One of many fall activities Pinnacle Overlook Rocks Tom Roe Photography @DiscoverLancaster

Activities for Fall Fun in Lancaster County

September 8, 2023

16 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.

Shows & 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.
  • 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 the first two Saturdays in September. Plus, you won’t want to miss there Pumpkin Madness Festival on November 4 with Pumpkin Chuckin’ and Pumpkin Put-Put.  On Saturdays starting in September, 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.
  • Barnyard Kingdom at Country Barn Market
    • Opening the weekend of September 2, 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 on November 4th. 

Fields & Fun

  • 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. 
  • 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 30 – Oct 29 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 11 and is not for the faint of heart. 

Local Restaurants & Festivals

  • Lancaster County Restaurant Week
    • From November 6 to November 12, be sure to check out Lancaster County Restaurant Week, where local restaurants join together to raise money for the Lancaster Farmland Trust, which seeks to preserve the beautiful farmlands of Lancaster County. During this week, Miller’s Smorgasbord will donate $1 from each adult smorgasbord meal and Smokehouse BBQ & Brews will donate $1 from each to help preserve Lancaster County farmland.
  • Lititz Craft Beer Fest
    • September 23 in Lititz. Raises money for 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. 

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. Be sure to stop by on October 7th for Old Fashioned Day, which will include arts and crafts vendors, craft demonstrations, food vendors, and old-fashioned games. It is sure to be a day of fun for the whole family.
  • 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. Full Moon nights will occur on September 30 and October 28.

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
  • 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 19 – October 29, 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!

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