Everything You Need to Know About the Lancaster Science Factory
The Lancaster Science Factory is one of the most engaging places for families looking for things to do in Lancaster, especially when travelling with kids, offering fun and educational activities. This hands-on science museum in Lancaster, PA encourages curious minds to touch, try, experiment, and discover. With over 75 interactive exhibits, it is designed for kids ages three and up, but adults tend to have just as much fun exploring the colorful stations and playful STEM concepts. It’s a fantastic pick for rainy days, too, making it one of the top indoor activities in Lancaster, PA.
The area around the Lancaster Science Factory is filled with other great things to do with kids, and many families love pairing their visit with nearby shops, treats, and casual dining. Since the museum does not allow food inside to help keep the space clean and allergy-safe, it is helpful that a variety of restaurants are within walking distance. Families planning time in Lancaster often make this part of town the focus of a full day of exploring.
After exploring the museum, returning to Verdant View Farm is a refreshing way to wind down. Our Farm Bed and Breakfast in PA offers comfortable rooms, friendly surroundings, and a peaceful change of pace. You can enjoy scenic fields, cozy common areas, and an inviting atmosphere, all just a short drive from the Lancaster Science Factory. Choosing a Bed and Breakfast on a farm as your home base makes your getaway unique and memorable. Book your stay today!
What to Expect at the Lancaster Science Factory
The Lancaster Science Factory is filled with hands-on STEM fun, making it one of the most popular things to do with kids in Lancaster. Each exhibit invites learning through touch, movement, and creativity.
Light and Vision showcase colorful shadows and optical illusions, while Electricity and Magnetism feature a sustainable-energy dance floor. Mechanics and Motion offers gravity racers, and Structural Engineering lets visitors test the Giant Arch and Ball Pit. Acoustics and Sound brings out the inner performer with a rock-and-roll stage and whisper tube. Fluid Dynamics teaches about going with the flow in the water lab, and rotating Puzzle and Brain Teaser exhibits add fresh challenges.
From April through November, the outdoor courtyard highlights environmental sustainability with edible herbs and a stormwater cistern. The Lancaster Science Factory Hall of Heroes features STEM heroes, and a scavenger hunt to learn about the heroes is a fun way to earn a prize.
Things to Know When Planning Your Visit
- Expect to spend about 2.5 hours exploring all exhibits, though your admission is valid for the entire day.
- The Lancaster Science Factory is closed on Mondays.
- Admission is $13 for ages 3 and up, and kids 2 and under visit for free. The ASTC Passport Program provides reciprocal admission for qualifying members.
- Tickets can be purchased in advance online.
- No food is allowed inside, but there are many dining choices nearby.
- Free parking is available at three nearby lots.
- Peak visitation is on weekdays from 10 am to 2 pm, March through June, and on Saturdays in the winter months. Sundays and fall weekdays are quieter. Noise-canceling headphones are available upon request for those who may need this accommodation.
- First Friday offers free admission to the first 300 visitors from 5 pm to 7 pm.
Other Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Lancaster
- Stop by the Lancaster Central Market on a Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday to grab a snack or lunch from local vendors as you explore more things to do in Lancaster.
- Strasburg Rail Road travels through Amish Country on historic trains, offering families a relaxing way to enjoy scenic views.
- Dutch Wonderland is a favorite for younger children; this amusement park offers gentle rides, splash areas, and cheerful shows.
- Discover impressive locomotives and interactive displays at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, sparking curiosity in kids and adults alike.
- Enjoy large-scale performances at the Sight and Sound Theatres featuring music, live animals, and immersive storytelling for all ages.
Plan a Family-Friendly Getaway to a Farm Bed and Breakfast in PA
After a full day of STEM fun at the Lancaster Science Factory and exploring other things to do in Lancaster, returning to our Farm Bed and Breakfast in PA offers a refreshing change of scenery. Kids often enjoy connecting their museum discoveries to real-life farm moments, like seeing how simple machines help with chores or noticing the science behind growing crops and caring for animals. The relaxed atmosphere helps everyone slow down after an active afternoon of hands-on learning.
Our Farm Bed and Breakfast in PA offers tasty farm-to-table morning meals with the farm crew; guests help with daily chores, fostering a sense of community. Our guests appreciate how a farm environment naturally sparks curiosity, whether it is observing weather patterns, identifying plants, or asking questions about daily farm operations. These small experiences pair perfectly with the STEM themes introduced at the museum.
When evening arrives, the cozy guest rooms at our Farm Bed and Breakfast in PA give families, friends, and couples a quiet retreat. Comfortable beds, pleasant views, and a peaceful setting create an easy end to a day spent enjoying things to do with kids in Lancaster. Many guests love having a relaxing home base before setting out to explore more of Lancaster the next day. Reserve your room now!
