Exploring Family-Friendly Activities in Lancaster with Kids

Tired of the same old vacation routine? Lancaster smashes the mold with a unique mix of history, culture, and natural landscapes that promises to leave every visitor speechless!

But what truly sets Lancaster apart is its vibrant array of outdoor, indoor, and nighttime attractions, making it a standout destination for families looking for an unforgettable getaway. Imagine a place where your little ones giggle to their hearts’ content at the one and only Dutch Wonderland, where your days are filled with captivating shows, and where the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Lancaster is that place.

So, toss out the predictable plans, pack your sense of adventure, and join us as we explore Lancaster’s top family-friendly activities!

Have fun in an Amusement Park

Dutch Wonderland

On the hunt for the ultimate family attraction in Lancaster? Trust us when we say that no place should rank higher on your must-visit list than Dutch Wonderland! This isn’t your average amusement park—it’s a magical kingdom where dreams come true and every child is royalty. Lifelong memories await!

Your little ones will squeal with delight as they discover the kiddie rides. Ready to spin? Go round on Wonder Whip for a giggle-inducing whirl. Craving a Jurassic journey? Explore our Prehistoric Path. Elevating fun to new heights? Soar through the clouds in combat aircraft at Sky Fighter and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the park. Lighting up your special ones’ faces was never this easy!

Need an extra dose of thrill? We’ve got it covered! To splash the day away, no cooler place than Duke’s Lagoon, the park’s tropical water playground. First-time roller-coaster riders can test their bravery at the wooden blast known as Kingdom Coaster. Young wizards better hold onto their wands as they fly like a dragon at Merlin’s Mayhem. An epic attraction is always just around the corner!

But the magic doesn’t stop with the kiddie rides and attractions! Travel to a storybook where dragons, kings, and princesses come alive at A Dragon’s Tale, relive a classical fairytale with a soaking twist at The Adventures of the Frog Prince, or get splashed with jaw-dropping stunts at Open Dive. Dutch Wonderland’s live shows will leave your whole crew in awe! 

To suit all families’ needs, Dutch Wonderland offers budget-friendly options with promotions and discounts, as well as season passes for exclusive benefits. Get your tickets now!

Indoor Attractions

Tiny Town

Imagine your precious ones becoming towering giants in an interactive world of pint-sized proportions. Pretty exciting, right? Then welcome to Tiny Town, an indoor playground designed to spark curiosity through play!

This mini-metropolis features a variety of play opportunities, from practicing safety drills at the fire station to fixing flat tires at the garage. Educational activities are woven into the town's fabric: budding scientists conduct experiments at the lab while aspiring artists unleash their creativity at the craft workshop. A whole imaginative, hands-on approach that fosters critical thinking.

Ideal for kids aged 7 or less, Tiny Town offers affordable one-day tickets and season passes, making it an easy addition to your Lancaster outing.

Magic & Wonder Show

Calling all spellbound families! Craving a spectacle that will leave your little magicians mesmerized? That's what you get at Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater!

Witness the impossible in master illusionist Brett Myers’ magic show Imaginarium, take a trip down memory lane in the musical time machine Jukebox Jive, or celebrate the holiday spirit in special Christmas productions, Winter Wonderland and Holly Jolly Jukebox. Every show is crafted to entertain both children and adults.

Not good enough? You can also enjoy a meal as part of your ticket, with kid-friendly options to improve your experience.

Unique Experiences for Families

Turkey Hill Experience

Ever wonder how your favorite flavors go from farm-fresh cream to the pint in your freezer? Turkey Hill Experience is a hands-on adventure that lets you in on the sweetest secret in Lancaster!

Get ready to explore interactive exhibits that showcase the story of Turkey Hill Dairy, climb into a vintage milk truck, and discover the science behind pasteurization, learning in the process how ice cream is made.

At Turkey Hill Experience, your sugarplums are the stars of the show. Watch them whip up their dream ice cream flavor, craft the pint packaging, and film a TV commercial to sell it. The sweetest deal? You get to taste Turkey Hill ice cream, as well as its iced tea. Keep your tiny scoop enthusiast with a happy heart and a full belly.

Tickets are reasonably priced and tours are self-paced, so even families on a tight budget can take it easy and savor the visit. Keep an eye out for special workshops and events.

Evening Events in Lancaster

Lancaster is charming by day, but when the sun dips low, a different kind of magic takes place, boasting a bunch of nighttime events that will leave your family starry-eyed!

Picture this: a warm summer evening, a soft breeze, and live music filling the air. Sounds nice? Then head to Long's Park Summer Music Series, featuring tunes that'll have everyone grooving. These are free concerts, making them fully accessible. Pack some snacks, spread out a blanket, and relax to the music under the twinkling stars.

Dealing with small cinephiles? Take movie night up a notch at Reel Cinemas Lancaster. Watch the latest blockbusters on giant screens and comfy seats. Showtimes are flexible to suit your evening schedule and ticket prices won't break the bank. It’s a popcorn-munching night without the sofa snack-rifice. 

Struggling with winter blues? Fire and Ice Festival is the cure. It’s a 10-day extravaganza where your kids can see fire dancers light up the night, marvel at ice sculptures, and taste some winter treats. With multi-age activities and free tickets, this annual event ignites excitement on your frosty faces.

Tips for Families Visiting Lancaster

Planning Your Trip

Need a break from the daily grind? Ditch traffic jams and say hello to Lancaster! From cobblestone farms to bustling amusement parks, this delightful destination offers a choose-your-own-adventure playground, perfect for relaxed families, history buffs, or thrill-seekers. Let’s plan your next down-home escape to Lancaster!

Pick family-friendly lodging spots, like Cartoon Network Hotel, turning your rugrats’ cartoon dreams into a wide-awake reality, or Old Mill Stream Campground, swapping screens for starlit campfires. For dining options, try Miller’s Smorgasbord, where a classic Amish menu awaits. Plus, Lancaster is easy to explore by car, though public transportation and bike rentals are likewise convenient.

Start your day at Dutch Wonderland, an enchanted kingdom for kids and the young at heart. With exciting rides, live shows, and enough magic to rival a fairytale, this park easily fills a full day of fun. If you manage to tear yourself away from Dutch Wonderland, go for a local treat at Central Market and cap off your day with a picturesque bus tour through the farmlands at The Amish Farm and House.

This is just a quick sneak peek, but no matter your choice, Lancaster promises an outing packed with moments your family will treasure forever!

Budget-Friendly Options

Yes, we know that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. ’Cause, let’s face it, family adventures can strain the wallet. Stop worrying, budget-conscious travelers! With a bit of savvy planning, you can make the most of Lancaster without maxing out your credit card. Here’s how! 

Pack a picnic for a meal at one of Lancaster’s recreational areas, saving on dining costs while breathing fresh air. Park for free at many parks and attractions and, in downtown Lancaster, use the Park Lancaster app to avoid overpaying. Check out the Lancaster County website to get tickets for different outdoor activities at a discount.

The ultimate getaway packages? There’s only one answer: Dutch Wonderland’s Season Passes! Unleash the fun all season long and enjoy its exclusive perks, which can include unlimited admission, access to special events, merch discounts, and more! The best part? You can get a discount to next-door Cartoon Network Hotel and Old Mill Stream Campground, making Dutch Wonderland your backyard!

Exploring Lancaster’s natural beauty on a dime? Gotcha! Soak in the scenic landscapes with a drive through Amish Country, hike along Northwest Lancaster County River Trail for stunning views, or take a leisurely stroll to the sound of chirping songbirds at Long’s Park.

What are you waiting for? Plan your affordable visit to Lancaster right now and experience its magic without emptying your pockets!