Large group activities are available for groups over 20+. View Activities

Outdoor Activities & Things to Do in Lancaster County, PA

Lancaster’s Top Outdoor Activities

Ziplining, Climbing, Escape Rooms and more only at Refreshing Mountain!

Looking for outdoor activities in Lancaster County that go beyond the ordinary?

Refreshing Mountain offers exciting adventures, family-friendly attractions, and group experiences across 100+ scenic acres, making it an ideal destination for day trips, celebrations, and unforgettable memories.

Whether you're soaring through the trees on a zipline, solving puzzles in an escape room, meeting wildlife up close, or relaxing by the pool, you'll find some of the best activities in Pennsylvania for every age and interest.

    Choose From the Best Outdoor Things to Do in PA

    Refreshing Mountain’s 100+ acre retreat in Lancaster, PA, offers unique outdoor activities perfect for families, friends, and groups of all sizes.  So, Whether you're ziplining through treetops or relaxing by the pool, there's something here for everyone to enjoy. If you're searching for outdoor activities near you, Refreshing Mountain is the perfect PA getaway.

    A Man Smiling And Gesturing To The Camera While Ziplining Through The Trees

    Ziplines

    Adventures All seasons $45+/person!

    Soar through the forest on 2–7 exhilarating zipline courses. Experience the thrill, freedom, and beauty of nature from above.

    What to Expect:

    • Total of 14 ziplines across 3 courses totaling over 5,000 feet 
    • Trained guides and top safety gear
    • Scenic treetop views and family-friendly fun
    Escape Room Patents Safe

    Escape Rooms

    3 Rooms under $40/person!

    Solve puzzles in immersive themed rooms. No fear, just fun. Sharpen your minds and teamwork while having a blast!

    What to Expect:

    • Three unique, family-friendly themes 
    • Private,1-hour experiences designed for groups
    • Engaging storylines, live actors and excitement for all
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    Wildlife Center

    Interactive Fun under $15/person!

    Get up close with fascinating reptiles and birds. Spark curiosity and delight for animal lovers of all ages.

    What to Expect:

    • Over 40 species, including native and exotic reptiles
    • Birds of prey exhibit featuring owls and hawk
    • Outdoor turtle garden and scenic nature trails
    Axe Throwing 6 Scaled 1

    Axe Throwing

    Outdoor Fun for $17.76/person!

    Aim, throw, and celebrate hitting your target. Unleash your inner lumberjack in a fun, friendly competition.

    What to Expect:

    • 30-minute guided sessions for ages 13+
    • 6 outdoor lanes with up to 4 throwers per lane
    • Exciting, competitive fun for teens and adults
    Pool View People Fun Scaled 1

    Community Pool

    Splash, Slide, and Soak Up the Sun for $4.95+/person!

    Cool off and relax with a swim under the summer sun. Perfect for recharging and playful splashes with loved ones.

    What to Expect:

    • 30-foot waterslide, diving board, and wet playground
    • Open Memorial Day to Labor Day with lifeguards on duty
    • Family-friendly atmosphere with on-site café 

    Have a Large Group?

    Plan Your Next Big Adventure in Lancaster County

    Whether you're organizing a school trip, youth retreat, or company outing, Refreshing Mountain offers the perfect setting for meaningful connections and outdoor excitement. With 100+ acres of space and a variety of group-friendly activities, your event will be unforgettable, fun-filled, and easy to plan.

    Some of our top activities for large groups include:

    Reach out today for group pricing and custom packages!

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    Jim Shankweiler
    I had a wonderful solo excursion to experience the zip lines at Refreshing Mountain. As soon as I drove onto the Retreat and Adventure Center property located near Denver, PA., I was struck by the beauty of the surroundings. The outdoor areas, pathways, and buildings are well maintained and the signage is very helpful. Everything exudes a feeling of excitement, yet there is a calmness vibe that I greatly appreciated too. One of the first activity areas I saw was a large, perhaps 2 ½ story Obstacle and Ropes area which at the time of my visit had several young folks traversing from ‘here’ to ‘there’ throughout. I immediately thought, ‘what a wonderful way to instill self-confidence, focus, problem solving, and agility in young people. It was also immediately apparent that the Center places highest emphasis on guest safety. At the Obstacles and Ropes challenge and later as I walked about, I saw ample presence of staff demonstrating overarching responsibilities for ensuring safety and compliance. The focus on safety was palpable. When I reached the seven-zip line attraction, I again found very helpful, friendly, kind and courteous staff and it was impossible to miss that safety was foremost in their minds as well. For all the obvious reasons, we guests were coached, instructed, buckled in and secured whenever our feet were not on solid ground. It was remarkable to watch the mastery of the zipline staff as they went through their procedures for moving guests across sky bridges and through the treetops. The rides themselves were very exhilarating, but yet not so extreme where thrilling could become chilling. What a blast! Following the zipline, we returned to the Visitor Area, were we stepped out of our gear and inwardly felt, for each of us I’m sure, the thrill of accomplishment. We had the option of purchasing movies that had been taken by cameras that had been attached to our helmets. While I did not purchase my footage, I saw that it was high quality. The Retreat and Adventure Center is a gem, and the zipline experience itself is beautiful, thrilling, yet strangely calming. The setting, the facilities, the staff, and the focus on guest enjoyment and safety were exceptional. I understand the entire area will be highly decorated and adorned with lights during the Christmas Holiday Season. I want to return then.
    Response from the owner:Jim thank you so much for this wonderful review. It makes us so happy to hear that you enjoyed your visit. We cant wait to welcome you back for our Christmas Lights.
    Acg8Ocjjweuwbsomzypcml6Vqhaj8Bexcpttt1Wofh5N4 N5Noqung=S56 C Rp Mo Br100
    Kelly M.
    If your family loves outdoor fun, this is the place to go!! Beautiful place, lots of activities to choose from and wonderful, friendly, helpful staff!!
    Response from the owner:Thanks so much Kelly! We are happy to hear you had a fun time. We appreciate your kind words and hope to have you again in the future.
    Acg8Ocjyoxx 32Fm4Je6Jysu73Mmjplp6Wvlvqqxk8C A1Fnqsmt A=S56 C Rp Mo Ba12 Br100
    David S.
    This place is awesome! The people are awesome! The activities are awesome. The food is awesome, and there's so much to do! The Ziplines, High Ropes Obstacle Course, Climbing Wall, Giant Swing, Indoor and Outdoor Escape Rooms, Pool, Sling Shot, Archery, Pedal Carts, Climbing Tower, Snack Shop, Dining Hall, Cabins, and so much more! I highly recommend this place for a great time and experience you won't forget.
    Response from the owner:Wow! Thank you David for the AWESOME review.

    FAQs

    Do I need to make a reservation?

    Reservations are highly recommended whether you call ahead or book online. If you just stop in, you might have to wait an hour or more for the activity you want. We recommend you call ahead or book online to ensure availability even for day-of bookings.

    What are the age, weight, and height restrictions for the activities?
    • All activities have a maximum weight of 280 pounds.
    • All activities have a minimum age of 5 years old.  Children under age 5 are also welcome on the property with families and they can enjoy the Wildlife Area, Farm Animal Area, Playground, and Pool. 
    • An adult MUST accompany children under 13 for the Challenge and Aerial Excursion. For other activities, an adult need only be present. Please see the AGE RATIO GRID for specifics.
    What should I know about the day of my activity?
    • All participants MUST be wearing closed-toed shoes, like a sneaker.
    • If you are wearing hoop or dangling earrings or a necklace, you will be asked to remove them while doing the activity. There is a safe place you can keep your belongings.
    • Hair that is below the shoulder should be pulled pack.
    • Please arrive 15 minutes before your first scheduled activity. Come to the office, and we will direct you from there.
    Is the property friendly for children?

    We are very intentional about promoting and preserving a family-friendly environment that welcomes all guests. Our goals for hospitality and many of our policies reflect the Judeo-Christian founding of the retreat center. We feel strongly that our guidelines are essential in helping us promote a wholesome, enjoyable, family-friendly environment for everyone.

    READY TO BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE

    Unplug, re-connect, and create unforgettable memories at Refreshing Mountain

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