• A 25-minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine
• A 12-minute ride with Percy (Percy Package)
• Pictures with Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway
• Thomas & Friends Imagination Station featuring stamps, temporary tattoos, hands-on arts & crafts, train tables and coloring sheets
• Thomas & Friends video viewing and storytelling
• Fun extras including rides aboard Strasburg Rail Road’s vintage Cranky Cars, Pint-Sized Pufferbelly train, and LO&S motorcar train
• A ‘Passport to Adventures’ booklet for children to track their journey at the event and receive a special prize upon completion.

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If your a kid at heart you need to check out the Choo Choo Barn –Traintown, U.S.A.® - located in Strasburg, PA. This is one of the largest,most engaging, custom model train displays in America.  Featuring more than 150 animations and 22 operating trains, this 1,700 square foot, handcrafted, work-of- art is packed with action as it details the many familiar landmarks and scenes Lancaster County.

Be transported back into the early history of American culture with the Strasburg Rail Road, America’s oldest short line railroad and a designated heritage site. Founded during the first term of President Andrew Jackson, Strasburg Rail Road can trace it's roots back to 1837 when it began hauling freight, most likely by horse-drawn cars. Locomotives began to rumble down the tracks and through the Amish farms and countryside in the 1850s. In 1958 the railroad was purchased by railroad buffs and set toward a goal of preserving this piece of railroad history.

Recently my family and I visited The Amish Village in Ronks, PA.  I remember visiting the Amish Village when I was young and I was excited to share this experience with my kids.  The Amish Village is an authentic living museum showcasing Lancaster County’s Amish community, the oldest and largest in the nation. The 12-acre Amish farm and homestead, located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, gives visitors a unique look into history and into this beautiful and peaceful culture.

Farmhouse
Our tour started in the 1840's Amish farm house, our tour guide walked us through the rooms of the house and explained may of the Amish customs and the reasoning behind them.  I was fascinated with how they use some of our modern day appliances without electric by converting them over to propane. My kids enjoyed learning about the clothes the Amish women wear. They loved the simplicity of the Amish wedding dress.

This guided tour lasted about 25-minutes and we learned about the history of the Amish, their religion, family life and cultural traditions and why they choose not to use some modern conveniences.

Barn
Next we had the opportunity to visit the barn to see many of the animals that would normally be on an Amish farm. They have a baby bull named Fernando that my kids had the chance to feed.  They also got to see pigs, a horse and even a peacock.

One-room Schoolhouse
We were also able to experience a special treat only offered during the summer months. We got to meet an authentic Amish school teacher who explained what life in a one-room school house is like. During your lesson you find out what makes the Amish education different and why schooling ends at 8th grade. The authentic Amish teacher will be at The Amish Village on Saturdays from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, June through August.  My family and I enjoyed talking to her and asking how the school day is different from the school day of my children.

The Amish Village, located at 199 Hartman Bridge Rd., Ronks, PA, is open Monday– Saturday, 9am – 5pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm. Admission for the tour and access to the entire 12 acre property is $8.25 for adults and $5 for kids ages 5-12. Children 4 and under are free. For more information visit https://www.amishvillage.com or call 717-687- 8511.

For a mix of fun and learning on a budget, you can't beat The Amish Village. Watch our video to learn more about the property before your go!



Disclosure: My family and I received complimentary tickets to visit The Amish Village.