Posted: 07/26/2022 | by Olivia

Things to do on Weekdays in Lancaster, PA

Whether you're visiting Lancaster during the week or a local looking for fun in your own backyard, there are all sorts of adventures to discover.

Week Day Fun by the River

Spend the day on and near the Susquehanna River! There are so many things to do and experience by the rushing waters for adventures of all interests.

Start your day with a warm beverage and bite to eat from Columbia Coffee and Cream then walk across the street to Columbia Crossing River Trails Center to check out their exhibits and learn more about the history and adventure down by the river. Lace up your sneakers and venture out to the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail for up to 14-miles of hiking, biking or walking. If the weather is warm and you want to cool off, book an excursion on the water with kayakLanCo. Their tours are fun for the whole family! Looking to engage your inner outdoors-person? Learn new fishing, paddling and "living off the land" skills with Adventure Explorations. Challenge your physical and mental strength during a guided climbing program with North Fork Adventures. The outdoor opportunities are plentiful down by the river so be sure to book your tickets in advance and bring a zest for adventure!

While you're in this historic area of the County, you'll want to experience history first-hand. Shop antiques at Burning Bridge Antiques Market, Bootleg Antiques and Rivertowne Antiques Center. On Wednesdays in the Spring & Summer from 10am - 6pm, the revitalized Columbia Historic Market House is open for visitors to shop fresh produce and specialty foods. You can also head over to the National Watch & Clock Museum to see the largest collection of 19th Century American clocks and watches, and more!

If you're a fan of ice cream, you've probably heard of Turkey Hill. See the products up close at the Turkey Hill Experience. The interactive exhibits allow guests to learn about dairy culture and how ice cream and iced tea flavors are created and selected. This family-friendly destination is a great combination of education and fun.

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Week Day fun in Strasburg

The Strasburg Rail Road offers fun for guests of all ages every day of the week! Take a 45-minute train ride through the beautiful countryside, take a behind the scenes tour of their mechanical shop and be sure to grab lunch at Café 1832. They have various themed rides throughout the year like Thomas and Friends, Christmas Trains and Easter Bunny Trains. There's so much to see and do year 'round at the Rail Road!

For more scenic views of the countryside, book a tour with Strasburg Scooters Tours. They offer an ultimate Amish Tour for an up-close experience with Amish culture, a covered bridge tour and a Spooky Scoot in October. The opportunity to zoom around back roads in an open-air scooter is not one to miss!

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is a must-do when visiting Lancaster. Pet live animals, play farm games, wander in the corn maze and enjoy the great outdoors. Families can fill an entire day enjoying the variety of things to do at Cherry Crest!

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Week Day fun in Small Towns

Lititz

Learn how to twist your own pretzel at America's first commercial bakery - Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. The hands-on experience will likely be something new for visitors of all ages! Be sure to peruse the retail shop and go home with a delicious batch of pretzels. On specific week days, the Wolf Sanctuary of PA offers tours that allow guests to get a close up view of the majestic wolves in a protected environment.

Ephrata

The historic town of Ephrata is home to the Ephrata Cloister - a national historic landmark founded in 1732. Take either a self-guided or tour-guided trip around the property and learn about early music and printing, unique architecture and enjoy the gorgeous landscaping. The Cloister hosts special events year 'round, suitable for families, groups and individuals. You'd be remiss to not make a stop at Fox Meadows Creamery and try their farm-to-table ice cream! Enjoy the farm views and delicious ice cream Monday - Saturday!

Manheim

Home to the biggest sports complex in North America, Spooky Nook Sports, Manheim is a great destination to visit when you come to Lancaster County. Play some mini-golf and finish your victory with ice cream at The Shack Restaurant & Mini Golf. Check out the eclectic options at Prussian Street Arcade and go home with items and gifts you can't find just anywhere. Spend the afternoon or evening at Laserdome playing in their indoor arcade and laser tag arena.

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Week Day Fun in Amish Country

Spend the day experiencing Amish Culture! If freshly-picked produce is on your list, Amish families have market stands at the farmers markets around the county, as well as roadside stands that can be found around almost every corner on the backroads. Take a farm tour at the Old Windmill Farm for an interactive experience on the farm. Milk cows, feed a calf, gather eggs and more! The Amish Village, Amish Farm & House and the Amish Experience all allow guests to learn about and experience Amish Culture. Travel like the Amish do with a horse & buggy ride through the countryside. Aaron & Jessica's and AAA Buggy Rides offer short rides that take you through the countryside with an Amish or Mennonite driver at the reigns or longer rides that allow you to get off the buggy and tour an Amish farm.

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Whether you are visiting for a day or spending an entire week in Lancaster, we hope you find goodness, a change of pace and new discoveries. Start planning your trip with our Visitors Guide and book your stay today!

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