Lancaster, PA has become a quiet favorite among frum families in the tri-state area looking for an affordable, low-key vacation spot with reliable kosher options and family-friendly attractions. With a year-round Orthodox presence, minyanim, a seasonal kosher food program, and nearby nature and theme parks, Lancaster, in the heart of “Amish Country”, offers a complete experience just a few hours from home.
Shul + Mikvah Options
Congregation Degel Israel: Your Spiritual Home Base
Congregation Degel Israel, located at 1120 Columbia Avenue, is the hub of the Orthodox community in Lancaster. The synagogue offers daily and Shabbat minyanim, a mikvah, and is home to Yeshiva Meor Dovid. Visitors can coordinate minyan times, ask about the Eruv, or inquire about mikvah access directly through the synagogue: (717) 392-0884.
Rohr Chabad Jewish Center
Chabad of Lancaster serves locals, college students, and tourists with Shabbat meals, education programs, and prayer services. Minyanim are held on Shabbat throughout the summer, with daily services on select weeks. The Chabad is located at 1024 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA.
Kosher Food Options in Lancaster
While Lancaster does not currently have standalone kosher restaurants, travelers will find multiple ways to stay stocked for a full vacation or weekend:
- Degel Israel Snack Shop: Offers kosher snacks, drinks, and Cholov Yisroel dairy items
- Weis Markets (Fruitville Pike): Stocks a limited kosher meat selection
- Giant (Columbia Ave): Carries Kreider Farms Cholov Yisroel milk
- Hersheypark offers a variety of kosher options inside the park
- Uncle Henry’s Old-Fashioned Handmade Pretzels: All products are certified by Lancaster County Kosher, except for the chocolate-coated pretzels
- During the summer, Lancaster Kosher at Degel Israel operates a take-out service, typically from July 4 through Labor Day. The 2025 menu includes items such as schnitzel sandwiches, chicken fingers, brisket sandwiches, fresh salads, and fries.
Shabbat-Friendly Accommodations
Staying within walking distance of Degel Israel and Chabad is recommended for Shabbat-observant families. Although there are no hotels within the Eruv, these options are commonly used:
- Chabad Guest Suites: Private, kosher units with kitchens and multiple bedrooms.
- Lancaster Arts Hotel: A boutique option located about one mile from Degel Israel and close to Chabad.
What To Do in Lancaster with Kids
Family Fun: Hersheypark & Nearby Attractions
Just under an hour away, Hersheypark is a popular day trip for Lancaster vacationers. The park features a kosher food stand (admission to the park is required), as well as ZooAmerica and Chocolate World.
List of Amish Country & Lancaster, PA regional activities
Lancaster’s charm lies in its mix of outdoor adventure, educational experiences, and small-town appeal. Highlights include:
- Dutch Wonderland: Kid-friendly rides and water attractions.
- Cherry Crest Adventure Farm: A classic Pennsylvania farm experience.
- Amish Farm and House: Learn about Lancaster’s Amish heritage.
- Tiny Town: Indoor imaginative play for young children.
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- Indian Echo Caverns: Rain or shine, it’s always 52 degrees inside the cave – all year round, near Hershey.
- Refreshing Mountain: Ziplining and trails, with a weekday discount code available. Use code “Degel15” for 15% off admission M-F.
- Hands-on House Museum: Interactive exhibits for ages 2–10.
- North Museum: Dinosaurs, reptiles, and science activities.
- Strasburg Railroad: Scenic steam train rides.
- Turkey Hill Experience: Ice cream-making and tastings. (The Turkey Hill Experience is a kosher facility certified under the OU-D, non-cholov Yisroel. Tea & pretzels are both pareve, non-pas Yisroel).
- Crayola Experience in Easton: A colorful, creative day trip.
- Longwood Gardens: A massive botanical garden worth exploring.
- Long’s Park: Green space with a playground and summer events.
- Root’s Market: Local goods and antiques every Tuesday.
- Tanger Outlets: Outdoor shopping centers with family conveniences.
- Rockvale Outlets: Discounted brand-name stores.
- Kitchen Kettle Village: Crafts, gifts, and classic Lancaster finds.
- Lancaster Central Market: The oldest farmers market in the U.S., open year-round.
- President James Buchanan’s Wheatland
This article was compiled with the help of Lancaster local, Samantha Feldman, and asks that visitors to the area consider making donations to two of the local Jewish institutions: Degel Israel & Chabad
