Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is an amazing place to explore especially for kids of all ages. Retirees in Lancaster County have countless of activities and places to explore with their grandchildren.

Here are a just a few examples of places to go:

1. Explore Pennsylvania History

    • Ephrata Cloisters – The Historic Ephrata Cloister was one of America’s earliest religious communities. The Cloister showcases the creation of incredible architecture, original music, significant publications, and remarkable art by this community. Keep an eye out for Lantern Tours and Discovery Days.
    • Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum – Explore a 19th century farm with over 40 buildings, farm animals and a large collection of history artifacts and take in presentations from blacksmiths, tin smiths and more. Harvest Days and Hands-On History Days are favorite days for kids.
    • Rock Ford Plantation is the 18th century Georgian house of Edward Hand, Adjutant General to George Washington.

2. Prince/Princess Fans

Check out the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire with 35 acres that are set in medieval times with over 90 shows daily. From archery to jousting, singing to theater, there is something for every kid at the PA Renaissance Faire.

3. Train Enthusiasts

Lancaster has you covered with both the Choo Choo Barn with its 1700 square foot model train layout and National Toy Train Museum which features 6 layouts of toy trains from 1800s to present. Also, take a ride on historic trains at the Strasburg Railroad.

4. Sweet Treats

Ice cream and chocolate abounds here. So get ready to treat those grandkids. Fox Meadow’s Creamery and Grecco’s are two of the many ice cream shops that offer homemade ice cream. Or let your grandkids design their own flavor of Turkey Hill ice cream at the Turkey Hill Experience. Ready for some chocolate? Create your own chocolate tasting tour of Lancaster County and visit Wilbur Chocolate Store, Miesse’s, Spence Candies and Evans Candy.  Plus, Hershey’s Chocolate World is only a short drive as well. Or check out some of the amazing bakeries such as Thom’s Breads and Cake and Cup.

5. Cooking Aficionados

Zest offers grandparent and me cooking classes or learn how to twist a pretzel at Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery

6. Run Off Some Energy

Take your grandkids for fun and games at Go ‘N Bananas and Laserdome with laser tag, arcade games and so much more.

7. Captivated by Farms

Get to see a live working dairy and take a tour of Kreider Farms.

8. Baseball Fans

Check out the minor league teams in the area. Downtown Lancaster is home to the Lancaster Barnstormers (Atlantic Division). Are you a Phillies fan? Then take the drive to Reading to see the Fightin’ Phils, a Double AA minor league team for the Phillies.

9. Enjoy the Theater

Lancaster County has a large number of theaters. Once great example is Sight and Sound Theater with its panoramic stage and elaborate sets and costumes.

10. Shop for Toys

Let’s face it, you don’t want to send your grandkids home empty handed so make sure to visit Outback Toys. They have an amazing selection of farm and construction toys.

And don’t miss United Zion Retirement Community’s Annual Chocolate Stroll and Silent Auction, where you can sample some of the above chocolatier and bakers. Or bid on passes and gift cards to some of these great places!

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