23 Unique Things to Do With Your Family for Father’s Day in (or nearby) Lancaster County, PA

SEE the new 2017 updated list here!

There are so many fun things you can do as a family on Father’s Day. Many dads like to just stay at home or go to a park and have a cookout. But if you are looking to do something a little more unique this year, here is a list of somewhat-local events you may not have known about. Many are in Lancaster, but almost all of them are within an hour’s drive!

They are in no particular order, however I did put the one that amazed me the most as #1. I had no idea there was a pedal car museum in Ephrata!!! And no worries, if you can’t go on Father’s Day, it is open to the public once a month.

Seiverling Pedal Car Museum. Located in Ephrata. The Museum and Collection were started as early as 1991 by Richard and Ethel Seiverling, with 5 Classic cars and
one pedal car, and in the next 15 years the collection has changed to 3 Classic cars and as high as 162 pedal cars from all over the world. This is FREE but donations are accepted. It is open from 1pm to 5pm.
Father’s Day Trout Outing at Limestone Springs Fishing Preserve in Richland, PA. Bring your dads for a day of fishing! Free Admission for each family that comes in with Dad. Each father that comes in with their family will also get a piece of our delicious smoked rainbow trout for free! The dad who catches the biggest rainbow trout of the day will receive a special prize.
Father’s Day Character Breakfast at Dutch Wonderland. Merlin and his friends host a magical buffet-style breakfast and create your own omelet station inside the Dutch Wonderland Castle. Meet Princess Brooke, the Dutch Wonderland Knight, Duke and of course, Merlin as you enjoy a yummy breakfast fit for royalty! Food selections include fresh waffles, create-your-own omelets, scrambled eggs, sausage links, pancakes, toast, bagels, muffins, cereal, fresh fruit, coffee, milk and juice.
Refreshing Mountain Zipline Challenge. Enjoy various activities including a climbing tower, pedal carts, paintball targets and archery, a hands-on reptile exhibit, GPS nature hunt, slingshots, horse-back riding or consider a day pass to the community pool that features a 30-foot water slide and a wet playground. You can save $30 by using this coupon voucher.
Shady Maple Smorgasboard Father’s Day Celebration. All men 18 and older receive a FREE Hershey’s chocolate bar. Enjoy their regular menu plus New York Strip Steak, Grilled Salmon, Smoked Beef Brisket, Cajon Catfish, Hand Dipped Ice Cream, and a Chocolate Fountain.
The Caddy Shack Mini Golf in Manheim. Tucked along a beautiful, wooded area, this scenic course is fun for the whole family. After a game, enjoy a tasty meal at their restaurant lodge or ice cream on the patio! A family of 4 can golf for only $15 with this coupon voucher.
Susquehanna Pride Riverboat Tour. Enjoy learning about the history of Harrisburg on one of only seven remaining authentic paddle-wheel boats in the United States. There is a Groupon Deal right now to pay only $23 for a family of 4, or $12 for only two people.
Father’s Day Express at West Chester Railroad. Take Dad for a scenic spring train ride from West Chester to Glen Mills and back.
Father’s Day at Smith in Philadelphia. This event is a little farther away, but it is unique! Families are invited to Smith Memorial Playground for this FREE event which will include fun on our 6 ½ acre Playground and 16,000 sq. ft. Playhouse, crafts, FREE hot dogs and ice cream, and other fun activities for the family.
The Celtic Martins Musical Group will perform at Music in the Park of Lebanon. Local family group that brings new energy to the Celtic Music and Dance scene, featuring Irish and American fiddle tunes, along with numerous Irish step dance routines.
Harrisburg Senators Baseball Game vs Reading, starting at 1:30pm.
VBS Sunday Kick-Off at Weaverland Mennonite Church. Starting at 4:30 PM on Sunday June 19th there will be food, fun, games and horse and tractor rides for the whole family.
Beyond the Garden Gate Tour. Stroll the streets of Lancaster on this self guided home and garden tour of The Neighborhoods of Old Town. From Noon til 5PM. You will be surprised at what you find beyond the garden gate of city living. The 1800’s homes and gardens are each unique in architecture, decor, plantings, and charm.
Father’s Day Paint Party ages 8+, in Mechanicsburg. Here’s a neat idea to do with your family, or with a father and child. A talented artist/teacher will show you how to paint a 16×20 canvas step-by-step from start-to-finish. Absolutely no art skill is needed, simply follow along and have fun! All art supplies and materials will be provided. Studio parties are BYO-food-and-drink.
Big Top Circus at Reading Station at 7pm. A spectacular real circus performance.
Allegro NextGEN Orchestra at Long’s Park Summer Music Series., 7:30-9pm. Prepare to be delighted by SIX young soloists and their professional mentors featuring the finalists from the 2015 Women’s Symphony Association Annual Competition.
Water’s Edge Mini Golf & Ice Cream. Have a fun time on your choice of two challenging courses with whimsical obstacles. Both courses are lighted so you can play at night, too! You can also enjoying feeding the goats, chickens and even a llama at their petting zoo. Save 50% on your visit with a voucher for a family of 4 for only $17.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. If you are a season pass holder you can bring up to 4 friends on Father’s Day for only $19 each!
Father’s Day Car Show in Bethel, PA. Bring your Dad, look at cool cars, eat great food, and fellowship with friends at this year’s Father’s Day Car Show! Complimentary lunch will be served at 12 p.m. Hosted by CEFC.
FatherFest 2016 at American Helicopter Museum and Education Center in West Chester, PA. Thrill to an exciting Drone Airshow Extravaganza AND awesome Helicopter Rides. Enjoy assorted tasty food truck fare, see some neat-o Classic Cars and Motorcycles, and so much more!
Outdoor Family Movie Night at West Lawn United Methodist Church. Families of all ages are invited to their parking lot for a big screen showing of the soon to be released DVD movie – Zootopia! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, pillows and friends for an 8 PM starting movie time.
Father’s Day Express at Wilmington & Western Railroad in Delaware. You and Dad will take a leisurely 1½-hour round-trip train ride to our Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove, where you’ll have a half-hour layover to have a picnic. Departures: 12:30 & 2:30 pm
Father’s Day Car Show in Glen Mills, PA. Muscle, Classic, Hot Rod, Stock and Exotics. There will be hot dogs, soft pretzels, sodas, and water ice available the whole day as well as great eateries right in the Center from which to chose.