20 Things to Do with Kids Near Lancaster, PA

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Lancaster, Pennsylvania is filled with kid-friendly activities and attractions. It’s a great place to vacation, especially when the kids are younger, as it’s easy to reach from most mid-Atlantic locations. This list includes 20 things to do near Lancaster, Pennsylvania with kids!

Be sure to check out some of the unique lodging options at the end of this list.

Dutch Wonderland

Dutch Wonderland is an amusement park for children, located along Route 30. There’s plenty of kiddie and family rides to enjoy.

Dutch-Wonderland
Dutch Wonderland

The park caters to kids from age 2 to age 12. The park usually opens in late spring through their holiday season, Dutch Winter Wonderland. Check their website for hours.

Merlin's Mayhem Dutch Wonderland
Dutch Wonderland – Merlin’s Mayhem Roller Coaster

Find more information about Dutch Wonderland here.

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm has something for everyone in the family. It’s located in Ronks, which is close to Lancaster. Cherry Crest typically opens in late spring and closes near Halloween. Check out their website for operating dates and times.

Be sure to leave plenty of time in your day to visit this farm. We usually spend all day here!

Cherry Crest Entrance
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm Entrance

Whether it’s exploring Sproutsville, their kid-size village, feeding goats, holding baby chicks, completing the challenge course, or apple blasting (shooting apples out of a canon), everyone will find something to do. There are even hammocks to relax in with an amazing view of the Strasburg Rail Road tracks.

Cherry Crest Freedom Slide
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm – Freedom Slide

Find more information about Cherry Crest Adventure Farm here.

Strasburg Rail Road

Strasburg Rail Road features train rides through the countryside. The rail road typically offers special events throughout the year, including a train ride with Santa and even an event with Thomas the Tank Engine.

Strasburg Rail Road at Cherry Crest
View of Strasburg Rail Road’s Train from Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Go ‘n Bananas

An indoor amusement park and arcade, Go ‘n Bananas features bumper cars, ballocity, ropes course, laser tag and much more! It’s a great escape on a rainy or really hot day, and they also serve hot food at their snack bar. Check out their options for all ages, including tiny tots.

Tiny Town

Tiny Town is a complete indoor village for kids. Each of their luxury playhouses contains all of the accessories needed for imaginative play. Check out their creative events such as their “drive-in movie” and date nights.

Tiny Town Lancaster
Tiny Town

More information about Tiny Town can be found here.

Hands on House

Hands on House is a children’s museum located north of Lancaster city. There’s plenty of hands-on activities for the kids to enjoy. Check out Groupon, as there are often deals for admission available. (affiliate link)

Hands on House Lancaster
Hands on House

Lancaster Science Factory

The Lancaster Science Factory is a hands-on science center for kids. It’s geared toward preschool children to middle schoolers. Their exhibits feature STEM topics like electricity and magnetism, mechanics and motion, engineering, etc.

Lancaster Science Factory
Lancaster Science Factory

North Museum of Nature and Science

The North Museum is located close to Franklin and Marshall College’s campus in Lancaster. The museum includes exhibits involving LEGOs, coding, nature, and there’s even a live animal room.

North Museum Exhibits

Choo Choo Barn

The Choo Choo Barn is located in Strasburg, close to Strasburg Rail Road and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. There’s a gigantic area of model train displays, including animated figures and vehicles.

Turkey Hill Experience

Turkey Hill Experience is a place to learn Turkey Hill history, and how they make their ice cream and drinks. You can create your own virtual ice cream flavor, taste their tea, and make a Turkey Hill commercial! The Turkey Hill Taste Lab will give you hands-on experience creating an ice cream flavor.

Turkey Hill Experience

Sight and Sound Theatre

Sight and Sound Theatre is a Christian theatre that brings Bible stories to life. They are known for their elaborate sets and costuming, as well as incorporating animals into the show.

Sight & Sound Theatre
Sight & Sound Theatre

Treehouse Playground of Lititz

Tree House Lititz
Tree House of Lititz Playground

The town of Lititz is a bit north of Lancaster City. It’s a cute town to stroll through and visit the shops and enjoy their restaurants. The tree house playground is relatively new, and it even has zip lines!

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

The Railroad Museum is located across the street from the Strasburg Rail Road. There’s an education center with hands-on activities and the ability climb aboard different locomotives and learn more about their technology and history.

Rail Road Museum
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Long’s Park

Long’s Park is located close to Route 30 and Park City Mall in Lancaster. There’s a large, and relatively new playground to enjoy.

Longs Park Playground
Longs Park Playground

Also, check out the paved walking trail around the lake with plenty of picnic tables and benches.

Long’s Park Lake

Magic & Wonder Show

The Magic & Wonder Show has a new location in Paradise, which is a town close to Lancaster. It’s a show of illusions and some comedy, too!

Kreider’s Farm Tour

This is one that we haven’t done yet! It’s on our list, as there is also usually a Groupon available for Kreider Farm (affiliate link). The tour includes visiting and learning about their cows, as well as access to their silo tower.

Kreider Farm Tour
Kreider Farms Tour

Lil’ Country Store & Miniature Horse Farm

The Lil’ Country Store & Miniature Horse Farm sells lots of goodies such as ice cream, whoopie pies, cheeses, and household goods. There’s also a farm of miniature horses to check out when you visit.

Lil Country Store Miniature Horse

That Fish Place / That Pet Place

While That Fish Place / That Pet Place is a pet store, it’s also a great place to check out all kinds of birds, fish, reptiles and other animals.

Pretzel Hut

The Pretzel Hut is a casual restaurant located a bit north of Lancaster, but worth mentioning because if its uniqueness. This is a seasonal restaurant, so closes during the colder months.

During it’s open season, it’s an eatery where you order at the counter and then pick up your food. You can also enjoy the petting zoo at the back of the property. It’s free to enter during their business hours and visit the goats, pigs, bunnies, and more!

Pretzel Hut Petting Zoo

Old Windmill Farm

Old Windmill Farm is a working farm where you can enjoy doing your “barn chores”. You can feed the baby calves, chickens, pigs, and if you’re lucky, there may even be puppies to snuggle. The tours are timed, so be sure to reserve a time on their website before visiting. The tour includes a horse drawn hay ride around the farm.

Old Windmill Farm Collect Eggs

Things to Do near Lancaster with Kids – Where to Stay

Eden Resort

Eden Resort Pool
Eden Resort

Cartoon Network Hotel – Beside Dutch Wonderland!

Cartoon Network Hotel
Cartoon Network Hotel

DoubleTree Resort – Lancaster

Doubletree Hotel Water Park
Doubletree Lancaster Resort

Fulton Steamboat Inn

Steamboat Entrance
Fulton Steamboat Inn

Have fun on your trip to Lancaster! I hope you enjoy these 20 things to do with kids near Lancaster!

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Post Author: karenbeth24