12 Fun Things to Do in Lancaster with Kids — Family-Friendly Activities!
By retaining a significant portion of its architectural past into the present, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has recognized its rich culture and history.
Lancaster, established in 1730, is a colonial settlement that developed into the magnificent city now known to people.
Although the two regions are thousands of kilometers apart, they share a particular link because of the namesake city in Lancashire, England.
The largest Amish community in the country is also located there.
Lancastrians have worked hard to preserve their city’s rich historical heritage recently.
More than 8 million people visit the county each year looking for entertaining and instructive activities in Lancaster with kids.
Are you curious to learn more about Lancaster’s plans?
Check out this list of must-see locations and attractions in one of the US’s oldest inland cities.
- Lancaster Archery Supply & Academy
One of the largest in the world, Lancaster Archery Supply, began operations approximately forty years ago.
Over time, it gained recognition for providing top-notch products and services to archers and fans.
It also provides archery courses in its academy to encourage more people to fall in love with the sport.
Why Your Family Should Go
One of the best family activities in Lancaster might be participating in sporting activities together.
Given its potential advantages, archery can be a fantastic sport to introduce to your youngster.
While you’re doing it, it can help you become more focused, patient, and determined.
What to Do with Kids
To bring out your inner archer, start using the bows and arrows in the academy.
Don’t be afraid to ask the seasoned instructors for advice if you need it so they can show you how to strike the target.
You can purchase supplies from the shop to improve your archery abilities when you get home.
Recommended Ages
The age requirement for the beginner’s course is six years old.
Those with experience with archery may start enrolling in more advanced sessions to improve their skills.
- Lancaster Virtual Reality Lounge
Your clan can enjoy a one-of-a-kind gaming environment at Lancaster Virtual Reality Lounge.
The 2,500-square-foot lounge is also available for birthday parties, business meetings, and team-building exercises with a virtual reality twist.
Why Your Family Should Go
Kids enjoy playing.
But if they could play in a virtual reality system, they would love it much more.
Teens and young adults will enjoy up to 300 games at Lancaster Virtual Reality Lounge.
What to Do with Kids
Join forces with your kids to prevail in a thrilling game of survival.
Play a game of tower tag or virtual table tennis against one another.
Check out the audio dancing games your entire family will enjoy jamming to if you just want to unwind.
You might also think of celebrating your child’s birthday here.
Recommended Ages
For this virtual reality experience, your kids should be at least eight years old.
- Magic & Wonder Theater
Magic is always in trend.
The Magic and Wonder Show, located in Lancaster County, has dazzled audiences with incredible feats like optical illusions and quick hand movements.
It also incorporates comedy into the recipe to increase everyone’s enjoyment of the program.
Why Your Family Should Go
Take the chance to see the Best Magic and Variety Show in 2021 in person.
If your family is excited to see a sizable illusion stage presentation, stopping at this fantastic theater should be at the top of your to-do list.
What to Do with Kids
Inspire your child’s creativity and ignite their attention by watching a fantastic performance by renowned illusionist Brett Myers.
Enjoy a leisurely 90 minutes while magicians in the Worlds of Wonder execute spellbinding tricks.
Additionally, Myers hosts a holiday musical variety concert where your friends and family can have fun.
Recommended Ages
The fantastic presentation is appropriate for all ages.
- Old Windmill Farm
Travelers can explore an actual Amish dairy farm in Lancaster County at The Old Windmill Farm.
Visitors can try milking cows, collecting eggs, and feeding calves for all-around farming pleasure.
Why Your Family Should Go
Children learn a more profound feeling of compassion for animals and the environment via farming.
To cross off an affordable family vacation from your list, go here.
They provide agricultural excursions for as little as $16 per person, ages five and up.
Children under 18 can take the tour for free.
What to Do with Kids
Join a hayride tour of the farm to introduce your kids to various farm animals, including mules, cows, chicks, and more.
You can go to the garden to take pictures of the flowering flowers.
The Old Windmill Farm offers a seasonal farmhouse experience where guests can prepare apple cider, mix butter, and bake pastries.
For some free, family-friendly activities on the farm, try tasting it.
Recommended Ages
There is no need to worry about including children of all ages in the farm experience because farm administrators customize the program to each family or group.
- Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center
This energizing adventure facility focuses on outdoor activities.
Refreshing Mountain was created in 1983.
Why Your Family Should Go
Refreshing Mountain is the place to go if you’re seeking a place to stay in Lancaster, a place for your family’s escape, or a location that offers a wide range of outdoor activities.
Its outdoor activities include horseback riding, ziplining, and many other things.
They also offer hotel accommodations here if you desire a tranquil setting.
What to Do with Kids
Bring your kids to the Wildlife Center so they may engage and have up-close encounters with various animal species to up the ante on your outdoor adventure.
Everyone who wants to experience flight should do ziplining.
Your children can also enjoy swimming in the pool below as a cool-off group activity.
Recommended Ages
You are welcome to visit the Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center even with a baby.
However, specific experiences have definite age requirements, such as the nature experience, which is only for children aged five and up.
- Strasburg Rail Road
With roots dating back to 1832, the Strasburg Rail Road is the nation’s oldest continuously running railroad system.
The train ride, which is 4.5 miles long and takes 45 minutes to complete, offers breathtaking views of the county’s extensive farmlands.
Why Your Family Should Go
Modern times make it challenging to find steam trains.
One of the most incredible things to do in Lancaster with kids may be riding these vintage trains.
Riding these antique trains might be one of the most amazing things to do with kids in Lancaster.
What to Do with Kids
Experience the entire steam train experience with one of the American Icon, vintage steam trains, or even a Thomas-themed train.
For the holidays, there are additional Christmas trains available.
Having dinner on the train with your group may make the journey more memorable.
Recommended Ages
The Strasburg Railroad is open to visitors of all ages.
Certain trains and attractions have specific age restrictions, such as the vintage steam trains, which are only available to passengers at least two years old.
- Tiny Town
There are 11 luxurious playhouses in Tiny Town where your children can engage in interactive games and creative activities.
It occupies an expansive 8,000 square feet.
Why Your Family Should Go
Children are free to be whoever they want to be on this beautiful playground.
They can try out for jobs as mail carriers, doctors, firefighters, and restaurant proprietors here.
Additionally, Tiny Town includes a café inside so that adults may unwind while watching over their young children, preteens, and teens.
What to Do with Kids
Let your little ones enjoy the playtime and make friends with other children.
Enroll them in an arts and crafts class or a summer camp to make the most of the enjoyable experience.
To enhance the memory, Tiny Town can also hold special occasions like birthday parties.
Recommended Ages
Children of all ages will undoubtedly be happy at Tiny Town.
Before kids may begin playing inside, parents must read and sign a release.
- Turkey Hill Experience
The unforgettable Turkey Hill Experience and the county’s many other dairy attractions are essential for any journey to Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
To preserve Mother Nature, Turkey Hill has also worked on environmental sustainability initiatives in the past.
Since 2019, it has used renewable energy.
Why Your Family Should Go
The Turkey Hill Experience can be one of the family-friendly activities you should take advantage of if your kid like frozen dairy treats.
Here, your group can spend more than two hours exploring displays to learn more about the procedure.
What to Do with Kids
Kids can practice milking robot cows at interactive exhibitions and stations.
Give your kids the opportunity to collaborate with their cousins, siblings, and new friends to create a virtual ice cream flavor.
In their Taste Lab, you also have the opportunity to make your virtual flavor a reality.
If you want to learn fascinating information about tea items from around the world, take advantage of the Tea Discovery section.
Recommended Ages
Children under three are admitted free of charge at Turkey Hill.
- Dutch Wonderland
For young children who enjoy theme parks, Dutch Wonderland is a utopia where kids rule.
It served generations of tourists with its rides, attractions, water play areas, and live entertainment after formally opening its amenities in May 1963.
The approximate size of Dutch Wonderland is 48 acres.
Why Your Family Should Go
Visiting Dutch Wonderland could be a terrific idea if you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Lancaster.
This recreational area and open park have something for every member of your unit to enjoy.
What to Do with Kids
You can choose from at least 35 exhilarating rides and attractions, including Merlin’s Mayhem, Kingdom Coaster, Double Splash Flume, and many more.
Play with your loved ones at the Duke’s Lagoon, a waterpark where kids at least 30″ tall can slide, splash, and soak.
For a fantastic bonding activity, consider camping as well.
Recommended Ages
Dutch Wonderland offers something for everyone, including infants, toddlers, teenagers, and adults, so bring the whole family along.
- Choo Choo Barn
On Thanksgiving Day in 1961, Choo Choo Barn opened its doors to locals and tourists.
The Groff family expanded its original six trains and six animated individuals into hundreds of features to populate the railway town.
Why Your Family Should Go
If you take your children to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, next to this piece of art, their activities can become even more memorable.
Look at the exquisitely designed exhibit resembling regional icons like the Strasburg Railroad and the Dutch Wonderland.
Tom Groff, who maintains the model railroad, works with his artistic team each spring to update the exhibit.
This Lancaster family-friendly destination always has something new to see.
What to Do with Kids
Discover some of the well-known landmarks you have seen on your weekend vacation to Lancaster by strolling through the Choo Choo Barn.
View a few original works on display for the past 60 years.
Watch a miniature fire engine extinguish a blaze using actual water to save a burning building or structure.
Recommended Ages
The inventive exhibit will undoubtedly astonish children of all ages.
Children under two are admitted free of charge.
- The Lancaster Science Factory
Science and technology education is not limited to the classroom’s four walls.
The Lancaster Science Factory was established in 2008 to inspire kids’ curiosity, imagination, and self-assurance through various science projects and exhibits.
It features more than 75 interactive exhibits.
Why Your Family Should Go
Include a visit to the Lancaster Science Factory if you want your children to develop a more profound passion for science, technology, and engineering.
It offers a variety of entertaining activities for kids close to you.
What to Do with Kids
View all of the exhibits at this science museum to learn more about science beyond abstract ideas.
Everything is available at the Lancaster Science Factory for young children to experiment with, including puzzle tables, sound stages, water labs, moving headlights, and energy exhibits.
Set up a visit right away.
Recommended Ages
Children in pre-K through grade 8 may be the ideal candidates for The Lancaster Science Factory.
Younger infants are still welcome as long as adults supervise them closely.
- Landis Valley Museum
The Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, located on a 100-acre site that gives visitors a peek at Pennsylvania’s German Heritage Site, has been dubbed the “best-kept secret in Pennsylvania.”
It is one of the state-owned museums and historic sites that the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission oversees.
Why Your Family Should Go
Learning more about history may be one of the top activities in Lancaster with young children.
Children can learn more about Pennsylvania’s rich history through buildings, antiques, and other initiatives at the Landis Valley Museum.
What to Do with Kids
With the assistance of your local tour guides, explore the museum as they give you a lively interpretation of history from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Additionally, you may watch live demonstrations of other historic Pennsylvania German crafts like leatherworking, quilting, and textile processing.
If there are ten of you, your family can also ask for specialized trips.
Recommended Ages
This museum, accessible to kids and adults, can be used to wrap up the fun things to do in Lancaster with kids.
