Road trip guide: Have a fun-filled family weekend in Lancaster County

Photo above courtesy of Eastland Alpacas.

The days are longer, the skies are bluer and weekend adventures are calling. 

If you’re dreaming of somewhere peaceful but also full of wonder, Lancaster County is simple, sweet and just about four hours from Pittsburgh. Perfect for a long weekend that doesn’t require too much planning or too much patience from little travelers.

For families used to the noise and rush of city life, this corner of Pennsylvania Dutch Country offers something unexpected: stillness without boredom, and a vacation that feels refreshingly real. It’s the kind of place where you can meet alpacas, ride a vintage train, snack on French pastries, and pick up jars of jam straight from the hands that made them. 

Here’s how to make the most of a Lancaster getaway:

STAY

Checking into the Lancaster Arts Hotel feels a little like finding a secret hideout built by artists. Tucked inside a lovingly restored 19th-century tobacco warehouse, this boutique hotel is all exposed brick, original artwork and lofty ceilings. Families will like the roomy King Suites with a pullout sofa for little ones, the free parking garage and a surprisingly good continental breakfast (think fresh pastries, juicy berries, and yes, they sometimes have whoopie pies, too).

Downtown Lancaster is right outside your door, which means everything from coffee shops to galleries is just a stroller ride away. And if the kids need to burn off some energy, you can even grab free passes to the nearby YMCA pool.

SEE

The Lancaster Central Market is a sensory playground and a must-visit first stop. This historic market, open since 1730, is America’s oldest continuously operating public market. Stepping inside its soaring red-brick hall feels a little like traveling back in time — with snacks. Kids will love sampling fresh whoopie pies, barrels of pickles, and old-fashioned candy, while parents can browse farm stands loaded with jams, cheeses, smoked meats, and homemade relishes. Early morning is the best time to visit to beat the crowds and snag the best treats. Give each child a few dollars to pick their own market snack to turn the visit into a little adventure.

Next, hop aboard the Strasburg Rail Road for one of the most charming experiences Lancaster County has to offer. Founded in 1832, Strasburg Rail Road is the oldest continuously operating short-line railroad in America. Riding one of its beautifully restored steam trains can feel a bit magical. Families can choose to ride in an open-air car for breezy countryside views or settle into a historic dining car with white tablecloth service for lunch. Along the way, the train rumbles past cornfields, cows and Amish farms, and kids often delight in waving at farmers and seeing horses plowing fields the old-fashioned way.

At Eastland Alpacas, things get even fuzzier. This 30-acre family-run farm is home to more than 120 gentle alpacas, and families can stroll the fields, hand-feed the animals, and even snap a few photos with the friendliest of the bunch. Children love the soft nuzzle of an alpaca eating grain straight from their palm, and parents will find it hard to resist the shop’s cozy scarves, mittens, and stuffed alpaca toys. Tours are by appointment and last about an hour, which is just the right amount of time before little legs get tired.

EAT

For a hearty breakfast or brunch, make your way to Gracie’s on West Main in nearby Leola. This beloved local spot serves a delicious variety of omelets, mouth-watering French toast, and a bacon sampler that’s a hit with toddlers and grownups alike. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, with a kids’ menu full of options and a friendly staff that never minds a little noise. Arriving early is smart, especially on weekends when the locals pile in.

One of the best parts of staying at the Lancaster Arts Hotel? You don’t have to wander far for a good meal. John J. Jeffries, the farm-to-table restaurant tucked right inside the hotel, serves up local, seasonal plates with thoughtful kid-friendly options. While you enjoy a glass of Pennsylvania wine, your kids can dig into simple, tasty sides and fresh-baked bread.

Another great family meal can be found at Olde Mill Restaurant, a relaxed, casual spot tucked near the Best Western in Intercourse. Here, the focus is hearty Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food: mashed potatoes, roast turkey, buttery noodles and delicious desserts.

For something a little more upscale but still very family-friendly, head to Bistro Barberet & Bakery in downtown Lancaster. This French bistro offers everything from delicate quiches to towering croissants. Kids will love the rainbow-colored macarons and towering pastry displays in the adjoining bakery, while adults can indulge in French onion soup or a perfect croque monsieur.

Dinner at Kole Chophouse in Lititz is another treat. The open kitchen cooks everything over roaring flames, filling the airy, modern dining room with a warm, inviting smell. Parents can enjoy craft cocktails and wood-fired steaks, while kids dig into grilled flatbreads and simple side dishes packed with local veggies. Watching the chefs at work behind the glass wall turns the meal into part show, part feast.

If you’re looking for a charming breakfast or brunch spot, On Orange is tucked inside a vintage rowhouse and serves homemade granola, Swedish pancakes and Lancaster-roasted coffee. The vibe is cozy and low-key, perfect for easing into a slower-paced morning.

DO

One of the simplest pleasures in Lancaster is the buggy ride. Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides makes it easy and welcoming for families. Hop into a real horse-drawn buggy and clip-clop through quiet country roads past farmsteads and one-room schoolhouses. Depending on your route, you might even stop at a working Amish farm, where kids can pet baby animals or sample homemade cookies sold from a tiny farmstand.

At Kitchen Kettle Village, life slows down just enough to let you wander. You can stroll past open-air shops sampling jams, olive oils and kettle corn; listen to bluegrass music from the courtyard; and let the kids pick out a toy or decorate their own cookie at the Bake Shop. It’s touristy in the best possible way — wholesome, walkable and full of treats.

For parents needing a grown-up moment, Grandview Vineyard offers a low-key escape where kids can enjoy the landscape while you sip a glass of chilled rosé overlooking the rolling vines. Every weekend features live music and occasionally food trucks, making it feel more like a laid-back family picnic rather than a formal winery visit.

Downtown Lancaster offers a stroller-friendly arts walk that’s surprisingly fun for families. The 100 block of North Prince Street is packed with welcoming galleries, murals and public art, while the 300 block of North Queen Street offers indie boutiques with playful finds. At Building Character, a warehouse-style market packed with vintage treasures and handmade goods, your child might dig up a retro toy while you treat yourself to handmade jewelry or a quirky tea towel. And if you’re lucky enough to visit on First Friday, you’ll find the streets buzzing with music, sidewalk art and kid-friendly pop-up surprises.

No trip is complete without a countryside drive. Follow Old Philadelphia Pike or Stumptown Road and keep your eyes peeled for Amish roadside stands selling strawberries, pickled beets, hand-stitched quilts or frosty glass bottles of root beer. Most operate on the honor system, adding a little bit of old-fashioned charm to your adventure.

Tips for Parents

• Bring more snacks for the car than you think you need. And don’t be surprised if a 10-minute drive between towns turns into 20 when you spot a must-stop farmstand or a buggy parade.
• Plan bathroom stops carefully. Many of the prettiest spots in this area are scenic, but restroom-scarce. 
• Remember to respect Amish customs: no direct photos.
• Most Amish-owned businesses close early and are closed Sundays, so front-load your itinerary with countryside adventures on Friday and Saturday.