Fun Activities to Enjoy with Your Grandkids Around Lancaster, PA

Lancaster, PA, isn’t just a charming town with beautiful farmlands and scenic views—it’s a hub of entertainment, culture, discovery and joy, especially for those of us lucky enough to share it all with our grandkids.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you’ll find many options to explore with the little ones. From thrilling amusement parks to exciting and educational museums, Lancaster has something for everyone. 

When you’re ready to settle into a new home in the area, don’t forget to check out the beautiful communities like Wynfield at Millersville by Garman Builders, where every day can feel like a new adventure.

Dutch Wonderland

First up on our list is the beloved Dutch Wonderland, affectionately known as the “World’s Best Family Park.” This enchanting theme park features over 30 family-friendly rides that guarantee smiles and laughter for both the young and young at heart. 

Your grandkids will love splashing around in Duke’s Lagoon, a lively water play area perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. The park also offers live entertainment and the chance to meet beloved characters like Duke the Dragon and Princess Brooke, adding a magical touch to the experience. 

Dutch Wonderland is a place where adventure and imagination come to life, creating unforgettable memories for everyone.

Tiny Town Lancaster

For a more relaxed but equally engaging experience, head to Tiny Town Lancaster, a unique play place designed to spark children’s creativity and imagination. Tiny Town is essentially a mini city built just for kids, complete with interactive playhouses and areas where they can role-play different jobs and scenarios. 

While the kids are immersed in imaginative play, adults can enjoy a cup of coffee at the café seating area, keeping an eye on the fun from a comfortable distance. It’s a good idea to visit early in the afternoon when the venue is usually quieter, allowing your grandkids to explore freely. 

Remember to bring a pair of socks for the kids, as they are required in the play areas.

North Museum of Nature and Science

If your grandkids are curious about the world around them, a trip to the North Museum of Nature and Science is a must. 

This museum offers rotating exhibits and planetarium shows that are both educational and entertaining. The interactive displays make learning fun and the monthly themed activities ensure there’s always something new to discover. 

Checking the museum’s schedule online before your visit can help you plan around any special programs or events that might interest your grandkids. Weekdays are typically less busy, making it an ideal time to explore the exhibits at a leisurely pace.

Decades Lancaster

For a blend of nostalgia and fun, Decades Lancaster is the place to be. 

This retro-themed entertainment venue combines a restaurant, bar, bowling alley and arcade under one roof. You and your grandkids can enjoy a game of bowling, try your hand at classic arcade games and then refuel with delicious food from the restaurant. 

Visiting during weekday afternoons can offer a more relaxed experience, as it tends to be less crowded than weekends.

Go ‘n Bananas Family Fun Center

The Go ‘n Bananas Family Fun Center is another fantastic destination that promises endless fun for every grandchild, no matter their age. This place is packed with activities that will keep the kids engaged for hours. 

They can challenge themselves in the Laser Mazes, where they’ll weave through beams like secret agents or spin to their heart’s content in the Spin Zone. 

The Game Zone is perfect for those who love arcade classics, offering a variety of games that can entertain everyone, from the littlest ones to teenagers. If your grandkids still have energy to spare, they’ll love climbing, crawling and sliding their way through the indoor playground. 

Old Windmill Farm

If you’re looking for something that will teach the grandkids a thing or two, be sure to explore the charm of Amish farm life at Old Windmill Farm. 

This authentic farm tour offers a hands-on opportunity for kids to learn about Amish culture and farming practices. You can feed animals, milk cows and even try your hand at driving a tractor, making it a memorable experience you won’t soon forget. 

The Shack Restaurant and Mini Golf

For a combination of food and fun, The Shack Restaurant and Mini Golf is the perfect place.

Enjoy a delicious meal from a family-friendly menu, followed by a round of mini-golf on The Shack’s beautifully landscaped course. The hand-dipped ice cream and shaved ice are also a huge hit with the kids! 

The Fulton Steamboat Inn

If you’re looking for a first-class place to stay, The Fulton Steamboat Inn is an excellent choice. Modeled after a classic steamboat, this hotel offers a one-of-a-kind experience that combines history with modern comfort. 

Families will love the indoor pool, while the Nautical- and Victorian-themed guest rooms provide an imaginative and cozy retreat for everyone. For those seeking a quieter moment, the exclusive adults-only Sun Deck offers a perfect space to relax. 

Conveniently located near popular Lancaster attractions, The Fulton Steamboat Inn is known for its friendly service and dedication to comfort, making it a top choice for creating lasting memories with your grandkids.

Turkey Hill Experience

For an educational yet tasty outing, the Turkey Hill Experience offers a delightful blend of fun and learning for kids and adults alike. 

At this interactive attraction, your grandkids can dive into the world of ice cream and iced tea, discovering the history and culture of Turkey Hill Dairy through engaging exhibits. 

They’ll love trying their hand at milking a mechanical cow and experiencing the ice cream production process firsthand. You can even create your own ice cream flavor, complete with a custom package design. 

With plenty of hands-on activities and sensory experiences, the Turkey Hill Experience provides a unique opportunity to explore the tasty world of dairy production in a way that’s both entertaining and educational.

The Choo Choo Barn

Train enthusiasts of all ages will love The Choo Choo Barn, a 1,700-square-foot model train display with interactive displays, and animated figures and vehicles.

It’s a charming experience that showcases the intricate world of model railroads. To engage your grandkids, encourage them to find specific figures or vehicles in the display. The detailed scenes are full of surprises and provide a great opportunity for storytelling and imagination.

Lancaster Science Factory

For those with a budding scientist in the family, the Lancaster Science Factory is the perfect place to ignite a love for science and discovery. 

This hands-on museum caters to children from Pre-K to 8th grade, offering a range of interactive exhibits that make learning both fun and engaging. 

Kids can explore different areas of science, technology, engineering, and math through playful experimentation and observation. From building circuits and exploring physics principles to engaging in chemistry experiments, the exhibits are designed to encourage curiosity and critical thinking. 

The Science Factory also offers STEM workshops and themed activities that provide deeper dives into specific topics, making it an exciting destination for young explorers eager to learn and play.

Lost Treasure Mini Golf

For a touch of adventure, Lost Treasure Mini Golf brings the thrill of exploration to life with its theme centered on the daring expeditions of Professor Duffer A. Hacker. This mini-golf course transforms a simple game into an exciting treasure hunt, where each hole leads to new discoveries. 

Along the way, your grandkids will navigate through a maze and tackle various challenges, all designed to spark their imaginations and keep them engaged. With hidden treasures scattered throughout the course, it’s the perfect setting for a friendly competition and a day of fun-filled exploration.

Shady Maple

Lastly, no visit to Lancaster would be complete without stopping at Shady Maple, the largest buffet in the USA. With an extensive selection of delicious dishes, it offers something for everyone, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. 

Beyond the vast buffet, Shady Maple also features a gift shop filled with unique items and a farmers market where you can find fresh produce and local goods. This combination of great food and shopping opportunities makes Shady Maple a perfect full-day destination for families looking to experience the best of Lancaster’s local flavors and products.

Ready for Your Lancaster Adventure?

From thrilling theme parks to interactive museums and hands-on farm experiences, there’s never a dull moment when you bring your grandkids to Lancaster, PA! 

As you explore all that Lancaster has to offer, you might find yourself falling in love with the area. When that happens, remember that Garman Builders is here to help you find the perfect home in our beautiful community, Wynfield at Millersville. 

Contact us today! Let’s create new memories together in a place where adventure awaits at every turn.