Holmes County, Ohio contains the world’s largest Amish settlement. Situated almost equidistant from both Columbus and Cleveland, Amish Country seems worlds away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Amish children peer at passing cars from rear buggy windows. Amish businesses use skylights and generators to provide just enough light and power to open the shop.
Amish Country is a great place to visit with kids because it evokes a lifestyle they probably know little of. Adults will enjoy great food and local cheese, while children will be enamored with farm animals and sweet treats. Here are 5 things to do in Amish Country, Ohio with kids.
Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery
Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery is located less than a mile off of SR 39 between Millersburg and Berlin. Hershberger’s Bakery has all the Amish goods you would come to expect- pies, cinnamon rolls, and canned goods. The farm store sells fun products your children will love, like Amish dolls and wooden farm toys. (Side note: The dolls have no faces because the Amish believe the doll then becomes a graven image. They also believe it is prideful. That is why you’ll notice you really never see a photograph of Amish from the front, usually of their back as they walk or plow).
The petting zoo was an absolute delight to our children. Here’s more information on visiting the petting zoo at Hershberger’s Farm.
One of our favorite activities is ahorse drawn buggy ride! The drivers are always very friendly and willing to answer any questions you may have about the farm or their Amish lifestyle!
Read my review at Amish Country Traveler: Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery.
Closest hotel/lodging: Check out a suite at the Berlin Resort.
The Farm at Walnut Creek
The Farm at Walnut Creek is a unique experience for Amish Country visitors because it combines an exotic animal farm with a working farm. After feeding the giraffes and zebras, you may pet something simpler, like a goat. If the weather allows, I recommend taking an Amish-led tour by horse and buggy. This 2.3-mile wagon tour will allow you even more interaction with the animals.
Our favorite time at The Farm is during their Fall Festival! They offer a pumpkin slingshot, a giant “corn pit,” and a tower made of hay! It’s a really special time for families, with plenty of photo ops.
One thing to note The Farm at Walnut Creek is closed on Sundays, and they do NOT accept credit or debit cards, so plan accordingly. For more information about visiting check out my post on Amish Country Traveler: The Farm at Walnut Creek.
Closest hotel: The Wallhouse Hotel is perfect for families. Book The Wallhouse.
Holmes County Open Air Art Museum
While the Inn at Honey Run in Millersburg caters more to the kid-free traveler, also on the grounds of the resort lies Holmes County’s Open Air Art Museum. This 1.5-mile trail is a fun place for families to connect with nature AND study art.
When you arrive, visit the hotel lobby and pick up a trail map! Throughout the trail, there are large boulders with haiku poetry listed in both English and Japanese. This is a fun learning opportunity for young kids! Do note, that the trail is very hilly and not stroller-friendly. If you’re traveling with young children or babies, you may want to consider a hiking pack or baby carrier.
You can read more about our visit to the Holmes County Open Air Art Museum HERE.
Traveling without kids? Book a kid-free stay at the Inn at Honey Run.
Heini’s Cheese Factory and Tasting
Heini’s Cheese has been a staple of things to do in Amish Country since the 1950s when it was Bunker Hill Cheese. If you’re looking for a fun (and tummy-filling) stop for the whole family, Heini’s is the place to go. From hot pepper to butter to blue, tourists are allowed to sample numerous cheese varieties! (Sampling is currently on hold because of COVID-19).
Adjacent to the samples are windows that allow you to view the cheese being made. The factory is usually active Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but call ahead if you want to make sure you pick the right day for your visit.
Closest Hotel: The Comfort Inn & Suites or Berlin Grande.
Lehman’s Hardware
If your kids are like mine, they hate shopping. One more furniture or gift shop may send them over the edge. You may be able to change their perspective at Lehman’s Hardware in Kidron. There is a LOT for adults to look at – after all this is the premier shopping spot for homesteaders and those desiring a simpler life. However, Lehman’s also has unique items, like cookie cutters to fit every holiday, bottled sodas to fit every taste, and a unique toy area.
A trip to Lehman’s may produce a little whining but could create memories for years to come. Buy a six-pack of sodas and have a family taste-testing. Purchase a few cookie cutters to create the perfect cut-outs for an upcoming holiday. And before you go, grab a picture in the old jail cell or while trying on an Amish hat.
Stay nearby: Check out the Sleep Inn in Mt. Hope – right next to the Mt. Hope Auction.
For more info on visiting Amish Country with kids:
If you’re looking for things to do with kids that won’t break the bank – Here is my list of FREE things to do in Amish Country with kids. If you are willing to venture a little further? 3 FREE things to do within an hour of Amish Country. Need more family-friendly lodging options? Check out the Wurthmann House or Bluebird Cottage.
Don’t miss my favorite Amish Country Restaurants.
Have you been to Amish Country with kids? What’s your favorite thing to do?
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I love taking my daughter to the little outdoor village at Berlin resort. She played at it for hours. I even played in it with her. I highly recommend Berlin resort .
Cool! I’ve never stopped there because I didn’t know if you had to stay at the hotel in order to play there. Were you a guest at the hotel?
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Do you ride real horse and buggies while real amish people take you on a tour?
Yes, it is a real horse and buggy with an Amish person driving. The tour only tours the Hershberger Farm property, it doesn’t take you onto the roads.
Need fun things 4 2 12 year girls to do. We’ve done most like the Farm, hersbergers. Need some new place with 60 miles of Berlin area.
Hi Jan! Have you been to Malabar Farm or Mohican State Park near Mansfield? Mansfield also has a Carousel (reopening May 4) and Children’s Museum. Honey Run Falls near Danville, is a waterfall you can play in. Here are some posts: https://yodertoterblog.com/things-to-do-in-mansfield-ohio-with-kids/ https://yodertoterblog.com/honey-run-falls/