Stay up to date on upcoming events. Run by a single puppeteer with a passion for his craft, the Lancaster Marionette Theatre puts on shows that are a delight to watch. James Buchanan's Wheatland is made up of a Federal-style mansion and several outbuildings on more than 150 acres of land. Be sure to check out our lists of things to do in Philadelphia& the fun things to do in Scranton, 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. Address: 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Ronks, Bird in Hand, PA 17505, USA. You'll find lots of country charm among its rolling farmlands and quaint, old-fashioned villages. Its an important site for Pennsylvania Germans and a fun attraction for Lancaster tourists. Its vintage atmosphere is part of its charm. Only minutes away from rolling farmlands and the clip-clop sound of horses and buggies, youll find the bustling city of Lancaster (population 59,000). 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. Parks Hiking Trails. This Lancaster, PA 17602-2832. It winds through Amish country, so youll get to snuggle with your sweetheart while watching the countryside pass by your window, and you can also stop for picnics or farm tours when a particular location catches your eye. If you're looking for a unique place to stay that's both nostalgic and fun, consider the Red Caboose Motel in Ronks, Pennsylvania. Read More, Relax on a private guided sightseeing tour of New York City, with pick-up in and return to Philadelphia. See the current mud sale schedule for this year as well as images and videos. Restaurants & Food in Lancaster, PA Lancaster Playground isnt an ordinary playground. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm offers family activities galore, from wagon rides and hay jumps to singing chicken puppet shows and logic mazes. People from all over come to Lancaster for this unique Pennsylvania experience. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. Get lost in the corn maze; take a wagon ride around the property; make some new friends at the petting zoo. Description Classic Watercolor Thursday Evening w/Alice Meyer Wallace A five (5) session course This class with instruction by Alice Meyer Wallace will focus on classic watercolor techniques-Sargeant, Homer, Rodin, Nolde, and particularly Charles Demuth, from Lancaster, PA. Come enjoy this fun and relaxed class! 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. What can you do in Lancaster for free? The on-site Herr House tends to get positive reviews, mostly due to its well-kept grounds, its artifacts and its historical significance. 340) Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505 717-392-1794, 4606 Marietta Avenue Columbia, PA 17512 717-669-2042, 211 South Donerville Road Lancaster, PA 17603 717-872-1554, 312 Primrose Lane Mountville, PA 17554 717-285-7007, 900 Lancaster Pike Quarryville, PA 17566 717-859-4244, 800-344-7855, 2089 Risser Mill Road Mount Joy, PA 17552 717-653-2757, 632 W. Main Street Ephrata, PA 17522 717-733-6600, 63 Bridle Path Road Kirkwood, PA 17536 717-786-4928, 368 Middletown Road Hummelstown, PA 17036 717-566-8131, 219 E. Main Street Lititz, PA 17543 717-626-4354, 2521 Lincoln Hwy (Route 30) Ronks, PA 17572 717-391-8234, Kitchen Kettle Village 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt. Daily tours - please call ahead for reservation. The Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy Farm, 3121 Old Philadelphia Pk Located at the Mennonite Life Visitors Center, the Indoor, air-conditioned Farmers Market in Lancaster, PA 2710 Old Philadelphia Pike Visitors of all ages can find something to do at the retreat. The showmen who ran them would even travel in troupes from city to city. A lot of it depends on what you want to do. Previous guests say they were impressed with the hotel's unique room types and family-friendly atmosphere. Explore the arts Wine & Dine Come hungry! Lancaster County, Pennsylvania has something for you. Today, this has been largely abandoned, but the mall still retains its snowflake-like architecture with corridors branching out from a centrally located plaza. The 1719 Herr House stands as the oldest structure and the 1849 Hans Herr Drive If youre a fan of thrills and chills, you can test yourself with things like ziplines, climbing towers and obstacle courses. You can find joy and fulfillment at any one of Explore Retirement Living's independent living facilities right here in Lancaster County, PA. Its founder, the late Robert Fulton, grew up in the area and is largely credited with the idea to propel boats by steam. By circlestar246. Read More, Learn about Philadelphias thriving brewpub scene and taste up to 16different beers on this guided brewery tour with lunch or dinner. Looking things to do when the grandkids visit your Lancaster County home? Both options display Everything you need to plan your Lancaster, PA getaway. If you enjoy the history and architecture of covered bridges, you'll love Lancaster County. Lancaster, PA 17603. Between its fun architecture and bustling shops, the Park City Center is worth a visit if youre looking for retail therapy in Lancaster. Visit. Be sure to check out our list of things to do in Erie, PAand things to do in Pittsburgh! 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. Previous visitors say the pretzels are delicious, the tour guides are great and that this is a must-visit in Lititz. In the private tour, you can take your lover on a dreamy date or your parents on an amazing anniversary celebration. 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. 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. Visitors to the Lancaster area can stop in this bakery to learn how these famous hot pretzels are made and sample a few kinds along the way. The Lancaster County Winery Trail impresses visitors with its wine tastings and events, although some travelers complain about high prices and limited business hours. 176. Another nice thing about Dutch Wonderland is that its super convenient for tourists. They can learn how steam engines work; they can watch steam mills and textile processes in action. Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), Dulles International Airport (just west of Washington, D.C.), Ronald Reagan International Airport (Washington, D.C.), Atlantic City International Airport (in New Jersey), Lehigh Valley International Airport (in PA), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (in PA), John F. KennedyInternational Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (in NJ, right across from NYC), Train rides (on real steam-powered trains), Theatres with kid-friendly plays and magic shows, Live entertainment (including multiple theatres). This was a great place to take the family for a a bit of fun we will surely be back to this place real soon. Have you ever seen 100,000 of them at the same time? This factory-museum hosts a variety of rotating STEM-related educational programs and workshops, and interactive exhibits include "Mechanics and Motion," "Acoustics and Sound" and "Structural Engineering." By Kathryn921. By now, you've hopefully found some activities to do and points of interest to check out during your trip to Lancaster County. If it rains for more than an hour while youre there, you can get a free return pass. It will put you in touch with nature while still giving you access to modern conveniences. With exhibits on physics, chemistry, biology, and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this unique science 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. Read More. Guided tours are offered, but require a reservation in advance. While many of the caboose rooms sleep two, three or four people, the Large Family Caboose and Baggage Car sleep six guests, plus there is a refrigerator and microwave. Address:126 N Water St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA. Renningers Antique Market is especially popular, with more than 500 vendors alone. Learn More. Lancaster, PA 17602-1601. Favorite attractions include Merlin's Mayhem, a family-friendly roller coaster; the Flying Trapeze swing ride; and Exploration Island, with lifelike dinosaurs. Lancaster Neighborhood Senior Center 33 E. Farnum Street Lancaster, PA 17603 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Columbia Senior Center Columbia United Methodist Church 510 Walnut St. Columbia, PA 17512 Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Most visitors agree the amusement park is best for young kids, but that the whole family will enjoy it. You can sample ice creams, bag your own tea leaves, milk a mechanical cow, play with interactive exhibits or sit inside of a dairy truck. 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. Youll be just in time for the Lancaster Balloon Festival! Lancaster Central Market 23 N Market Street Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 735-6890 The Lancaster Central Market is a historic public marketplace in downtown Lancaster. A botany exhibit houses rare and beautiful plants. It is open as a museum that includes a gift shop and a cafe. There's much to discover beyond theme parks in this Southeastern state. Read More, Explore Valley Forge National Historic Park on this private, 4- or 6-hour driving tour from Philadelphia. By BingofLancaster. It'll give you a great sense of culture that you're probably not used to. In addition to all of the tourist attractions, Amish farmland in PA Dutch Country makes for a beautiful drive. Today, the Choo Choo Barn is one of those unique tourist attractions that you just cant pass up when you see it advertised on a billboard. 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. When you visit Lancaster, you'll experience a countryside steeped in history, art, creativity, fun and most importantly, that Pennsylvania Dutch Country goodness. The Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is the perfect place for an outing with the family. During the summertime. They organize food, drinks, games and even petting zoos for families who want to unplug from their electronics and go outside. Milk a cow, bottle feed calves, gather eggs, piglets, goats and more! Bird-in-Hand is a quaint village that transports visitors to simpler times. Address:23 N Market St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA. If youre looking for the most romantic things to do in Lancaster, PA, take out your beau for a night on the town. Address:24 N Broad St, Lititz, PA 17543, USA. ComForcare Home Care Senior Citizens Services & Organizations Alzheimer's Care & Services Eldercare-Home Health Services Website It is heavily used during the summer months and is the perfect place for a relaxing morning or evening stroll. Theres nothing like dinner and a show, and the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater will give you a New York-style theater experience right in the heart of Pennsylvania. Our friendly Senior Center staff will be glad to introduce you to our programs. Lancaster City is home to a renowned creative community of studio artists, artisans, gallery spaces, and performing arts venues. 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. Address: 465 Speedwell Forge Road, Lititz, PA 17543, Tags: Travel, Pennsylvania Vacations, US Vacations. The good news is that the Kitchen Kettle Village makes it easy! If youre wondering what to see in Lancaster, PA, the Lancaster Science Factory can be considered one of the top destinations in the area. Address:226 Gap Rd, Strasburg, PA 17579, USA. 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. Theres also lists for attractions that are: Lancaster is more than just the Amish. If you dont mind a few beady eyes, however, its a quirky attraction that can give you a great vacation story! Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, Lancaster, The Fulton Opera House is the oldest working theater in the United States. Located near Lebanon and Lancaster, the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a gorgeous photo op. 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. 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. Visitors can also nosh on delicious. For assistance with any senior fitness or recreation program, contact Elaine at ecampbell@LancasterRec.org. Read More, Pennsylvania is home to a fascinating culture found in the rural farmlands outside of Philadelphia. There are other things to do near and around the shop, including shopping for Amish souvenirs. Find the best things to do in Lancaster County, PA! Results This tour focuses on both the iconic and locally known dishes that Dutch Wonderland is a "Kingdom for Kids" and one of the best things to do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Visitors to the Lancaster Science Factory can play, build, dream and create things that have real-world value in the fields of science and engineering. Imagine visiting three Amish properties where our longstanding relationships allow you to become Enjoy some blood-curdling fun at the Field of Screams. Build it Your Way! What a discovery to find the home of this world famous artist in Lancaster. They settled in America in the 17th and 18th centuries, and they still have a substantial population in the Lancaster area. This extraordinary park isthe site of the 1777-78 winter Don't just stay where the tourists are get out there and explore! Locals claim that it was the business to put shoo-fly pie on the map. 1. If youre afraid of dolls, puppets or mannequins, the Lancaster Marionette Theatre might sound like something out of your worst nightmare. 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. Campgrounds are available if youd like to turn it into a full weekend adventure. It wont take a lot of time, but itll leave a big impact. Join us in our sandwich shop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Visit Website 312 Paradise Lane Ronks (near Strasburg), PA 17572 Enjoy over 35 rides, attractions, and shows at Dutch 2249 Lincoln Highway East All tours can be made private. A water fountain is surrounded by benches if you ever need to set down your shopping bags for a minute. Originally founded in 1730, Lancaster Central Market is the oldest continually running farmers market in the U.S. If youd prefer a more sedate experience, you can take an archery lesson or tour the wildlife center. Amish horse-and-buggies can create dangerous road situations. 42. It might be Annie; it might be Saturday Night Fever. Despite the name, the Fulton Opera House doesnt see a lot of opera concerts anymore. Lancaster's rock, fossil and mineral Bible History Exhibits is located at 2827 Lincoln Highway 2827 Lincoln Highway East, PO Box 98 Play laser tag or miniature golf. 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. The Pennsylvania Dutch have a long, fascinating history, and they played such a crucial role in the founding of Lancaster that it would be a shame to visit the city without learning more about them. 17601. It offers everything from roller coasters to water slides, so children of all ages will be able to shriek, splash and scamper to their hearts content. Read More, Fallingwater stands as one of the greatest architectural triumphs of the 20th Century. 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. This area appeals to all ages and interests. It has a very classy atmosphere, especially when the waiters bring out your dishes in covered platters. 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). If you arent hungry, there are other things to buy at Lancaster Central Market as well. Refreshing Mountain is a year-round destination with adrenaline-pumping experiences in store. You can create an amazing itinerary with nothing more than these suggestions! This town has plenty of hidden gems-spots that should not be missed. Address:909 Strasburg Pike, Strasburg, PA 17579, USA, Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center. It isnt a stuffy, boring place filled with glass displays that they arent allowed to touch. Address:2249 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602, USA. The Green Dragon Farmer's Market 548 Flea & Street Markets By Sdm0627 This museum offers truly amazing details on Amish life that you can't find elsewhere. Marvel at elaborate model train displays or climb aboard a train pulled by a full-sized, steam-powered locomotive. Families with kids in tow should check out the Lancaster Science Factory for a fun, educational experience everyone in the crew can enjoy. Today, theres only one theater where you can find authentic magic lantern shows, and its located in Lancaster, PA. Its run by a single showman as part of the local Amish Experience. Of course, the day wouldn't be complete without eating some of the famous ice cream that's made on-site. Itll teach your kids something new, and they wont even realize the sneaky lessons that are taking place in the midst of their messy fun. Enjoy 45 minutes aboard a real steam train. Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum | 2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster Railroad Museum of PA | 300 Gap Road, Strasburg Ephrata Cloister | 632 West Main Street, Ephrata Spring and Fall ArtWalk | May & October | Downtown Lancaster Long's Park Summer Music Series | June - August | Route 30 & Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster There are nearly a dozen wineries to explore, each one specializing in different varieties of wine. You can even pick up some handcrafted clothes and blankets at the gift shop. As you plan your vacation to Amish County in Pennsylvania, you should know that you can't do all of Lancaster County in one day! State License Fla. If youre looking for cool places for your six-year-old dinosaur lover, this museum will make him roar. Address:142 Park City Center, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA. You 2089 Risser Mill Road Kids are always laughing on the playground. This landmark motel lets you spend the night in a historic caboose that's been remodeled to serve as a retreat for couples and families. The Holtwood Dam is one of the top points of interest in Lancaster, PA. Vendors sell all kinds of arts, crafts, flowers and household goods, so its a great place to pick up some souvenirs from your vacation. At Abe's, enjoy a private tour - just you and yours - in a 2596 Old Philadelphia Pike Attractions and fun things to do abound throughout Lancaster County. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Select from a 6-, 8-, or 10-hour Have you ever seen a pure white snow goose? Address:301 Linden St, Columbia, PA 17512, USA. Lovers of live entertainment should check out the many local theaters in the Lancaster area, each of which rolls out its own selection of rotating shows. But the food is just the first feature of the evening. Choose between a 1, 2, 3, See, smell, taste, experienceFarm to Table products. The museum offers tours and exhibits, and is home to the Herr House, the oldest surviving homestead in Lancaster County. Your email address will not be distributed. There are shopping malls and amusement parks; there are places to hike, bike, swim, fish and kayak. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. 3050 Industry Drive Lancaster, PA 17603 717-290-1303, 2596 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt. Pennsylvania is one of the most beautiful places in USA, and nowhere is this more apparent than a place like Lititz Springs Park. As the oldest farmers market in Pennsylvania, Lancaster Central Market is a feast for the senses, and its definitely one of the coolest things to do in the city. Columbia is one of the most popular destinations in Lancaster County since it offers everything from outdoor adventures to museums and shopping. Visitors can shop at a farmers market, enjoy horse-and-buggy rides, book a hot air balloon ride over the Amish countryside or sit down to enjoy some authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking including shoofly pie, a local favorite. Your kids will be charmed by the magic of the puppets just as much as you are. The Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center lives up to its name. His ancient light machine has been painstakingly restored to full function. Everything is age-appropriate for growing minds, but its also a lot more dynamic than just sitting in a classroom and reading a textbook. 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. Unearthed Beauty. Lancaster, PA 17601. The horizon will be filled with hot air balloons of every color; its a sight that has to be seen to be believed. 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. 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. Take a buggy ride down dirt roads; explore the barn, stable and one-room schoolhouse. Try ziplining, the elevated obstacle course, giant swing and more! Its also known for the fact that it attracts 100,000 migratory snow geese every year. Learn More Places to Stay The Fulton is Lancaster County's professional regional 12 North Prince Street For example, they can learn how to code or how to mix different chemical solutions. Lancaster History and Craft Beer Walk 18 As a bonus, if you decide that youre in the mood for tilt-a-whirls after all, youll get a discount ticket price to the best amusement park in Pennsylvania! Ronks, PA 17572. 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. As you travel through the Heritage Center, discover Book an overnight stay in a one-room Amish schoolhouse or 18th-century inn, and enjoy special experiences that include an Amish farmland tour, ice cream socials, cornfield picnics and wine tastings. The Lancaster Science Factory is the perfect family-friendly activity. You probably stopped listening at the word pie.. Read More, Enjoy three activities in one package at the Amish Experience! For a small fee, you can create your own ice cream flavor from scratch. Address:400 College Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA. Each town has a slightly different atmosphere and culture to it. Activities Come experience all of the wonderful things for every age in Lancaster County. 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. Our Bird-in-Hand Stage offers exceptional entertainment, 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, #A Take back roads to avoid traffic on Route 30. Lancaster County's most unique and iconic motel, restaurant and gift shop, serving our area for over 50 years! You can have all kinds of fun at Longs Park. Previous patrons note that the market can get crowded, but is still worth a visit to enjoy the delicious foods. One of the top botanical gardens in the country, Longwood Gardens is the place for anyone who enjoys flowers or unusual plants. Find special events and one-of-a-kind things to do in Lancaster County all-year long. The park always has an event going on, so its just a matter of catching the latest musical festival, barbecue competition or fine arts fair. You can take a self-guided driving tour of Lancaster's covered bridges with five different routes outlined by Discover Lancaster. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Read More, A private tour to the Philadelphia Countryside is 8 hours. Start time 09:00 AM anc newspapers phone number, sherry thomas insight magazine, fabulous killjoys characters,