven is definitely one of the coolest places to visit in Lancaster. As of 2023, you can renew your passport online. See, smell, taste, experienceFarm to Table products. The Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is the perfect place for an outing with the family. Get lost in the corn maze; take a wagon ride around the property; make some new friends at the petting zoo. Featuring: Amish-made items, apparel, baked goods, books, One of south-central Pennsylvanias few professional Mt Gretna Playhouse, 451 State Route 117 2022 2. There's much to discover beyond theme parks in this Southeastern state. Located in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern, Pennsylvania, just 70 miles east of Pittsburgh, it was designed in 1935 as a residence and summer home. Itll work off some of the calories that youve been consuming at the farmers market! Read More, Situated directly on the University of Pennsylvania's campus, the Penn Museum is the largest University Museum in the United States! (Of course, these travel times are estimates and don't account for traffic.). Have you ever seen a pure white snow goose? If youre wondering what to do in Lancaster PA on a hot summer day, consider the Turkey Hill Experience. 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. This charming region offers experiences that harken a bygone era, including horse-and-buggy rides, antique shopping and scenic train excursions. Church is located in a bad section of Lancaster but we have never had a problem. 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. THE 5 BEST Lancaster Historical & Heritage Tours - Tripadvisor If youre interested in broadening your horizons and maybe overcoming a few stereotypes, call and reserve your bus. 1. 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. The North Museum of Nature and Science is home to an array of exhibits and features that can keep kids of all ages interested and entertained. Address:455 Camp Rd, Stevens, PA 17578, USA. Longs Park has a petting zoo where visitors of all ages can make furry friends. Its a state of farms and cornfields, and theyre put to good use in places like the Field of Screams. 42. 3. The good news is that the Kitchen Kettle Village makes it easy! Our collaborative of communities aims to help those seeking senior independent living in Lancaster, PA, find both the home and the care they need to thrive as they enjoy their retirement years successfully. The historic hotel features nautical- and Victorian-inspired guestrooms, an on-site restaurant, an indoor pool, a fish feeding pond and the adorable Jr. First Mate's Happy Harbour Landing Playground. A haunted house will keep your heart racing as you stumble through demons, zombies, monsters and other terrors. 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. Lancaster's rock, fossil and mineral Bible History Exhibits is located at 2827 Lincoln Highway 2827 Lincoln Highway East, PO Box 98 Go sightseeing by train. With Aaron and Jessica's Buggy Rides, for example, you can book a private tour and see how the Amish live with stops at one-room Amish schoolhouses, butcher shops, bakeries, quilt shops and more. Dont miss out on one of the biggest malls in Pennsylvania! Address: 54 New Holland Ave., Lancaster, PA 17602. Its activities can get a little messy, but its all in the name of STEM education! If your child gets distressed by the loud noises and you have to leave, you can get a full refund. Ice cream lovers, especially families, say they had a great time here. All of the fancy tables face a stage, and when the curtain rises, youll be treated to a live theater performance to enjoy along with your appetizers. 176. We will be meeting out front at the Entrance of the building. 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). This establishment offers such a fun and immersive experience that your children wont even believe that its a museum. Prefer to fly here? You can also explore a pumpkin patch, shoot a paintball gun or zip down a water slide. 54 of There are nearly a dozen wineries to explore, each one specializing in different varieties of wine. 18 hole miniature golf course Bube's Brewery is a 19th century brewery complex; a series 102 North Market Street Enjoy a Lancaster history and craft beer walk (from USD 79.0) Show all photos. Youll have your choice of activities once you arrive at the community. Originally founded in 1730, Lancaster Central Market is the oldest continually running farmers market in the U.S. Bowl, drink, and dine at Decades. The museum's full-scale replica of a longhouse provides a glimpse into the history and cultures of Indigenous tribes that lived in south-central Pennsylvania in the early 1700s. Amish Farm and House Tour was one of the first Amish tourist attractions in Lancaster, PA, and its still among the most popular today. If youre afraid of dolls, puppets or mannequins, the Lancaster Marionette Theatre might sound like something out of your worst nightmare. Address: 301 Linden St., Columbia, PA 17512. Box 578 Read More, A huge part of Philadelphia is the food and places associated with it. For example, they can learn how to code or how to mix different chemical solutions. You can find joy and fulfillment at any one of Explore Retirement Living's independent living facilities right here in Lancaster County, PA. Museum visitors are 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. Only minutes away from rolling farmlands and the clip-clop sound of horses and buggies, youll find the bustling city of Lancaster (population 59,000). learn more Amish Farm Experience Milk a cow, bottle feed calves, gather eggs, piglets, goats and more! Lititz Springs Park is a gorgeous place to escape the hustle and bustle of Lancaster. The Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy Farm, 3121 Old Philadelphia Pk Lancaster is a treasure trove for those who love vintage furniture, decor and other wares from a time gone by. Discover exceptional views of the countryside, and an insightful look at some of Lancaster County's oldest covered bridges. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Lancaster - Tripadvisor Address:126 N Water St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA. As the oldest farmers market in Pennsylvania, Lancaster Central Market is a feast for the senses, and its definitely one of the coolest things to do in the city. Most popular is Shady Maple Smorgasbord, a 200-foot, all-you-can-eat buffet. Looking things to do when the grandkids visit your Lancaster County home? Theres a live animal room with toads and tarantulas; theres a fossil collection of dinosaur skulls. Lancaster Virtual Reality Lounge offers a one-of-a-kind experience where your clan can enter a new dimension of gaming. Not only will you have your choice of fresh, organic produce, but youll also get to sample quintessential Pennsylvania dishes that you cant find anywhere else in the country. Activities offered at the hotel include swimming at the indoor pool, gaming in the on-site Omnicade and interactive play in the Toon Room kid's play area. Toddlers can enjoy the carousels and teacup rides. Bounce on over to the trampolines of Lancaster Playground if youre looking for fun activities that you can do in Lancaster, PA, even when youre on a budget. As you travel through the Heritage Center, discover No problem! See how beer is Ducks weave around frogs, birds and squirrels. The Wolf Sanctuary of PA is a nonprofit wolf refuge and education facility in Lititz, housing and caring for both wolves and wolf hybrids. Try ziplining, the elevated obstacle course, giant swing and more! The beautiful countryside can be explored on scenic bicycle tours or take an authentic Amish buggy ride. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Visitors can also nosh on delicious local favorites like hot soft pretzels, fresh-cut fries and Turkey Hill ice cream. With its padded seats and white tablecloths, the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater looks a bit like a fine dining establishment at first glance. Read More, A private tour to the Philadelphia Countryside is 8 hours. 12 Fun Things to Do in Lancaster with Kids (for 2023) What kind of train ride do you want to have in PA? Theres a restroom, laundromat and country store for the essentials, and a game room with free WiFi will provide entertainment for the kids when youre busy. Amish At Home Meals - Hosted By Samuel and Ruth Lapp at Amish Meals at Home with Samuel and Ruth Lapp. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. If you enjoy the history and architecture of covered bridges, you'll love Lancaster County. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania has something for you. Bird in Hand, PA 17505. Search tours and activities with increased health and safety practices. After all, how often do you get the chance to question 17th century farmers about their own ways of life? Youll find everything from hot air balloon rides and biking tours, to zip-lining and much more in this list of outdoor things to do in Lancaster. Why do 2395 Covered Bridge Drive Address:909 Strasburg Pike, Strasburg, PA 17579, USA, Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center. Golf course , mini golf, a Public Pool, Skate Park, Playgrounds, Massive Frisbee Golf Course, Baseball Fields, Soccer. 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. Address:12 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA. Offerings include a large array of theaters, historical sites, and local Amish culture. But you dont have to ride any tilt-a-whirls to take advantage of the campsite! This extraordinary park isthe site of the 1777-78 winter Dutch Wonderland is a popular Pennsylvania theme park with more than 35 rides, attractions and shows as well as Duke's Lagoon water play area. Original Philly Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner, Skip the Line: Gettysburg Heritage Center and Museum Admission Ticket, Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob - Two Visions of Frank Lloyd Wright, Philadelphia to Valley Forge Park, Private 4 or 6 Hour Tour, Private Driving Tour of Lancaster and Amish Country, Brandywine Valley Tour with Private Driver, Entrance Ticket to AT BLAQK House Collections, The Best Pennsylvania Activities for Seniors and Over 50s. Your kids will be charmed by the magic of the puppets just as much as you are. This region of the U.S. is home to 25 covered bridges from different periods of history, with many of the best-preserved bridges dating back to the 1800s. Find the best things to do in Lancaster County, PA! Learn More Places to Stay Highlights of this Self-Guided Audio Tour It allows Locals claim that it was the business to put shoo-fly pie on the map. Farm Tour: 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! Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505. If youre looking for the best places to go in Lancaster, consider the Choo Choo Barn. or 717-399-7671. Elite Coach provides charter service and ground National Historic Landmark founded in 1732. Looking for directions to Lancaster County or wondering how far away Lancaster County is from some of the major cities in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region? 36 Top Things to Do in Pennsylvania - US News & World Report