Activities for Fall Fun in Lancaster County

Key Takeaways: Your Guide to Autumn in Lancaster County

• Family-Friendly Farm Adventures: Explore the region’s top agricultural attractions, including the massive corn mazes at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, and hayrides at Barnyard Kingdom.
• Thrills & Haunted History: From the terrifying haunted houses at Field of Screams to candlelit ghost tours and lantern-lit history walks through Lancaster City and Columbia, there are plenty of haunts for every level of bravery. Plus, check out “Happy Hauntings” at Dutch Wonderland.
• Unique Seasonal Experiences: Take part in one-of-a-kind local events like a Murder Mystery train ride on the Strasburg Rail Road, full-moon bonfires at the Wolf Sanctuary, or a subterranean tour of the historic Indian Echo Caverns.
• Classic Harvest Traditions: Enjoy the best of the season by visiting local apple orchards for pick-your-own fruit, attending the Lititz Craft Beer Fest, or spending a themed weekend at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.
• Scenic Fall Foliage: Discover the best vistas for autumn colors in the Mid-Atlantic, including Breezyview Overlook and the Susquehannock State Park, all located just a short drive from AmishView Inn & Suites.

20 Ideas for Having Fun this Fall in Lancaster

Lancaster County is home to countless fall activities and things to do that are sure to provide plenty of entertainment for the whole family. Whether you’re looking to learn more about the history of Lancaster, experience local farms, or get in the Halloween spirit, there is something to do for everyone!

Be sure to check out these fun fall activities during your next stay in one of our boutique hotel rooms & suites.

Fields & Fun

• Cherry Crest Farms 
  • If you’re looking for a day full of fun for the whole family, be sure to check out Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Ronks this fall! Their Sunflower Festival takes place on August 31 and September 7th. Plus, you won’t want to miss their Pumpkin Madness Festival on November 2nd with Pumpkin Chuckin’ and Pumpkin Put-Put.  On Saturdays, you can catch live music and visits from local wineries and breweries, while you enjoy the endless attractions this farm has to offer. Plus, every Saturday in October there are firework displays. From Flashlight Mazes to Wagon Tours and plenty of games, you are sure to enjoy your day at Cherry Crest. Closes after the first weekend in November. Please see website for hours and events.
• Corn Cob Acres
  • There is plenty to see at this local farm, with photo ops, hayrides, and games for kids that will fill your whole day with fun. Plus, most weekends include live entertainment, check out their online calendar. 
• Barnyard Kingdom at Country Barn Market
  • Barnyard Kingdom is home to many classic fall activities, including hayrides, petting zoo, train rides, and more! Rides out to the pumpkin field start in September and don’t miss Pumpkin Demolition Day in November. 
• Dutch Wonderland Happy Hauntings
  • Every fall, Dutch Wonderland transforms into a land full of Halloween fun designed for the younger members of your group, with just the right amount of spookiness. With a trick-or-treat trail, costume contests, puppet shows, and classic Dutch Wonderland rides, this event is full of fun. Happy Hauntings will be open from Sept 14– Oct 27 this year.
• Field of Screams
  • For the thrill-seekers in your group, be sure to visit Field of Screams, a staple of Halloween time in Lancaster County. Take a terrifying Haunted Hayride or test your bravery in one of their haunted houses. This event runs every weekend through November 16 and is not for the faint of heart. 

Shows, Festivals & Fairs

• Farm Shows & Fairs
  • Lancaster County has numerous county fairs and farm shows for fun fall activities. From live animals showcases to live music, find the right show with our farm show and fair list.
• Artisan Days at The Shoppes at Miller’s
  • On the first and fourth Saturday of October, The Shoppes at Miller’s will host local artisans that will be showcasing their talents. Also, at The Quilt Shop at Miller’s, there will be hand quilting demonstrations. For more information on Artisan Days, visit The Shoppes at Miller’s website.
• Lititz Craft Beer Fest
  • The Beer Fest takes place in late September and raises money for Lititz community non-profits. Attendees will experience live music, a range of food options from some great local food trucks, and 150+ offerings to sample from more than 80 craft breweries and our Homebrew Competition finalists. 
• Lancaster MusicFest 
  • MusicFest happens every September in Buchanan Park (Lancaster City). It is a lively outdoor celebration featuring live music, local food, craft beverages, street performers, artisans, and plenty of room to relax with friends. This festival is produced by the SmartHub Foundation, whose mission is to support a more engaged, healthy, and vibrant Lancaster community. Proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network and Schreiber Pediatric, making Lancaster MusicFest a fun and meaningful way to enjoy the best of Lancaster County.
• I-105 FallFest
  • This Country Music fest brings big headliners and takes place the first weekend in October in Lancaster, PA. Check out the list and schedule here.
• One World Festival
  • The One World Festival in Lancaster celebrates the rich cultures, traditions, and communities that make Lancaster County such a welcoming place to visit. Guests can enjoy a colorful day of international food, music, performances, and family-friendly activities while learning about the heritage of neighbors from around the world. This inspiring community event is a wonderful way to experience the spirit of Lancaster—joyful, diverse, and connected
• Lititz Outdoor Fine Art Show
  • Takes place outdoors in historic Lititz and is hosted by the Lititz Art Association and highlights fine artists and creative work from around the country.
• Lititz Chocolate Walk
  • Takes place the Saturday before Columbus Day, giving chocolate lovers a delicious reason to spend the day downtown. Guests visit participating stops throughout Lititz to sample chocolate treats while supporting local youth-focused charities. Tickets sell out quickly so make sure to purchase yours early.

Unique Experiences

• Strasburg Railroad Murder Mystery Train
  • This exclusive and intimate train ride will take its passengers through a thrilling mystery, where five actors will bring to life a story of an impending Broadway premiere and the chilling events that happen leading up to the party. Can you solve the crime before the event begins? This train ride is for guests ages 10 and older and is 45 minutes in length.
• Indian Echo Caverns
  • Echo Dell holds plenty of history and beautiful sights in the limestone caverns which has made it one of the most-visited attractions on the East Coast. Open daily, Indian Echo Caverns hosts hourly tours into the breathtaking caverns and hosts plenty of outdoor activities.
• Howl at the Moon at the Wolf Sanctuary
  • Be sure to check out the full moon bonfire nights at the PA Wolf Sanctuary. A nighttime tour and a one-of-a-kind experience where you can learn more about the wolves while seeing them up close. Or, visit during the day for a public tour to see the wolves and learn about their biology and conservation. Make sure to check out Full Moon Nights or Wolf Awareness Days.

Tours & Parks

• Columbia’s Haunted Lantern Tour
  • Take a chilling tour through Columbia featuring the stories of the past at the annual Columbia Haunted Lantern Tour. This tour will take you through the town as you encounter those who lived before us. This event runs select weekends in October and offers a night full of scary stories and history. 
• Lancaster’s Haunted History – Ghost Tours
  • Take a candlelight tour of Lancaster City and learn the history of the area while hearing the stories of star-crossed lovers, otherworldly vigils, and fatal curses. Who knows what you may encounter on this tour of the city? 
• Take in the Fall Foliage
  • Between the scenic farmland and the beautiful parks, there is plenty of fall scenes to take in. A few great places to check out the foliage are Breezyview Overlook at Chickies Rock County Park, Lancaster County Central Park, Lititz Springs Park, Pinnacle Overlook at Susquehannock State Park, Speedwell Forge County Park, and Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area
• Pick Your Own Apples
  • There is a huge selection of orchards offering apple picking including Kauffman Orchards, Cherry Hill Orchard, Flichbaugh’s Orchard, Weaver’s Orchard, Brecknock Orchard. Take a stroll through their aisles of trees and find the perfect fruit for the fall season. Make sure to check out their websites for hours, pricings and other offerings. 
• Renaissance Faire
  • Each fall, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Fair brings entertainment, food, and plenty of fun to all who attend. This event runs from August 17 – October 27, and will be hosting themed weekends. Stop by this fall, as the Faire celebrates the Queen’s Royal Birthday!

After a day full of fun fall activities in Lancaster County, unwind in the peaceful atmosphere of AmishView Inn & Suites for a perfect Lancaster County getaway. Be sure to book your stay with us today!