I’ve partnered with Ohio. Find it Here. to share this list of fun things to do with your kids in Amish Country, OH. All pictures and opinions are my own unless noted otherwise.
Growing up, a trip to Ohio’s Amish Country was always a highlight. With such fond memories, I couldn’t wait to take the girls for their first visit. Good home cooked dining, working farms available to tour, delicious bakeries at every turn – Amish Country provides the perfect family-friendly environment to enjoy a slower pace of life.
Did you know Holmes County, Ohio contains the world’s largest Amish population?
Here are five things to do with your family while in Amish Country.
The Farm at Walnut Creek
The Farm at Walnut Creek is a working Amish farm where you can experience a bit of Amish lifestyle, but also visit hundreds of exotic animals in a drive-thru experience. This farm was much more than expected.
They have over 500 animals, comprised of species from six different continents. You’ll find exotic animals such as giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, and more common animals like horses, llamas, buffaloes, and deer. You have the opportunity to hand-feed the animals right from your vehicle as you drive through the park.
They have hundreds of animals. You’ll notice some stay in the distance and others are right up next to your vehicle, friendly as could be.
This experience was like nothing I’ve ever had. The animals are VERY friendly and have no fear. They come right up to your car and are ready to eat. At first, it can be a bit overwhelming because you’re surrounded by large animals and for us, we were afraid to move the car. Rest assured, they’re used to cars being around and move out of the way. Once you drive through a bit and are more comfortable, this is an amazing experience. I mean where else can you come face to face with a bison, alpaca, cow, and zebra in one day?!
After visiting with all of the animals, there is more to be discovered. They’re a working farm with two authentic farmhouses that you can tour: the larger main house and the “dawdy” house. Depending on the season, you’ll see a variety of chores being done. Everyone is very friendly and loves chatting with visitors. One man told us that in one month he met people from 30 different countries!
The land is impressively landscaped and easy to navigate.
We could have spent all day exploring the farm. It was peaceful and relaxing, yet exciting with adventure.
There are numerous places to picnic, as well as hand sanitizing stations.
Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for delicious baked treats and play at Noah’s ark playground before you leave.
Address: 4147 County Road 114, Sugarcreek, OH 44681
Hours: April through October
Monday – Saturday, 8:30 AM to 6 PM
Closed November through March
Important: THEY DO NOT ACCEPT CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS. Cash or check only.
Website | Facebook
Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery
Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery is a charming stop with homemade Amish goods, crafts, seasonal produce & a petting zoo. The bakery/market is full of canned goods, homegrown, seasonal produce, amazing selections of baked goods, jams, peanut butter spread, donuts, etc. They have a huge assortment of flowers and fall favorites such as pumpkins and gourds just outside of the bakery. Then there is the farm store, featuring USA made wooden toys, birdseed, baskets, leather goods, and more. If you’re hungry right then, they have freshly popped kettle corn, sizzling burgers, fresh-made sandwiches, and sides + homemade ice cream!
Suppose you can step away from the delicious treats. In that case, they have an incredible petting zoo featuring a variety of farm animals, including goats on top of the roof and Big Ben, Holmes County’s biggest Belgian horse. There are two parts to the area – inside (open-air) and outside (walking path). You’ll find some animals in pens and some are just wandering around. It is a very interactive experience. You have the option of buying carrots or cones filled with food when you walk in. The animals are all very friendly and were great with the girls.
Address: 5452 State Route 557, Millersburg, OH 44654
Open: Monday – Saturday, 8 AM – 5 PM
The petting area is open March 1st – December 24th at 10 AM. During the winter (Nov-Dec, Mar-April), it closes at 4 PM and the summer (May-October) it closes at 5 PM.
Yoder’s Family Farm
If you’re looking for a place to gain a better understanding and appreciation for the Amish culture and their way of life, this is the place to visit. Eli and Gloria Yoder, the owners of the farm, both have heritages rooted in this culture and community. They have a passion to share it with visitors from all of the world.
While you’re visiting their farm, there are many different things to do. You can take a 30-40 minute guided through both homes on the property and the barn. Your guide will explain a great deal about the history and lifestyle of the Amish people. Since Holmes County has the largest Amish population anywhere in the world, this would be a great place to start your trip! Then, as you are traveling about the area, you will have a better understanding of what you are seeing. If you’re like our family and have little ones who might not last an entire tour, you can self-guide around the farm, including a stop to their 119-year-old bank barn. There are plenty of animals to see, pet, and hold. Our girls loved getting to hold the baby bunnies.
Once you’ve visited with all the animals, find a place to picnic, play on the playgrounds or take a 10-15 buggy ride.
Inside the Buggy.
Address: 6050 State Route 515, Millersburg, OH 44654
Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM
Pricing ranges $4.25 – $13
Website
Visit the Largest Cuckoo Clock
Did you know Ohio is home to the world’s largest cuckoo clock? Tucked away in the small town of Sugarcreek, also known as “Little Switzerland of Ohio,” you’ll find this world-record-breaking hidden gem. The cuckoo clock is located on the corner of Main and Broadway Street. When passing by, it blends in, looking similar to the buildings surrounding it. However, every half hour it comes to life when a three-foot-tall couple on tracks dance the polka to Bavarian music played by a five-piece robot oompa band.
While waiting for the clock to begin, you can pass the time by visiting the cute shops across the street. Our favorite was Secret Garden. Inside, you’ll step into a magical world where you can find everything you need to make a fairy garden.
We also stopped by the Alpine Hills Museum, which is next door to Secret Garden. The museum gives you a look into the Amish culture and the Swiss immigrant’s impact on the area’s rich history. Numerous audio-visual displays take you back in time to an 1895 firehouse, a 1900’s Amish kitchen, an 1890 Swiss cheese house, an early woodshop, and an early newspaper printing shop.
Address: Cuckoo Clock – 100 N Broadway St, Sugarcreek, OH 44681
Secret Garden – 108 W Main St, Sugarcreek, OH 44681
Alpine Hills Museum – 106 W Main St, Sugarcreek, OH 44681
Eating Local
Food being one of the major attractions to Amish Country, you’ll find no shortage of restaurants to please your palate. You’ll find baked goods and family-friendly dinners around every corner. It’s a tough decision trying to decide which restaurant to eat at. The thing is, you’re pretty much in good hands wherever you go.
Fried Pies
Fried Pies are one of the best treats. A delicious filling wrapped in a tender and flaky crust that you can hold in your hand. What more could you want? If you’re lucky, you’ll even get a drizzle of icing on top. While in Amish Country, fry pies can be found in nearly every bakery, and sometimes you stumble upon them being made fresh. That is what happened when we were in Berlin. We couldn’t pass up the incredible aroma of Anna Mary’s fried pies being made right in front of us. They were perfect. Light and crispy on the outside with a flavorful, warm apple filling on the inside. Not to mention the icing they drizzled on top that slowly melted down the side, creating the sweetest bite.
They were popped up outside of Village Gift Barn. I am not sure if they are always there. I was distracted by my first bite to ask, but they did say they are starting to sell them wholesale! You can find them on Facebook.
Coffee
Ginger House Coffee
Finding local coffee shops is always a highlight of traveling. They’re filled with a unique personality, different from the rest, and typically have a specialty drink. Ginger House, located in Berlin, was just that. You could tell it was unique by the larger than life to-go coffee cup that sits above the entrance. Walking in, you’re greeted with a kind smile in a nicely decorated, spacious shop. They have an excellent menu filled with various drinks from coffee to smoothies, salads, sandwiches, kid’s pizzas, ice cream, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and more.
As for specialty drinks, they had quite a few – many of which were fall-inspired. I chose the Fallin’ in Love which was an iced latte with pumpkin, caramel, hazelnut, cinnamon, and an extra shot – perfect for a day fo exploring. It tasted like a fall hug in a mug. Stephen went with a classic pumpkin latte, which was delightful. The drink I would order next is the Frozen Caramel Cider – blended apple cider with cinnamon and caramel. YUM!
We typically would sit down for breakfast, but we had a big day of exploring and wanted something on the go. The breakfast wrap was a perfect choice. Easy to eat in the car and filling.
Address: 4860 E Main St, Berlin, OH 44610
Hours: Monday – Friday, 6:30 AM–9 PM and Saturday 7:30 AM – 9 PM
Ice Cream & Unique Treats
Main Street Fudge & Popcorn Co.
Located in Berlin, MainStreet Fudge and Popcorn Co is the sweetest place in town, offering a variety and uniqueness unlike anything else around. They have 50 flavors of delightful fudge, made with real butter and cream. Your choice of over 40 flavors of salt-water taffy with unique flavors like pickle, hot chocolate, and birthday cake. More sweet and savory popcorn flavors than you can count and hand-dipped and soft-serve ice cream. Once you’ve decided what to snack on, you’re sure to need a drink. With over 80 unique old fashioned sodas, coffee, hot chocolate, cappuccino, Iced Sweet Tea, hot teas, Chai Tea, and more – I am sure your thirst will be quenched!
Address: 4799 E Main St, Millersburg, OH 44654
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 7 PM
Friday, 9 AM – 9 PM and Saturday 9 AM – 8 PM
Website | Facebook
Pizza
Park Street Pizza
When you think Amish Country, pizza doesn’t jump out, but when polling my Instagram audience for the must-visit spots in Amish Country – Park Street Pizza was suggested more times than I can count. As soon as I walked in to order, I could see why. I’m not sure if it was in the incredible aroma coming from the kitchen, the friendly staff who seemed just as excited as I was to be a first time guest, or the incredibly well thought out menu that focuses on all things local and fresh that won me over. If that didn’t do it, the first bite sure would have. Wow. The fresh toppings complimented each other in ways you can’t describe. The sauce was semi-sweet and bursting with flavor. There was a perfect chew to the crust that held it all together. You can tell they care about what goes into their food and focus on their community, whether it’s the people dining in or the farmers they get their produce from.
We were thrilled to find out that we were able to do half and half on our speciality pizza. It makes choosing a pizza much easier. We chose the Colossal Italian (classic red sauce, special layer of provolone, minced garlic, house recipe spicy local sausage, organic mild Italian sausage, mozzarella, parmesan, old world pepperoni, local basil) and Cowboy Chicken (BBQ sauce, locally raised all natural grilled chicken, nitrate free bacon, fresh pineapple, mozzarella, local cheddar cheese). I highly recommend both.
They took great safety measures throughout and while we chose to do carry-out, they do have wonderful outdoor seating.
Address: 215 R Dover Rd. NW, Sugarcreek, OH 44681
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday , 3PM – 9PM
Friday – Saturday, 11AM -10PM
Sunday: 11AM – 9PM
Keep in mind they are open Sunday. Most places appeared to be closed!
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Homestyle, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, & Wings
Plain & Simple Diner Plain and Simple Diner serves up sizzling burgers, fall-off-the-bone wings, coney dogs, kid-approved grilled cheese and more. Simple food done right.
The owners, Duane and Mary Miller, were always a hit when they were grilling food in their backyard. This led them to the decision to open a diner, where they could serve more than just their close friends and family. They’re known for their fresh, hormone-free burgers made from locally-sourced beef. It was a mix of Amish hospitality, vintage flair, and your best friend backyard burgers. Not to mention some of the best-buttered noodles we’ve had!
Address: 4774 State Route 62, Berlin, Ohio 44610
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 11 AM – 7PM
Saturday – Sunday, 6AM – 8PM
Website | Facebook
This visit, we stuck to carry-out which did limit our options, but most certainly did not disappoint. Other suggestions: Der Dutchman, Rebecca’s Bistro, Honey Bee Cafe, Boyd and Wurthmann, Berlin Farmstead Restaurant, The Amish Door
Tip: Pack a cooler because you will have a hard time not picking up pies, peanut butter spread, cheese, and more to bring home with you!
Stay at Berlin Resort
There are a few different routes you could go when it comes to staying overnight. You could choose a cabin, house, lodge, upscale hotel, boutique hotel, B&B – really, they offer it all. We decided to stay at the Berlin Resort based on all they provided for the kids and the location. Berlin Resort is located in Berlin, just a few minute’s drive from the downtown area where the shops and restaurants are located. You’re able to experience the peace and quiet of country living with the amenities that make it easy to travel with little ones.
They have a total of 68 guest rooms, which includes 20 suites. They have an indoor saltwater swimming pool with whirlpool, sauna, and steam room, a 24-hour fitness facility, a 26-seat private movie theater, a scenic pond with illuminated waterfalls, and a patio with gas-lit fire pits. Our favorite part was the children’s village which features miniature houses kids can wander through and a swing set. You can check out all of their amenities and activities here.
Tip: We visited on Friday and Saturday, staying just one night, but easily could have stayed for a few days and never run out of fun things to do. I will also say that Saturday was significantly busier everywhere. If possible, I suggest visiting Monday-Friday. Also, when traveling, make sure to pack your masks as we are under a Statewide Mask Order per Governor DeWine.
