Depending on your strength and stamina, you can attempt everything from beginner-level treks to expert-level summits. 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. You can even pick up some handcrafted clothes and blankets at the gift shop. The Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center lives up to its name. Bring your camera! A haunted house will keep your heart racing as you stumble through demons, zombies, monsters and other terrors. Visit Website 312 Paradise Lane Ronks (near Strasburg), PA 17572 After all, how often do you get the chance to question 17th century farmers about their own ways of life? You dont have to wait for Halloween to enjoy spooky adventures in Pennsylvania. Seller of Travel Ref. There are other things to do near and around the shop, including shopping for Amish souvenirs. 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. 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. Before there were televisions and movie theaters, people entertained themselves with magic lantern shows. A botany exhibit houses rare and beautiful plants. The Holtwood Dam is one of the top points of interest in Lancaster, PA. 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. By circlestar246. 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. 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). Take a buggy ride down dirt roads; explore the barn, stable and one-room schoolhouse. Sunsets and sunrises across the rolling hills of Lancaster can provide you with excellent photo opportunities! Lancaster, PA 17602. Address:100 Museum Rd, Stevens, PA 17578, USA, Steam Pipe Trunk Distribution Venue / flickr. 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). By BingofLancaster. If your child gets distressed by the loud noises and you have to leave, you can get a full refund. It has a very classy atmosphere, especially when the waiters bring out your dishes in covered platters. Most popular is Shady Maple Smorgasbord, a 200-foot, all-you-can-eat buffet. 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. Its mostly morphed into a theater where you can enjoy live performances of things like Titanic, Newsies and The Night Before Christmas. 2004-2023 Cool Destinations. German Do you enjoy TV detective shows such as CSI or Sherlock 18 E McGovern Ave, Station Square Center 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. Guests who book the experience can learn about dairy farming through interactive exhibits, and they can also create their own virtual ice cream flavor or real ice cream in the Turkey Hill Taste Lab. 63. Learn More. Lancaster, PA 17601. 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. The "Adamstown Antique Mile" runs along state Route 272 in northeastern Lancaster County and features roughly 5,000 antique dealers, with even more offered during Antiques Extravaganza Weekends. Stay up to date on upcoming events. 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. 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. Learn More Places to Stay Guided tours are available with limited capacity, and Wheatland hosts a variety of educational program offerings, academic symposiums and public events throughout the year. 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. Address:191 College Ave, Mountville, PA 17554, USA. 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. Situated in a 2,500-square-foot space, the lounge is also open for birthday parties, corporate events, as well as team building activities with a virtual reality twist. 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. Amish horse-and-buggies can create dangerous road situations. The Choo Choo Barn was started by a WWII vet in 1945. You can create an amazing itinerary with nothing more than these suggestions! Take in a play or a movie in the park. There simply is no other building like it on Planet Earth. If youre wondering what to do in Lancaster as an astronomy geek, this museum will be your shooting star. The amusement park is designed to be a family-friendly destination for people visiting the Lancaster and Philadelphia area. Youll find lots of country charm among its rolling farmlands and quaint, old-fashioned villages. Are you ready to experience the duality of one of Americas oldest cities? This tour focuses on both the iconic and locally known dishes that The Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy Farm, 3121 Old Philadelphia Pk Your kids will be charmed by the magic of the puppets just as much as you are. If youre looking for fun things to do around the city of Lancaster, put this magical little theater on your weekend schedule. But the food is just the first feature of the evening. Maximum 4 people per class, children 10 years and over are welcomed. From the beginning, AAA (Amish All Around) Buggy Rides has Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides is owned by Plain people 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. Lancaster's 1719 Museum helps visitors learn about what life was like for earlyMennonite settlers and Native Americans in the area hundreds of years ago. This charming region offers experiences that harken a bygone era, including horse-and-buggy rides, antique shopping and scenic train excursions. Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505. Who are the Amish and why do they live like that? Historians say that its one of the first Lancaster attractions to ever exist. From sampling award-winning ice cream at the Turkey Hill Experience to sipping craft brews along the Lancaster Ale Trail or staying in the one-of-a-kind Cartoon Network Hotel, this county offers an endless number of unique activities to partake in some family-friendly and some just for the adults. All things considered, Dutch Wonderland is one of the most amazing places to visit in Lancaster when youre traveling with kids. 28, 2023, Up to 60% Off + Exclusive 5% Guaranteed Priceline Coupon, Up to 50% Off Travel Plans with Top Expedia Promo Code, Discount Travel Plans with 50% Off on Hotels.com bookings, 50% Discount on Getaways with Barcel Resort & Hotels, Booking.com Promo Code Up to 50% Off + Extra 10% Off. Address: 2285 Lincoln Highway E., Lancaster, PA 17602. Are you traveling to Lancaster in the fall? From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. This museum offers truly amazing details on Amish life that you can't find elsewhere. If you plan your trip at the right time, you might even catch a special event like the Lancaster Playground Extravaganza. Address:226 Gap Rd, Strasburg, PA 17579, USA. 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. Take back roads to avoid traffic on Route 30. Address: 2285 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602 Independence Hall: Philadelphia (J. Fusco/Courtesy of Visit Philadelphia) At Independence Hall in Philadelphia, you can take a free. See how beer is Lancaster, PA 17602. Its tents, cabins and vacation homes are open to the public. If youre afraid of dolls, puppets or mannequins, the Lancaster Marionette Theatre might sound like something out of your worst nightmare. Lancaster, PA 17602. Daily tours - please call ahead for reservation. 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. Bowl, drink, and dine at Decades. There are both weekday and weekend tours, and theres even a special full moon tour where you can walk the sanctuary at night. 32. For kids, it can be tasty, messy fun; for couples, it can be a romantic date with heart eyes and spoon-feeding. Theres also lists for attractions that are: Lancaster is more than just the Amish. At Americas oldest short-line railroad, enjoy a 45-minute ride, aboard an authentic steam train. 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. Built on a remote, beautiful stretch of Pennsylvania woodlands, it manages to be both relaxing and exciting. Address:12 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA. The Fulton Steamboat Inn isn't located on an actual steamboat, but it certainly resembles one. Intercourse, PA 17534. 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. Where stories from the Bible come to life on stage. Today, this has been largely abandoned, but the mall still retains its snowflake-like architecture with corridors branching out from a centrally located plaza. Some things are just plain cool, and magic lantern shows are a great example. If you want a free treat during your Lancaster vacation, you know where to go. If youre a fan of thrills and chills, you can test yourself with things like ziplines, climbing towers and obstacle courses. The showmen who ran them would even travel in troupes from city to city. This extraordinary park is the site of the 1777-78 winter. 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. 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. 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. Its one of the premiere destinations of Pennsylvania. Lititz itself offers many small shops, fantastic restaurants, museums, art galleries , hiking trails, and more. 3. take a self-guided driving tour of Lancaster's covered bridges. In the shared tour, youll make some new friends while hundreds of feet in the air. Visitors to the museum can explore things like blacksmith shops and leatherworking shops. Make sure you bring your appetite if you visit. It offers all kinds of rides, games and activities for people who dont mind getting a little muddy in Lancaster. There are shopping malls and amusement parks; there are places to hike, bike, swim, fish and kayak. The best time to visit Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is in the spring or fall. The Green Dragon Farmer's Market 548 Flea & Street Markets By Sdm0627 Previous visitors of Renningers rave about their experiences, noting that it's open on Sundays only. Previous patrons say they appreciate the hilarious and interesting productions, including shows from a bygone era. Have more time to explore? 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. It isnt a stuffy, boring place filled with glass displays that they arent allowed to touch. 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. Unearthed Beauty. You'll see and learn about Amish schools, Amish farms and culture, covered bridges, and even visit an Amish store or roadside stand. Address: 300 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks, PA 17572, (Courtesy of The Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant). If you want to experience Lancaster, PA, without paying exorbitant prices for hotels, consider the Old Mill Stream Campground. Visitors will also find a giant hay chute slide and a farm animal center filled with goats, chicks in the spring and more. Find the best things to do in Lancaster County, PA! Address: 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505. The Fulton Theatre, considered the nation's oldest continuously operating theater and a National Historic Landmark, puts on musical productions that have included "The Little Mermaid" and "Man of La Mancha." In addition to being beautiful, its also free to enter, so its at the top of our list of free things to do in Lancaster, PA. Here you can enjoy a thriving cultural scene, a variety of special events, great food, diverse shopping opportunities, and a variety of attractions for families and things to do for kids. 340) Intercourse, PA 17534 717-768-8261, 63 Eastbrook Road (Rt .896) Ronks, PA 17572 717-299-6535, 605 Granite Run Drive Lancaster, PA 17601 717-560-6354, 301 Golf Drive Lancaster, PA 17601 717-569-2071, 230 North President Avenue Lancaster, PA 17603 717-392-4633, Prima Theatre Fresh Theatrical Experiences, 941 Wheatland Avenue Lancaster, PA 17603 717-327-5124, Route 741 East, Box 15 Strasburg, PA 17579 717-687-8628, 1932 Robert Fulton Highway (Route 222) Quarryville, PA 17566 717-548-2594, 1599 Old Line Road Manheim, PA 17545 717-664-WINE, Second and Cherry Streets Columbia, PA 17512 717-684-4325, 315 W. James Street Lancaster, PA 717-208-3788. Both options display Everything you need to plan your Lancaster, PA getaway. Enjoy a Lancaster history and craft beer walk (from USD 79.0) Show all photos. Read More, This tour offers a great assortment of trails tailored to meet the ability of the riders. Amish Farm and House Tour was one of the first Amish tourist attractions in Lancaster, PA, and its still among the most popular today. Lancaster, PA 17603. A water fountain is surrounded by benches if you ever need to set down your shopping bags for a minute. Philadelphia to Valley Forge Park, Private 4 or 6 Hour Tour. If you enjoy the history and architecture of covered bridges, you'll love Lancaster County. If youre looking for romantic things to do in Lancaster, PA, take a ride on an old-fashioned locomotive train. The Mennonite Life Visitors Center (formerly the Mennonite Information Center) provides even more perspective about the region with free resources and a Biblical Tabernacle Experience, which includes an educational lecture and a full-sized reproduction of the original tabernacle Moses constructed for the nation Israel. 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 Explore historical landmarks, museums, and even local dessert parlors What's Included Snacks Meeting And Pickup Meeting point East King Street Garage 150 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602, USA Open in Google Maps Please park in the East King Street Parking Garage. If this sounds like an idyllic spot, youre absolutely right. Itll be a fun, unique experience that gives you a greater appreciation for the lost art of marionette making. Its the biggest Turkey Hill building in the state, so its worth a visit while you have the chance! Address: 400 College Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603. Book your seat and get up in the clouds as early as this weekend! The Strasburg Rail Road is the oldest continually-operating railway in Pennsylvania, so its definitely one of the top places to visit in Lancaster. Activities Come experience all of the wonderful things for every age in Lancaster County. Check out our list of the best non-touristy things to do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. If you're looking for activities in these towns, check out our lists of activities you can do in each one: There really is something for everyone here! (Getty Images). We will be meeting out front at the Entrance of the building. Longs Park is one of the liveliest places in Lancaster, PA. 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. Youll be able to appreciate the natural beauty of Pennsylvania without any city noises ruining it. Try our amazing breakfast sandwiches, famous toasted cheese sandwiches, and fried cheese curds. Amish At Home Meals - Hosted By Samuel and Ruth Lapp at Amish Meals at Home with Samuel and Ruth Lapp. There's much to discover beyond theme parks in this Southeastern state. There are so many things to do in Lititz and Lancaster County, PA that go beyond your typical Amish tourist attractions! It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Read More, Enjoy three activities in one package at the Amish Experience! They settled in America in the 17th and 18th centuries, and they still have a substantial population in the Lancaster area. It will put you in touch with nature while still giving you access to modern conveniences. Address:2395 Covered Bridge Dr, Lancaster, PA 17602, USA. Explore Valley Forge National Historic Park on this private, 4- or 6-hour driving tour from Philadelphia. Address: 219 E. Main St., Lititz, PA 17543. At Abe's, enjoy a private tour - just you and yours - in a 2596 Old Philadelphia Pike Pennsylvania has a thriving Amish community, and the Amish Farm and House Tour is your chance to see how they really live. Mom and dad will appreciate the chance to get off their feet and relax on the benches. The absolute best thing about the Turkey Hill Experience is the taste lab.. Campgrounds are available if youd like to turn it into a full weekend adventure. Go sightseeing by train. learn more Amish Farm Experience Milk a cow, bottle feed calves, gather eggs, piglets, goats and more! Try ziplining, the elevated obstacle course, giant swing and more! Address: 2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. Regardless of its history, Dutch Haven is definitely one of the coolest places to visit in Lancaster. In addition to its everyday exhibits, the Lancaster Science Factory also hosts a number of classes, clubs and workshops. Youll pass fields, cliffs, crags, ravines and rock formations as you make your way to various observation points. Join our tour to understand the complex history and lifestyle Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. Ronks, PA 17572. Box 578 Hungry guests with a sweet tooth will also enjoy the chocolate-covered pretzels on offer. Visitors can browse artwork by renowned and unknown artists at local landmarks such as the Demuth Museum, the Lancaster Museum of Art, and the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. You won't lack for fun things to do. 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. (Courtesy of Cherry Crest Adventure Farm). Lancaster has an artistic flair, with an array of art galleries and exhibits on Gallery Row in the downtown Arts District. If youre looking for unique places to visit in Lancaster, consider the Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum. 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. Why do 2395 Covered Bridge Drive Hand dipped ice cream, outdoor seating, play area. Of course, the day wouldn't be complete without eating some of the famous ice cream that's made on-site. Its a point of pride in Pennsylvania, and itll give you a great story to tell your friends when you get back home. 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. Columbia, PA 17512. For example, chowchow pickles vegetables in mustard, and scrapple is made with cornmeal and pork scraps. Listen to the tinkle of wooden wind chimes. 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. 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. Guided tour of the Herr's Snack Food Factory. 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. These Florida Keys resorts are ideal for family getaways and romantic retreats. By Kathryn921.