Top 8 kids-friendly things to do in Gettysburg

1. Historic Soldiers Orphans Homestead tour in Gettysburg

Forty-five minutes guided tour — explore the Historic Soldiers Orphans Homestead, a former Civil War field hospital turned orphanage.

2. Gettysburg ghost tour — Echoes of War

This family-friendly tour explores haunted sites in Gettysburg and shares stories of the Civil War's impact on the town's residents, lasting about 90 minutes.

“We booked the 8pm ghost tour, designed for families, just a day in advance. Initially unsure about the experience, our adult group, which had no children, ended up thoroughly enjoying it. Allie, our guide, was exceptional, maintaining high energy and engaging storytelling throughout the nearly two-hour tour. Although the group was somewhat large at 25 participants, Allie handled it efficiently. The presence of pre-teens and teenagers added a fun dynamic to the experience. However, I would recommend that those with children under 12 consider waiting, as the stories, despite being tailored for the audience, could be too intense for younger kids.”— Ashley W

3. Historic Downtown Gettysburg food tour

Two and a half hours — taste local chocolates, pretzels, and cheesesteaks while learning about Gettysburg's unique culinary heritage.

“We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly on the Gettysburg Food Tour. The variety of dining spots was fantastic. Although we had visited Gettysburg numerous times, we had never tried the restaurants included in this tour. Our guide, Silver, shared a wealth of knowledge about the food, local dining, and the region's history, making it feel like a combined food and history tour. We're excited to return and explore more of the places we discovered during the experience.”— michellewU7856JT

4. Gettysburg ghost hunt tour with equipment

Two hours on foot with ghost hunting gear — explore haunted sites while learning about Gettysburg's battle history and eerie tales. Suitable for ages 12 and up.

“This tour in Gettysburg was fantastic! Our guide, Tommy, was excellent and shared a wealth of knowledge about the area. We also got to use some impressive ghost-hunting equipment. Thank you, Tommy, for such a memorable experience!”— Samantha_M

5. Haunted pub crawl in Gettysburg — drink and ghost tour

Two hours visiting four historic pubs — hear ghost stories and enjoy craft beers and local spirits.

“Patricia Quick was an engaging and well-informed guide. We really appreciated her insights into how the war affected the residents of Gettysburg, as well as the intriguing tales of the ghosts that are said to haunt the area.”— ericmM630HN

6. Gettysburg Heritage Center admission with interactive exhibits

Two hours at the Gettysburg Heritage Center — explore the Battle of Gettysburg's impact through interactive displays, artifacts, and the Cellar Experience, plus a documentary film.

“The exhibits were outstanding, featuring impressive 3D images, and the films provided valuable information. It was both a highly enjoyable and educational experience.”— pattir682

7. Gettysburg ghost walking tour

Two hours on foot — explore historic city streets with stories of hauntings and battle lore, including some uphill walking and uneven surfaces.

“We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Ken, our guide. We appreciated the focus on history rather than ghosts, and Ken's extensive knowledge about Gettysburg was just what we were looking for.”— kennethcQ5641HV

8. Historic train ride on the Gettysburg Railway

A scenic journey on restored 1950s passenger cars, featuring historical storytelling and stunning countryside views, departing from the 1884 Gettysburg depot.

“Tickets are easily obtainable, and the railcars are immaculate with comfortable seating. The audio narration is informative about the sights along the way. Overall, the experience is serene, peaceful, and thought-provoking.”— Jeralee_P