Lancaster with Teens

Traveling with teenagers can be challenging. Between trying to find an activity that fits everyone’s interests to selecting a place to eat things are always up for debate. Luckily we have compiled a list of some ideas that are sure to get a unanimous vote. Check out our suggestions for traveling to Lancaster with teens below.

Outdoor Adventure

Did you know that Lancaster County hosts a whole bunch of ways to experience the great outdoors? We argue it’s one of the most beautiful places to take in some fresh air and take on a new adventure. Adrenaline junkies can get their fix ziplining at Refreshing Mountain, or taking in the view from a helicopter tour with Smoketown Helicopters.

Take a ride on the Northwest River Trail in the southern-end of our county. This trail is perfect for biking and walking. Visiting and don't own a bike? Rent one from Let's Roll. Let's Roll is located in Columbia, right on the trail! This local family-owned business specializes in renting, selling, and servicing electric bikes.

Those looking for a bit tamer tour might enjoy scooting along the backroads with Strasburg Scooters Tours, or using their own pedal-power to take in the sights with Lititz Bike Works. Animal lovers will enjoy learning about the wolves of Speedwell Forge at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA.

If you are looking to try something from a new perspective, why not venture under the earth at Indian Echo Caverns & Echo Dell.

Ziplines at Refreshing Mountain 455 Camp Rd., Stevens | 717-738-1490
Smoketown Helicopter Tours 311 Airport Dr., Smoketown | 717-344-4871
Strasburg Scooters 242 Gap Rd., Strasburg | 717-344-2488
Lititz Bike Works 201 Rock Lititz Boulevard, Suite 11, Lititz | 717-553-7997
Wolf Sanctuary of PA 465 Speedwell Forge Rd., Lititz | 717-626-4617
Indian Echo Caverns & Echo Dell 368 Middletown Rd., Hummelstown | 717-566-8131

Indoor Activities

Looking for something to do on a cold or rainy day? We’ve got you covered. Active teens can take on the challenge of laser tag or bowling at Rocky Springs Entertainment Center, or have their own slam-dunk contest at Skyzone (our indoor trampoline park). The Laserdome is always popular with teens and adults alike, take on their high-tech Laser Frenzy laser maze and try to set a new high-score. Work on your aim and have some fun at Lancaster Archery, who knows it might become a new hobby? While a bow and arrow might seem intimating maybe axe throwing isn't! Try out your skills at Hatchet & Axe located in The Shops @ Rockvale!

Let your teens creative freedom fly at Horst Arts, where activities range from creating collages to journal making! The creative possibilities are limitless!

Got some time? Let your teen take a six week class at Lancaster Creative Factory where they can learn how to throw clay to make their own pottery!

For a challenge of the mind why not try and outsmart an escape room at Escape. on Queen or Escape Room Lancaster- each with their own themed adventures.

You can also swing by the Children of Gettysburg 1863 exhibit for interactive activities about living in Gettysburg during the battle.

Rocky Springs Entertainment 1495 Millport Rd., Lancaster | 717-394-6162
Skyzone Lancaster 1701 Hempstead Rd. #102, Lancaster | 717-208-8922
Laserdome 2050 Auction Rd., Manheim | 717-492-0002
Lancaster Archery 2195A Old Philadelphia Pk., Lancaster | 717-394-7229
Escape Room Lancaster 18 E. McGovern Ave, Lancaster | 717-208-6288
Escape. on Queen 43 N. Queen St., Lancaster | 717-435-8049

Timeless Classics

Some activities never go out of style like shopping or who doesn’t love games and arcades? There are loads of games and go-carts at the Carlisle Sports Emporium for even active fun. For ride-lovers, Hersheypark is the place to visit- with over 65 rides and attractions including 12 rollercoasters!

Good old-fashioned ice skating or pick-up hockey can be found at the Lancaster Ice Rink. Try a round of mini-golf at Village Greens on one of their beautifully landscaped courses or get lost on an adventure to Lost Treasure Golf and Maze and play a round of mini-golf with an extra twist The family will enjoy an active day of putting their way through this exotic mini-golf course and maze. With two outlet facilities, Tanger Outlets and The Shops @ Rockvale, Lancaster has plenty of brand-name options for your mini-fashionista.

Those with a creative flair will enjoy a show at the Fulton Theatre or creating their masterpieces at Pottery Works.

Carlisle Sports Emporium 29 S. Middlesex Rd., Lancaster | 717-258-4741
Hersheypark 100 W. Hersheypark Dr., Hershey | 800-437-7439
Lancaster Ice Rink 371 Carerra Dr., Lancaster | 717-581-0274
Village Greens Miniature Golf | 1444 Village Rd., Strasburg | 717-687-6933
Lost Treasure Golf and Maze | 2521 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster |(717) 391-8234
Water's Edge Mini Golf | 230 N. Ronks Road, Bird in Hand | (717) 367-7422 |
Tanger Outlets 311 Stanley K. Tanger Blvd., Lancaster | 717-392-7260
The Shops @ Rockvale 35 S. Willowdale Dr., Lancaster | 717-293-9292
Fulton Theatre 12 N. Prince St., Lancaster | 717-397-3780
Pottery Works 16 W. Orange St., Lancaster | 717-299-9963

For the Young Foodies

Foodies can learn cupcake decorating at one of the Lancaster Cupcake’s classes offered each month or try their hand at “Teens in the Kitchen” at Zest in Lititz (be sure to check their calendars for class schedules). At the Turkey Hill Experience teens can create their own ice cream flavor, packaging, and commercials, plus taste as many flavors as they wish.

If your teen loves ice cream then there's no better way to spend the day than by joining the Lancaster County Ice Cream Trail! Save with special deals, earn points, and redeem prizes through the end of September.

The Red Rose Walking Food Tour or Lancaster County Food Tours are also great ways to explore the various flavors that Lancaster has to offer. Also, be sure to check out our many coffee shops and restaurants downtown and around the county.

Lancaster Cupcake 260 Granite Run Dr., Lancaster | 717-553-5287
Zest 30 E. Main St., Lititz | 717-626-6002
Turkey Hill Experience 301 Linden St., Columbia | 717-684-0134
Red Rose Walking Food Tour Downtown Lancaster | 717-945-5576
Lancaster County Food Tours Lititz, PA | 717-982-3927

For more ideas of what to do, where to stay, and what to eat be sure to sign up for our e-newsletter or request a free copy of our Getaway Guide.