Cherry Crest Adventure Farm: Lancaster PA’s Hidden Gem

At Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Lancaster County, PA, every corner of its 25 acres is bursting with fun… and trust us, you’ll need the whole day to soak it all in.

With over 50 unique farm attractions, this isn’t your day on the farm; it’s a one-of-a-kind experience the whole family will love.

Picture this: kids bouncing on giant rainbow pillows with corn fields in the background, flying down mountain slides on grain sacks, and getting buried in the corn crib (which is basically a barn full of corn kernels).

And those are just a few attractions at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. We were seriously blown away by the size of this place and the sheer number of things to do… it truly lives up to its name as an Adventure Farm!

Looking to extend the fun beyond Cherry Crest Farm? Our 4-day Lancaster Itinerary has you covered with more must-see attractions!

Arriving at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Main square at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

The Courtyard entrance at Cherry Crest Farm

From the moment you pull into the huge parking lot, you’ll know you’re in for a full day of adventure… so be ready to get those steps in!

With 25 acres and over 50 attractions to explore, comfortable shoes are a must.

Here’s what you need to know

Ticket booth at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Ticket prices change seasonally at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm.

Tickets

Prices vary by season, ranging from $18.95 in early summer to $34.95 on peak fall weekends during festival days.

Children under 3 are always free; military personnel can receive 25% off their ticket price when purchasing at the door.

Keep in mind that tickets are non-refundable, so it’s best to buy them just before you arrive or purchase them at the door to avoid being out of luck if plans change.

Seasonal Hours

The farm operates seasonally, and hours vary throughout the year. The farm typically opens at 10 a.m., while closing times vary by season.

Check the current schedule before your visit, especially during busy times like fall, when the farm is packed with families.

Note: The farm is closed on Sundays.

Maps on Arrival

Don’t worry about getting lost in this sprawling farm!

Upon entry, you’ll receive a map to help you navigate all the attractions, so you can plan your route without zigzagging all over the farm.

Once you’ve got your tickets and map in hand, you’re ready to start exploring.

The good news? Cherry Crest Farm is stroller and wagon-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about little legs getting tired.

With so much ground to cover, you’ll easily spend the entire day discovering new things around every corner.

If you are turning your Cherry Crest Visit into an overnight adventure…

The nearby Cartoon Network Hotel has themed rooms, character meet-and-greets, and plenty of fun for kids who aren’t ready for the fun to end.

Some of the Fun Attractions at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Climbing play area at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Kids love climbing and exploring the Feed Mill Playground at Cherry Crest Farm.

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is packed, and we mean seriously packed with activities that keep the fun going all day long.

What sets it apart from other adventure farms is that nearly all the attractions operate without electricity, making the experience hands-on, immersive, and family-friendly.

Powered by creativity and the natural world, the farm radiates a unique Lancaster County charm that’s hard to find elsewhere.

If Cherry Crest Adventure Farm has sparked your thrill-seeker spirit, find even more fun in our Guide to Thrilling Activities in Lancaster!

Kids at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm slides

Grab a grain sack and shoot down one of the many slides at Cherry Crest Farm.

Here are some of the top attractions that kids absolutely love:

Mountain Slides

These giant slides are a must-do! Even climbing to the top is part of the excitement. The hay chute slide is perfect for younger children, while the larger mountain slide offers a thrilling ride for those craving more adventure.

Jumping pillows at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Shaded fun at the Barnyard Jump.

Barnyard Jump

These massive, shaded bouncing pillows are a family favorite. They’re perfect for burning off energy while staying cool on hot days.

Plus, they thoughtfully separate older jumpers from the little ones to ensure everyone has a safe and fun experience.

Corn maze history board at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

A history of the corn mazes at Cherry Crest Farm.

Corn Maze

Cherry Crest’s interactive 5-acre corn maze offers three levels of difficulty, so there’s an adventure for everyone, from beginners to maze pros.

The beginner maze, which takes about 20–30 minutes, features fun climbing structures and interactive displays. The medium maze takes approximately 45 minutes, while the full maze can take 1–2 hours to complete.

And if you time it right, you might just catch the Strasburg Steam Train chugging by the maze… talk about a prime viewing spot!

The corn maze is legendary, but Lancaster has even more cool things to do in Lancaster PA worth weaving into your trip.

Have a locomotive lover in your group?

You won’t believe all of the train attractions in the Lancaster area!

Kids riding pedal karts at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Pedal track for the older kids to zoom around at Cherry Crest Farm.

Pedal Karts

Who needs motors when you have pedal power? Race your way around the track with family-friendly pedal carts.

There are 3 different Pedal Kart tracks, including one for younger children and even larger family karts that everyone can enjoy.

Kids playing in the corn crib at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

The Corn Crib at Cherry Crest Farm is a huge hit with younger visitors.

Corn Crib

Imagine a barn filled with mountains of corn kernels. Kids can jump in, dig, and play for hours. It’s surprisingly deep, making it an incredibly satisfying sensory experience. Just take off your shoes and dive in!

Pig Races

One of the most entertaining events of the day, the pig races are a must-see! These adorable competitors dash toward the finish line to the cheers of the crowd. Make sure to arrive a few minutes early to grab a prime seat around the track.

More Farm Fun

Head to the Discovery Barn to interact with adorable, friendly farm animals, or, for the older kids and adventurous parents, try your hand at apple blasters or paintball target shooting.

And with over 50 other attractions, there’s always something new to discover!

But what makes Cherry Crest special for younger kids is its miniature town, Sproutsville… a sprawling, kid-sized town where imagination runs wild. 

Welcome sign to Sproutsville at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Kids can live out their professional dreams at Sproutsville.

This tiny town has a grocery store, doctor’s office, fire station, police station, theater, vet clinic, tackle shop, and more.

It’s the perfect place for kids to play grown-up, delivering mail or stocking shelves in their own tiny world.

Parents love the seating throughout Sproutsville, allowing you to relax while watching the little ones hard at work.

Cherry Crest might be Lancaster’s ultimate farm day, but if you’re ready to explore more, our guide to fun farms for kids shares the top adventure farm in every Northeast state.

Special Add-Ons: Enhance Your Visit with Extra Fun

A girl doing the sling shot activity at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Take your best aim at the Apple Blaster station.

While over 50 attractions at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm are included with your admission ticket, a few add-on activities come at an extra cost.

One of the best things about the farm is that you won’t feel pressured to opt for these extras, as there’s plenty to enjoy without them.

These add-on options are perfect for kids, parents, or anyone wanting a more hands-on adventure. Here’s what you need to know:

Apple Blasters

Ready to put your aim to the test? This activity lets you launch apples at targets using a giant slingshot. It’s a favorite among both kids and adults. Pricing is $6 for 7 shots.

Paintball Target Shooting

Challenge your aim on the paintball range with this mess-free paintball activity! It’s ideal for older kids and adults who want to have some target-shooting fun. Pricing is $6 for 75 shots.

Nerf Battle Zone

Enter the Nerf Battle Zone for a friendly competition where you can fire Nerf darts at targets or each other. It’s great for a family showdown. The cost is $6 for 6 minutes in the zone.

Twisted Tail Rope Making

This unique hands-on activity lets you pick three colors of string, crank the handle on a rope-making machine, and watch as your custom rope comes to life.

By the end, you’ll have a 4-foot-long rope that’s twisted together—and yes, you get to keep it! $6

A boy holding a rope from the ropemaking activity at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

The Twisted Tail rope making is a fun handmade souvenir to take home.

Gem Mining

Always a hit with kids of all ages, gem mining allows families to sift through a bag of mining rough at the sluice, uncovering hidden gems and fossils along the way. It’s a guaranteed souvenir and costs $8.99 per bag.

These add-on activities are a great way to enhance your day at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm.

While these activities come with an additional cost, they provide unique, hands-on experiences that are well worth it for the fun and memories they create.

Festival Days at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Fireworks at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Enjoy fireworks over the farm on select weekends.

At Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, the fun doesn’t stop with the attractions—the farm transforms with each season with a variety of festivals, bringing fresh, new experiences that keep visitors coming back for more.

Whether holding a baby chick in the spring at the Baby Animal Festival, enjoying live music at the Sunflower Festival, or getting into the fall spirit at the Pumpkin Madness Festival, Cherry Crest delivers seasonal magic like no other. 

Early Season Festivals (May – June)

 

Baby Animal Festival

Meet the newest (and cutest) members of the farm! You’ll get up close with mini highland cows, goats, sheep, pigs, bunnies, and ducks.

Plus, parents can enjoy samples from a local brewery or winery while the kids marvel at balloon artists.

 

Cider Donut Festival

Cider donut lovers, this one’s for you! Get ready for donut-eating contests, games, and all the delicious cider donuts you can eat.

Bonus: there’s also a brewery and winery on-site to keep the adults happy.

 

Summer Festivals (July – Sept 6, 2025*)

 

Sweet Corn Festival

The sweetest time of year is here! This festival brings a helicopter candy drop, corn-themed crafts and games, live music, a corn-eating contest and more.

You’ll also find specialty corn treats, balloon artists, and, of course, a visit from a local brewery and winery.

 

Highland Cow Festival

It’s cow time! Enjoy cow-themed games, live music, and a show from a professional trick roper.

It’s a unique celebration of Cherry Crest’s love for all things Highland cow!

 

Sunflower Festival

Held on Labor Day Saturday and the following weekend, the Sunflower Festival is a visual feast with blooms everywhere you look.

Grab some sunflowers to take home, enjoy live music, browse local craft vendors, a visit from a local winery and snap some Insta-worthy family photos.

 

Fall Festivals (Sept 12 – Nov 1, 2025*)

 

Hometown Heroes Festival

Celebrate local heroes with a touch-a-truck event, a helicopter candy drop, and a special heroes parade.

End the night with a bang—fireworks included!

 

Pumpkin Madness

The Saturday after Halloween is all about pumpkin-smashing fun! From pumpkin bowling and putt-putt to pumpkin chucking and the glow-in-the-dark pumpkin drop, it’s a wild way to say goodbye to fall.

Oh, and did we mention fireworks?

Tips for Visiting Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Barn and tractor ride at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Dine at The Barn & Grill or take a wagon ride around the property.

Ready to plan your day fun? A little planning goes a long way at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. Here are some insider tips to make sure your visit is smooth and stress-free:

Arrive Early

With so much to see and do, getting an early start will give you plenty of time to enjoy all of the farm attractions without feeling rushed. Plus, arriving early helps you beat the crowds, especially during the fall when the farm is at its busiest.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Expect to be on your feet with over 50 activities spread across miles of paths! Comfortable shoes and dressing in layers are key to staying comfortable as you explore the farm’s many outdoor activities.

Check the Daily Schedule

Upon arrival, grab a map and schedule to stay on top of all the day’s events. This will help you catch must-see activities like the pig races, special seasonal shows, and any live entertainment.

Bring Sunscreen and Hats

Most of the farm is outdoors, so don’t forget your sun protection. Whether it’s summer or early fall, hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must for keeping everyone comfortable.

Pack Snacks and Water

While there are plenty of food options on-site, it’s always a good idea to bring some snacks and water, especially if you have younger kids who might need a quick energy boost between activities.

Strollers Are Welcome

If you’re visiting with little ones, don’t worry—the farm is stroller-friendly. You can navigate the grounds easily, though there may be some areas where you’ll need to park the stroller to take part in certain activities.

Buy Tickets Last Minute

Since tickets are non-refundable, it’s smart to purchase them just before you arrive or at the door in case your plans change or the weather isn’t in your favor. This way, you’re not stuck with unused tickets.

If you’re turning your farm adventures into an overnight trip, the Cartoon Network Hotel is just minutes away and basically built to blow kids’ minds.

Plan Your Visit to Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is the ultimate family destination in the heart of Lancaster County, where you can experience a full day of hands-on fun and adventure.

Whether navigating the twists and turns of the interactive 5-acre corn maze, zooming down a big slide on a grain sack, or watching your kids play pretend in Sproutsville, every corner of this adventure farm offers something exciting. 

There’s truly something for all ages—from toddlers to grandparents, and everyone in between!

So, are you ready to make memories? Head to Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, where farm-fresh fun meets unforgettable family experiences. Don’t wait—grab your tickets now and get ready for a day filled with laughter, adventure, and countless memories!

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