Our Day with the Amish: Exploring Lancaster, PA with Kids
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is a destination that beautifully blends the charm of Amish culture with family-friendly adventures. Whether you’re exploring the serene countryside or diving into hands-on exhibits at local museums, there’s something for everyone. Here’s how we spent a fun, educational, and memory-filled day in Lancaster with our kids.
1. Starting the Day at Lil’ Country Store and Mini Horse Farm
Located in Ronks, PA, this charming spot was the perfect introduction to Amish culture.
Highlights:
Meeting adorable mini horses.
Feeding goats and chickens for an added dose of farm fun.
Enjoying buggy rides, a favorite for the kids.
Browsing the store’s handmade Amish goods like quilts, furniture, jams, and baked treats.
The family that runs the farm was incredibly welcoming, making this a heartwarming start to our day. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a must-visit for its friendly atmosphere and hands-on experiences.
2. Immersing Ourselves at The Amish Village
Just a few minutes down the road, The Amish Village provided a fascinating look at Amish life through its living history exhibits.
What We Did:
Toured the authentic farmhouse and learned about daily life without electricity.
Explored a one-room schoolhouse and saw horse-drawn buggies up close.
Took turns on the guided tour while the kids enjoyed playing in the large yard.
The guided tour was both engaging and educational, offering insights into the simplicity and community focus of the Amish lifestyle. This experience sparked plenty of curiosity and conversation about how different life can be.
3. Exploring Lancaster’s Family-Friendly Museums
After diving into Amish culture, we turned our focus to Lancaster’s incredible museums, perfect for curious little minds. Thanks to our reciprocal memberships, we gained discounted or free entry—an invaluable resource for traveling families. (More on this below!)
The North Museum of Nature and Science
This museum was a hit with our kids, offering a mix of fun and education.
Interactive exhibits featuring dinosaurs and more.
A planetarium show that let us gaze at the stars—a magical experience for little ones.
Hands-On House
Designed specifically for children, this museum encourages learning through play.
Interactive exhibits let kids build, explore, and use their imaginations.
The perfect place for little ones to burn off energy while engaging their creativity.
Lancaster Science Factory
This STEM-focused museum was an unforgettable experience for our kids.
Packed with hands-on exhibits, they experimented, built, and tinkered for hours.
The educational focus made it fun for the kids and rewarding for us as parents.
4. Saving Money with Reciprocal Memberships
Traveling families, take note: reciprocal memberships are a game-changer.
What Are They?
Programs like ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers) and AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) allow members to access museums, zoos, and science centers nationwide for free or at a discount.
How to Use Them:
Check if your local museum or zoo participates.
Visit the ASTC or AZA websites to find partner locations.
Why They’re Worth It:
If you’re a family with a travel mindset, reciprocal memberships can save you hundreds while enriching your travel experiences.
Wrapping Up the Day
After a day packed with culture, history, and hands-on fun, we treated ourselves to ice cream and enjoyed a quiet evening back at the RV. Lancaster is the perfect blend of education and entertainment for families. From the peaceful Amish countryside to the engaging museums, it’s a destination that offers something for everyone.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a family trip to Lancaster, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Amish culture and check out the incredible local museums. Whether you’re feeding mini horses, stepping back in time at The Amish Village, or learning through play at the Lancaster Science Factory, your family is sure to create lasting memories.
Have you visited Lancaster with your kids? Let us know your favorite spots in the comments below!
