Posted: 06/05/2023

Educational Activities in Lancaster, PA

Check out some fun, but educational, things to do around Lancaster County, PA.

The Amish Experience
3121 Old Philadelphia Pk, Bird-in-Hand

The Amish Experience is a cultural interpretive center for visitors looking to learn about and interact with Lancaster’s Amish community. Watch a film about the Amish today, learn about the homestead, schooling, and more.

Amish Farm & House

2395 Covered Bridge Dr, Lancaster

Guided farmhouse tours and an up-close understanding of the Amish community await you at the Amish Farm & House. You can also take a countryside bus tour into the scenic farmlands in Lancaster.

The Amish Village

199 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks

Enjoy a guided tour of an 1840’s Amish farmhouse and learn about the Amish lifestyle. You can also explore the 12-acre farm, or take an Amish BackRoads Bus Tour and experience Lancaster’s countryside.

Columbia Crossing River Trails Center

41 Walnut St, Columbia

The Columbia Crossing River Trails Center is part of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, which offers education on Native American history in the Lancaster area and the river, boat tours, and more.

Ephrata Cloister

632 W Main St, Ephrata

Take a tour of this National Historic Landmark with connections to a unique German religious community, unique architecture, early music and printing, and more.

Gettysburg National Military Park & Visitor Center

1195 Baltimore Pk, Gettysburg

Take a short drive to Gettysburg, PA to learn about the Battle of Gettysburg. Experience the sights and sounds of Pickett’s charge in the Gettysburg Cyclorama, interactive exhibits, tour the battlefield and more.

Hands-On House Children’s Museums

721 Landis Valley Rd, Lancaster

Explore Marty’s Machine Shop, go on a voyage through space, learn about the connection between farms and food, and more with fun hands-on exhibits!

Historic Rock Ford
881 Rockford Rd, Lancaster
Located within Lancaster County Central Park, Historic Rock Ford offers guided tours of Edward Hand’s home. Make sure you visit the John J. Snyder Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts. The gallery showcases a one-of-a-kind collection consisting of over 230 objects by Lancaster County artisans including tall case clocks, silver, furniture, and portraiture created during Edward Hand’s residency in America.

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
219 E Main St, Lititz

Julius Sturgis was the first commercial pretzel bakery in the U.S., founded in 1861. Tour the original factory, learn about pretzel baking, see them being made, and even learn how to twist a pretzel!

Kreider Farms Farm Tour

1463 Lancaster Rd, Manheim

Learn about a working dairy farm at Kreider Farms! A 90-minute tour will show you their Cow Pantry, Moo Lagoon, Perfume Factory, and Moo-ternity Barn. You can also get a birds-eye-view of the farm from their observation tower.

LancasterHistory

230 N President Ave, Lancaster

LancasterHistory offers rotating exhibits about Lancaster County’s rich history, permanent collections and records, and tours of President James Buchanan’s home, Wheatland.

Lancaster Science Factory

454 New Holland Ave, Lancaster

Experience over 70 interactive & fun exhibits meant for kids aged pre-k through 8th grade. Play in the Water Lab, build bridges in the Engineering Zone, or try one of their rotating activities like 3D printing or slime making.

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum

2451 Kissel Hill Rd, Lancaster

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum is a living history museum for early Pennsylvania German life. Guides explain PA German traditions and folklore while artisans demonstrate crafts, cooking, and more.

LoKal Experiences

128 E Grant St, Suite 402, Lancaster

LoKal Experiences offers a variety of tours such as Authentic Lancaster Experience, Tour & Meal with an Amish Family, Lancaster History & Craft Beer Tour, and more!

Mennonite Life
2215 Millstream Rd, Lancaster

Check out exhibits of antique furniture, needlework, quilts, a library and more to learn more about the Amish & Mennonite in Lancaster.

North Museum of Nature & Science

400 College Ave, Lancaster

See cool exhibits like dinosaurs up close & personal, a nature gallery, a live animal room, and more! You can also catch some cool planetarium shows on topics such as astronomy, meteorology, and earth science.

Old Windmill Farm

262 Paradise Ln, Ronks

Take a guided tour of a working Amish farm, bottle feed a calf, milk a cow, and enjoy more farm-fun activities.

Railroad Museum of PA

300 Gap Rd, Ronks

The Railroad Museum of PA has over 100 historic trains and railroad cars, educational programs, group tours, and interactive exhibits.

Snapology

1571 Manheim Pk, Lancaster

Snapology features LEGO toys and building activities, as well as classes & programs on robotics, coding, STEM, and more related topics.

Verdant View Farm

429 Strasburg Rd, Paradise

Take a guided walking tour to get a glimpse into Lancaster’s agricultural heritage, milk a cow, feed a calf, and have some farm-fun.

Wolf Sanctuary of PA

465 Speedwell Forge Rd, Lititz

Take a tour of the Wolf Sanctuary and see these beautiful animals in their natural habitats while learning about their behavior and biology.

Related Blogs

Lancaster has tons of fun for the kids this summer with a variety of summer camps, check them out!

For an authentic immersion in early Pennsylvania German life (1740-1940), visit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum.

From history to hands on, we’ve got you covered.

Indoor adventures to revive your spirit.

While you're exploring the great outdoors in Lancaster County, check out some of the county’s rich history too!