Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, Lancaster County stands out as one of the most beautiful areas in the state. With a rich history that dates back to Dutch, German, and English influences, Lancaster County boasts a unique blend of cultures contributing to its diverse community.
Lancaster County is home to Amish and Mennonite communities, adding to its charm. Visitors can experience a glimpse of their traditional way of life while exploring the area’s picturesque countryside.
Whether it’s the rolling farmlands or the old-fashioned villages, Lancaster County has something to offer everyone seeking a taste of Amish Country life.
1. Long’s Park
You must visit Long’s Park if you love to picnic or hike in a green space near Lancaster City. There are a variety of activities at Long’s Park, including
- The park hosts a summer music series, a fine art and craft show, and fireworks on the 4th of July.
- You and your family can enjoy the park’s natural surroundings, including the petting farm, kids’ playgrounds, a spring-fed lake, tennis courts, and a fitness trail.
- You can fish, walk, or bike throughout Long’s Park’s 80-acre natural area.
2. Lancaster Central Market
Visit the oldest farmers’ market in the U.S. Lancaster Central Market, located in a 120+-year-old building in downtown Lancaster City, is one of the fun activities to do when visiting Lancaster, PA.
Central Market’s current market was built in 1889, and some of the stands have been owned by the same families throughout the generations.
You can buy farm fresh produce; meats, poultry, and fish; dairy and eggs; fresh flowers; bread and baked goods; ice cream; soups and sandwiches; coffees and teas; specialty grocery items, and much more.
Market days, when Central Market is open, fall on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
3. Visit Lancaster’s Art Scene
Walk down the 100 and 200 blocks of Prince Street in Lancaster City, also known as Gallery Row. Visit Christiane David’s gallery and take in one of her favorite subjects, poppies. Stop into Red Raven Art Company which represents 40 artists from Lancaster and regional talent.
If you’re visiting on the first Friday of the month, visit Gallery Row for unique things to do in Lancaster, PA.
4. Take in a Show at Sight and Sound Theater
To see the Bible come to life, visit Sight and Sound Theater in Ronks (near Strasburg). Stories of David, Queen Esther, and Moses come alive on stage at Sight and Sound Theater.
And you’re not only taking in the story on a stage, but the animals and cast also use the aisles as part of the stage, making you feel like you’re part of the action.
5. Catch a Ballgame at Clipper Stadium
See the Barnstormers, Lancaster’s baseball team, at the Clipper Magazine Stadium on North Prince St. in Lancaster City. There’s more than baseball being played at the stadium. Indeed, you can find a variety of activities at Clipper Magazine Stadium, including:
6. Landis Valley Museum
Are you and your family hoping to take in some history as part of the fun things to do in Lancaster?If you visit Landis Valley Museum, you’ll see history come alive by strolling through a Pennsylvania German village, complete with a 19th Century tavern, an 1890s schoolhouse, an old blacksmith shop, and other buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. You can even take a wagon ride through the museum grounds.
7. Outlet Shopping
Find all of your favorite brands and save money at the same time by shopping at Tanger Outlets at 312 Stanley K. Tanger Blvd in Lancaster. You’ll find top brands like Adidas, Banana Republic, Crocs, Disney Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Michael Kors, Saks Off 5th, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armor, and more.
You can also visit The Shops @Rockvale at 35 S. Willowdale Drive in Lancaster, PA, for things to do near Lancaster, PA. You’ll find children’s clothes at Carter’s, eat at Cracker Barrel, and let your toddlers let off steam at Busy Bodies Play Café.
8. President James Buchanan’s Wheatland
To get off the beaten path of things to do in Lancaster, you must visit President James Buchanan’s home, Wheatland. President Buchanan served as the 15th president of the United States.
Tour the Federal-style home from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday after April 3, 2023. You’ll be able to stand in many of the rooms the president stood in during a guided, in-person tour of Wheatland. Reservations are encouraged.
You can engage in other unique things to do in Lancaster, PA, while visiting President James Buchanan’s Wheatland, including the research center, museum exhibitions, the museum store, and the Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum.
9. Go Ziplining at Refreshing Mountain
If you’re looking for fun activities where you can see Amish Country, you want to make a day trip to Refreshing Mountain in Stevens, PA. One of the most fun things to do near Lancaster, PA, Refreshing Mountain’s 5-Star Canopy Zipline tours have you zooming through the air.
Refreshing Mountain also has cabins and hotel rooms for families to spend the entire weekend participating in outdoor activities. Your family can enjoy a beautiful wooded retreat center, on-site outdoor activities, and a safe and family-friendly environment.
10. Scooter Tours in Strasburg
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Lancaster, PA, you must take a scooter tour in Strasburg. Enjoy a guided tour through the town of Strasburg and back roads in Amish Country.
Strasburg Scooter Tours has a 5-star Trip Advisor rating. As one of Lancaster, PA’s best-reviewed tours and attractions, rest assured that no matter which tours you choose, you’re guaranteed to enjoy your time at Strasburg Scooter Tours.
On your tour, take in Lancaster County’s quaint towns and the farmland surrounding Strasburg. You can book for:
- A Covered-Bridge tour
- Bridges and Brunch tour
- Ice Cream Experience tour
- Date Night in Amish Country tour
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can book a custom private scooter tour with your friends and family.
Book your Strasburg Scooter Tour today!
