A Family Itinerary

There is something for every type of family in Lancaster County, PA

You’ll never run out of ideas for your kids in Lancaster, PA! Get ready to make memories with these awesome, family friendly trip suggestions including a kid-focused amusement park, hands-on activities on the farm, ice cream making, pretzel twisting and more!

Morning

Couple holding goats at Old Windmill Farm in Lancaster, PA in the fall.

Old Windmill Farm

Kick off your day with adventures on the farm. Here in Lancaster, we have a variety of farm-focused attractions featuring adorable animals, corn mazes, buggy rides, and a chance to participate in the daily chores. Consider one of these great attractions for a morning on the farm:

Old Windmill Farm offers guided tours of a working Amish farm, where your kids can bottle feed a calf, gather eggs, and maybe even milk a cow! You'll also learn about the Amish lifestyle along the way. Reservations are recommended.
Estimated Time: 1 hour

Here in Lancaster, we have a variety of farm-focused attractions.

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm features over 50 fun activities, including adorable baby animals and an epic corn maze. Admission includes most activities and provides a family-friendly farm experience.
Estimated Time: 2 hours, give yourself about 1 hour for the corn maze

Afternoon

Family walking into the lobby of Cartoon Network Hotel. Photo Credit: Discover Lancaster /  Gabe McMullen

Cartoon Network Hotel

After a morning on the farm, it's probably time to refuel with a tasty, family-friendly lunch. In nearby Strasburg, find the following casual lunch options: Agape Cafe & Grill (grilled sandwiches, soups, and salads) or Speckled Hen (café with casual lunch options and all-day breakfast).

Once you've recharged, more fun is in store at Lancaster's popular family attractions. Whether you're seeking the thrill of your little one's first roller coaster ride or exploring the antique trains at Strasburg Rail Road, your family will love the adventures that are in store for them.

Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park is a safe, clean kid-friendly amusement park that features rides, shows, and a fantastic water playground geared towards children 12 and under. Stay the night right next door at the world's very first Cartoon Network Hotel. With the Ben 10 Omnicade, Toon Room kids’ play area, cartoon-themed virtual reality games and the Cartoon Network Store, you’ll never run out of fun ways to play.
Estimated Time: varies

Once you've recharged, more fun is in store at one of Lancaster's popular family attractions.

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre offers children shows that can be the perfect way to introduce your kids to the great theatre scene that Lancaster has. They have children shows throughout the year, even offering a summer camp for kids that are passionate about theatre.

Strasburg Rail Road is perfect for train lovers - young and old! Enjoy a peaceful train ride as you travel through the Amish countryside. Back at the station, kids can hop aboard the Cranky Cars or Pint-sized Pufferbelly for extra locomotive fun.
Estimated Time: 45-90 minutes

Turkey Hill Experience gives families the scoop on ice cream making. Kids can bring their ice cream dreams to life in the Taste Lab where you can make (and eat) your own ice cream flavor. This sweet attractions makes for a fun-filled afternoon.
Estimated Time: 60 - 90 for the experience, 45 minutes for the Taste Lab (optional) and 30 minutes for the Tea Discovery (optional)

Spooky Nook Sports is the place for families who love sports! Kids and parents alike will love the challenge of the Clip 'N Climb course, arcade, and rock climbing offered by this huge sporting complex.
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

Evening

The Strasburg Country Store & Creamery

Nothing cap's off an exciting day of fun like a farm-to-table scoop of ice cream. Strasburg Creamery is a local favorite for homemade ice cream shop. You can also enjoy deli-style hot & cold sandwiches and shop their vast Country Store & Candy Kitchen.

Strasburg Creamery is offering a special deal for those who join our Lancaster County Ice Cream Trail by the end of September!

After a day of fun, it's time to unwind, relax, and recharge for another day family fun. With families in mind, here are some unique lodging suggestions for a good nights sleep.

The Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant gives your family and little train-lovers the chance to sleep in a restored caboose and dine in an antique rail car. the cabooses are a variety of sizes, sleeping two to ten people and offering options that are ideal for families. Dining and extra entertainment options are available on the property as well.

After a day of fun, it's time to unwind, relax, and recharge for another day of memory making.

Sun Outdoors Lancaster County isn't just for tent or RV campers. They offer unique lodging options including a double-decker bus decked out for a restful stay, log cabins, and a yurt that sits right on the lake. Enjoy the fresh air and swimming pool during your stay.

Rocky Acre Farm Bed & Breakfast is the perfect spot for the family, especially for the kids. Learn what farm life is all about by getting to feed newborn calves, gather eggs, interact with goats, and cuddle with kittens. You can also ride a pony, and fish in the nearby stream. There's even a playhouse and train rides for the kids!

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