Visit several farmers’ markets in Lancaster County
- Green Dragon Farmers Market and Auction (Friday’s only)
- Bird-in-hand Farmers Market (days vary based on season)
- Lancaster Central Market (Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday)
- Strasburg Market Place (Monday-Saturday)
- New Holland Farmers Market (Saturday May-September)
- The Columbia Historic Market House (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
Mount Hope Winery
Sample wine AND beer! (Be sure to have some cash to tip)
Kitchen Kettle Village
Spend the afternoon shopping and trying free samples.
That Fish Place – That Pet Place
The ultimate pet store with fish, snakes, bunnies, and more to check out.
Dutch Haven
The first tourist attraction in Lancaster County and home to shoo-fly pie.
Antiques Capital
Located in Adamstown, PA. The name says it all!
Covered bridges
Located throughout the County is a nice way to spend an afternoon and as a kid, I always enjoyed driving through them.
Lil’ Country Store and Miniature Horse Farm
Shopping, fresh baked goods, and petting adorable miniature horses.
Strasburg Railroad
A fun place to see the trains, enjoy their train themed playground, and have a picnic in their picnic area. Train rides available for a fee.
The Lancaster Playground
Located at Kings Swings and completed fenced in, which makes it a great place to let your kids play.
Wilbur Chocolate
After you enjoy your free samples of chocolate, you can buy more delicious chocolate.
Mud Sales
They’re big deal in Lancaster County and they have everything from produce to livestock to baked goods to auction items. Most mud sales are held from February through April, but also check to see if there are some late spring too.
Lancaster Symphony Orchestra
Open rehearsals are free for students and their families. They also have a special seating area for kids under 6.
Intercourse Pretzel Factory
Free tours to see how they make their pretzels.
Hershey Farm Restaurant and Inn
Shops filled with local items and food, farm animals you can visit, and beautiful grounds to walk around
George’s Furniture
Free woodshop tours.
Mascot Roller Mills and Ressler Family Home
Locally Made Food Shop
Over 50 free samples of locally made food.
Learn more about the Mennonite cultural
Watch their free video at the Mennonite Information Center and Personalized Country Tours.
Events on Fridays in Lancaster County
- First and Third Friday in Downtown Lancaster
- Second Friday in Elizabethtown and Lititz
- Fourth Friday in Columbia and Mount Joy
Old Candle Barn
Free self-guided tours.
Lancaster Brewing Company
Free tours at 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Long’s Park Summer Music Series
Free concerts every Sunday June-August.
Free garden tours
Available from June-September at the Gardens at Conestoga House.
Trails/Parks/Hiking
- Kelly’s Run
- Tucquan Glen
- Pinnacle Overlook
- Northwest Lancaster County River Trail
- Susquehannock State Park
- White Cliffs of Conoy
- Chickies Rock
- Long’s Park
- Fishing Creek
- Columbia Crossing River Trails Center
- Riverfront Park
- Enola Low Grade Rail Trail
- Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve
- …and a ton more!
Our Favorite Free Things to Do in Lancaster County
It’s hard to pick just a few because there’s so much to do in Lancaster that’s fun and FREE. First, Green Dragon we love just walking around and always end up buying produce and baked goods. Second, Kitchen Kettle Village because how can you pass up trying food and shopping all in a quaint place. Third, Wilbur chocolate… who doesn’t love chocolate?! These may change but for now, they’re our top three out of this huge list of free things to do in Lancaster County, PA.
Xoxo,
Heather
What free things in Lancaster County, PA have you done? Or what are you hoping to visit? Tell us in the comments below!
*UPDATE 7/2020 – Due do COVID-19 some of the free things to do in Lancaster County, PA listed here may be closed or not offering samples, etc. Please contact them directly.
