Frugal Activities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster, Pennsylvania is known primarily for Amish culture and shopping, but this big, little town has so much more to offer. If you want to spend a day exploring the place I call home, but don’t want to spend a fortune, check out these frugal activities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Talk to the Locals

While I am originally not from Lancaster, I moved here for college and never left.

Why?

I love this “small town” and all its bustling activitity. Not only are there endless frugal activities in Lancaster, but we are also surrounded by other amazing destinations such as Baltimore, Washington D.C, Philadelpha, and Pittsburgh – just to name a few.

You can see lush farm hand, a bustling metropolis, and beautiful waterfront property all within a 30-minute drive. There is no shortage of eclectic scenery or activities in Lancaster.

With all that in mind, keep reading to learn about the top frugal activities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Family Friendly Frugal Activities in Lancaster

If you’re looking to wear out entertain your kids for a few hours, you’ve come to the right place. There is an abundance of kid friendly and frugal activities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

• Strasburg Railroad – Less than 10 minutes off Route 30, you will enter the small, historical town of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Strasburg gained its notoriety from the Strasburg Railroad, an optional open air train ride through the luscious farmland of Southern Lancaster County. The Strasburg Railroad is a place of constant movement. Offering everything from Murder Mystery dinners to rides with Thomas the Train, you will be sure to find an event to suit everyone.
• Lil’ Country Store and Mini Horse Farm – If you travel an extra three miles from the Strasburg Railroad, you will find the Lil Country Store and Mini Horse Farm. This large Amish farm is bustling with so many adorable farm animals. Get ready to pet, and feed, everything from mini horses to alpacas. While you’re there, be sure to stop in at the country store and pick up some famous Woopie Pies!
• The Hands-on House – The Hands-on House is a museum that is specifically designed for children. That means that they can touch EVERYTHING. Yes, you heard me. EVERYTHING! The Hands-on House is designed to give children an interactive and educational experience, all for under $15.
• Landis Valley Museum – Just around the corner from The Hand-on House is Landis Valley Museum. This museum is dedicated Lancaster’s German culture and preservation. With constant educational and artisan classes, be sure to check their website so you don’t miss one.
• The Lancaster Science Factory – When you venture into the city, be sure to check out The Lancaster Science Factory. Another location designed with kids in mind, this program is dedicated to bringing S.T.E.M education to life. Kids are encouraged to touch, build, explore, and learn when they visit the Lancaster Science Factory.

Frugal Date Nights in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Any relationship counselor will remind you that date nights should happen often, but we all know that the cost can add up after a while.

Check out these frugal date night activities in Lancaster.

• Decades – Just inside the city limits, you’ll find Decades. Located in the historic Stahr Armory on North Queen Street, you’ll find six bowling lanes, a retro arcade (complete with OG Mario Kart and Skee-Ball), and a full service bar. Keep in mind that after 8:30 PM, Decades limits their patrons to 21 and older.
• Springhouse Brewery – One of my personal favorite breweries in the area, Springhouse Brewery offers a killer combination of delicious food and a never-ending rotating craft beer selection. On the second floor, you’ll find an arcade complete with foosball, pool, and air hockey. Loser buys drinks, right?
• Lancaster VR Lounge – Strategically housed behind the delicious Cabalar Meats, you will find Lancaster VR Lounge. This is a virtual reality lounge with plenty of space, so you don’t knock over Mom’s lamps, or Mom herself. Rentals come in 10-, 30-, and 60-minute time blocks. Walk ins are welcome, but reservations are highly recommended.
• The Wolf Sanctuary – The Wolf Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue and public education of wolves, snuggled on the outskirts of Lititz, PA. You can book a group tour, a private tour, or attend the monthly full moon fundraisers to learn more. All money raised goes directly towards taking care of the beautiful wolves that are rehabilitated through The Wolf Sancturary.

Outdoor Frugal Activities in Lancaster

As a fellow hiker myself, I am always encouraging others to get outside. It is a good thing there is no shortage of outdoor, frugal activities in Lancaster.

• Northwest Lancaster County Rail Trail – A personal favorite trail of mine, the Northwest Lancaster County Rail Trail is a 14-mile, paved trail that connects Columbia to Harrisburg. As you bike, skate, or walk along the gorgeous Susquehanna River, you can also stop to enjoy several playgrounds and lookout points. (Hint: Walking to The White Cliffs of Conoy is definitely worth the view).
• Chickies Rock County Park – You have two options when it comes to Chickies Rock. You can drive right up to the overlook at Breezyview Overlook or you can take a short hike to several other overlooks in the park. It might not seem like much, but I promise the views are worth it.
• Turkey Hill Nature Preserve – Lancaster County is full of nature preserves, but Turkey Hill Nature Preserve has the most activities to offer. While relaxing at the nature preserve, be sure to check out the Turkey Hill Rail Trail and the Enola Low Grade Trail. These two gravel trails are perfect for walking, biking, or rock climbing.
• D.F Buchmiller Park – A park built for the whole family! On the grounds, you’ll find a playground, tennis and pickleball courts, a disc golf course, and a softball field.

A Day on the Town in Lancaster

To the locals, the term “Lancaster” covers all of Lancaster County – from Blue Ball all the way down to Quarryville. Lancaster County is filled with several towns and boroughs that could easily keep you entertained for the day.

Don’t forget your walking shoes.

• Lancaster City – That one seems pretty obvious, doesn’t it? Lancaster City is the epicenter of Lancaster County, full of shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Park your car in one of the many parking garages in the area and enjoy the breweries, the cafes, and the scenery along the way.
• Lititz – Lititz rightfully earned the title of “cutest small down in America” in 2013. No matter what time of year it is, you will always find something happening in Lititz. From the largest craft fair on the East Coast in the summer to the Chocolate Walk in October, you are sure to find an event that fits your taste. However, you don’t have to wait for an event to visit. There is plenty of small business to support in this well-known and often mispronounced town.
• Manheim – Once a rather invisible town, downtown Manheim has certainly grown in the last few years. Businesses such as Prussian Street Arcade, Mill 72, and Artifice Ales & Mead will easily entice you in as you stroll down Main Street.
• Strasburg – Strasburg is a historical and diverse town ready to welcome any and all guests. Less than 10 minutes away from Tanger Outlets on Route 30, you will find delicious restaurants such as Fireside Tavern, out of this world ice cream at Strasburg Creamery, and delectable wine at The Winery at Strasburg Shoppes.
• Columbia – I have lived in Lancaster for close to 10 years now and it has completely warmed my heart to see the transition that has come to Columbia, Pennsylvania. A town that was one dedicated to industry and history had become a town that was not somewhere I was comfortable walking alone. However, through years of hard work and dedication, that is no longer the case. Columbia is now filled with amazing small businesses and eclectic restaurants.

Always Something to Do

Lancaster, Pennsylvania has always been known for it’s Amish culture and tax-free outlet shopping. However, this town has endless activities for you to enjoy.

There are thousands of frugal activities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and I know I’ve only named a few.

Who else has a frugal activity in Lancaster? Leave me a comment so I can check it out!