Lancaster, Pennsylvania is the seat of Lancaster County, and also known as the Red Rose City. Lancaster is one of the oldest inland towns in the United States. Its population was 58,039 as of the 2020 census, ranking it 11th among Pennsylvania municipalities. If you’re looking for things to do in Lancaster with kids, here are some ideas. Read on to find out what you can do with your kids in this historic city.
Dutch Wonderland
If you’re looking for a fun family outing, Dutch Wonderland in East Lampeter Township, Pennsylvania is a great option. This 48-acre theme park is specifically designed for families with small children and has a Kingdom for Kids theme. The rides, attractions, and games will all keep the kids entertained and happy, and the food is fantastic! We had a blast here when we visited with our kids.
If you’re visiting with kids, you should plan a day full of fun activities. You can take the kids to Dutch Wonderland to experience many of its rides, hand-on museums, and Amish buggy rides. Whether you’re traveling with a toddler or a teenager, you’ll never be bored at this Pennsylvania theme park. Make sure to plan a day for the entire family to experience it in all of its glory.
If you’re traveling with kids, Dutch Wonderland offers a variety of activities and rides for all ages. The park has many fun attractions, including a small water park, live shows, and more. The hours of the park depend on the season, so make sure to check their website before you go! If you’re bringing kids to Dutch Wonderland with you, make sure to bring the appropriate snacks for your little ones.
Choo Choo Barn
If you are looking for something to do with kids in Lancaster, PA, you must visit the Choo Choop Barn, the largest custom model train display in the country. With 22 operating trains and over 150 hand-built animated figures, this attraction is sure to keep the whole family entertained. This 1,700-square-foot building is filled with fascinating details about Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
You can walk through the model railroad, which is a miniature version of Lancaster, PA. It includes a Dutch Wonderland section, with a show every half hour. Because of its popularity, it tends to get very crowded, and the aisle is just one foot wide! This means that you can’t see everything, and if you do, you’ll get yelled at for standing still or stalling in front of one scene.
Kidmazium
In the winter, Brigid Gatchell wants to get out of her Mount Joy home and find cheap and warm activities to do with her daughter. To find such activities, she and her daughter go to the Go ‘N Bananas in Lancaster. They also go to the Universal Athletic Club, which offers premium facilities and a kid’s program. Parents who want to keep their kids active can take advantage of the club’s unlimited Taekwondo, heated power yoga, and Les Mills SPRINT cycling classes.
In addition to kid-friendly attractions, the Lancaster County area has plenty of high-energy places for families to play. You and your kids can take on a rock climbing wall, solve an escape room, or play laser tag. The area is also full of food-filled attractions. From farm-to-table cooking to a candy factory, there’s something to suit every age group in Lancaster County.
Outdoor activities are available in the area, which includes farms, Amish-related attractions, theaters, and zoos. Families can also enjoy a day in Lancaster County, where they can see a live performance by a professional magician, take a buggy ride through the countryside, or visit a historical attraction or museum. If you’re in the mood for a more educational experience, you can opt for one of the many historical attractions.
National Civil War Museum
While you are in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, don’t miss the National Civil War Museum. This historical site is one of the country’s oldest inland cities. It’s filled with fascinating artifacts from the Civil War era, and guides in period clothing can give you insight into life as it was in the 18th century. A unique variety show is also hosted at the museum, so the whole family can enjoy it together.
There are a number of exhibits that will help your family understand this important time in history. On the second floor, A House Divided: Perspectives of Citizens Before the Civil War begins depicts how life was lived before the war. The museum also features a graphic depiction of slavery, as well as the Peculiar Institution, 1850-1865. The museum also has exhibits that tell the story of both the northern and southern armies, including videos, pictures, and physical artifacts. In addition to the museum’s extensive collection of artifacts, it has over two thousand archival documents to explore.
You can also visit Lancaster’s Sight & Sound Theatre, which features live performances of Biblical stories. The theatre is 300 feet long and is surrounded on three sides, allowing for full audience involvement. The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania is also located in Lancaster, and offers tours and professional photography sessions. In addition to the museum, you can take your family for a wolf safari tour. The Wolf Sanctuary is a great place to get a photo of your children with a wolf.
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Spend a day in rural Pennsylvania and visit a German village museum with kids. You can learn more about the history of German culture in this museum. Kids will love visiting this museum and experiencing the authentic culture of Germany. Families can also visit the Pennsylvania German Village Museum. Visitors can learn about the culture of German immigrants through exhibits, interactive activities, and even a German-language tour.
The Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is a 100-acre living history museum. It’s located close to Dutch Wonderland, which is a popular theme park in Lancaster. The museum displays antiques, heirloom seeds, farm animals, and more from centuries past. There’s a Heirloom Seed Project, which collects and preserves seeds from olden days. You can also purchase plants from the museum’s annual herb and garden fair.
The museum started with an arrowhead collection and gradually expanded to collect decorative arts and early tools and implements. The museum also acquired several historic buildings. The Landis Brothers House, which was built in the 1870s, once belonged to the brothers’ parents. The Erisman House, which dates back to the 1800s, is interpreted as a modest home of a seamstress.
For younger children, the museum’s Hands-on House encourages active play in a fun environment. Families can also visit the Lancaster Science Factory, which is located across town. There are 75 exhibits in total, and the museum is ideal for families. During the winter, the museum also features a snowman, a horse, and even a polar bear!
Dutch Apple Dinner Theater
When you visit the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with your children, you’ll experience Broadway-style shows and a lavish buffet. The kids’ menu features dishes such as honey baked chicken, roast pork loin, and linguine with baby shrimp. You’ll also have the chance to see special children’s productions. For the ultimate family experience, you can bring your kids to this theater!
After the show, take your family out to Lancaster’s breweries for a date night. Try the Double Chocolate Milk Stout, a roasted-malt beer with a hint of chocolate and cacao nibs. You can also sample other local food, like local smoked meat and grilled fish. If you’re dining al fresco, you can try their delicious seasonal fare.
Families can also take their kids to the Marionette Theatre. This show is short and age-appropriate, and the backstage tour lets you learn how marionette-making used to work. For an even more special night, you can order specialty cakes and wine beforehand. Then, enjoy the show while eating delicious treats. It’s a great night out and a great way to bond with your family.
When you’re in the mood for a musical, you can enjoy a show at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater. The 328-seat venue is intimate enough to allow families to see a show in a comfortable setting. The performances are professionally choreographed with a live orchestra. The show is perfect for all ages, and children can enjoy the musical number of acclaimed performers. You can also buy gift certificates and participate in workshops for kids and adults alike.