Rolling farmland, wooded trails, and quiet lakes make Lancaster County a natural playground for anyone who loves fresh air. Families often search for outdoor activities Lancaster PA to see what the area has to offer, and the options stretch far beyond a single park or trail.
From hiking and paddling to ziplining through the treetops, the region delivers adventure for every age and energy level. Whether you're planning a family weekend, a youth group outing, or a company team-building day, you'll find plenty of ways to get outside.
This guide highlights top outdoor spots across the county, seasonal recreation ideas, and suggested day trips. It also shows how Refreshing Mountain, a 100+ acre retreat and adventure center in northern Lancaster County, brings many of these experiences together in one place.
Explore Outdoor Activities In Lancaster, PA
Lancaster County offers a wide mix of nature preserves, public parks, and waterways within a short drive of each other. Many of the best spots sit just minutes from Refreshing Mountain, making it easy to combine a morning outdoors with an afternoon of adventure.
Hit the Hiking Trails
Some of the best hiking trails Lancaster PA offers wind through Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, about five minutes from Refreshing Mountain. Its twenty miles of paths offer seasonal views of tundra swans, and the site ranks among six Globally Important Bird Areas in Pennsylvania.
For a quieter trek, head to Camp Mack, roughly 15 minutes away, where public trails welcome both hikers and mountain bikers. The Lancaster Conservancy also protects nature preserves such as Kelly's Run and Shenk's Ferry, each offering peaceful paths through the countryside.
Paddle Local Waterways
Paddlers searching for kayaking Lancaster PA spots have several calm options nearby. Speedwell Forge Lake, a short drive from Refreshing Mountain, suits small boats and kayaks, and locals know it as a favorite for fishing and spotting reptiles and amphibians along the shore.
Make Refreshing Mountain Your Home Base
Just 35-45 minutes from downtown Lancaster, Refreshing Mountain puts ziplines, obstacle courses, a wildlife center, and seasonal events on one wooded property. Instead of driving between attractions all day, you can spend more hours exploring and fewer behind the wheel.
The property also offers cabins and hotel-style lodging, so families and groups can stay overnight and explore nearby preserves the next morning. Browse the full lineup of outdoor activities at Refreshing Mountain to start building your plans.
Plan Adventures the Whole Family Will Love
Many of the top things to do in Lancaster PA with kids happen outdoors, and Refreshing Mountain was built with families in mind. The property promotes a wholesome environment shaped by its Christian values, so parents can relax while kids explore.
Find Activities for Every Age
All activities welcome guests ages five and up, with a maximum weight of 280 pounds.Younger children are welcome to explore our Wildlife Area, playground, seasonal pool, and outdoor spaces with their parents. The whole family can enjoy time together and create lasting memories at Refreshing Mountain.
Reservations are highly recommended for every activity since walk-in guests may wait an hour or more. Booking ahead helps your family lock in preferred times and spend the day enjoying adventures instead of standing in line.
Celebrate Birthdays and Homeschool Days
Mark a special day with a birthday party surrounded by woods, ziplines, and friends. Families who homeschool can also join the annual Homeschool Days, giving students a chance to learn, play, and connect with peers outside.
Bring Your Team Together at Refreshing Mountain
Shared challenges help groups communicate, build trust, and celebrate every win. Refreshing Mountain offers group-friendly activities across its wooded campus, with dedicated options for large parties of 20 or more, making it a strong fit for churches, schools, and corporate teams.
Take On Obstacle and Ropes Courses
The elevated obstacle course tests balance, focus, and teamwork as climbers move from one challenge to the next high above the ground. Teammates cheer each other on, and those shared moments become the stories people tell long after the trip ends.
Groups can round out the experience with the climbing tower, giant swing, archery, and pedal carts. Mixing heart-pounding activities with lower-key options lets every participant choose a comfort level while still feeling part of the team.
Add Friendly Competition With Axe Throwing
For teens and adults, axe throwing brings out a playful competitive streak. Guided 30-minute sessions welcome ages 13 and up across six outdoor lanes, with up to four throwers per lane, so small teams can rotate quickly and keep the energy high.
Plan Field Trips and Team-Building Days
Teachers can turn a lesson into a memorable outing with school field trips that combine outdoor exploration with hands-on learning. Company leaders can also book team-building activities that strengthen communication and problem-solving away from the office.
Planning for a big crowd? Refreshing Mountain offers group pricing and custom packages, so you can build a day around your goals. Start with a group inquiry to see which activities fit your schedule and headcount.
Discover Refreshing Mountain Activity Highlights
With so many outdoor options across the county, Refreshing Mountain stands out by combining adventure, nature, and hospitality on one property. Here's a closer look at the experiences visitors love most, from treetop thrills to wildlife encounters.
Soar Through the Trees on Zipline Courses
The zipline courses serve as the centerpiece, with 14 lines spread across three routes totaling over 5,000 feet. Guests can choose from packages featuring two to seven rides, making it easy to match the experience to each rider's confidence.
Trained guides and top safety gear keep every flight secure, and scenic treetop views make the ride as beautiful as it is thrilling. Helmet-mounted cameras can even capture your journey on high-quality video.
Meet Wildlife Up Close
The Wildlife Center houses more than 40 species, including native and exotic reptiles, plus a birds of prey exhibit featuring owls and a hawk. An outdoor turtle garden and wooded nature trails complete the visit.
Plan on 25 to 45 minutes to walk through and learn about each animal. It's a low-cost, kid-friendly stop that works well for families with young children or anyone taking a break between higher-energy activities.
Everything in One Place
Refreshing Mountain brings lodging, dining, and recreation together, so families and groups can plan an entire day or weekend without juggling multiple venues. Cabins, hotel-style rooms, the 319Cafe, and meeting spaces all sit on the same property as the activities.
Safety and hospitality guide every experience here. Staff members stay present throughout activity areas, and the retreat's Christ-centered mission shapes a welcoming atmosphere where guests of all ages can unplug, reconnect, and take in the outdoors together.
Outdoor Recreation in Every Season
Refreshing Mountain stays open year-round, so outdoor fun never has to wait for summer. Ziplines run in every season, and special events throughout the calendar give families and groups new experiences with each return trip.
Spring
The season’s milder temperatures make it an ideal window for hiking Middle Creek or Camp Mack and taking your first zipline ride of the year. Refreshing Mountain also rolls out Passover and Easter packages for families and groups looking to shake off winter together.
Summer
Summer centers on the Community Pool, open Memorial Day through Labor Day, with lifeguards on duty. Kids love the diving board and wet playground, while parents grab a snack at the on-site café between swims.
For a nighttime thrill, Glow Nights light up the ziplines on the most patriotic nights of the year. Guests fly through the forest after dark for a summer celebration the whole family will remember for years.
Autumn
Among the most popular fall activities Lancaster PA families enjoy, Refreshing Mountain's Fall Fest Days run on select weekends through autumn. Gamified zipline packages add rubber duckie tosses, pumpkin smashing, and chances to win a free T-shirt.
Autumn is also a beautiful stretch for hiking, as foliage colors the forest surrounding the property. Stop by the 319Cafe for a seasonal latte, then snap a few pictures at the family photo spots set up around the grounds.
Winter
Many Lancaster PA winter activities move indoors, but Refreshing Mountain keeps guests outside. Its Christmas Lights experience decorates the property with hundreds of thousands of bulbs, and visitors can explore on a walking tour or fly through the display on a zipline.
The Christmas Light Walk winds through forest trails filled with light, and parties of 10 or more can book holiday banquets or group zipline outings. Many guests now make the experience a yearly Christmas tradition with family and friends.
Try These Day-Trip Itineraries
Not sure where to start? These sample itineraries combine nearby outdoor spots with Refreshing Mountain's activities, so you can make the most of every hour. Adjust each plan to fit your group's ages, interests, and energy.
Family Adventure Day
This plan balances thrills with downtime, giving kids of every age something exciting to anticipate. Families with children under five can swap the zipline ride for extra time at the playground and Farm Animal Area.
- Morning: Hike a short loop at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and watch for waterfowl.
- Late morning: Drive about five minutes to Refreshing Mountain and tour the Wildlife Center.
- Lunch: Grab a bite at the 319Cafe.
- Afternoon: Zip through the treetops on a two-zipline package, then cool off at the Community Pool in summer.
- Evening: Wind down with a walk on the property's hiking trails.
Group Team-Building Day
Designed for churches, schools, and corporate teams, this itinerary builds communication and trust through shared challenges. Contact Refreshing Mountain ahead of your visit to arrange group pricing and a custom schedule that fits your goals.
- Morning: Kick off with the elevated obstacle course to get everyone working together.
- Late morning: Split into small teams for axe throwing (ages 13+).
- Lunch: Gather in the dining hall to share a meal and talk through the morning's wins.
- Afternoon: Finish on the zipline courses and celebrate as a group.
- Optional: Extend the day with an overnight stay in cabins or hotel-style rooms.
Fall Weekend Getaway
This season offers crisp air and colorful foliage, making it a perfect season for a two-day escape. Book a cabin to stay close to the action and enjoy Fall Fest Days at a relaxed pace instead of rushing home.
- Day one, morning: Hike Camp Mack's wooded trails while the leaves change.
- Day one, afternoon: Check into your cabin, then take on a gamified zipline package during Fall Fest Days.
- Day one, evening: Relax around the property with a seasonal latte from the 319Cafe.
- Day two, morning: Paddle Speedwell Forge Lake or explore the trails at Middle Creek.
- Day two, afternoon: Visit the Wildlife Center before heading home.
Start Planning Your Lancaster County Adventure
Lancaster County's trails, lakes, and preserves offer countless ways to explore, but few places combine them with ziplines, wildlife, and overnight lodging like Refreshing Mountain does. One visit gives families and groups a home base for adventure all year long.
From birthdays and field trips to weekend getaways, the Refreshing Mountain team is ready to help you create life-changing memories in a safe, family-friendly setting. Book early to secure your preferred dates and outdoor activities.
Ready to get outside? Explore Refreshing Mountain's outdoor activities and start planning your visit today.