If you’re looking for fun, new ways to spend time with your kids in Lancaster, take them to one of these amazing places right here in the County. No matter what the season, you and your children can have wonderful experiences together right near your home. It’s a great way to switch up the activities and make some truly special memories together. We’ve compiled a list of 8 awesome, doable, kid-friendly activities perfected just for you and your family. They include experiences like visiting the science-focused Snapology, learning the ropes behind the Turkey Hill dairy farm, and a majestic railroad ride through the peaceful Amish Country. So buckle up, get ready for some fun, and enjoy the ride!
Snapology
Location
Services Lancaster, PA and surrounding areas
Price
Classes and camps starting at $99
Age Range
K-12
Groups are further broken up by grade
Details
Let your kids’ imagination run free at the encouraging and supportive science center known as Snapology. Snapology is an innovative and explorative place for your children to learn basic STEM concepts (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). If you are new to Snapology, know that it is a unique company that is passionate about robotics, engineering, and teaching your children these important skills so relevant in science today. This franchise offers a variety of exciting opportunities for your kids, like summer camps, interactive classes, and educational sessions. Snapology serves the Lancaster County region, so let them come to you! Whether it be through the use of LEGOs, blocks, or kinetics, your kids will be rewarded with a hands-on experience that they won’t forget, and will be able to learn from in the process! There are many interesting camps and programs offered for children of all ages and all abilities, so don’t pass up on this wonderful experience to teach your kids something they won’t ever forget.
2. Go N Bananas
Location
1170 Garfield Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
Price
Nano’s Deluxe Pass: $29.99
Safari Super Pass: $24.99
Jungle VIP Pass: $19.99
Monkey Toddler Pass: $9.99
Age Range
Toddlers+
Details
Go N Bananas, the family fun center is the all inclusive party palace for hours of fun and endless smiles. Let your kids explore the jungle-themed play place for hours as they eat, play, and make friends. There are several special areas inside the attraction, that offer a variety of different activities. Some of these themed zones include Discovery Forest, the toddler world where your youngest ones have the freedom to play freely with others their age, as well as Urban Quest, the laser zone arena where competitive kids can really get into the game. Some of the most popular areas in the park include Ke-Laah Island, the adventurous region where laser mazes, ball pits, and arcade games reign, and the super special Arctic Adventures, which is popular for its rope course and mini-bowling station. Go N Bananas is also accommodating for special events, like birthday parties, group packages, and corporate events. These generous bundles come with access to several of the themed activities, and a private room for party favors. Whether you’re there for a day of fun, celebrating a special event, or just to give yourself a break from the kids, they are guaranteed to have a fun time at Go N Bananas!
3. Sky Zone
Elizabeth Clark, a community readiness specialist with the Hurlburt Field Airman and Family Readiness Center, engages with children during a Hearts Apart event at the Sky Zone in Pensacola, Fla., Jan. 28, 2017. The Hurlburt Airman and Family Readiness Center hosts monthly events and offers support opportunities for families of deployed Air Commandos. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kasie P. Whitfield)
Location
1701 Hempstead Road #102
Lancaster, PA 17601
Price
Hour sessions range from $15-$25
Age Range
If under 18, need a parental signature on the waiver
Details
If you haven’t experienced the first indoor trampoline park, then now is the time to pick up your kids and head on over to Sky Zone. This energy-filled activity is the perfect way to exhaust your most hyper children with either the 60 minute session, 90-minute session, or special event (birthday party, weekend dodgeball tournament, and glow night). This indoor venue has a variety of different jumping-related activities, like a foam jumping pit, a trampoline basketball court, a dodgeball arena, and a plethora of trampolines on trampolines. Your kids can jump their way through the day until it’s ready for nap time, lunch time, or just your time. Feel free to join them if you’d like, persons 18 and up are welcome too! Sky Zone takes safety first, and requires waivers before participation, which requires that those under the age of 18 get a parent or guardian to sign. Special grippy socks are then given to the jumpers, so they can enjoy a sanitary jumping experience. Hop on over today for a fun-filled session that you and your kids won’t regret!
4. Turkey Hill Experience
Location
301 Linden Street
Columbia, PA 17512
Price
Regular (ages 13-61): $15.40
Senior (ages 62+): $14.95
Junior (ages 4-12): $14.95
Children (ages 3 and under): $5.45
Military: $5.45
Age Range
All ages
Details
Looking for an educational field trip for the kids? Turkey Hill Experience is a quaint dairy farm in Columbia, PA, which works to teach visitors all about the culture, process, and history behind Turkey Hill Dairy. Guests will get an up-close-and-personal look inside how the company makes and produces its ice cream products. You will truly become an educated dairy farmer and ice cream maker by the end of your visit. Fun perks include creating your own virtual ice cream maker, milk mechanical cows, take a picture in the vintage milk truck, be the star of a Turkey Hill commercial, and taste plenty of delicious ice cream samples! The company recommends setting about 2 hours aside to ensure guests enough time get the full Turkey Hill Experience and visit to the Taste Lab. Turkey Hill Experience additionally offers a Tea Discovery experience where visitors can learn, taste, and explore the makings of Turkey Hill iced teas. Sip on the sweet brews, smell the savory aromas, and learn about the origins of tea!
5. Lancaster Central Market
Location
23 North Market Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
Price
Vary
Age Range
All ages
Details
It might be time to meet you at market! This familiar saying is heard commonly around Lancaster county, and Take your kids out for a day of shopping at the country’s oldest public farmers’ markets, Lancaster Central Market. This historical market was first created in 1730, and is one of the perfect places for families and children to explore the numerous fruits of the county’s labor. Over 60 different farmers, artisans, and craftsmen/women participate in this communal event where it is open to the public three days every week. Let your family run around and explore the delicacies that each vendor has to offer, with every stand offering fresh products, delicious treats, and a rich culture. Many of the spots at the market have been held by families for over hundreds of years. You can visit during their open hours from 6AM to 4PM on Tuesday’s and Friday’s, and 6AM to 2PM on Saturday’s. The market is centrally located in downtown Lancaster, making it easily accessible and with plenty of options for parking.
6. Strasburg Rail Road
Location
301 Gap Road
Price
Economy Class: $15.50
Dining Car: $17.50
Premium Car: $21-$26
Age Range
All ages
Details
Coined a full steam adventure, the Strasburg Rail Road is a perfect way to switch things up and give your kids a unique day of excitement and adventure. This special railroad allows guests to experience a one-of-a-kind authentic train ride through the heart of the beautiful Amish countryside. The ride will take passengers all the way to Paradise Falls, PA, and back. This historical railroad is America’s oldest operating one, with its first use dating back to 1832. Although it underwent a period of abandonment in the mid 20th century, the railroad was brought back to life as an interactive tourist experience rather than as a freight transporter. See over 2,500 acres of farmland, countryside, and what all kids love most, cows! This enjoyable ride lasts for 45 minutes round-trip, with a conductor narrating the beautiful sights the passengers get to see. The Strasburg Rail Road is the perfect mix of history, sightseeing, and a sense of adventure. Book your ride today!
7. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
Location
150 Cherry Hill Road
Ronks, PA 17572
Price
Passes vary by season.
Spring passes (May 26th-June 30th) are the following:
Farm Fun Pass: $12
Shootn’ Special Pass: $22
Hog Wild Pass: $25
Bounce Back Pass: $30
Season Pass: $60+
Age Range
All ages
Details
Welcome to Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, where fun grows and there are outdoor activities for all! These farm fun attractions are as great for kids as they are for the rest of the family! Some of the fun games included at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm are Barnyard activities, courtyard activities, the Amazing Maize Maze, and the Shootn’ Gallery. The Barnyard activities include the the Hay Chute Slide, Big Ball Corral, Country Road Carts, Lil’ Farmers Playland, the Barnyard Animal Grove, the Hay Jump Tent, and much, much more. Don’t worry about spending the whole day at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, because there are multiple food and drink spots that are sure to satisfy your little ones. The farm is proud to have a lemonade wagon, a kettle corn wagon, the Chuck Wagon Cafe and Grill, as well as pizza, soda, and ice cream! Take your family for a day of fun, become regulars with season passes, or plan a special event like a birthday party. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is happy to suit whatever needs your family may have in order to ensure a perfect and fun-filled day!
8. Dutch Wonderland
Location
2249 Lincoln Highway East
East Lancaster, PA 17602
Price
Day passes range from $22 – $36
Kids 2 and under are free
Age Range
All ages, with certain rides having height limits
Details
If you have kids who like to kick it into overdrive with their activities, make sure to take them to Dutch Wonderland, the fairy-tale themed Dutch County amusement park. There are all types of fun to be had at Dutch Wonderland, including rides, shows, and delicious food. Some of the most popular attractions are The Aqua Stadium, a theatrical experience that involves aerobics, diving, and a big slash, the Joust Family Roller Coaster, which is a ricochet of fun for you and your kids, and the Prehistoric Path, a walking path with over 20 lifelike dinosaurs that your kids can admire. The mix of carnival games, water park rides, and thrilling coasters make this the perfect family-friendly activity that will ensure an exciting and action packed day for everyone. The park is also very accommodating, with reasonably priced parking, a Nursing Mothers Station, and height requirement signs for rides around the park. Let your kids have a wonderful and magical day at this kingdom made just for them!
