Top 10 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Lancaster PA

group of kids smiling at the camera

During your family vacations to AmishView Inn & Suites, you’ll come to find we are centrally located to a variety of things to do in Lancaster PA with your kids! There are many family-friendly adventures to take advantage of to ensure that you’re loved ones stay entertained. We know that planning an itinerary for your family getaways can be time-consuming, so let us act as your guide and offer advice on how to make your trip a kid-friendly one! Most of these are within 15 minutes of AmishView Inn & Suites, making AmishView the perfect place to stay.

Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park  

When you’re looking for kid-friendly things to do in Lancaster PA, spending the day at Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park should be at the top of your list! Your kids will be grinning from ear to ear as they experience the many thrill rides that are meant for those with little ones along! The theme park has deemed itself a “Kingdom for Kids,” which means it will be the perfect way to introduce your children to an amusement park! Bring your swimsuit along during your day at the park, and make your way to Duke’s Lagoon, a water play area with activity pools, and water rides!  Enjoy a park that features over 30 rides, an abundance of activities, games, and shows for your entire family during your stay at our Lancaster inn!

Hands-on House, Children’s Museum of Lancaster  

We know children sometimes need constant entertainment, which is why a visit to the Hands-on House Children’s Museum will be the perfect stop during your stay. Plan to spend an hour or two at the museum where there are many indoor and outdoor interactive play areas to explore! Indoors your kids will be able to dress up, face paint, play pretend in a little grocery store, post office, among many other small play areas! The outdoor play location features a playground and meadow for the kids to roam about and expend their energy! Many of the indoor interactive areas are suitable for children ages 2-10 and will be one of your favorite family-friendly things to do in Lancaster PA!

Go ‘N Bananas Family Fun Center  

Your family will love the variety of adventure offered at Go ‘N Bananas Family Fun Center located just minutes from our Lancaster inn. All ages are welcome to the local family center where you’ll find laser tag, arcade games, bowling, and can even traverse through a ropes course! Check out the Spin Zone where you’ll be able to make quick U-turns, spin cars, and run into your fellow family members bumper cars! When you have toddlers along during family vacation, swing by the Toddler Zone in the center to keep the little ones entertained! The zone is filled with colorful playground objects and obstacles where the kids will be able to explore in a creative atmosphere! Make your way to the Go ‘N Bananas Family Fun Center to have the adventure of a lifetime!

Lancaster Science Factory

For curious kids who love to touch, build, test, and explore, the Lancaster Science Factory is a wonderful indoor stop in Lancaster City. This hands-on science center features more than 75 interactive STEM exhibits designed for children in Pre-K through 8th grade, making it a great choice for families who want learning to feel like play. It is also a helpful rainy-day activity when you need something fun, educational, and easy to enjoy year-round. 

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Ronks is a classic Lancaster County family attraction, especially for kids who love wide-open spaces and farm-style fun. Families can enjoy seasonal activities, play areas, farm animals, and the farm’s popular corn maze, which features 5 acres and more than 2.5 miles of paths in the fall. From springtime events to autumn harvest fun, Cherry Crest is a memorable way to let kids burn off energy while enjoying the beauty of Amish Country. 

Barnyard Kingdom

Located at the Country Barn near Lancaster, Barnyard Kingdom offers 10 acres of down-home farm fun for families. Kids can enjoy outdoor activities, learn more about life on a working farm, and experience a playful setting that connects them with where food comes from. It is a good pick for families looking for fresh air, room to roam, and a kid-friendly Lancaster County farm experience. 

Strasburg Rail Road

A ride on the Strasburg Rail Road is one of the most beloved things to do with kids in Lancaster County. Families can climb aboard an authentic steam train for a relaxing 45-minute ride through scenic farmland, with seating options that range from coach to open-air cars. Train-loving children will especially enjoy the sights, sounds, and history of America’s oldest operating railroad. 

National Toy Train Museum

The National Toy Train Museum in Strasburg is a must-see for kids, grandparents, and anyone who loves miniature railroads. Home to the Train Collectors Association, the museum features interactive operating train layouts in several gauges, including Lionel-style trains and LEGO displays. It is a charming stop for families who want a quieter, nostalgic attraction that still keeps children engaged. 

Choo Choo Barn

The Choo Choo Barn in Strasburg brings Lancaster County to life in miniature with a 1,700-square-foot model train display full of animated scenes and charming details. Kids can watch trains travel through tiny towns, farms, and local landmarks, while adults often enjoy spotting the craftsmanship throughout the display. Plan for about an hour, making it an easy add-on to a Strasburg train-themed day. 

Amish Buggy Ride with Aaron & Jessica

For a slower-paced Lancaster County experience, Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides gives families the chance to travel by horse and buggy through peaceful Amish farmland. Their rides pass along Amish backroads and working farm areas, with several route options available depending on the kind of experience your family wants. It is a simple, memorable way for kids to see the countryside and experience one of the most iconic parts of Amish Country. This is right on Plain & Fancy Farm with AmishView Inn & Suites.

North Museum of Nature and Science

The North Museum of Nature and Science in Lancaster is a wonderful stop for families who want to mix fun with learning. Kids can explore hands-on science exhibits, discover natural history displays, meet live animals, and enjoy planetarium shows that bring the wonders of space to life. It is a great indoor activity for curious children, especially on a rainy day or when your family wants a quieter break from outdoor adventures in Lancaster County.

After a full day of family fun in Lancaster County, AmishView Inn & Suites offers a peaceful place to unwind and recharge. Families can start each morning with a delicious complimentary breakfast before heading out to explore, then return for a relaxing swim in the indoor pool. With comfortable accommodations, scenic Amish Country surroundings, and easy access to many of Lancaster’s top kid-friendly attractions, AmishView makes a wonderful home base for your family getaway. Book your stay at AmishView today!