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What to do in Lancaster, PA With Kids
Have a fantastic vacation in Lancaster!
Lancaster, PA, is a small town nestled in Amish country. You might think that it is a sleepy place with just a bunch of farm animals. But you would be wrong! Lancaster is a fun place to visit with kids!
Table of contents
- See a Show at the Sight & Sound Theater
- Eat a Delicious Meal at the Agape Cafe
- See the Trains in Nearby Strausburg
- Visit a Friendly Dragon at Dutch Wonderland
- Do Some Hands-On Learning at the Science Factory
- Wear Out the Kids at Bounce Kraze
- Have a Friendly Competition at the Water’s Edge Mini Golf
- Nearby in the Sweetest Place on Earth - Hershey, PA
See a Show at the Sight & Sound Theater
Besides the Amish farms, Sight & Sound Theater is one of the biggest draws to the Lancaster area. Every year, they put on a massive stage production inspired by Biblical stories. But this isn’t your normal theater; the sides of the auditorium also become part of the action. When we went to their recent Noah production, there was a full 180 degrees of animals all around you.
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Eat a Delicious Meal at the Agape Cafe
The Agape Cafe and Grille is a super cute little cafe just down the road from Sight & Sound. You can stop in for a meal or just to get some coffee and macaroons (yum!). Just be prepared, you might have a bit of a wait.
While waiting, check out the home goods store next door. It has plenty of nifty gifts and decor (bonus points, they donate some of their profits to good causes). And just outside, you can feed some goats or alpacas at the farm beside the cafe.
See the Trains in Nearby Strausburg
If Lancaster is associated with the Amish, then Strausburg is associated with trains! They have a nice little Toy Train Museum and a cool model train setup at the Choo Choo Barn.
And if you want some family fun, go during the Strausburg Railroad’s Day Out With Thomas event. Enjoy a short ride with Thomas, plus a bunch of activities geared towards younger kids. They also offer longer train rides and other events, so check it out even if you have older kids!
Visit a Friendly Dragon at Dutch Wonderland
Dutch Wonderland is a cute theme park just outside of Lancaster. It features a wide range of rides from roller coasters to kiddie rides. There is something for a wide range of ages. Just set your expectations a little lower; this isn’t Disney World, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun!
Do Some Hands-On Learning at the Science Factory
The Lancaster Science Factory is one of many science centers that participate in reciprocity programs. That means your membership to your local place may get you in at a discounted rate (sometimes free!) when on vacation.
Check out the full list of reciprocity programs in Pennsylvania for science centers, children’s museums, and zoos.
Wear Out the Kids at Bounce Kraze
Trampoline parks and bounce houses are always tons of fun, and Bounce Kraze in Lancaster is no different. They have a variety of different bounce houses for kids of all ages.
Have a Friendly Competition at the Water’s Edge Mini Golf
Enjoy a round of mini golf at Water’s Edge Mini Golf. The kids can enjoy either of their two 18-hole courses. And when you are done, you can take a short stroll by the pond to visit their small petting zoo and feed the ducks!
Nearby in the Sweetest Place on Earth - Hershey, PA
Hershey is nearby to Lancaster, PA, and is the home of Hershey’s chocolates. A short drive can add some chocolately fun to your vacation in Lancaster!
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Discover How Chocolate is Made at Chocolate World
A trip to Hershey’s Chocolate World is free. That is, if you don’t buy any chocolate! Besides a gigantic store filled with all sorts of Hershey’s candies and goodies, you can take a short ride to learn about how chocolate gets made.
Ride the Rides at Hershey Park
Just steps away from Chocolate World is Hershey Park. It’s a mid-sized theme park with all sorts of different rides. It has thrilling rollercoasters and slow-moving trains. A bit of something for everyone!
See Local Wildlife at Zoo America
When you need a break from riding rides at Hershey Park, step across the bridge to Zoo America. It is a small zoo that participates in the AZA’s reciprocity programs. Depending on your local zoo’s membership, it could get you 50% or 100% off admission!
