Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum

Step back in time at this immersive 100-acre living history museum where kids can experience Pennsylvania Dutch farm life firsthand. Children love watching blacksmiths forge iron, trying traditional crafts, meeting heritage breed farm animals, and exploring over 20 historic buildings filled with authentic artifacts and costumed interpreters who bring the 18th and 19th centuries to life.

• ✓Live craft demonstrations including blacksmithing, pottery, weaving, and tinsmithing
• ✓Historic farmyard with heritage breed chickens, sheep, and other animals kids can meet
• ✓Hands-on activities where children can try traditional crafts and games
• ✓Heirloom garden showcasing vegetables and herbs grown in the 1800s
• ✓Over 20 authentic historic buildings to explore including homes, barns, and workshops

1. 1.Wear comfortable walking shoes as the village spreads across a large property with gravel and grass paths between historic buildings
2. 2.Visit on demonstration days (check the website calendar) when kids can try activities like candle-making, weaving, or baking in historic ovens
3. 3.Start at the Visitor Center to grab a map and ask which buildings have interpreters that day,prioritize those for the best interactive experience
4. 4.Pack snacks and water as food options are limited on-site, though picnic areas are available
5. 5.Allow kids to pet and interact with the heritage breed animals in the barnyard,it's often a favorite stop for younger visitors

Visit Wednesday through Saturday mornings when most demonstrations and hands-on activities are scheduled. Spring and fall offer comfortable weather for outdoor exploring, while summer brings special programs and camps. Weekdays are less crowded than Saturdays.

Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children 6-17 (under 6 free). Free parking is available on-site. No café on premises, so plan to bring snacks or visit nearby restaurants. The grounds are mostly accessible, though some historic buildings have stairs.

The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays year-round. Winter hours (January-March) may be reduced with fewer demonstrations. Special events include summer camps, harvest festivals in fall, and holiday programs in December that are especially popular with families.

Central Market in downtown Lancaster (10 minutes away) offers diverse kid-friendly food vendors in a historic setting. Shady Maple Smorgasbord (15 minutes) provides an all-you-can-eat Pennsylvania Dutch buffet experience that adventurous eaters enjoy.