
Tips for Traveling with Kids in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States
1. Lancaster Central Market
A bustling market with local produce and Amish goods, perfect for introducing kids to different foods and cultures.
- Food Experience: Offers a wide variety of food choices, including kid-friendly options.
- Cultural Learning: Provides opportunities for children to learn about Amish culture and local traditions.
- Educational: Teaching moments on food origins, sustainable farming, and community interaction.
2. Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
A living history museum showcasing Pennsylvania German farm life. Kids can interact with historical artifacts and animals.
- Historical Engagement: Allows children to experience life in the past through interactive exhibits.
- Animal Interaction: Offers opportunities for kids to learn about and interact with farm animals.
- Hands-on Activities: Provides fun, hands-on activities that teach children about history and agriculture.
3. Strasburg Rail Road
A historic steam train ride through Amish countryside. Kids will love the vintage experience.
- Vintage Experience: Provides a unique, vintage train riding experience for kids.
- Scenic Ride: Offers beautiful, scenic views of the Amish countryside.
- Educational: Teaching moments on railroad history and the role trains played in shaping America.
4. Hands-on House Children's Museum
An interactive museum designed for young children to learn through play.
- Interactive Learning: Provides a fun, hands-on environment for kids to learn about various subjects.
- Age-appropriate: Designed specifically for young children with age-appropriate exhibits and activities.
- Cognitive Development: Encourages cognitive development through exploration and discovery.
5. American Music Theatre
A venue hosting family-friendly shows, including musicals and magic shows. A fun entertainment option for kids.
- Entertainment Variety: Offers a wide variety of family-friendly shows to choose from.
- Interactive Shows: Some shows allow children to participate, enhancing their engagement.
- Memory Making: Creates memorable experiences for kids through music and entertainment.
6. Rock Ford Plantation State Historic Site
A historic house museum showcasing the life of Revolutionary War hero General Edward Hand. Kids can learn about history in an engaging way.
- Historical Engagement: Offers a unique, interactive look into the life of a Revolutionary War hero.
- Educational: Teaching moments on American history and the life of General Edward Hand.
- Costumed Guides: Guided tours are led by costumed interpreters, adding to the historical immersion.
7. The Lancaster Science Factory
A science museum with hands-on exhibits that make learning fun for kids.
- Interactive Learning: Provides a fun, interactive environment for kids to learn about various scientific principles.
- Age-appropriate: Offers exhibits and activities suitable for different age groups.
- Cognitive Development: Encourages cognitive development through exploration and discovery.
8. The Pennsylvania Dutch Farmstead
A living farm that showcases Pennsylvania Dutch farm life. Kids can interact with animals and learn about rural traditions.
- Cultural Learning: Provides opportunities for children to learn about Pennsylvania Dutch culture.
- Animal Interaction: Offers opportunities for kids to interact with farm animals.
- Historical Engagement: Allows children to experience life on a Pennsylvania Dutch farm.
9. Wheatland - The Historic Home of President James Buchanan
The former home of President James Buchanan. Kids can learn about American history and the life of a U.S. President.
- Historical Engagement: Offers a unique, interactive look into the life of a U.S. President.
- Educational: Teaching moments on American history and the life of President James Buchanan.
- Costumed Guides: Guided tours are led by costumed interpreters, adding to the historical immersion.
10. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
A farm with corn mazes, animals, and fun activities for kids during the fall season.
- Seasonal Activity: Offers unique, seasonal activities like corn mazes and pumpkin picking.
- Animal Interaction: Provides opportunities for kids to interact with farm animals.
- Outdoor Fun: Encourages outdoor play and exploration for kids.
11. Lancaster Maritime Museum
A museum dedicated to the maritime history of Lancaster. Kids can learn about boats, navigation, and local seafaring traditions.
- Historical Engagement: Offers a unique, interactive look into Lancaster's maritime history.
- Educational: Teaching moments on boats, navigation, and local seafaring traditions.
- Interactive Exhibits: Provides interactive exhibits that engage children in learning.
12. The Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum's Christmas Candlelight Tours
A unique, seasonal event at the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, where kids can experience a historic farm decorated for Christmas.
- Seasonal Experience: Offers a unique, holiday-themed experience for children.
- Historical Engagement: Allows children to learn about holiday traditions during a bygone era.
- Memory Making: Creates memorable experiences for kids through the magic of Christmas.
13. The Turkish American Society Cultural Center
A cultural center offering educational programs and events about Turkish culture. Kids can learn about a new culture in a fun way.
- Cultural Learning: Provides opportunities for children to learn about Turkish culture.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs, workshops, and events.
- Language Learning: Introduces kids to the Turkish language through interactive activities.
14. The Lancaster County Central Library's Children's Department
A children's library offering books, activities, and programs for kids. A great place to escape the heat or cold during a visit.
- Educational Resources: Offers a wide variety of educational resources for children.
- Activities and Programs: Provides fun, engaging activities and programs for kids.
- Temperature-controlled Environment: A comfortable, temperature-controlled environment ideal for escaping extreme weather conditions.
15. Lancaster County Parks and Recreation
Offers a variety of parks with playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails. Perfect for outdoor family activities.
- Outdoor Fun: Encourages outdoor play and exploration for kids.
- Active Recreation: Provides opportunities for active recreation like playing, walking, or biking.
- Nature Connection: Offers chances to connect with nature and learn about local ecosystems.