Lancaster, PA 17602. Looking things to do when the grandkids visit your Lancaster County home? Why You Should Go Lancaster City is home to a renowned creative community of studio artists, artisans, gallery spaces, and performing arts venues. Address:23 N Market St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA. [Read: The Top Romantic Getaways in Pennsylvania.]. Groups. And if you're a local Lancastrian looking for some staycation ideas, check out the list above. Check out this list. for tickets. You probably stopped listening at the word pie.. By Kathryn921. Address: 1849 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street, PA 17584. Prefer to fly here? 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. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Ephrata - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Megan Johnson and Sharael KolbergMarch 3, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. Guided tours are offered, but require a reservation in advance. You 2089 Risser Mill Road Listen to the tinkle of wooden wind chimes. 176. Renningers Antique Market is especially popular, with more than 500 vendors alone. Youll need to check their online schedule to know whats playing this weekend. 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. Search for seasonal festivals, wine and food events, local music A guide to the best places to stay in Lancaster, PA. Lancaster County dining scene has all the Pennsylvania Dutch dishes you know and love, as well as fine dining options. Find special events and one-of-a-kind things to do in Lancaster County all-year long. The Holtwood Environmental Preserve is also popular for bird-watching, especially in early spring when bald eagles and ospreys nest in the area. 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. Favorite attractions include Merlin's Mayhem, a family-friendly roller coaster; the Flying Trapeze swing ride; and Exploration Island, with lifelike dinosaurs. Tickets for both are available online. Youll be just in time for the Lancaster Balloon Festival! Original Philly Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner, Skip the Line: Gettysburg Heritage Center and Museum Admission Ticket, Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob - Two Visions of Frank Lloyd Wright, Philadelphia to Valley Forge Park, Private 4 or 6 Hour Tour, Private Driving Tour of Lancaster and Amish Country, Brandywine Valley Tour with Private Driver, Entrance Ticket to AT BLAQK House Collections, The Best Pennsylvania Activities for Seniors and Over 50s. Experience one of America's largest, most engaging custom 226 Gap Rd, Route 741 East You wont find anything else like it in the state! While many visitors to Philadelphia have specific Here are just a few of the top things to do in Lancaster, PA. Top Attractions in Lancaster See all 2022 1. As you travel through the Heritage Center, discover 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. Originally founded in 1861, the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery in Lititz is the oldest commercial pretzel bakery in the U.S. The Lancaster County Winery Trail impresses visitors with its wine tastings and events, although some travelers complain about high prices and limited business hours. So Many Things to Do in Lancaster Pennsylvania. If youre afraid of dolls, puppets or mannequins, the Lancaster Marionette Theatre might sound like something out of your worst nightmare. Best 30 Senior Activities in Lancaster, PA with Reviews - Yellow Pages Columbia, PA 17512. 1. 27 Best & Fun Things To Do In Lancaster (PA) - Busy Tourist 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. 2022 2. 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. Address:191 College Ave, Mountville, PA 17554, USA. Imagine visiting three Amish properties where our longstanding relationships allow you to become Their force is something that you wont soon forget. Address: 1120 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603. Lancaster, PA 17602. An overhead projection dome functions as a planetarium for cosmic shows. The Amish Farm and House 2,161 Historic Sites Farms Temporarily closed By PattyLongIsland The Amish House and Farm is over 300 years old and became the first Amish tourist attraction in the USA since 1955. If you love the theater, however, you wont want to miss the Fulton Opera House. Visit Website Amish Farm and House Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. All tours can be made private. Run by a single puppeteer with a passion for his craft, the Lancaster Marionette Theatre puts on shows that are a delight to watch. 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. Its mostly morphed into a theater where you can enjoy live performances of things like Titanic, Newsies and The Night Before Christmas. Seller of Travel Ref. A hot air balloon ride is one of the most incredible ways to view the Pennsylvania countryside. Offerings include a large array of theaters, historical sites, and local Amish culture. Running along the Conestoga River, this 1.3-mile trail is a great way to explore Lancaster's natural beauty even if you are a bit short on time. Visitors to the sanctuary can take a guided tour of the wolf packs that live on the grounds. See, smell, taste, experienceFarm to Table products. Enjoy a Lancaster history and craft beer walk (from USD 79.0) Show all photos. If youre looking for fun, free things to do in Lancaster, PA, put Lititz Springs Park on your shortlist. 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. All things considered, Dutch Wonderland is one of the most amazing places to visit in Lancaster when youre traveling with kids. There's no shortage of unique and exciting things to do in Lancaster, no matter why you choose to travel. Plus, storytelling, videos, imagination stations, photo opportunities, and our Fun Extras. 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. Black Rock Retreat, a Christian Retreat Center and Summer Family fun and entertainment. Mt Gretna, PA 17064-0578. It isnt a stuffy, boring place filled with glass displays that they arent allowed to touch. As of 2023, you can renew your passport online. Find the best things to do in Lancaster County, PA! Have more time to explore? 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. Things to Do in Lancaster, PA - Discover Lancaster 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 (Courtesy of Cherry Crest Adventure Farm). If youre looking for cool places for your six-year-old dinosaur lover, this museum will make him roar. Fun Things To Do Outdoors in Lancaster, PA 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. Mount Joy, PA 17552. 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. 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. 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. You can create an amazing itinerary with nothing more than these suggestions! If youre looking for fun things to do around the city of Lancaster, put this magical little theater on your weekend schedule. When youre done with the geese, you can hike one of the many nature trails that will lead you around the Lancaster area. Lititz itself offers many small shops, fantastic restaurants, museums, art galleries , hiking trails, and more. A dark forest filled with jump scares will necessitate a new pair of pants. There are shopping malls and amusement parks; there are places to hike, bike, swim, fish and kayak. The little ones will enjoy running, jumping, climbing, sliding and swinging on the various play structures. 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). The 1719 Herr House stands as the oldest structure and the 1849 Hans Herr Drive 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. learn more Amish Farm Experience Milk a cow, bottle feed calves, gather eggs, piglets, goats and more! The Wolf Sanctuary of PA is a nonprofit wolf refuge and education facility in Lititz, housing and caring for both wolves and wolf hybrids. 2004-2023 Cool Destinations. The Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center lives up to its name. 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 His show combines music, lights, shadows and narration. Visitors who stop in can also enjoy living history interpretations, learn about open hearth cooking and baking, and see traditional craft demonstrations. Youll love the teas and ice creams of the Turkey Hill Experience. If youre a fan of thrills and chills, you can test yourself with things like ziplines, climbing towers and obstacle courses. 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. 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. In the private tour, you can take your lover on a dreamy date or your parents on an amazing anniversary celebration. Mountain bike rentals Lancaster County's most unique and iconic motel, restaurant and gift shop, serving our area for over 50 years! James Buchanan's Wheatland is made up of a Federal-style mansion and several outbuildings on more than 150 acres of land. Its completely free. If you want to experience Lancaster, PA, without paying exorbitant prices for hotels, consider the Old Mill Stream Campground. With exhibits on physics, chemistry, biology, and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this unique science center. Read More, BLAQK House Collections is the only African American Gallery in the Downtown Pittsburgh and that it Showcases local and Unknown Artists. Shop til you drop at the Park City Center. Bowl, drink, and dine at Decades. If you dont mind working up a sweat, however, or if youre fine with jumping on the water slide to cool off, consider a trip to Cherry Crest Adventure Farm when youre visiting Lancaster, PA. You can also donate to various charitable causes that are championed by the staff. 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. State License Fla. 3050 Industry Drive Lancaster, PA 17603 717-290-1303, 2596 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt. Eastland Alpacas offers tours by donation. If you dont have time for the full experience at the Field of Screams, you can sign up for bite-sized frights like a haunted hayride or horror-themed escape room. If you're looking for a unique place to stay in Lancaster, consider booking a few nights at the one-of-a-kind Cartoon Network Hotel. Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505. 15 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Lancaster, Pennsylvania Most visitors agree the amusement park is best for young kids, but that the whole family will enjoy it. None of it will cost you a dime. Sunsets and sunrises across the rolling hills of Lancaster can provide you with excellent photo opportunities! Past visitors have commented on the delicious goods at the Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop and the excellent shopping at the on-site stores and boutiques. 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. 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. Call 717-844-1444 or email me at. Itll be a fun, unique experience that gives you a greater appreciation for the lost art of marionette making. If you dont mind a few beady eyes, however, its a quirky attraction that can give you a great vacation story! Located in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern, Pennsylvania, just 70 miles east of Pittsburgh, it was designed in 1935 as a residence and summer home. Active travelers can stay busy on 39 miles of hiking trails in the area or explore the Lock 12 Historic Area or the Indian Steps Museum of Native American artifacts. 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. Golf course , mini golf, a Public Pool, Skate Park, Playgrounds, Massive Frisbee Golf Course, Baseball Fields, Soccer. Custom itineraries are created and personalized for Lancaster Virtual Reality Lounge offers a one-of-a-kind experience where your clan can enter a new dimension of gaming. Try ziplining, the elevated obstacle course, giant swing and more! learn more amish Experience Amish 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? Lancaster is also known for its small towns (with many unique names) sprinkled throughout the county. Nestled in a quiet corner of Lancaster, it has scenic views of a babbling brook and shaded tree grove. Now owned by LancasterHistory, Wheatland is open to the public for the purpose of providing a glimpse into President James Buchanan's life in the 1800s. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Lancaster County also has a self-guided winery trail, which lets you traverse the countryside while stopping to sip local wines. Address:150 Cherry Hill Rd, Ronks, PA 17572, USA. 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. Each town has a slightly different atmosphere and culture to it. Previous visitors say the pretzels are delicious, the tour guides are great and that this is a must-visit in Lititz. Guided tours are available with limited capacity, and Wheatland hosts a variety of educational program offerings, academic symposiums and public events throughout the year. If youre looking for the best things to do in Lancaster, check out the Lancaster Central Market. 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. Take a buggy ride down dirt roads; explore the barn, stable and one-room schoolhouse. If youre wondering what to do when youre in Lancaster, PA, hop on a buggy and hit up the Kitchen Kettle Village. (717) 208-7244. There simply is no other building like it on Planet Earth. They settled in America in the 17th and 18th centuries, and they still have a substantial population in the Lancaster area. The Best Pennsylvania Activities for Seniors and Over 50s Planning to travel to other parts of Pennsylvania? 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. By now, you've hopefully found some activities to do and points of interest to check out during your trip to Lancaster County. 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. If youre wondering what to do in Lancaster, PA, these are just a few attractions that will ensure an unforgettable vacation. Address: 219 E. Main St., Lititz, PA 17543. Address: 2425 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602-1423 Website: American Music Theatre Opening hours: 9am - 6pm Price: 59 USD 9. 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. Address: 300 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks, PA 17572, (Courtesy of The Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant). If you're looking for a unique place to stay that's both nostalgic and fun, consider the Red Caboose Motel in Ronks, Pennsylvania. Past guests say the buggy rides with Aaron and Jessica's family in particular felt truly authentic, and that they had a lot of fun. Previous patrons say they appreciate the hilarious and interesting productions, including shows from a bygone era.