posted May 14, 2025

Things to Do with Family from Out of Town in Lancaster, PA

Lancaster has the perfect thing to do with your out of town visitors. No matter if you are an outdoor adventurer or a city goer.

Family visiting Lancaster County, for the day, the week, or just a weekend? Give your loved ones an experience visitors can't get anywhere else! Lancaster has the perfect things to do for you and your out-of-town guests.

Places to Stay

Amish Culture

Arts & History

Adventure

Shopping

Places to Stay

If you don't have enough room in your house to fit extended family, Lancaster County has so many wonderful hotels and bed and breakfasts for them.

The Cartoon Network Hotel is a great place for families and can be an adventure on its own! Hershey Farm Resort or Tru by Hilton are also perfect stays. Stay in the city at the Cork Factory Hotel or the Lancaster Marriott.

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Introduce Amish Culture

Aaron and Jessica's Buggy Rides, take a horse and buggy ride and learn all about the Amish and their culture. Take a countryside house tour at The Amish Experience and watch "Jacob's Choice," a film focused on today's Amish culture, and explore at the homestead and schoolhouse.

For those who want a private group setting, LoKal Experiences offers a Unique Amish Immersion and other Amish tours.

The Old Windmill Farm is a great place to learn how an Amish farm truly operates. There's so many great chances to learn and experience Amish culture, even you, as a Lancaster Local may learn something new!

EXPERIENCE THE AMISH

Experience the Arts & History

Lancaster was founded in 1729, making it home to a rich history; it was even the US Capital for a day, it was also apart of the Underground Railroad! Share the rich history of your hometown with your guests!

Tour where James Buchanan America's 15th President lived before he took office in 1828. Another great historic site to explore is the Ephrata Cloister. Explore the Germanic-style buildings and their historical exhibits.

Tap into your artistic side with our galleries and studios. Demuth Museum houses historic art pieces, many of which showcase Charles Demuth who was a master watercolorist and pioneer of the Precisionist style.

Create a piece of art at The PotteryWorks when you paint a masterpiece on a hand-crafted ceramic. Your guests will love perusing Gallery Row in Downtown Lancaster, they may even return home with a piece from our local artisans.

If you're interested in creating art, make sure to sign up for an art class at one of our studios. You can explore pottery at ClayHouse Arts or try scrapbooking with Horst Arts.

Lancaster boasts a vibrant and thriving theatre scene, with a multitude of productions ranging from classic plays to modern interpretations.

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Where To Eat

Lancaster County is full of vibrant restaurants that will satisfy any cuisine you crave. Just looking for a quick bite? Head to one of our many coffee shops, and if you have time participate in our coffee trail to see them all!

Speckled Hen or the Prince Street Café are great options for those who have some time to sit and eat a meal. Passenger Coffee in Downtown or Agape in the Amish countryside are great and aesthetic spots to dine and get the perfect photo of your loved ones' visit!

For a cold beverage - treat your guests to a local brew at Bespoke Brewery, Lancaster Brewing Company, and Bube's Brewery. You'll find a home-style meal of all varieties here in Lancaster County. If you're a local showing your out-of-town family around various breweries, wineries, and/or distilleries then you might want to download the Craft & Cork Trail where you can earn points, use coupons, and get prizes.

If you're interested in international dining then try out these great restaurants Cocina Mexicana for those looking to try delicious meals by a small family-run restaurant.

S prout, Noodle King or Taj Mahal if you're looking for Asian cuisine. Rachel’s Café & Creperie if you're looking for French. Yorgo’s for Mediterranean; Luca or Lombardo's for Italian, and check out Southern Market for even more globally inspired cuisine.

And, of course, we have the best PA Dutch Dining around!

FIND RESTAURANTS

Adventure

Lancaster County has lots of outdoor activities and adventures all year round. For the kiddos, that have lots of energy, visit Dutch Wonderland or Strasburg Railroad.

Not only does Lancaster County have farm animals, we also have alpacas and wolves. At Eastland Alpacas, you can pet, feed and take pictures with the Alpacas. The Wolf Sanctuary of PA in Lititz is a safe natural habitat for displaced wolves and wolf dogs. Check out their full moon tours!

Indian Echo Caverns & Echo Dell, is a perfect spot for cool winter or hot summer days because the caverns stay the same temperature year-round. another great adventure to take. See a natural phenomenon filled with gemstones; guests can even mine for their own gemstones!

Hiking in Lancaster County is plentiful. Visit the White Cliffs of Conoy to experience an easy walk on the Northwest River Trail to a beautiful overlook of the Susquehanna River. Kelly's Run Nature Preserve is great for those who like to hike in the forest. "Nature is the therapist --the Guide just opens the doors.” In the fast-paced world, slowing down can seem daunting but is vital. Come enjoy the peace of wild things. One With Nature Forest Therapy helps relax and reconnect you with nature, yourself and your group or team members.

MORE HIKING SPOTS

Shopping

Your guest visit to Lancaster wont be complete until they visit a farmers market! Lancaster Central Market has locally grown produce and local vendors with unique gifts and goods. Downtown Lancaster has so much to offer.

Explore Downtown

While there are so many more shops in the Downtown Lancaster that you can explore, there is also so many in our Riverlands and Amish Country side. Head up to Manheim to visit Prussian Street Arcade where local vendors sell their products, or to Lititz where a you'll feel the welcomed with warmth in this small town. Head down Route 30 East, to the Amish country side, where you'll find Tanger Outlets, Kitchen Kettle Village and The Shops @ Rockvale. Share Lancaster's great shopping with your guests!

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Find Adventure in 2025!

Get ready! Our new, 2025, Visitor Guide will be coming out soon! The FREE 2025 Lancaster County Visitors Guide to explore things to do, places to stay, where to eat, an events calendar, and exclusive coupons! Pre-order yours today!

Pre-ORDER NOW!

Pictured: Lancaster Balloon Rides

Credit: @jerzeedrones