Family-Friendly Adventures in Lancaster, Pennsylvania!

Amish Farm and House

Why Visit?

Welcome to the Amish Farm and House, an enriching experience where your family can delve into the fascinating world of the Amish community! Here"s a perfect plan for your visit:

### Pre-Arrival Tips:

- Location: 2395 Covered Bridge Drive, Lancaster, PA.

- Getting There: Easily accessible by car via US-30, ample parking available.

- Tickets: Purchase online for discounts and to avoid queues. Various tour options are available, including house tours, farm tours, and bus tours.

### Morning Arrival:

- Start your day with the House Tour: Join the first tour of the morning to enjoy a cooler, quieter experience. Lasting about 45 minutes, you"ll explore the historic farmhouse, which dates back to 1805, learning about Amish traditions, history, and daily life.

- Interesting Fact: The house was once a stop on the Underground Railroad.

### Mid-Morning:

- Explore the Farm: After the house tour, take a self-guided tour of the farm. Visit the barn, schoolhouse, and various farm animals. Kids can enjoy pony rides and a playground.

- Interesting Fact: The Amish use Belgian or Percheron draft horses for their fieldwork.

### Lunch:

- Picnic Areas Available: Pack a lunch and enjoy eating outdoors in the designated picnic area or try some local Amish-made snacks available at the gift shop.

### Afternoon Delight:

- Bus Tour: Board the 90-minute guided bus tour through the scenic Amish countryside. Stops include an Amish Quilt shop and a local produce stand.

- Interesting Fact: Lancaster County is known as the Garden Spot of America, celebrated for its rich soil.

### Wrapping Up:

- Gift Shop: Before leaving, visit the gift shop for authentic Amish crafts, homemade jams, and handcrafted furniture.

End your day with an authentic experience that combines education with relaxation, ensuring memories that your family will cherish for a lifetime!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

President James Buchanan"s Wheatland

Why Visit?

Family Visit to President James Buchanan"s Wheatland

Getting There

Wheatland is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, easily accessible by car. From downtown Lancaster, head west on W Chestnut Street toward N Prince Street, and follow signs to the LancasterHistory campus at 230 North President Avenue. There"s ample parking available for visitors.

Start Your Day

Arrive early and start your tour at the visitor center at LancasterHistory. Here, you can pick up your tickets for the Wheatland tour and explore various exhibits related to Lancaster County"s rich history.

Touring Wheatland

The guided tour of Wheatland begins with a short introductory video that provides an overview of James Buchanan"s life and presidency. As you walk through the mansion, a knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories about Buchanan, the only bachelor president and the president before Abraham Lincoln. Kids will enjoy hearing about his nieces and nephews who often visited the house, making it a lively family home.

Fun Fact: Ask about Buchanan’s beloved dog, Lara, and his pair of Bald Eagles!

Hands-On Activities

After touring the house, participate in the hands-on history activities often held on the grounds. These may include historical games or crafts that give children a taste of 19th-century life.

Picnic Time

Wrap up your visit with a picnic on the beautiful grounds. Bring along a blanket and enjoy a relaxing lunch under the trees.

Additional Tips

- Check LancasterHistory’s website for special family-friendly events and programs that may coincide with your visit.

- Tours of Wheatland typically last around 45 minutes, perfect for keeping young attention spans engaged.

Enjoy stepping back in time and exploring the life and times of one of America’s presidents in a fun, family-oriented setting!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Dutch Wonderland

Why Visit?

Morning Adventure: Kingdom Coaster & Exploration Island

Start your day at Dutch Wonderland by heading straight for the Kingdom Coaster. Arrive early to beat the lines for this thrilling ride that"s perfect for both kids and parents. After some adrenaline-pumping fun, stroll over to Exploration Island where dinosaurs come alive! Walk along the Prehistoric Path and enjoy the animatronic dinosaurs. This is a fantastic spot for memorable family photos and learning about these ancient creatures.

Midday Magic: Duke"s Lagoon

As the day heats up, Duke"s Lagoon is the ideal spot to cool down. This water play area features slides, fun water effects, and plenty of safe wading pools for the little ones. Conveniently located near the center of the park, it’s easily accessible from all attractions. Don’t forget sunscreen and water shoes to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

Afternoon Exploration: Merlin’s Mayhem

After drying off, take a short walk to Merlin’s Mayhem, an exciting family-friendly suspended roller coaster. Dive into the story of Merlin searching for his lost dragon, and enjoy the magic of flying through the air. This ride combines a gentle thrill with enchanting storytelling, making it a hit for all ages.

Evening Wrap-up: Storytime with Princess Brooke

End your day at Dutch Wonderland with the captivating Princess Brooke at Storybook Corner. Located near the park entrance, it’s a relaxing way to wind down. Enjoy interactive tales that enchant and entertain, providing a quiet moment after a day full of excitement.

Important Tips

- Plan your visit on a weekday to avoid larger crowds.

- Use the park map to navigate efficiently and save time.

- Check show times and plan accordingly to ensure you don’t miss the special events!

With a blend of thrills, chills, and fairy-tale enchantment, Dutch Wonderland promises a magical family adventure from start to finish!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.