This area appeals to all ages and interests. If you plan your trip at the right time, you might even catch a special event like the Lancaster Playground Extravaganza. The Wolf Sanctuary of PA is a nonprofit wolf refuge and education facility in Lititz, housing and caring for both wolves and wolf hybrids. Amish At Home Meals - Hosted By Samuel and Ruth Lapp at Amish Meals at Home with Samuel and Ruth Lapp. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Ephrata - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Visiting other areas of Pennsylvania? The Choo Choo Barn was started by a WWII vet in 1945. It is open as a museum that includes a gift shop and a cafe. Based conveniently on the Susquehanna River in Lancaster 41 Walnut St./1028 River Rd. Longs Park is one of the liveliest places in Lancaster, PA. beautifully restored first-class, open-air, or coach cars. A water fountain is surrounded by benches if you ever need to set down your shopping bags for a minute. Families with kids in tow should check out the Lancaster Science Factory for a fun, educational experience everyone in the crew can enjoy. With over 1 million objects Lancaster, PA 17601 OPEN 24 Hours From Business: Comfort Keepers Home Care provides seniors in the Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Lititz area of Pennsylvania specialized services. So Many Things to Do in Lancaster Pennsylvania. Intercourse, PA 17534. 2022 2. Lancaster, PA 17603. If you enjoy the history and architecture of covered bridges, you'll love Lancaster County. The Lancaster Science Factory is the perfect family-friendly activity. The focus of the museum is Pennsylvania Germans. 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. But the food is just the first feature of the evening. 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. Visit Website 312 Paradise Lane Ronks (near Strasburg), PA 17572 Since 1997, AMT has welcomed Grammy, CMA, Dove, Tony, Emmy, 2425 Lincoln Highway East Renningers Antique Market is especially popular, with more than 500 vendors alone. Most visitors agree the amusement park is best for young kids, but that the whole family will enjoy it. Lancaster, PA 17602. 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. Guided tours are offered, but require a reservation in advance. This town has plenty of hidden gems-spots that should not be missed. 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. Hike, bike, fish or picnic on the gorgeous grounds that include everything from wildflower fields to a spring-fed lake. 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. This factory-museum hosts a variety of rotating STEM-related educational programs and workshops, and interactive exhibits include "Mechanics and Motion," "Acoustics and Sound" and "Structural Engineering." [Read: The Top Romantic Getaways in Pennsylvania.]. 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. 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! Hell cast a spell right before your eyes, and you wont be able to look away until the curtain closes! Search tours and activities with increased health and safety practices. Bird in Hand, PA 17505. Ephrata Cloister 366 Speciality Museums Historic Sites By RingoPisco12 My wife and I really enjoyed our guided tour of the buildings and grounds. It's also within steps of Dutch Wonderland amusement park. Stay up to date on upcoming events. Pick-up and Drop-off locations are the groups choice. Philadelphia to Valley Forge Park, Private 4 or 6 Hour Tour. Address: 2425 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602-1423 Website: American Music Theatre Opening hours: 9am - 6pm Price: 59 USD 9. There are shopping malls and amusement parks; there are places to hike, bike, swim, fish and kayak. By the time that the son needed money for college, their collection was big enough that they decided to charge admission for people to see it, and the Choo Choo Barn was born. Many local families offer buggy rides, and you can even add on a personalized tour of a local Amish farm. In 2 hours I will be teaching you how to make 3 different FUN luxury products, that you get to take home with you. Play laser tag or miniature golf. Our friendly Senior Center staff will be glad to introduce you to our programs. Ducks weave around frogs, birds and squirrels. If youre wondering what to do in Lancaster as an astronomy geek, this museum will be your shooting star. Address:142 Park City Center, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA. Read More, Pennsylvania is home to a fascinating culture found in the rural farmlands outside of Philadelphia. Lancaster History and Craft Beer Walk 18 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. Address: 150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks, PA 17572. FALLINGWATER - America's UNESCO World Heritage Masterpiece! Golf course , mini golf, a Public Pool, Skate Park, Playgrounds, Massive Frisbee Golf Course, Baseball Fields, Soccer. Take a horse-drawn buggy ride to explore the Amish countryside, a place where tightknit families live without modern conveniences and follow the same traditions their ancestors have for hundreds of years. If youre looking for the best places to go in Lancaster, consider the Choo Choo Barn. 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. For a small fee, you can create your own ice cream flavor from scratch. Run by a single puppeteer with a passion for his craft, the Lancaster Marionette Theatre puts on shows that are a delight to watch. The most famous is probably the Horse-Shoe Trail thats used by local horseback riders, but there are other paths and summits as well. 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. Kids are always laughing on the playground. Other theaters include the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, which offers musicals and concerts with an all-American buffet meal that changes with each performance, and the American Music Theatre, which hosts traveling acts such as Riverdance. 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. Some things are just plain cool, and magic lantern shows are a great example. Lancaster City is home to a renowned creative community of studio artists, artisans, gallery spaces, and performing arts venues. Another thing that will take your breath away is the series of hiking trails around the dam. If you live in any of these areas, you're easily within driving distance! The horizon will be filled with hot air balloons of every color; its a sight that has to be seen to be believed. It can be a relaxing excursion; it can be a romantic date. You can find just about everything at Park City Center. The park always has an event going on, so its just a matter of catching the latest musical festival, barbecue competition or fine arts fair. Lancaster, PA 17602. Before there were televisions and movie theaters, people entertained themselves with magic lantern shows. Once you gaze into the eyes of a wild wolf hybrid, however, youll realize that it was worth the extra gas. Theyre short and sweet, so you wont need a bathroom break, and theyre appropriate for all ages. Read More, While many visitors to Philadelphia and the Brandywine Valley have specific sites they would like to see, many are happy to let our team create Mom and dad can enjoy the cafes, game booths, fun houses, dinosaur exhibits and virtual reality simulations. 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. Why You Should Go Visitors to the sanctuary can take a guided tour of the wolf packs that live on the grounds. Intercourse, PA 17534. We will be meeting out front at the Entrance of the building. Smorgabords and buffets reign supreme in Lancaster, with many of them featuring authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Today, the Choo Choo Barn is one of those unique tourist attractions that you just cant pass up when you see it advertised on a billboard. Another nice thing about Dutch Wonderland is that its super convenient for tourists. Build it Your Way! Join Thomas the Tank Engine, Percy, Mavis, and Rusty during Day Out With Thomas, visiting multiple times a year. A botany exhibit houses rare and beautiful plants. His first train set was a modest thing that he built with his two-year-old son, but the pair made a lifelong hobby out of it, and their trains wound up taking over the family basement. 28 Top Things to Do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania - US News & World Report 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. Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505. Who are the Amish and why do they live like that? (Of course, these travel times are estimates and don't account for traffic.). Where stories from the Bible come to life on stage. Read More, A huge part of Philadelphia is the food and places associated with it. Senior-friendly activities in Pennsylvania, Museum of the American Revolution Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option, Skip the Line: AACA Museum Admission Ticket, Go City: Philadelphia All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions, Philadelphia to New York City Private Day Trip. None of it will cost you a dime. Bonfires are lit for marshmallows and hot dogs, and live entertainment is available on special occasions. Check out our list of the best non-touristy things to do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Advance purchase is recommended. Parents and children can both enjoy them. Speciality Museums. 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. A haunted house will keep your heart racing as you stumble through demons, zombies, monsters and other terrors. While Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is home to the oldest Amish communities in the U.S., there's a lot more to Amish Country than meets the eye. Plus, storytelling, videos, imagination stations, photo opportunities, and our Fun Extras. Address:510 Centerville Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA. Free Things to Do in Lancaster, PA - Discover Lancaster It offers everything from roller coasters to water slides, so children of all ages will be able to shriek, splash and scamper to their hearts content. If youre looking for romantic things to do in Lancaster, PA, take a ride on an old-fashioned locomotive train. 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. By now, you've hopefully found some activities to do and points of interest to check out during your trip to Lancaster County. Originally founded in 1730, Lancaster Central Market is the oldest continually running farmers market in the U.S. 27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Lancaster (PA) - Busy Tourist 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. So the next time you're looking to take a road trip to the Northeastern United States (or the Mid-Atlantic region), add Lancaster County as a stop along the way. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Lancaster - Tripadvisor The Holtwood Dam is one of the top points of interest in Lancaster, PA. 20 PHENOMENAL THINGS TO DO IN LANCASTER PA - 365 Traveler If you dont mind a few beady eyes, however, its a quirky attraction that can give you a great vacation story! Address:465 Speedwell Forge Rd, Lititz, PA 17543, USA. Address: 219 E. Main St., Lititz, PA 17543. 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. It isnt a stuffy, boring place filled with glass displays that they arent allowed to touch. 17601. During the summertime. These Florida Keys resorts are ideal for family getaways and romantic retreats. Experience TripAdvisor's #1 rated tour attraction in Lancaster County! Parks Hiking Trails. 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. If you love the theater, however, you wont want to miss the Fulton Opera House. Be sure to check out the pipe organ while you're there-- it has 10,010 pipes. Read More, How did the Battle of Gettysburg affect the small bustling town, &the people who called it home? Take a guided tour of an authentic 1840's Amish farmhouse At Artifice Ales & Mead, we specialize in Food and Beer Take a trip down memory lane with Barry's collection of 3504 Old Philadelphia Pike Willow Street, PA 17584. Enjoy 45 minutes aboard a real steam train. 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. 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. Read More, Save money on some of Philadelphia's best-known attractions compared to buying individual tickets with Go City's Philadelphia All-Inclusive Pass. They can learn how steam engines work; they can watch steam mills and textile processes in action. 25+ Top Things to Do on Weekends in Lancaster, PA - LancasterPA.com The Best Things to Do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania - Let's Roam Explorer What kind of train ride do you want to have in PA? Hailed as a kingdom for kids, Dutch Wonderland is one of the best amusement parks in Lancaster. Church is located in a bad section of Lancaster but we have never had a problem. After the show, the puppeteer will give you a backstage tour of his theater, and youll get to see everything that actually goes into the show. Try our amazing breakfast sandwiches, famous toasted cheese sandwiches, and fried cheese curds. You can also explore a pumpkin patch, shoot a paintball gun or zip down a water slide. Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505. Read More, Situated directly on the University of Pennsylvania's campus, the Penn Museum is the largest University Museum in the United States! By circlestar246. Theres a lot to see and do, and its all sugar-sweet. There are shopping malls and amusement parks; there are places to hike, bike, swim, fish and kayak. Mount Joy, PA 17552, 35 S. Willowdale Drive A dark forest filled with jump scares will necessitate a new pair of pants. If your child gets distressed by the loud noises and you have to leave, you can get a full refund. 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. Seasonal exhibits and events including First Fridays and artwalks are also offered throughout the year, featuring historic and contemporary art from local and regional artists. Read More, By visiting both locations, not only will you appreciate Wright's genius even moreyou will be stimulated to see possibilities of design that you could never There are other things to do near and around the shop, including shopping for Amish souvenirs. The Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is the perfect place for an outing with the family. In addition to its everyday exhibits, the Lancaster Science Factory also hosts a number of classes, clubs and workshops. Learn More. You can have all kinds of fun at Longs Park. Address: 23 N. Market St., Lancaster, PA 17603. Why not check out some of the fun things to do in Hershey, PA& some of the things to do in Gettysburg, PA? Day Trips to Lancaster County, PA - LancasterPA.com Mt Gretna, PA 17064-0578. 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. Have more time to explore? Experience one of America's largest, most engaging custom 226 Gap Rd, Route 741 East If youre looking for unique places to visit in Lancaster, consider the Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum. Unearthed Beauty. Truly Authentic Lancaster Experience! 2023 - Viator Box 578 THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Lancaster - Tripadvisor All tours can be made private. Located in the heart of Lancaster's Amish Country, theSuper Saver includes the 90-minute guided Amish 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. Visitors who stop in can also enjoy living history interpretations, learn about open hearth cooking and baking, and see traditional craft demonstrations. 3. Enjoy some blood-curdling fun at the Field of Screams. Use caution when passing them on the road. Depending on your strength and stamina, you can attempt everything from beginner-level treks to expert-level summits. As a sprawling complex with dozens of shops, stores, activities and tours, the Kitchen Kettle Village is one of the best places in Lancaster to learn about the Pennsylvania Dutch. Best Places To Visit In Pennsylvania For Mature Travelers - TravelAwaits 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. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. 2022 2. For assistance with any senior fitness or recreation program, contact Elaine at ecampbell@LancasterRec.org. Locals claim that it was the business to put shoo-fly pie on the map. Address:126 N Water St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA. You dont have to drop big bucks to enjoy some quality time with your family! Select from a 6-, 8-, or 10-hour 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. Are you traveling to Lancaster in the fall? That said, the campground comes with plenty of amenities to keep you comfortable. You can also tour the area via a mini-bus, stopping at an Amish farmhouse and for photo ops along the way. 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. The showmen who ran them would even travel in troupes from city to city. 1. 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? With exhibits on physics, chemistry, biology, and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this unique science center. Despite the name, the Fulton Opera House doesnt see a lot of opera concerts anymore. Bring your camera! Enjoy a 20-minute ride aboard the larger-than-life coal-burning steam train pulled by Thomas. Daily tours - please call ahead for reservation. Dont miss out on one of the biggest malls in Pennsylvania! The 1719 Herr House stands as the oldest structure and the 1849 Hans Herr Drive When you visit Lancaster, you'll experience a countryside steeped in history, art, creativity, fun and most importantly, that Pennsylvania Dutch Country goodness. Read More, This tour offers a great assortment of trails tailored to meet the ability of the riders. Visitors agree this hotel mostly lives up to its expectations, and that the property is clean and ideal for families with small kids. Lancaster's rock, fossil and mineral Bible History Exhibits is located at 2827 Lincoln Highway 2827 Lincoln Highway East, PO Box 98 Top Attractions in Lancaster See all 2022 1. The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. Your email address will not be distributed. Address:909 Strasburg Pike, Strasburg, PA 17579, USA, Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center. Address:12 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA. Most popular is Shady Maple Smorgasbord, a 200-foot, all-you-can-eat buffet. 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. Lancaster, PA Family Attractions - Fun for the Whole Family! 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 For kids, it can be tasty, messy fun; for couples, it can be a romantic date with heart eyes and spoon-feeding. Favorite attractions include Merlin's Mayhem, a family-friendly roller coaster; the Flying Trapeze swing ride; and Exploration Island, with lifelike dinosaurs. Lancaster's Sight & Sound Theatres brings the stories of the Bible to life in spectacular performances that include professional actors in elaborate period costumes, trained animals, world-renowned orchestras and special effects that leave patrons in absolute awe. Seller of Travel Ref. The amusement park is designed to be a family-friendly destination for people visiting the Lancaster and Philadelphia area. Black Rock Retreat, a Christian Retreat Center and Summer Family fun and entertainment. It might seem like a regular public park from the outside, but once you venture onto its green grass, an entire world of possibilities will open to you. Hungry guests with a sweet tooth will also enjoy the chocolate-covered pretzels on offer. Address:191 College Ave, Mountville, PA 17554, USA. 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. Read More, Experience a bit of the Amish life on this private driving tour from Philadelphia to Lancaster County in Pennsylvania. You can wander through everything from jam stores to pottery barns while getting a firsthand look at the art, heritage and culture that make up the community. Their force is something that you wont soon forget. Address: 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks, PA 17572. In the private tour, you can take your lover on a dreamy date or your parents on an amazing anniversary celebration. After your ride, check out the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (directly across the street) and the Choo Choo Barn with hand-built animated figures and trains. 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 Explore Valley Forge National Historic Park on this private, 4- or 6-hour driving tour from Philadelphia. 176. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Here are just a few of the top things to do in Lancaster, PA. Youll need to check their online schedule to know whats playing this weekend. Go on a museum date Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Smallbones used under CC BY-SA 3.0 Nothing says romantic date night in Lancaster, PA than an engaging museum date at the Landis Valley Museum. Theres a live animal room with toads and tarantulas; theres a fossil collection of dinosaur skulls. Shop til you drop at the Park City Center. Our work allows seniors and 10. Today, theres only one theater where you can find authentic magic lantern shows, and its located in Lancaster, PA. Its run by a single showman as part of the local Amish Experience. Sunsets and sunrises across the rolling hills of Lancaster can provide you with excellent photo opportunities! If any part of your childhood was spent building model trains, the Choo Choo Barn will take you right back to the days of poring over whistles and wheels. Fun Things To Do Outdoors in Lancaster, PA Its especially breathtaking when you fly over the picturesque farmlands of Amish country, and thats exactly what youll get when you book a tour with Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Rides. Ronks, PA 17572. Lancaster Virtual Reality Lounge offers a one-of-a-kind experience where your clan can enter a new dimension of gaming. From the beginning, AAA (Amish All Around) Buggy Rides has Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides is owned by Plain people 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike They settled in America in the 17th and 18th centuries, and they still have a substantial population in the Lancaster area. Address: 2285 Lincoln Highway E., Lancaster, PA 17602. Our Bird-in-Hand Stage offers exceptional entertainment, 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, #A 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. Lancaster Central Market 23 N Market Street Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 735-6890 The Lancaster Central Market is a historic public marketplace in downtown Lancaster. This means that youll enjoy a totally immersive experience with the staff greeting you in old-fashioned costumes as they walk you through the various displays and exhibits. As one of the leaders in agri-tainment, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm combines real-world farming lessons with family-friendly fun. Address: 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Ronks, Bird in Hand, PA 17505, USA. What can you do in Lancaster for free? Luxurious jewelers share the floor with quiet bookstores and colorful toy shops; the food court is equally balanced between fine dining and indulgent fast food. Find special events and one-of-a-kind things to do in Lancaster County all-year long. Visit Website Amish Farm and House Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), Dulles International Airport (just west of Washington, D.C.), Ronald Reagan International Airport (Washington, D.C.), Atlantic City International Airport (in New Jersey), Lehigh Valley International Airport (in PA), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (in PA), John F. KennedyInternational Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (in NJ, right across from NYC), Train rides (on real steam-powered trains), Theatres with kid-friendly plays and magic shows, Live entertainment (including multiple theatres). 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. 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. The little ones will enjoy running, jumping, climbing, sliding and swinging on the various play structures.