There’s a reason Lancaster, PA keeps popping up on lists of family travel favorites.
It’s got amusement parks, themed hotels, interactive museums, and plenty of spots to eat and play. Here are the cool things to do in Lancaster PA that will make your next trip one to remember.
Cool Things to Do in Lancaster PA That Are Worth the Hype
Lancaster is packed with family attractions, but these are the big ones… the ones kids talk about all the way home.
From amusement parks to farm fun and mini golf, these stops are worth planning your day around.
Want to extend your trip?
Our Lancaster Activities guide shares a 4-day fall itinerary so you can turn these stops into a full family getaway.
Dutch Wonderland:
Lancaster’s Fairy-Tale Theme Park
Dutch Wonderland is Lancaster’s most famous family attraction… a 48-acre theme park designed just for kids.
With over 30 rides, daily character shows, and plenty of space to explore, it’s perfect for a first amusement park experience.
For the easiest trip ever, bundle tickets with a stay at the Cartoon Network Hotel next door… you’ll get VIP perks like early park access and can walk right to the entrance.
More info: Dutch Wonderland website
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm:
Lancaster’s Ultimate Farm Day
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is one of those places where kids can run wild and actually wear themselves out.
Your ticket includes access to over 60 included activities, from giant slides and pedal carts to jumping pillows, wagon rides, and plenty of farm animals to visit.
The five-acre corn maze is still the star of the show, but it’s just one part of the adventure.
Plan to spend most of the day here so you can try everything without rushing.
End the day with fresh-squeezed lemonade and kettle corn… it’s a Lancaster classic.
More info: Cherry Crest Adventure Farm website
Got a train lover in the family?
Pair your farm day with a trip to Strasburg PA to ride historic trains and explore kid-friendly railroad museums.
Lost Treasure Golf:
A Mini Golf Adventure Worth Playing
Mini golf is already a kid favorite, but Lost Treasure Golf makes it one of the coolest things to do in Lancaster with waterfalls, caves, and a mining train theme that turns a simple round into an adventure.
The course is challenging enough to keep older kids interested but still doable for younger ones.
It’s especially fun in the evening when the course is lit up and feels like a nighttime quest.
Grab the $1-off coupon from their website before you go and finish the night with ice cream from the on-site stand for the perfect Lancaster evening.
More info: Lost Treasure Golf website
Still have energy to spare?
Check out even more Things to do in Lancaster PA for families… including some thrill-packed picks for older kids.
Lancaster’s Coolest Indoor Spots for Rainy Days
(or Any Day)
Whether the weather isn’t on your side or you just need a break from the sun, these indoor spots are as fun as the big outdoor attractions.
Think hands-on exhibits, retro games, and plenty of space for kids to explore while you catch your breath.
Lancaster Science Factory:
The Place Kids Learn by Accident
When you’re looking for cool things to do in Lancaster that keep kids busy indoors, the Lancaster Science Factory is a top pick.
This hands-on space is packed with air rockets, giant building blocks, and the Sky Climber, a huge net structure where kids can scramble, climb, and burn energy while learning without even realizing it.
It’s all in one big open room, so you can grab a coffee and let the kids explore at their own pace.
This is a perfect stop to work into your Lancaster day when you want something active but out of the sun (or rain).
More info: Lancaster Science Factory website
Lancaster Silverball:
Pinball and Nostalgia in One Stop
Step inside Lancaster Silverball and you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a glowing retro arcade where every game is ready to play.
Your flat admission gets you unlimited time on dozens of pinball machines and classic games, all set to free play so you never have to dig for quarters.
You’ll end up teaching your kids your favorite games and trying to beat their high scores, and the small space makes it easy to keep everyone together.
More info: Lancaster Silverball Museum website
Go ‘N Bananas Family Fun Center:
Your Rainy-Day Lifesaver
Go ’N Bananas is Lancaster’s all-in-one spot for big energy days.
With an all-access wristband, kids can move from laser tag and bumper cars to the ropes course, mini bowling, arcade games, and the soft play area without stopping to reload cards.
Everything is in one place, which makes it easy to keep an eye on the action while you grab a coffee from the café and enjoy a quick break.
It’s the perfect solution for rainy days, hot afternoons, or any time you need something fun that works for different ages.
More info: Go ’N Bananas website
Where to Eat and Play in Lancaster for a Fun Night Out
No trip to Lancaster is complete without good food… and these spots make mealtime part of the adventure.
These picks make dinner part of the fun, but if you want even more options, we’ve rounded up the best places to eat in Lancaster PA for every meal of the day.
Decades Retro Arcade and Bowling:
Dinner and Games in One Spot
Decades is where dinner turns into part of the fun. The menu has plenty of easy wins for families, from shareable apps and flatbreads to burgers and kid favorites, so everyone actually eats.
When you’re done, the real fun starts in the arcade, where skeeball, pinball, and vintage video games keep kids busy while you finish your drink.
The space feels stylish but still casual, so you don’t have to worry about bringing kids for dinner.
It’s a perfect way to combine a meal and playtime without running to two different places.
More info: Decades website
Rolled Cold Creamery:
Dessert That Doubles as a Show
Rolled Cold Creamery turns ice cream into entertainment. You’ll watch as your order is poured onto a freezing surface, spread thin, and rolled up into perfect little spirals before getting loaded with toppings.
Kids love picking their flavors and watching the whole process… and you’ll appreciate that portions are big enough to share.
It’s a fun, Instagram-worthy stop to cap off a Lancaster evening.
More info: Rolled Cold Creamery website
Lancaster Sweet Shoppe:
Stroopies and Sweet Treats
Lancaster Sweet Shoppe is the place to try a stroopie, a traditional Dutch caramel waffle cookie that’s served warm and gooey.
You can watch them being made right in the shop, then grab a pack to take home as a souvenir.
It’s a quick stop but a memorable one… perfect for ending your Lancaster day on a sweet note.
More info: Lancaster Sweet Shoppe website
Plan Your Lancaster Trip
Lancaster has a way of making family trips feel easy… big attractions, kid-friendly stops, and plenty of built-in parent wins.
Use this list to mix and match your perfect day, then add in a few extra treats (because Lancaster, PA is always good for one more stop).
Save this guide for later so planning your next visit is as simple as picking a date.
Happy Travels…
