11 Things to Do With Kids in Lancaster, PA This Summer
Create Wonder Filled Memories with These Top Lancaster Attractions
Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country is Lancaster, PA. While Lancaster has a population under 60,000, it still manages to attract a vibrant tourism crowd. In 2023, around 9.92 million visitors came to the area.
While Lancaster seems like an unlikely vacation spot to some, it has an array of fun attractions and activities for families to enjoy. With summer just around the bend, it's an ideal place for summer family activities.
That's why we've curated this list of the summer fun in Lancaster. Keep reading below for 11 fun and entertaining things to do with kids in Lancaster, PA.
1. Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center
Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center offers unique outdoor adventures for kids and families. Located in the scenic woods of Lancaster, PA, it features zipline courses, climbing walls, and obstacle courses. A community pool also adds to the summer family activities.
Their treetop adventures are designed for various skill levels, ensuring fun for everyone. In addition to the adventure activities, they offer comfortable cabin rentals for an extended stay. The center also has nature trails, escape rooms, horseback riding, ax throwing, and a wildlife center.
For groups, there are team-building programs and retreat facilities. Safety is a top priority, with trained guides to assist participants. It's an ideal destination for things to do with kids in Lancaster, PA.
2. Wolf Sanctuary of PA
The Wolf Sanctuary of PA is a nonprofit sanctuary in Lititz, Pennsylvania. It's dedicated to providing a safe and natural environment for over 50 wolves and wolf-dogs.
This sanctuary offers guided tours where visitors can observe these majestic animals up close and learn about their behavior, biology, and conservation. It's home to several packs of wolves living in spacious natural enclosures that mimic their wild habitat.
Visitors can see wolves of various species and ages, including gray wolves, timber wolves, and arctic wolves. The tours are educational and informative. They highlight the importance of wolf conservation and dispelling myths and misconceptions about these creatures.
Visiting the Wolf Sanctuary of PA offers a unique and enlightening experience for animal lovers and conservation enthusiasts alike.
3. Strasburg Rail Road
Strasburg Rail Road is a historic steam train experience in Lancaster, PA. Established in 1832, it's one of the oldest operating railroads in the U.S.
Visitors can ride beautifully restored steam trains through scenic Amish countryside. The 45-minute ride offers views of scenic farms and fields. Passengers can choose between open-air cars, coach, or first-class seating.
The railroad also offers themed rides, such as the popular "Day Out with Thomas" train and a Murder Mystery train on the weekends. The station area includes a gift shop, a restaurant, and interactive activities like a mini steam train and hand-powered pump cars.
Strasburg Rail Road provides a nostalgic and educational outing, ideal for families and train enthusiasts.
4. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is a fun-filled destination in Lancaster, PA. It features a 5-acre corn maze, which is a highlight for visitors. The farm offers many other activities, like wagon rides, pig races, and pedal carts.
Kids can enjoy the petting zoo, where they can meet friendly farm animals. The farm also has a giant slide, a jumping pillow, and a corn barn for children to play in while summer fireworks and festivals add to the excitement.
Food stands serve delicious farm-fresh treats. Visiting Cherry Crest is perfect for family outings and provides a day full of summer fun in Lancaster. While you're experiencing the adventure and joy of the farm, your safety and family-friendly fun are always prioritized.
5. North Museum of Nature and Science
The North Museum of Nature and Science in Lancaster, PA, offers a captivating selection of things to do with kids in Lancaster PA. It features interactive exhibits on natural history, science, and technology. The Dinosaur Gallery showcases impressive fossils and life-sized models.
In the Live Animal Room, kids can observe and learn about reptiles and amphibians, and more. The museum's SciDome Theater presents engaging planetarium shows about the universe. The Maker Space encourages hands-on creativity with various projects.
Rotating seasonal exhibits and special events provide new and exciting experiences for the kids year-round. The museum shop offers educational toys and souvenirs. The North Museum is perfect for sparking curiosity and learning in a fun environment.
6. Hands-On House
Hands-On House, Children's Museum of Lancaster, PA, is designed for kids ages 2-10. It offers interactive exhibits that inspire creativity and learning through play.
The "Corner Grocery" lets children pretend to shop and understand how stores work while "Right in Your Own Backyard" explores nature and local wildlife. The "Little Valley Farm" exhibit allows kids to experience farm life, including milking a cow and collecting eggs. The "STEM Lab" encourages the exploration of science, technology, engineering, and math concepts.
Seasonal outdoor exhibits, like the garden and play area, add to the fun. Workshops and special programs are available year-round. Hands-On House ensures a safe, educational, and enjoyable visit for families. It fosters imagination and discovery in a hands-on environment.
7. Turkey Hill Experience
Looking for a way to beat the summer heat? The Turkey Hill Experience in Columbia, PA, offers a fun and tasty interactive way to learn about ice cream.
Visitors can explore the history of Turkey Hill Dairy and discover how ice cream is made. The experience includes hands-on exhibits where kids can create their own virtual ice cream flavors and packaging.
A highlight is the chance to sample various Turkey Hill ice cream and iced tea products. The Taste Lab allows visitors to make their own ice cream creations, choosing from numerous flavors and toppings.
Interactive displays, like the giant cow and milk truck, make learning enjoyable. Turkey Hill Experience is one of the most popular things to do with kids in Lancaster PA.
8. Waters Edge Mini Golf
Waters Edge Mini Golf is a family-friendly attraction in Bird-in-Hand, PA, near Lancaster. It features two 18-hole mini-golf courses with challenging obstacles and scenic landscaping. The courses are designed for all ages and skill levels to ensure a fun and enjoyable activity for the whole family.
The facility is well-maintained and offers a relaxing environment. In addition to mini-golf, Waters Edge also has a snack bar serving refreshments and snacks. There's even a petting zoo where kids can pet and feed animals like baby goats, chickens, and llamas.
Going to Waters Edge Mini Golf provides a great place to enjoy a leisurely game of mini-golf. You can make memories together as a family
9. Amish Farm and House
Lancaster is the heart of Amish country. The Amish Farm and House in Lancaster, PA, offers a glimpse into Amish life and culture. It features guided tours of an authentic 18th-century Amish farmhouse, providing insights into their daily routines and traditions.
The 15-acre farm includes a one-room schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, and various farm animals. Visitors can explore the farm at their own pace, experiencing Amish craftsmanship and agricultural practices. The site also has a gift shop with handmade Amish goods and local products.
Educational programs for kids make it an engaging visit for families. Try Family Goat Yoga, a 30-minute class for children ages 5-11. The Amish Farm and House offers a respectful and informative look at the Amish way of life.
10. Lancaster Science Factory
Lancaster Science Factory is an interactive science center in Lancaster, PA. It offers over 75 hands-on exhibits and activities designed to spark curiosity in children aged pre-K to 8th grade. The facility is clean and safe with friendly staff ready to assist.
The exhibits cover STEM topics like physics, engineering, and biology. Kids can build structures, experiment with circuits, and explore the properties of water. The Maker Space provides materials for creative projects and problem-solving challenges.
Workshops and summer camps offer additional learning opportunities. The Science Cafe serves snacks and refreshments. Lancaster Science Factory is a fun and educational destination, encouraging kids to learn through play and exploration in a supportive environment.
11. Magic and Wonder Dinner Theater
Magic and Wonder Dinner Theater combines an all-you-can-eat dinner menu with spellbinding performances and captivating illusions by award-winning illusionist Brett A Myers. Currently, they offer two different family-friendly shows.
The first show is the Imaginarium magic show. It runs from March 9th through November 2nd, 2024. It features a circus theme mixed with Wonka, Hollywood glamour, and a steampunk influence.
The second show is called Jukebox Jive. This is an interactive music variety show that incorporates popular music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. Costumed actors engage in magic, comedy, and variety acts with showstopping elements mixed in.
You'll see large-scale illusions, hilarious comedy, and dynamic circus arts all while enjoying a delicious family meal and making memories.
The Best Things to Do with Kids in Lancaster, PA
There are many great things to do with kids in Lancaster, PA in the summertime. Some are educational activities while others are engaging outdoor adventures for kids. But Magic & Wonder tops them all.
Wonder and Magic Dinner Theater can help you make your next visit to Lancaster, PA one you're sure to remember. It's a mesmerizing spectacle you have to see to believe. Feast your eyes on high-flying aerialists while you feast on delicious menu items like honey-baked ham and chicken marsala.
Buy your tickets and experience the magic and wonder for yourself today.



