A Kid-Friendly Hike with Big Payoff: Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve

Lancaster County isn’t just farmland—it’s full of hidden outdoor gems. One of my favorite spots for an easy, magical hike with kids is Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve. The shaded trails, gentle slopes, and forest feel make it just adventurous enough, without ever being too far from the road—a major win when you’re hiking with littles!

I’ve mentioned Welsh Mountain before in my trail running blog, and for good reason. It’s a local favorite with trails that vary in both difficulty and scenery. Fun fact: the main photo on my blog was actually taken right here, at the lookout station early one misty morning—dewy, quiet, and beautiful.

This trail is great for dog walks, and my kids genuinely enjoy it too. The soft ground is kind on my knees, and the full shade keeps it cool even on warmer days. Just don’t forget the bug spray—and if you’re visiting during hunting season, be sure to wear orange.

Post-hike treat tips:
After your hike, you’ve got a couple of great local spots to choose from:
🍦Lickity Split in New Holland serves up old-school charm with ice cream, grilled sandwiches, and a retro café vibe.
☕️Fireside Café, tucked in at Welsh Mountain Home, is cozy and peaceful—perfect for a warm drink, light bite, or just winding down after your outdoor adventure.

It’s the perfect blend of active play and Lancaster County charm.

Indoor Rock Climbing Adventure at Spooky Nook Sports

If your kids love to climb anything and everything, channel that energy at Spooky Nook Sports in Manheim—home to one of the largest indoor sports complexes in the country and one of the biggest rock climbing gyms in Pennsylvania. The climbing area features top-rope climbing, auto-belays, and kid-friendly bouldering under staff supervision. Whether your child is a beginner or a fearless little spider monkey, there’s something for every skill level.

You can grab a day pass or book a youth climbing session, which includes gear rental and a guided intro. It’s an especially great indoor activity when the weather’s too hot, rainy, or unpredictable.

What to Expect at Spooky Nook:
The facility itself is massive—it’s built in a converted Armstrong factory and includes not just climbing but basketball courts, a turf field, batting cages, a hotel, and an on-site café. You’ll likely see all kinds of sports happening at once, which makes it fun and high-energy. The climbing section is tucked into a quieter area, and the staff is great with kids.

🧗‍♀️ Extra Tip: Bring sneakers with good tread—no Crocs allowed on the climbing wall! If you forget, they offer climbing shoe rentals on-site.

Getting There: A Scenic Farmland Drive
The drive to Spooky Nook from Lancaster City takes you through rolling farmland, classic red barns, and stretches of open countryside—it’s a beautiful way to get out of town for a few hours. Manheim itself is a small town with a mix of modern amenities and old-school Lancaster County charm. You might pass a few Amish buggies on your way in!

Post-Climb Treat:
After your climbing session, reward everyone with a visit to Greco’s Italian Ices and Homemade Ice Cream, just a few minutes down the road. Kids will love the water ice flavors, and parents—don’t miss the espresso chip or peanut butter fudge ripple. They’ve got a little something for everyone, and it’s a relaxed, small-town vibe that makes the trip feel like a mini getaway.

A Family Day Trip to Knoebels: Pennsylvania’s Hidden Gem Amusement Park

Looking for a summer day trip from Lancaster that feels both old-school and exciting for kids? Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA, is one of Pennsylvania’s best-kept family secrets—and it’s just about an hour and a half from Lancaster County. It’s fun, affordable, and full of charm.

Whether you’ve got adventurous preteens or littles who love merry-go-rounds, this park has something for everyone—with no admission fee.

Why Knoebels Is Worth the Drive from Lancaster

Knoebels is America’s largest free-admission amusement park, which makes it ideal for families who want flexibility. You only pay for what you ride—either per ride or with a wristband—and parking is free, too. That means grandparents, babies, or anyone just coming to hang out can enjoy the day without committing to full tickets.

The park is shady, clean, and packed with classic rides like the Phoenix (voted one of the best wooden coasters in the world), bumper cars, kiddie trains, and the 1913 Grand Carousel where kids can try to grab the brass ring.

Crystal Pool: A Summer Splash Break

Need to cool off mid-day? Knoebels also has a mountain spring-fed swimming pool with slides, diving boards, and a shallow splash area for little ones. You can pay just for pool access if you’re skipping the rides—or combine both for a full day of fun.

Bring towels, water shoes, and sunscreen—and maybe a dry change of clothes for the drive home!

Food Worth Writing Home About

No soggy theme park fries here—Knoebels is famous for its food. Grab a slice of Cesari’s Pizza, indulge in a hot funnel cake, or stop by The Alamo for full meals. Their peanut butter milkshake is a must-try. You can also bring your own picnic and use one of the shady groves around the park.

Make It a Mini Getaway

Want to stretch it into a weekend? Knoebels has cabins, campsites, and RV hookups nearby, plus a free shuttle to and from Lake Glory Campground. Many families return every year and make it a summer tradition.

Lancaster Families Love Knoebels Because…

• It’s affordable for large families or mixed-age groups.

• There’s something for both thrill-seekers and cautious kiddos.

• It’s nostalgic, but still fresh enough for kids used to screen time.

• You can build the day around your family’s pace, not a one-size-fits-all park agenda.

I updated my website a great deal this last week. Check it out here: https://wayfaringlancaster.com/

Sandra Burkholder

EXP Realty – Licensed Real Estate Agent since 2000

Serving Lancaster, Chester, Berks and York County PA

With a passion for connecting people to their dream homes and investment opportunities, I bring a professional yet approachable touch to every real estate transaction. Specializing in high-value residential properties and commercial real estate, I combine a sharp eye for detail with a deep understanding of buildings, honed through my experience conducting insurance inspections for commercial and high-value homes. This expertise allows me to provide unique insights to clients, ensuring they make confident and informed decisions.

My career is built on a foundation of trust, expertise, and a commitment to creating community. As a Lancaster County local with a background in urban living from my time in Philadelphia, I offer a unique perspective on rural, suburban, and city lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking your dream luxury home, exploring investment opportunities, or making your first real estate purchase, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

When I’m not working with clients, I’m a busy mom to 8 amazing kids (most are adults now): 2 biological, 2 stepchildren, 2 through domestic adoption, and 2 through international adoption. I also love baking cakes, experimenting with international recipes, and spending time with my 2 cats and 2 dogs. My new Shichonpoo, Lyric, is often seen by my side, adding a bit of charm to my day-to-day adventures. I’m also passionate about weight training, relaxing with jazz and blues music, and indulging in red wine and very dark chocolate.

Let’s work together to achieve your real estate goals with expertise, care, and a personal touch!

www.sandraburkholder.com www.wayfaringlanaster.com [email protected] [email protected]

Not intended to solicit any properties already listed for sale with another real estate agent. If your home is already for sale, then please disregard this message.