Location: Lancaster
Top Things to do in Lancaster
What to do and see in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Things to do Good for Kids
Pennsylvania Dutch country is a fascinating destination to explore. Visitors will get a glimpse of farm life as it was in the early 1800s. Visit markets and farm stores for homemade shoofly pie and fresh produce, or shop for a handmade quilt. President James Buchanan's elegant home, Wheatland, is no less historic but contrasts sharply to the simpler Pennsylvania Dutch heritage sites in Lancaster. Consider a side trip to nearby Hershey, home of Hershey Park and the Hershey chocolate factory.
Restaurants in Lancaster
1. Fulton Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 643 reviews
Central Pennsylvania’s nationally regarded premier regional theatre, producing Broadway caliber musicals, comedies and dramas, employing professionals from New York City, the local community, and nationwide, experienced within a beautifully restored 165 year old national historic landmark of ornate Victorian architecture, walking distance from Lancaster’s historic attractions and one block from the Lancaster County Convention Center. MAINSTAGE: Million Dollar Quartet NOW-05/20/18; Hunchback of Notre Dame 06/15/18-07/22/18; GROFF STUDIO SERIES–99-seat Black Box–Intimate, Experiential: Red 05/08/18-05/27/18; FAMILY SERIES (Theatre for Young Audiences) one-hour performances at 11AM Saturday mornings: The Emperor's New Clothes 04/28/18-05/19/18; Aladdin 06/16/18-07/21/18
Reviewed By BetsyA170
Saw a great performance of one of my favorite Agatha Christie novels, Murder on the Orient Express. Cast is outstanding and the staff are so helpful and friendly. We really love this theater!
2. Lancaster Marionette Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
The Lancaster Marionette Theatre is one of the few marionette theatres in America, located in Historic Downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Robert Brock, the founder and Artistic Director, keeps this unique art form alive and well. He creates all the marionettes used in all productions, writes the scripts and music and performs in his unique one-man style. His humor appeals to children, as well as grown-ups. The John Durang Puppet Museum is open before performances. John Durang was the first puppeteer to be born in the USA. He was born in Lancaster in 1768. Backstage tours are given prior to every performance.The Marionette Theatre welcomes field trip groups. We hope to see you soon at one of our exciting shows. Thanks for visiting!
Reviewed By 272josephm - Lancaster, United States
I’ve seen two shows here and highly recommend this to both children and adults. The stories have cute characters and songs to keep the kiddos engaged and Robert throws in enough jokes to entertain the older crowd. Robert is the force that makes it all work with his enthusiastic personality, fun sense of humor, and genuineness! I recommend showing up early before the show to catch the museum and backstage tour. I also recommend taking some time afterwards to gets some pictures and to talk to Robert a bit. He is ridiculously friendly and loves to chat about his work and Lancaster! He’ll also give you tips for taking the best selfies!????
3. Historic St. Mary's Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By kghudson - Houston, United States
Walked to St. Mary's from the Central Market to see one of the oldest Catholic churches standing on its original sight. Church was open and getting ready for daily mass when we got there about 11:00. Beautiful stained glass, awe inspiring altar and a quiet and reverent church. We try to visit Catholic churches on our visits and St. Mary's was impressive and memorable. Beautiful, Holy spot!!
4. Escape On Queen
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 65 reviews
Escape. On Queen is a fun and interactive puzzle game where you and your team will have 60 minutes to solve a series of puzzles and clues to escape the room! Whether you are looking for a team building experience or you are looking for a unique Lancaster City activity, Escape. On Queen is sure to provide just what you are looking for!
Reviewed By SusanS544 - Lancaster, United States
Our team (5 of us) visited the Tavern room today at Escape on Queen and our host was so great with us. None of us had previous experience and the Tavern is apparently the most challenging of their rooms. We were all amazed at the great detail and intricate clues involved in this process. It was very well thought out and challenging. The room was a delight to be in and was well accessorized to work with the theme. While we missed solving the room in the 60 minutes allocated, we loved ever moment of the experience and look forward to trying other rooms @ Escape on Queen!!
5. Mennonite Information Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
A place to come to learn about the Mennonites and Amish of Lancaster County through literature, videos, guided tours, and conversation with a knowledgeable staff person. Also we have a full-scale model of the Biblical Tabernacle on our grounds.
Reviewed By sure2go - Lancaster, United States
The Mennonite Information Center is a great place to learn about the Mennonite and Amish community. In past years I have taken classes to learn the Amish language, which is a fusion language and a fraktur class. We also went on one of their local bus tours. We always enjoy their Christmas sale where local artists sell their handcrafted German art.
6. Landis Valley Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 337 reviews
Due to the precautions taken regarding COVID-19, the museum will be closed until further notice. Relax and roam through the authentic crossroads village and farms of Landis Valley as you learn the rich history of the Pennsylvania Germans of Lancaster County. Comprised of over 40 buildings on 100 acres, the museum is the guardian of 65+ varieties of heirloom seeds and the largest collection of Pennsylvania German artifacts in the U.S. Through costumed demonstrators, special events, group tours, award-winning exhibits, and educational programs for adults and children you'll come away all the more enriched by your experience here.
Reviewed By leoh5 - Jenkintown, United States
Great place to visit. We went when they had their end of season festival. We enjoyed all of their home-made recipes of Apple Cider and Sour Krauts! Told my wife how to prepare it herself! Great stuff!
7. Lancaster Central Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 976 reviews
Reviewed By FellowTraveler642208 - Penns Park, United States
Great market, great assortment of vendors - local people with local goods. Something for everyone. Cannot wait to visit again the next time we are in Lancaster.
8. Dutch Wonderland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,317 reviews
With over 35 rides, attractions, and shows, Dutch Wonderland is the perfect place to spend time together as a family. Cool off in Duke's Lagoon water play area and make discoveries at Exploration Island, where dinosaurs come to life!
Reviewed By wwwkenorg
I first visited Dutch Wonderland as a child with my family, and now that I am grown with a family of my own, we visit here every year. The price of entry is a bit steep, but it includes all the rides and the water park. If you go within three hours of closing the night before and buy your tickets for the next day, they let you enjoy the park for the three hours! Parking is plentiful, but some days they charge (a premium if you want to park close), and some days the booths are closed and parking is free (I don't really understand this). If you've been coming here since the 70's like I have, and you look around, you will see some of the original rides still around (the train is the first thing you see as you come through the gate). You'll also see some of the original boats (just for posing with pictures), the still-active turnpike cars, and if you look by the horse ride area, the original farm silo slide is there (but no longer in use). Lots of newer rides too (Merlin's Mayhem is short but sweet). Please understand - this place is well kept, clean, and the friendly staff works hard to make sure you have a good time. One time we lost a special pin that we had on our backpack while on the boat road. They actually removed it from service and tore it apart and found it! They wave and smile and make you feel at home. Our kids always have a great time, and while the adults get to ride a few things, you'll enjoy watching the kids have a great time in an amusement park designed for them. It's a kingdom for kids!
9. Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 679 reviews
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre is a year-round entertainment facility that performs eight mainstage musicals and four childrens productions each year as well as hosts several tribute concerts. Our theatre seats 328, and we offer a selection of dining options. Enjoy our full all you can eat buffet before each Sunday - Wednesday evening and matinee show. The buffet menu changes with each show and can be found on our website. On Friday and Saturday evening, enjoy Prime Rib on the carving station. On Thursday evenings, we offer a four course served meal. Let us serve you with full service, plated dinners right at your table! Looking for show only? Sit anywhere in the theatre on Thursday evenings. Appetizers and desserts menu is available for an additional cost. There is also a Gift Shop and Art Gallery within the building. We offer special rates for groups of 16 or more and offer special discounts and perks for season subscribers. Let us cater your next special occasion in our Encore Room!
Reviewed By 831connier - Kempton, United States
Dinner was very good and the production of "Grease" was outstanding. The wait staff was friendly and attentive. Definitely deserves 5 stars! Connie R., Kempton PA
10. The Amish Farm and House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,556 reviews
We are OPEN for the season. Come visit us for a great tour of an Amish house or sit back and relax as we drive through the farmlands. Our 15-acre farm is filled with friendly animals who can't wait to meet you! Escape to Amish Country and enjoy your vacation at a slower pace. Here at the Amish Farm and House you can cross off your entire 'Amish Country bucket list' with us! We have guided house and bus tours, buggy rides, 15-acre farm visits, animals, Amish artisans, food and more! We invite you to visit our historic house museum and completely immerse yourself into the Amish lifestyle. Our bus tours will guide you through picturesque Amish farmlands and make stops at Amish shops. After touring with us, pet our farm animals and visit an Amish one-room schoolhouse all on our 15-acre farm. We've been welcoming guests to Amish Country since 1955 when we started as America's first Amish educational museum. Now it's your turn to experience the beauty of Amish Country.
Reviewed By jjk5332 - Hillsborough, United States
we loved the bus tour with Shirley as are guide she is very nice and knows so much about the Amish life style the stops we made were fantastic the farm itself is great so many animals and make sure you get something eat the food is great
