posted May 21, 2026

Beat the Heat in Lancaster, PA

For those days when the heat is simply too much.

Exploring Lancaster County is tons of fun, but on the absolute hottest summer days, you might want to find a cool place to retreat to. If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat this summer, Lancaster, PA has some great options.

Pictured: Fulton Steamboat Inn

Credit: Fulton Steamboat Inn

Water Activities

Make a splash this summer in Lancaster! If you’re the adventurous type, consider heading to a place where you can go kayaking, canoeing, or tubing. Book your trip on tranquil waters with kayakLanCo, one of the only outfitters to provide kayaking at Speedwell. This private excursion is a a unique opportunity for people of all ages to adventure and get active!

Things to do by the river

River Discovery Boat Tours

Sit aboard a historic electric-powered vessel that was built in 1912. Experience the joy of being on the water, hear stories of the river, and view scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife aboard this elegant treasure from the past!

Beginning this June through mid-October, The Susquehanna National Heritage Area is offering tours where you can experience the joy of being on the water and experience what it is like to be aboard an elegant treasure from the past. They even offer sunset cruises, perfect for a date night! Advance reservations are recommended.

Dutch Wonderland

Enjoy over 35 rides, attractions, and shows at Dutch Wonderland! Cool off in Duke’s Lagoon water play area and make discoveries at Exploration Island, where dinosaurs come to life!

Go on an adventure on Merlin’s Mayhem, the park’s first suspended coaster. Dutch Wonderland is designed for families with young children (ages 12 and under) in mind and offers a host of fun things to see and do.

HersheyPark

Swim and ride on the slides at The Boardwalk, an 11-acre water park within HersheyPark that has over 16 attractions. Don’t miss two of their coolest waterslides: Breakers Edge, a hydromagnetic coaster with flying saucer turns, and Whitecap Racer, which includes six lanes of the longest mat racing slide in the world.

Sickman's Mill Outfitters

Sickman's Mill Outfitters offers tubing and kayaking trips down the Pequea Creek, a tributary of the Susquehanna River that runs for 49.2 miles from the eastern border of Lancaster County to the village of Pequea.

Mount Gretna Lake & Beach

For all the lake-lovers, Mount Gretna Lake & Beach is the perfect spot to spend the day. Pack a picnic, lay out a beach towel on the sandy beach, and paddle out to the rope swing you can jump off of in the middle of the lake.

Other amenities include tube, canoe, and kayak rentals, in addition to a snack bar and diving platforms. The area is nice and secluded amongst the trees, while still feeling like a hot summer hub for people of all ages.

While there, be sure to stop by the Jigger Shop for an ice cold scoop of creamy, delicious ice cream!

Lancaster County Ice Cream Trail

Explore the Lancaster County Ice Cream Trail, a free mobile pass featuring local ice cream shops, creameries, frozen treats, and exclusive deals across Lancaster County, PA.

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Public Pools

Perhaps, you would prefer to spend a chill day lounging at the pool. There are a few public pools scattered around Lancaster County to jump in, like Lititz Springs Pool in Lititz, PA, or Skyline Pool in Lancaster, PA.

STAY AT A HOTEL WITH A POOL

Outdoor Adventures

Strasburg Rail Road

Feel the wind on your face in an open-air car or book a scenic ride aboard of their air conditioned first class cars. We recommend you reserve your seat in advance for your 45-minute train ride to Paradise, PA.

Strasburg Scooter Tours

Zoom through the Amish Countryside on a scooter going up to 30mph. This is the perfect way to beat the heat while still feeling the warm sunshine on your skin.

Let's Roll - Columbia

Rent an e-bike and feel the wind in your air as you ride along the Northwest River Trail. Stop at Columbia Crossing and take in the Susquehanna River.

Indoor Activities

If you prefer to stay in the AC when it’s hot outside, no worries!

There are a variety of great museums all over Lancaster that provide an exciting educational experience. Whether you enjoy art, history, transportation, or getting hands-on, there’s a museum that suits your interests.

More indoor attractions:

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Free Things to Do in Lancaster, PA

Whether you’re planning some free fun ahead of time or are looking for a quick way to fill a few hours while you’re here, we’ve rounded up a list of Lancaster’s free attractions, outdoor spots, and events for your weekend trip!

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