Ahh, summer — at long last!
It feels good to finally slip off our shoes and slid our toes across the cool, green grass. But if you have a little one in your life — whether your child, grandchild, or friend — often these little bundles of energy don’t slow down enough to give you the time to soak up the sunshine.
Instead, they’re running around, yelling “chase after me!” Or dancing to silly, kid’s songs. Children love activity and summer is no exception.
We’re here to lend a helping hand by suggesting four of our favorite Lancaster activities for the whole family.
Take a deep breathe, go out, and have some fun!
1- Family Fun Day at Cherry Crest Farm
This day is set aside to celebrate and support 10 local non-profit organizations in Lancaster County while also providing energetic children with a bunch of fun activities.
What’s a better way to celebrate the last bit of sweet summertime than showing your children the value of helping others?
Cherry Crest Farm also offers over 50 activities for the whole family including a Farm Tour Wagon Ride, Petting Zoo, Hay Chute Slide, and much, much more! Children will have a chance to run out their energy while having fun in farm-inspired, Lancaster-infused activities.
Date: September 10, 2016. Visit Cherry Crest Farm’s events page for further information.
2- Samson at Sight and Sound Theater
By now, it’ll come as no surprise that we absolutely love Sight and Sound’s dramatic productions of various Bible stories.
There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as experiencing— seeing, hearing, feeling — these classic stories through their bold and inspiring performances. 
Children will love the real animals and boisterous singing. Samson is recommended for older children to preteens at parent’s discretion.
Dates: Catch the show anytime this summer. For more details, check out the Sight and Sound website.
3- Make-a-Friend Workshop at Kitchen Kettle Village
Take a step back in time and inspire your children to make their own toys. With this creative activity, children will be become the toy craftsmen of their dreams!
Perhaps you little boy is intrigued with creating unique toys. With the build-a-barn station, he can become a master carpenter by nailing together a few of Amish-made wooden barn pieces, a steam train, or tractor and wagon.
Maybe your children love the Amish culture and want to know more about it. With the make-a-friend station, they can create their very own Amish dolls and clothe it in suspenders or dresses, outfits made by local Amish.
Dates: Open from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday-Saturday this summer at the Kitchen Kettle Barnyard. See their Workshop information for more details.
Tip: Treat your sweet tooth to a delicious snack! Stop by Kitchen Kettle’s Bake Shop for some tasty, freshly-baked treats like Shoo-fly Pie or Whoopie Pies. They’re Lancaster-County classics!
4- Duke’s Star Spangled BBQ Bash at Dutch Wonderland
Need plans for the summer’s biggest holiday? Dutch Wonderland has got your family covered.
Imagine feasting on an abundant set up on picnic tables as upbeat music plays in the background. The menu includes everything needed for a perfect summer feast: hot dogs and chicken, macaroni and cheese, and plenty of delicious watermelon — and more!
It’s a perfect break from a busy morning of fun rides at the park! Your children can even participate in some games at the picnic site.
The 4th of July doesn’t get any better than that!
Dates: July 2-4, 2016. Check out the Dutch Wonderland events section for more information.
Family adventures is a special part of summertime. Often, it’s the part of summertime that children will remember for years to come.
This summer, we encourage you to embrace your children’s energy and indulge in their curiosity and eagerness for adventure.
Just don’t forget to have fun!
