Lucy Reflects

Together, Whitney and I have compiled a list of our favorite free things to do throughout Lancaster. And guess what? They’re free! There’s only a few short weeks left before the season ends, so get out and have some fun!

1. PETTING ZOOS

Long’s Park - We love the petting zoo at Long’s Park. Visit the llamas, goats and chickens (and that one really fat pig). Wrap up the day by playing on one of the many playgrounds or riding bikes around the pond.

Oregon Dairy - Not quite a petting zoo, but Oregon Dairy has lots of animals including albino deer, a really friendly pig and goats. We also love the large playground and jumping pad.

Pretzel Hut - The petting zoo (and ice cream) here are top notch. Walk among turkeys, goats, exotic birds, bunnies, peacocks and many more. Did we mention you can HOLD the bunnies???

Hayloft Candles - Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a view of the beautiful pond after seeing all the animals. They also have delicious ice cream if you do have a few bucks to spend.

Lil’ Country Store and Miniature Horse Farm – There are lots of miniature horses and goats for kids to pet and feed. For a small fee, you can groom and ride horses. Or just hang out and give them some loving, because they are tiny horses and adorable.

2. PLAYGROUNDS

Amos Herr Dream Park - Located in Landisville, this park has a lot to offer from a brand-new playground to tennis courts and soccer fields. There’s a zipline, small creek in the playground, sandbox and much more.

Mountville Woodworks - This playground is an oldie but goodie. It’s a wooden playground and is great for bigger kiddos, too.

Daniel’s Den - This playground is pretty awesome, especially in the morning and late afternoon when it’s cool (there’s very little shade on the actual playground). There is also a cute gazebo with a picnic area. The great thing about this playground is that it is totally handicapped accessible.

Long’s Park - The park has a large wooden playground and several smaller playgrounds that are perfect for toddlers to play. They also have several open fields great for tossing around a football or flying kites.

Overlook Park – Overlook offers a skateboard park, numerous playgrounds for all ages, trails and much more. It’s a great destination for an afternoon of playing and a picnic. Plus, the library on the grounds is amazing!

3. BLUE MARSH LAKE

The Beach at Blue Marsh - We mentioned Blue Marsh on our Facebook page and people were so excited to learn that there was a nice “beach” so close to Lancaster. At just under an hour drive, it makes for the perfect day trip. Pack a lunch and enjoy it at one of the many shaded picnic tables or buy lunch at the affordable concession stand located steps away from the beach. There is no admission price and the facilities include flushing toilets, showers, volleyball courts and boat access (If you’re that lucky). During the week is the best time to check it out.

4. GARDEN TOURS

Fairy Garden at Mt Gretna- Check out the fairy garden in Mt. Gretna and while you're there (although not free) check out the beach or the Jigger Shop!

Conestoga House - The Gardens at Conestoga House has free and self-guided tours through September. The grounds are like stepping into a fairy tale! Visit Conestoga House for more information.

Garden of Five Sense - The Garden of Five Senses at Lancaster County Park features flowers, beautiful plants, trees and a fountain. Kids will love frolicking through the garden! This park is also a great place to have a picnic.

5. HIKING AND CREEKS

Tucguan Glen Nature Preserve – Located in Holtwood, Tucguan Glen is a great spot to play in the creek and pack a picnic. The entire trail may be too long for little ones but there are great stops just inside the trail with waterfalls and little swimming holes.

Ferncliff Wildflower and Wildlife Preserve – This is a 1.4-mile round-trip relaxed walk perfect for the whole family. The trail follows along a creek to splash in and ends with a view overlooking the Susquehanna River.

River Walk in Marietta – This is another great place for kids of all ages. It’s a scenic walk along the Susquehanna for as long or short as you would like, depending on energy levels. It’s also perfect for bikes and strollers.

Lancaster County Park – The park offers an abundance of walking and hiking trails to choose from with walks along creeks or paths to check out local wildlife.

6. SPLASH PADS AND WADING POOLS

Lancaster County Wading Pools – These are always a big hit! Pools are located at: King Elementary at 466 Rockland St.; Reservoir Park at East Orange and Reservoir streets; Sixth Ward Park at Hamilton and East Ross streets; Rodney Park at Third and Crystals streets; Farnum Park at Farnum and East Water streets; and Buchanan Park at Buchanan and Rave avenues.

Red Lion Splash Pad at Fairmount Park- This splash pad is awesome and kids could spend hours splashing. There are also on-site restrooms and changing rooms.

Middlesex Township Splash Pad- Located in Carlisle, about an hour drive, this place looks amazing. There are lots of great water features and tons of fun for kids.

7. ART OF RECYCLE

Art of Recycle - Check out Art of Recycle on a rainy day. We love visiting the free craft area for hours of fun. Read more about our thoughts here: Lancaster Art of Recycle

8. LOCAL LIBRARIES

Lancaster Public Libraries - Libraries are more than just a warehouse for books, offering an array of board games, outdoor yard games, free programs and much more. Did you know you could even check out novelty cake pans from the library? For more information on what’s available at your local library, visit Lancaster Libraries.

9. GEOCACHING

We LOVE geocaching! Before Pokemon Go, there was Geocaching, an awesome outdoor scavenger hunt using coordinates to help you find little treasures at parks, trails, historical sights, and more. Download the free app to view extra-small sized caches to larger caches, where you take and leave a little trinket. Kids of all ages love geocaching and it serves as an educational activity with over 2,000 hidden in Lancaster County! Visit Geocaching for more information.

10. LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES AND TINY ART GALLERIES

Little Free Libraries and Tiny Art Galleries - More and more libraries and galleries are popping up in Downtown Lancaster and surrounding areas and serve as a great adventure for an afternoon. Stop by the libraries and take a book and leave one or paint a tiny portrait at a tiny art gallery. It’s a great way to get some exercise and get creative. Visit Little Free Library for a map of libraries in Lancaster. Some of our favorite tiny galleries are located at Race and Virginia Avenues; It’s Modern Art at 529 West Chestnut Street (inside the polka dot mailbox); and 129 Mary Street.

We'd like to hear from you. What are your favorite free spots?