by Wendy Lafond

Created on: July 18, 2011   Last Updated: July 19, 2011

Lancaster, PA is known as the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with farmland, Amish settlements, and green pastures surrounding you.  This trip through the simpler life can provide a great amount or relaxation, rest, and rejuvenation, but that is not all there is to do during a Lancaster staycation.  Here are some ideas to get you started on a Lancaster, PA staycation.

Amish Experience Theatre – discover the essence of modern Amish life through tours, museums, and theatre productions.  Located just outside Bird in Hand, PA, this is a day trip for your Lancaster, PA staycation. 

Lehigh Valley Zoo – A penguin pavilion, a natural habitat wolf exhibit, kangaroos and wallabies are just some of the exciting animal exhibits you can expect to see when you spend a day of your staycation at Lehigh Valley Zoo located within the Trexler Game Preserve in Schnecksville, PA.

Catacombs Restaurant – situated 43 feet beneath the street surface, is an adventure in fine dining.  Located in the aging cellars of Bube’s Brewery, the Catacombs Restaurant serves dinner 7 nights a week.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom – two parks full of fun for the price of going to just one, with roller coasters and thrill rides, family rides and water rides, there is a thrilling adventure for every member of you Lancaster PA staycation daytrip get-a-way.  The little kids will love Camp Snoopy and the rides and thrills aimed at the youngsters in your group.  When it comes to planning meal times at the park, they have got some unbeatable deals for your wallet and your appetite.  For just a few dollars more per day pass you can include a meal at the park’s sit-down restaurant or one of the 24 quick service locations within the park. 

Waterworld – in Phoenixville, PA is a wet and wild summertime adventure for the whole family.  A great place to spend the steamy hot days of your summer staycation, they offer weekly specials and multi-day pass discounts.  The fun is well worth the drive form Lancaster and your staycation will be better because of it.

Lost River Caverns – is a breathtaking phenomenon located just outside of Hellertown, PA, complete with limestone caves containing gems, crystals and rare fossils.  With a gift shop, picnic areas, and guided tours of the caverns, this is an unforgettable place to add to your staycation itinerary. 

Elmwood Park Zoo – is home to one of the few open air bald eagle exhibits in America.  This educational experience will provide so much fun and entertainment no one will realize they are learning.  For a day of animal adventure, include the Elmwood Park Zoo in your Lancaster staycation plans.

These are only a few of the exciting adventures awaiting you close to Lancaster, PA.  Fun, thrills, animals, and relaxation can all be yours when you plan a staycation in Lancaster.

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