Lancaster isn’t just rolling farmland and horse-drawn buggies—it’s packed with adventure, especially for families with older kids.
From hot-air balloon rides to high-speed scooter tours, this guide covers the most thrilling things to do in Lancaster, PA.
Get ready for epic experiences, unexpected finds, and plenty of fun that goes way beyond what you’d expect in Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Dutch Wonderland
Experience the beauty of Lancaster from a new perspective
Dutch Wonderland: Over 60 Years of Family Thrills in Lancaster County
Website: Dutch Wonderland
For over 60 years, Dutch Wonderland has been bringing the fun for kids for all ages.
Thrill seekers will love Merlin’s Mayhem, a high-flying coaster through enchanted realms, and the nostalgic Kingdom Coaster, a wooden thrill ride with that classic clickety-clack.
Visiting in summer? Duke’s Lagoon is the perfect place to cool off, with water slides and splash zones for all ages. And if you’re here in winter, don’t miss Dutch Winter Wonderland, when the park transforms into a twinkling holiday escape.
Want to take the adventure up a notch? Stay next door at the Cartoon Network Hotel, where themed rooms bring your favorite characters to life—The Powerpuff Girls Dream Suite is a personal favorite, but honestly, they’re all pretty awesome.
Strasburg Scooters
Strasburg Scooters: Discover Lancaster’s Countryside with a Twist
Website: Strasburg Scooters
These guided tours take you through rolling farmland and past horse-drawn buggies… only you’ll be zipping along on a scooter instead.
It’s an unforgettable way to see the countryside, blending history with a little adrenaline.
For ice cream lovers, the Ice Cream Experience Tour
is a must. This 3.5–4 hour adventure winds through Amish country with stops at local farms serving up some of the richest, creamiest ice cream in Lancaster.
The scooters are easy to handle, and there’s even a double-seat scoot coupe option for parents with younger kids.
All you need is a valid driver’s license, and riders as young as 4 can hop in for the ride!
Lancaster Balloon Rides
Experience the beauty of Lancaster from a new perspective
Soar Above Lancaster: Hot-Air Balloon Adventures for Families
Website: Lancaster Balloon Rides
The adventure starts on the launch field, where the hum of the inflating balloon sets the stage for an unforgettable ride. Then, it’s up, up, and away over Amish country, where patchwork fields and historic farmsteads stretch out beneath you.
The classic tour lasts 2.5–3 hours, giving you plenty of time to take in the rolling hills from a whole new perspective.
Rides are open to adventurers aged six and up, making this a family-friendly way to experience Lancaster like never before.
Canopy Zipline Experience
Zip Into Fun at Refreshing Mountain Retreat: Outdoor Adventures for All
Website: Refreshing Mountain Zipline Experience
Swing, zip, and climb your way through 100 acres of outdoor adventure at Refreshing Mountain Retreat.
This action-packed destination is best known for its zipline tours, offering incredible views as you soar through the treetops. But the fun doesn’t stop there—tackle high ropes courses, test your aim at axe throwing, meet wildlife up close, or try to crack the code in one of their escape rooms.
Riders must be at least 5 years old for high-adventure activities, and kids under 60 lbs may need to ride tandem with a guide on certain ziplines.
With endless ways to challenge yourself while surrounded by nature, Refreshing Mountain is the perfect spot for families looking to add a little adventure to their trip.
Echo-Dell
Indian Echo Caverns
The crystal waters inside Echo Dell Indian Echo Caverns
Geological Marvels and More at Echo Dell Indian Echo Caverns
Website: Echo Dell Indian Echo Caverns
Step into an underground wonder at Echo Dell Indian Echo Caverns, just a short drive from Lancaster.
This stunning cave system is filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and echoing chambers, offering a glimpse into Pennsylvania’s geological past.
The one-hour guided tour brings the caverns to life, sharing stories of their formation and past use by Native Americans.
Back above ground, the adventure isn’t over—try your luck at gem mining for treasures like quartz and amethyst, or stop by the petting zoo to see the resident albino peacock.
Just under an hour from Lancaster, this underground escape is well worth the trip.
Wolf Sanctuary of PA
Learn why these misunderstood animals need help from the Wolf Sanctuary of PA
A Safe Haven for Wolves: Guided Tours at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA
Website: Wolf Sanctuary of PA
Get up close with some of nature’s most misunderstood creatures at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA.
Home to over 50 gray wolves and wolf-dogs, this sanctuary is dedicated to conservation, education, and providing a safe haven for these incredible animals.
On a guided tour, wolf experts share insights into wolf behavior, conservation efforts, and the sanctuary’s important mission.
Tours run rain or shine, and paths can get muddy after wet weather—so wear sturdy shoes.
Private tours open for booking on the 1st of each month, so plan ahead if you want a more personalized experience.
Hersheypark
A day of family fun at Hersheypark
HersheyPark Highlights: Rides, Attractions, and Water Fun
Website: HersheyPark
Less than an hour from Lancaster, Hersheypark delivers a full day of thrills, splashes, and—of course—chocolate.
Dubbed the “sweetest place on Earth,” this massive park isn’t just about roller coasters—it’s home to a zoo, botanical gardens, and plenty of chocolate-themed fun.
Older kids (and adrenaline junkies) can take on Skyrush, the park’s tallest and fastest coaster, or get launched from 0 to 72 mph in two seconds.
For a more easygoing ride, Cocoa Cruiser gives younger visitors their first taste of rollercoaster fun without the towering drops.
Need to cool off? The Boardwalk water park has lazy rivers, splash pads, and slides to beat the heat.
With heart-pounding rides, kid-friendly attractions, and sweet treats around every corner, Hersheypark is the ultimate family day trip from Lancaster.
Smoketown Helicopters
A helicopter ride in Lancaster offers a birds-eye view of beauty in every direction
Take to the Skies: Scenic Helicopter Tours Over Lancaster County
Website: Smoketown Helicopters
For a whole new perspective on Lancaster County, take to the skies with Smoketown Helicopters.
These helicopter tours offer everything from quick city flyovers to scenic countryside adventures, showcasing Lancaster’s mix of historic sites, bustling markets, and sprawling farmland from above.
Soar over iconic spots like Clipper Magazine Stadium, Lancaster Central Market, Amish Village, and the Lancaster Science Factory, plus miles of postcard-perfect fields and rolling farmland.
It’s an unforgettable way to see Lancaster like never before—because some views are just better from the air.
Buck Motorsports Park
Watch thrilling Motorsports at Buck Motorsports Park and Entertainment Complex
High-Octane Thrills at Buck Motorsports Park in Lancaster
Website: Bucks Motorsports Park
For high-octane family fun, Buck Motorsports Park brings the action with monster trucks, demolition derbies, and roaring engines.
From truck and tractor pulls to live entertainment and adrenaline-pumping races, this Lancaster hotspot is the place to catch some serious motorsports action.
Tickets are usually $20 and under, with general admission seating on wood or aluminum grandstands. Want a closer look? Access to The Pit is an extra $7 (cash) and requires signing a waiver.
And no event is complete without snacks—expect classic county fair-style eats, including Bricker’s Famous Fries, cotton candy, and funnel cakes.
For families who love big engines, big thrills, and big fun, Buck Motorsports Park is the place to be.
Shady Maple Smorgasbord
Experience the Bounty of Lancaster at Shady Maple Smorgasbord
Website: Shady Maple Smorgasboord
If a mid-America all-you-can-eat feast sounds like your kind of thrill, Shady Maple Smorgasbord delivers in epic proportions.
As the largest buffet in the USA, this Lancaster icon serves up 200 feet of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, from Amish classics to modern comfort food.
Dinner includes a grill station, 46 salad bar items, homemade breads, meats, veggies, desserts, and even a sundae bar—because stopping at one plate is nearly impossible.
Kids 4-10 eat for half price, and little ones 3 and under eat free. And if it’s your birthday, your meal is on the house!
More than just a buffet, Shady Maple is a Lancaster experience—one where stretchy pants are highly encouraged.
Lancaster Stormers
(Formally Known as the Lancaster Barnstormers)
A Lancaster Stormers game at Clipper Magazine Stadium
Family Night Out: Baseball with the Lancaster Stormers
Website: Lancaster Stormers
Wrap up your Lancaster adventure with a night at Clipper Magazine Stadium, cheering on the Lancaster Stormers.
This Atlantic League team brings big energy to the ballpark, with a family-friendly atmosphere, themed nights, and post-game fireworks that make every game a full experience.
For younger fans, the Kreider Farms Kids’ Park inside the stadium has a playset and carousel, so little ones stay entertained even when the game slows down.
Check out the full schedule directly on the Clipper Magazine Stadium’s website.
Strasburg Rail Road
Take a ride on the Strasburg Railroad
Strasburg Railroad: Classic Train Rides and Festive Family Activities
Website: Strasburg Railroad
Step aboard the Strasburg Railroad for a ride through Lancaster’s Amish country on one of America’s oldest operating railroad.
The 45-minute round trip to Paradise, PA offers scenic views and a glimpse into the region’s farming heritage.
Looking for a challenge? The (stationary) “Trapped in Time” escape room turns a historic caboose into a puzzle-filled adventure.
During the holidays, the railroad transforms with festive train rides, from Santa’s Paradise Express to The Night Before Christmas Train, bringing holiday magic to the tracks.
Whether you’re here for the scenery, the history, or the themed fun, Strasburg Railroad is a ride to remember.
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
Having some corn fun at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
Family Fun Awaits at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm: Over 60 Activities
Explore Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is the kind of place where kids can run, climb, pet, jump, and play to their heart’s content—all in one spot.
With 60+ activities included in admission, there’s always something new to try.
Little ones will love Sproutsville, a charming tiny town built just for them, while big kids can race pedal carts, take on the Barnyard Jump, or test their aim at the Giant Slinger.
And with plenty of animal encounters, from petting zoo favorites to up-close experiences with Mini Highland Cows and Kunekune Pigs, it’s a dream for animal lovers.
From farm-themed play zones to hands-on experiences, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm delivers big fun for every age—all in one easy, all-inclusive day.
Turkey Hill Experience
Jump into a giant tub of ice cream at the Turkey Hill Experience
Hands-On Adventures at the Turkey Hill Experience in Lancaster County
Website: Turkey Hill Experience
If your family loves ice cream (or iced tea), the Turkey Hill Experience is a must-stop in Lancaster County.
This interactive attraction gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how Turkey Hill’s famous ice cream and iced tea are made—with plenty of hands-on fun along the way.
Design your own virtual ice cream flavor, step into the Blast Freezer, and even star in your own Turkey Hill commercial.
And the best part? Unlimited samples. Yes, you can taste as much ice cream and iced tea as you want!
Want to take it up a notch? Add on the Taste Lab to turn your virtual flavor into the real deal or dive into the Tea Discovery experience to sample teas from around the world.
It’s fun, it’s delicious, and it’s the perfect mix of education and unlimited ice cream—what’s not to love?
Lancaster is so much more than buggy rides and covered bridges—it’s packed with year-round family fun and unexpected adventures.
From the thrill rides of Dutch Wonderland to the underground wonders of Indian Echo Caverns, there’s no shortage of exciting ways to explore.
Whether you’re soaring through the skies in a hot air balloon, racing through a corn maze, or zipping through Amish country on a scooter tour, the thrilling things to do in Lancaster, PA, are endless.
No matter what kind of adventure your family loves, Lancaster delivers plenty of action, hands-on fun, and unforgettable memories.
Happy Travels…
