9 Things to Do in Lancaster, PA This Weekend
Looking to make the most of your weekend? Are you new to the Lancaster area and unsure of where to start? Here are 9 Things to do in Lancaster, PA this weekend with additional kid-friendly options that should bring some extra spring into your step! Thereâs something for everybody in this all-inclusive look into what the Lancaster County area has to offer.
For the Adventure Seekers…
Stone Gables Trail Riding-Â
If youâre not quite ready for the thrill of ziplining but are still looking for an exciting activity that adds some structure to your weekend plans, Stone Gables Estate offers 1-hour guided trail rides that are designed to take you back in time as your travel through their expansive and historic property. This is a good opportunity to keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife and no riding experience is required! For more details, check out their website here.
Lancaster Balloon Rides-Â
Get ready to cross something off your bucket list! Why not take the unconventional route of touring Lancaster, PA this weekend and get an aerial view of the beautiful Amish Country and farmland? At Lancaster Balloon Rides, you can do just that. Simply pick the date and time that works for you (We recommend early in the morning so you can catch that sunrise view) and get ready for some Insta-worthy shots!
For the Thrill Junkies…
Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center-Â
Make some core memories and visit Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center. Offering exhilarating ziplining and high adventure packages at an excellent price point, our guided ziplining tours are a unique experience for every age and skill level. To book, simply go to our website, choose a package that catches your eye (or gets your adrenaline pumping), and pick a date and time. We recommend booking a few days ahead of time since spots fill up quickly!
Refreshing Mountain Axe Throwing–Â
For our fierce adventurers out there, we highly recommend adding axe throwing to your repertoire! This is a fun, engaging activity that you can either do on your own, with a friend, or with a whole group. Our uniquely designed lanes are enclosed which guarantees that you donât have to wait for another participant to throw before retrieving your own axe. Want a pro tip? Ask our staff to demonstrate some cool trick shots! Keep in mind that participants need to be ages 13 and up. Click here to book your one hour timeslot.
For the Classic Weekenders…
Downtown Lancaster
If youâre on the hunt for a great cup of coffee, delicious brunch options, and a variety of different shopping experiences, Historic Downtown Lancaster is the place to be. While itâs hard to hit all of the great spots in one weekend, weâve done our best to gather the inside scoop for you on some of the local favorites.
Lancasterâs Central Market (Our favorite stands to hit are The Goodie Shoppe and Lancaster County Coffee Roasters)
Cafe One Eight (Try their Pesto Breakfast Sandwich! 10/10 recommend)
Passenger Coffee (Specialty coffee roasters and fine tea extraordinaires)
Lemon Street Market (full-service grocery store and cafe focused on sustainable and healthy living)
Cabalar Meat Co. (butchery meets burger shop! Mouth-wateringly good)
For the Indoor Escapists…
Not looking to gamble with the weather this weekend? We still have some great options for you!
Refreshing Mountain Indoor Escape Rooms
Choose from any of our three uniquely designed indoor escape rooms and get ready for a private, hour-long session of problem-solving as you race against the clock. Our family-friendly themed rooms, including one featuring a live actor, are sure to give you a run for your money while creating fun memories with your group! Pro Tip: When you book our third escape room, On a Mission, 5% of the proceeds will go directly to HOPE International, a Lancaster based non-profit investing in the dreams of families in the worldâs underserved communities. Click here for more information on our Escape Rooms.
Prussian Street Arcade
Another local favorite indoor shopping experience is Prussian Street Arcade, located in the heart of Manheim, PAâs main street. Prussian Street embodies the heart behind âShop Smallâ and is home to a variety of local vendors and creators who offer different goods and retail products. Stop next door at Mill72 (a great local coffee shop) for a treat and espresso drink and then walk through the doors of Prussian Street and enjoy a relaxing time perusing all the unique goods they have to offer!
For the Nature Lovers…
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Center
Did you know that Lancaster, PA hosts one of just six Globally Important Bird Areas in the state? Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area offers a broad variety of recreational opportunities for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Boasting twenty miles of hiking trails, excellent views of waterfowl such as the tundra swan (seasonally, of course), and even kayak rentals, Middle Creek is the place to go if youâre looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Lancaster and into the tranquility of nature without even leaving the county.
BONUS
For the Kids…
Refreshing Mountainâs Wildlife CenterÂ
If youâre looking for a fun activity to do this weekend that is both kid and wallet-friendly, consider checking out Refreshing Mountainâs Wildlife Center! Plan on taking anywhere from twenty-five to forty-five minutes to walk through and learn first-hand about a variety of different reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey. Access to our Wildlife Center is available through our Basecamp and Ascent Packages, where you get access to a menagerie of different activities, such as pedal-cart racing and our rock-climbing wall. It is also available a la carte on select days for $10/person.
Say âYES!â
Take the guesswork out of your weekend and enjoy all the fun outings, high adventure, and great food that Lancaster, PA has to offer while making memories that will last you a lifetime. Whether itâs ziplining through the treetops here at Refreshing Mountain or perusing the endless offerings of Central Market in downtown Lancaster, there is truly something for everyone here. Say âyes!â to adventure and see where it takes you.