By Kendell Moats
As the weather gets warmer and the days become longer, Lancaster County comes alive. From ice cream to ziplining, family fun activities are awaiting. Here is a list of the Top 10 Things to do in Lancaster County this spring and summer.
Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center. Refreshing Mountain offers ziplining, archery, go carting and much more for children and adults of all ages. Want to get away? Spend a weekend in their luxury cabins to get the most of what Refreshing Mountain has to offer.
Strasburg Rail Road. Sightsee by train at America’s oldest short-line railroad on an authentic steam train. Enjoy views of farmland while enjoying lunch onboard the train. The railroad offers rides throughout the whole day, with rides catering to specific interests like mysteries and holidays.
Waters Edge Mini Golf. Is your family up for the challenge? Waters Edge has two 18-hole courses that meander through tress, waterfalls and ponds to keep the whole family entertained. Afterwards enjoy the petting zoo while soaking up the beauty in the heart of Lancaster County.
Dutch Wonderland. Dutch Wonderland features rollercoasters, water attractions and camping for your family. Enjoy pizza and barbeque, as well as a dive show that runs throughout the day. You can also catch Duke the Dinosaur walking around the park for pictures and laughs.
Lapp Valley Farm Creamery and Café. No matter the time of day, you can enjoy Lapp Valley six days a week for breakfast and lunch. The café and creamery features Lapp Valley staples such as ice cream, milk and warm waffle cones. You can also enjoy breakfast and lunch items, as well as sundaes and coffee.
Kitchen Kettle Village. Right in the heart of Intercourse sits Kitchen Kettle Village. With candy stores and boutiques, there is something for the whole family. As you walk through the village, stop into shops for free samples of meets and cheese and sweet smells of soaps and scrubs.
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre will show Sister Act, Footloose and Elvis this spring season. Tickets can be bought online, you can pick your own seats, place a group order, and even buy season memberships online. Enjoy food and beverages during your evening.
Hands on House. If Broadway shows aren’t your thing, head over to Hands on House for exhibits for the whole family. Perfect for a cloudy or sunny day, exhibits like a STEM lab, HVAC simulation and an adventure garden fill the facility. Hands on House also does events like a 5k, room rentals, and always accepts volunteers.
Amish Farm and House. The Amish Farm and House offers bus tours through Amish country, and house tours in an old farmhouse. On this 15-acre farm you can ride scooters, pet animals and visit an Amish schoolhouse. Tickets can be bought online for bus and farmhouse tours.
Best Kept Secrets Tour. If you can’t decide what to do, or just want to do it all, the Best Kept Secrets Tour is for you. With 41 amazing stops, this tour covers everything Lancaster County has to offer. The beauty of this tour is you don’t know where it will take you until tickets are purchased! You travel place to place in your own vehicle, enjoying each corner of Lancaster County.