15 Before-Naptime Trips in Lancaster County

I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for short morning trips I can do before naptime. It keeps summer special for the kids, and for me! This year I seem to be finding new ones — I am eager to post about those soon — but in this post I want to share some of our favorites in years past!

Here are 15 Before-Naptime Trip ideas for you!

1. Pretzel Hut and Petting Zoo (Newmanstown)

This petting zoo is quite large and nestled in the woods, which makes it unique. There are many exotic animals, and a small play area. Enjoy delicious food afterwards. There are often coupons available in newspapers and online for the restaurant. This opens at 11am.

2. Visit another Local Petting Zoo

There are dozens of options in Lancaster County that are a great morning trip. Many of them have playgrounds and parks nearby to hit up at the same time, you could even take a packed lunch.

3. Wilbur Chocolate (Lititz)

Visit the chocolate store and watch chocolates being made. They also have regular events, open houses, giveaways and fun family days!

4. Sturgis Pretzel Factory (Lititz)

Founded in 1861, the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery is the first commercial pretzel bakery in America. Tour the original bakery, get a hands-on lesson in pretzel twisting, and then taste a fresh soft pretzel. This tour works well with kids of all ages.

5. Lapp Valley Dairy Farm, Ice Cream and Petting Zoo (New Holland)

Watch for the peacock to open her feathers, pet the new calves, and even watch the cows being milked. See photos from our family visit.

6. Boehringers (Adamstown)

Creek play and good food. Here are some other great areas to go creek stomping.

7. Historic Pool Forge (Churchtown)

Creek play and playground/picnic pavilion. Kids love to bring their nets and catch some crayfish!

8. That Fish Place (Centerville)

Pet store with tons of animals and fish. Explore over 88,000 square foot retail store, great for kids of all ages. You can even pet a stingray! See photos from our visit before you go.

9. Uncle Henry’s Pretzel Tour (Mohnton)

You have to set this tour up ahead of time. This tour is unique because all the pretzels are hand twisted by conservative Mennonites!

10. Eastland Alpacas (Mount Joy)

Call ahead to schedule a tour. Eastland Alpacas is a 30 acre farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, conveniently located between Lancaster and Harrisburg. When visiting you will learn about the alpacas, see the beautiful products made from their fiber and go one-on-one with the animals.

11. Wolf Sanctuary (Lititz)

Quietly secured on 20 plus acres of natural woodland, you will find the home of the Speedwell Wolves. On weekends the tour admission is $12 per person, $10 for children 11 and under. Other events and opportunities throughout the year for around $10 per person. Check out their full moon tour!

12. Landis Valley Museum (Lancaster)

Landis Valley Museum’s richly layered story is the history of an early Pennsylvania German settlement, an unusual farm family and the ongoing creation and exploration of a wonderfully diverse collection of artifacts. Reserve FREE passes from your local library.

13. Hands On House (Lancaster)

Imagine, have fun, learn, and discover together. Explore interactive exhibits, experience a unique educational program, or visit the Play Garden. There is a fee for this.

14. Choo Choo Barn (Strasburg)

The 1,700 square foot train layout features over 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles and 22 operating trains. Kids 3-11 are $4.50, adults are $7.50. In 2018 they are offering FREE Admission on Thursdays if you bring a canned good. Here are photos from our visit in December for the Christmas layout, but this still gives you a good idea of what you’ll see.

15. Roadside America (Hamburg)

The World’s Greatest indoor miniature village. Kids 5 and under are FREE, Ages 6-11 are $5, adults are $8. You can also take an all new Audio Tour with your smartphone.

BONUS IDEA >> Tiny Town (Lancaster) – Tiny Town is an indoor playspace for children near Lancaster city. Made up of luxury playhouses, kids will go wild with imagination! Putting a fire out at the fire station, doing makeup in the salon, shopping in the market, driving the pedal cars, dancing up on stage and so much more! There is a fee for children and parents.

There are also tons of FREE places you can go and things you can visit, especially in the summertime in Lancaster County. Here are 15 ideas for you if you are looking for something FREE to do!

Another great idea before naptime is to visit a playground by checking out this Google Map for all the Lancaster County Playgrounds! You can visit a new playground for FREE every day – there are over 100 in Lancaster County!!