Family Entertainment in Lancaster

Hit Up These Top

Shows And Venues

Hit Up These Top Shows And Venues

Song and dance are a big deal in Lancaster, which is home to some of the region's most iconic venues. There are plenty of options for a romantic night out with your sweetheart, but what if you need a family-friendly show that your kids will find just as entertaining? No worries: as you set about searching for "children's plays near me" or even "kids concerts near me," you'll be pleased to discover a variety of action-packed options that young theater-goers will adore — and that their parents will not only tolerate, but find downright enjoyable.

In Lancaster, the question worth asking is not "Are there live shows for kids near me?' but rather, which shows are the best for specific types of families. There really is something for everyone in this theater-loving town, so, unless you plan on sticking around for a while, it's practically impossible to see everything in a single visit. Find the perfect show, however, and you won't feel as if you're missing out. Keep reading to learn which Lancaster shows and venues are most popular — and which deserve a spot on your jam-packed itinerary:

Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater

The only thing that can beat dinner and a show is dinner with your show. Thankfully, the dinner theater scene is thriving in Lancaster. Perhaps the most unique? The Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater, which offers a variety of entertaining productions throughout the year.

This venue is best known for its magic spectacles, although some shows focus primarily on toe-tapping tunes. Either way, you can expect a feast for all senses, with top productions incorporating kid-friendly comedy and even dazzling spectacles from circus performers. Which tickets you book will largely depend on when you visit Lancaster, as the dinner theater puts on multiple holiday-specific productions. Favorites worth considering include:

  • Mystery. Starring the awe-inspiring illusionist Brett Myers, this is a show you'll have to see to believe — and even if you're in the audience, you might not believe your eyes. Drawing on memorable themes such as Atlantis and Neverland, this dynamic, award-winning show will get your family talking.

  • JukeBox Jive. Nostalgia dominates during this entertaining variety show, which forms the ultimate blast from the past. This is a great chance for parents and grandparents to travel back in time while they give their kids a taste of what life what like in the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. The show incorporates song and dance, plus comedy, magic, and advanced technical elements that could only be of this era.

  • Winter Wonderland. Depart Lancaster for an evening and head to the North Pole for a Christmas adventure like no other. This show, like many at Magic & Wonder, is packed with comedy, circus acts, and illusions. Add the Christmas spirit, and you have the makings of a truly magical production.

Holly Jolly Jukebox. If you love Magic & Wonder's jukebox concept but crave a return to the Christmases of yesteryear, you're in luck: the Holly Jolly version of the show provides plenty of nostalgia, complete with festive vibes. While this one definitely appeals to those with a fondness for oldies on the radio, anybody can appreciate the toe-tapping music.

Dutch Apple Dinner Theater

Another must-visit dinner theater, Dutch Apple has a great blend of shows for kids of all ages. It was founded by the great Thomas Prather and Deborah Prather and remains the ultimate passion project from the Prather family and the community at large. This venue has over 300 seats, making it a great middle-ground between Lancaster's more intimate venues and its large-scale productions. All visitors adore the buffet-style dining, which include a variety of salads, hot entrees and delicious desserts. Visitors who come to watch the Children’s Theatre productions will also enjoy their fill of trusted kid meals: mac and cheese, hamburgers, pizza, and, of course, dessert.

Musicals are the main attraction, and classics like The Addams Family and The Sound of Music are bound to delight kids and their parents. These main musicals tend to be a better fit for older kids, but there's no need to worry about finding entertainment for the younger crowd: Disney's Frozen Jr. or The Rainbow Fish Musical should do the trick.

Sight & Sound

Meant to bring the Bible's most memorable stories to life, Sight & Sound has a long history as one of the Lancaster area's most sought-after shows. There is certainly a lot to keep kids entertained; the Bible stories themselves are selected with families in mind, of course, but there is also lots of singing, dancing, pyrotechnics, and even live animals. Check out these exciting shows:

  • Moses. Special effects and creative set design ensure that every moment of this retelling of the Moses story leaves audiences in awe. This show does an excellent job of reminding audiences of what an unlikely hero Moses really was — an important lesson for children, who may feel overwhelmed but can certainly discover the power of perseverance.

  • Daniel. If you and your loved ones are seeking inspiration from a hope-filled production, check out Daniel at Sight & Sound. Colorful costumes and a detailed set make the story that much more compelling, especially when iconic moments such as the fiery furnace and the den of lions are portrayed.

  • Miracle of Christmas. You can probably guess what this beloved production focuses on: the heartwarming story of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. This isn't just any nativity scene, however; at Sight & Sound, you can expect remarkable set design, not to mention real-life animals that truly bring the stable scene to life.

Bird-in-Hand Stage

The charming town of Bird-in-Hand offers some of the region's best buggy rides and farmer's markets, but there's also a surprisingly strong theater scene in the village. The local stage works with Blue Gate Musicals to present a variety of meaningful productions. Some shows are more suited to young audiences than others — it's always worth your while to check the upcoming lineup and determine whether the next big production will appeal to your family.

This venue is unique in that it offers the option to enjoy dinner onsite or to simply arrive for the show. The dinner experience is definitely worthwhile but can be tricky for families with younger kids — so the opportunity to stick exclusively with the show is definitely appreciated. The 175-seat venue is intimate, but also, upscale enough to make the experience memorable. Shows worth checking out include:

  • The Home Game. Sports enthusiasts will no doubt gravitate towards this baseball-themed production, which also delves into the unique relationship between father and son. With an Amish farm as the backdrop, this show — like many presented in Bird-in-Hand — feels true to the region.

  • Ryan & Friends. Ventriloquist Ryan Bomgardner provides hilarious insight into everything that sets Lancaster apart. He's accompanied by a comical cast of friends, including a skunk, a rooster, an 8-year-old, and a goofy set of grandparents. The show includes several hilarious song parodies, plus jokes that will have both the youngest and the oldest attendees laughing out loud.

American Music Theatre

American Music Theatre

From major concert acts to local shows, the American Music Theatre does it all. Many shows are preferable for teens and adults, but a few are worth attending with younger kids. Examples include Blippi's Wonderful World Tour and Masters of Illusion. Take a close look at the schedule to determine whether any upcoming shows might be of interest to your family. The theater has a surprisingly intimate feel given its high seating capacity, but with a few caveats for parents of babies and toddlers: the balcony can be dangerous and strollers are not allowed in the aisles.

Like other local venues, the American Music Theatre does it up for the holidays with a show known as The First Noel. Meant to evoke the cozy feeling of a "fireside family moment," this show features eye-catching costumes, plus incredible music and choreography. While other shows tend to only stick around for a day or two, The First Noel takes over the theater for most of November and December.

Hershey Theater

At just over a half-hour drive, the journey to Hershey will be well worth the commute if you get a chance to check out the spectacular Hershey Theater. This venue often welcomes kid-friendly shows, such as Disney Junior Live on Tour and Bluey's Big Play. These shows typically are in town for just one or two days, so you will want to take a close look at the event calendar before you get too attached to the idea of attending any particular production.

If nothing else, the Hershey Theater is worth checking out for its intriguing history. It was constructed as part of a local building campaign during the Great Depression but retains an ornate feel made possible by its stunning architecture, complete with intricate details that are just as captivating as the shows themselves. Even kids will appreciate the plush and decidedly comfy seats.


Hershey Area Playhouse

Another Hershey theater that is definitely worth the drive, this child-friendly venue puts on family-friendly productions that delight audience members of all ages. The venue itself is small, intimate, and highly accessible, making it a great option for those who might be intimidated by the area's larger theaters.

Silly shows like the SpongeBob Musical are sure to get guests giggling, while others may be a bit more somber. Some are even targeted at teenagers — a group that is often underserved by theatrical productions. For the holidays, nothing can beat A Charlie Brown Christmas, featuring the entire Peanuts gang and a very sincere tree.

Relax After Your

Theater Experience

Relax After Your Theater Experience

As you complete your search for "family entertainment near me," don't forget about your Lancaster accommodations. You'll want a home base within easy reach of the area's hottest shows — especially if you need to get back to your room or suite shortly after the event to accommodate bedtime. You'll also want to remain within a short drive of other kid-friendly attractions so you can mix it up with amusement parks, buggy tours, and all kinds of outdoorsy activities. Onsite offerings also matter because sometimes, all you want is to relax while your kids enjoy themselves.

Book an Amazing Vacation at the Eden Resort

After an exciting show, you'll look forward to relaxing in your sophisticated room or suite at the Eden Resort & Suites — or kicking back with a drink at one of the onsite bars or restaurants. You never need to worry about where you'll dine before or after your show — or how you'll keep your kids entertained when they're not at the theater. Your kids will be excited to let loose at the pool or on the playground — and this will make it a lot easier for them to sit still during one of Lancaster's live shows.

If you're ready to plan your dream Lancaster vacation, book your room or suite at the Eden Resort. Check out our offerings online or get in touch to learn more.

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