Things to Do in Lancaster With Your Family

It would be a rank understatement to say that there’s a lot for families to do in Lancaster. Whether toddlers, teens, or seniors, there’s more to see here than you can imagine! Add to that the fact that Lancaster is very family-friendly and you’ll soon be creating many wonderful memories here. Exhilarating, fun, or relaxing, below you’ll find a hand-picked list of the best things to do in Lancaster with your family. Enjoy!

Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center

If getting back to nature is what your family craves, this is the spot! With zip lines, archery, outdoor obstacle courses, and more, the kids will be in heaven! They offer a pool and waterpark too, and even have Escape Rooms! Is your child’s birthday approaching? Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center lets you rent out spaces for parties! Best of all, they have cabins you can rent to stay there overnight! One thing’s for sure, your kids will be thrilled!

Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center
455 Camp Rd, Stevens, PA
Phone: (717) 738-1490

Turkey Hill Experience

Have you ever wondered how massive amounts of ice cream are made? If yes, wonder no more! At Turkey Hill Experience you’ll see exactly how the master ice cream makers do it! But that’s not all. There’s a mechanical cow that your kids can ‘milk’,. They (and you too) can make their own ice cream flavor (and eat it of course). You can even star with them in a TV commercial that you can post to Facebook! Plus, there are free ice cream samples galore! I scream you scream, the entire fam will be screaming for Turkey Hill ice cream! 

Turkey Hill Experience
301 Linden Street Columbia, PA
Phone: 1-844-847-4884

things to do in lancaster

Choo Choo Barn

If you and your kids love model trains (and who doesn’t?!) the Choo Choo barn will blow your mind! With a 1700 square foot display and 22 trains running at the same time, it enormous! Not only that but there are over 150 hand-built figures that are animated! From parades and snow skiers to firemen putting out a fire, it’s truly amazing to see! The best feature is that the entire layout is Lancaster in miniature, with famous landmarks all around. We suggest you go towards the end of the day because, after dark, the entire layout lights up!

Choo Choo Barn
226 Gap Rd, Box 130, Strasburg PA
Phone: (717) 687-7911

Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park

While it might not be the biggest amusement park in the world, Dutch Wonderland is still fantastic. Spread out over 48 acres you’ll find more than 35 amusement park rides and other activities. There’s also an interactive water play area plus a lot of different shows geared towards the kiddies. If you’re a fan of amusement parks, there are several fun rides for adults also. That includes the new Merlin’s Mayhem, a suspended roller coaster that was put in in 2019. Even better, at Christmas, the entire park is converted into the Dutch Winter Wonderland with stunning lights displays! Ho ho ho indeed!

Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park
2249 Lincoln Highway East Lancaster, PA
Phone: (717) 291-1888

things to do in lancaster

The United States Hot Air Balloon Team

You’ve never experienced anything like this! Imagine seeing all of Lancaster and the surrounding area…from 1000 feet up in the air! That’s what you’ll get when you book a tour with the United States Hot Air Balloon Team! Not only will you take a spectacular ride over Amish country but you’ll help the balloon crew set everything up! They offer shared hot air balloon flights or private flights. Whatever you choose, you’ll be in for an experience you won’t forget for the rest of your life!

The United States Hot Air Balloon Team
2727 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA
Phone: (717) 276-9324

Lancaster History and Craft Beer Walk

This activity is, of course, geared more towards the adults in your family. It’s a combination history and craft beer guided tour of Lancaster and it’s truly enchanting! In small groups of 12 or less, you’ll be given an intimate tour that covers Lancaster’s history. Even better, you’ll quaff local brews along the way and see many of Lancaster’s most famous landmarks. For beer and history lovers, it’s one of the top things to do in Lancaster with family (but not the kids).

Lancaster History and Craft Beer Walk
Soldiers & Sailors Monument Penn Square, Lancaster, PA
Phone: (833) 565-2539

Old Mill Stream Campground

There’s nothing better than camping out with the family! At Old Mill Stream Campground, you’ll find 130 campsites on 15 acres with everything you need to camp in style. Fire rings, electric and water hookups, even cable TV. Or you can “rough it” on a primitive campsite. If you own an RV, staying here long-term is certainly doable. They have a laundromat, a country store, free Wi-Fi, and all sorts of other features available. You can get wood for your fire, LP gas for the barbecue, and ice for your cooler, no problem. They even have cabins you can rent, making Old Mill Stream a truly full-service campground. It’s truly one of the top things to do in Lancaster with family.

Old Mill Stream Campground
2249 Lincoln Highway East Lancaster, PA
Phone: (717) 299-2314

The Lancaster Science Factory

This place is amazing! A hands-on, interactive science center built around younger kids, the Lancaster Science Factory offers a wide variety of interesting and educational activities. In fact, they have over 75 hands-on activities that kids will thoroughly enjoy! 100% interactive, they’re meant to be touched, turned, twisted, and tried out! There are 7 different themes including:

  1. Light and Vision
  2. Electricity and magnetism
  3. Mechanics in motion
  4. Structural engineering
  5. Acoustics and sound
  6. Fluid dynamics
  7. Puzzles, math, and logic 

As you and your little ones walk around they’ll be able to get involved with all of these activities. Plus, they’re so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re learning stuff!

The Lancaster Science Factory
454 New Holland Avenue Lancaster, PA
Phone: (717) 509-6363


Best Restaurants in Lancaster

After you’ve had your day of activities, make sure you take the family out to eat. Lancaster has so many unique and delicious places to eat. Below we list our favorites.

Where to Eat Breakfast in Lancaster, PA?

First things first, take the family out and get their bellies full for a day of adventuring. Some of our favorite places to go are:

Where to Eat Breakfast in Lancaster, PA?

On Orange

On Orange is a quaint and intimate cafe that serves American food for breakfast and brunch! Try their organic pancakes, we’ve heard they’re scrumptious! There’s something for everyone at this popular spot.

On Orange
108 W. Orange Street, Lancaster PA
Phone: (717) 299-5157

Rachel’s Cafe & Creperie

Ready for a spin on traditional breakfast? Rachel’s is a charming brunch joint with sweet treats that are sure to satisfy the kids! With individually prepared crepes, lonely monk coffee, and full espresso menu, Rachel’s will make your heart and stomach full!

Rachel’s Cafe & Creperie
201 W Walnut St, Lancaster, PA
Phone: (717) 399-3515

Silver Spring Family Restaurant

As the name suggests, Silver Spring Family Restaurant is great for the kids! Offering traditional and hearty breakfasts, Silver Spring is a go-to for where to eat breakfast in Lancaster, PA.

Silver Spring Family Restaurant
3653 Marietta Ave, Lancaster, PA
Phone: (717) 285-5974

Fun Places for the Family to Eat in Lancaster, PA

When it’s almost time for lunch or dinner, check out some of these unique ways to eat in Lancaster, PA.

Best Restaurants in Lancaster

Old Windmill Farm

If you’ve ever wanted to get the full Amish experience Old Windmill Farm should be your destination. You and the kids will learn, and do, all sorts of fun stuff! Learn how to milk a cow, bottle-feed a calf, and help gather eggs. As their name suggests, there’s a windmill too, and you’ll find out how it works. A tour through their 1700’s barn is available also, and it’s all topped off by their wonderful gardens. That’s where they grow a wide variety of fruits and veggies like strawberries, watermelons, green beans, broccoli, and grapes. Of course, while you’re there you’ll learn everything about the Amish and their lifestyle. We highly recommend you set aside a day to discover this wonderful Lancaster treasure. It’s truly one of the top things to do in Lancaster with family.

Old Windmill Farm
262 Paradise Lane Ronks, PA
Phone: (717) 687-7929

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Open throughout the year, the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater is a wonderful treat for the entire family. They present musical performances with a four-course dinner or a prime rib buffet! They also offer a Children’s Theatre that serves all of the foods kids love. One of their best productions is their version of The Wizard of Oz. For adults and children, this is a can’t miss attraction.

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
510 Centerville Rd, Lancaster, PA
Phone: (717) 898-1900

September Farm Cheese Factory & Country Market

September Farm offers a wide variety of tasty treats besides cheese, but boy is their cheese delicious! You’ll see it being made and packaged and learn all about the cheese-making process. That’s the tip of the tasty iceberg, however. They also offer a Country Market, Bake Shop, Sandwich Shop, and their wonderful Coffee Coop. Hand-dipped ice cream awaits you and the family too! It’s a farm-to-table tour de force, so make sure to bring your appetite!

September Farm Cheese Factory & Country Market
5287 Horseshoe Pike Honey Brook, PA 
(610) 273-3552

Things To Do in Lancaster Brought To You by MooveIn

Here at MooveIn Self Storage, we love Lancaster! The people, the amenities, and the way of life here are as good as it gets. If you’re coming for a visit we know you’ll love it here! If you’re moving here, we have the extra storage space you need for all your stuff!

MooveIn offers safe, secure, and clean storage units in Lancaster, PA that are very affordable. Protected by 24/7 security cameras and keypad-controlled front gates, they’re also well lit at night for your safety. We have storage units in different sizes to fit every need. From college students to folks storing everything in their home, we’ve got you covered.

Want to rent a storage unit right now? Simply fill in our online application, choose the right size storage unit and you’re done! Your storage unit will be here waiting for you when you arrive. Even better, our on-site manager will also be here to help! It’s easy, fast, and convenient. You can store your RV or boat here too (but please call ahead as those spaces rent quickly).

Whether you’re simply visiting or plan to move to lovely Lancaster, welcome! We hope you enjoy your time here as much as we do! If you have questions about self-storage in Lancaster, feel free to chat online with one of our friendly managers! 

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