Consider a farm stay while you are there. There are some very family-friendly bed and breakfast type places where you can stay on a farm, visit the animals, etc. My kids loved it the two times we have done it.

And bring lunch with you to DW. They have shaded picnic tables set up outside the park.

DW will be a blast for a three year old! We got there at opening, kids napped in their strollers, and we pretty much stayed until closing when our kids were two. We plan on going again this year when they will be three. We did it as a day trip so I can't comment on the other attractions.

Great time. 11:31 and the others covered it. Have a ball.

Took train crazy 5 year old, who loved it. I'm sure he would have loved it at 3 too! Me and DH had a lovely time too. DWL is just right for kids under, maybe age 8. Hope to go again this year. Enjoy!

DW tip: Go three hours before close on the night before you want to enter the park. Buy tickets for entry the next day and they'll let you in also for the last three hours of the current day. For a 3 yo it's like getting 2 days for the price of one.

We usually stay at the country inn and suites across from Dutch wonderland. You can walk back for nap and it is close enough drive to strasburg and the railroad museum. Plenty of Amish food to try. And the outlets are also right there along that road.

Do it now! My oldest was 8 when he decided that he was "too big" for Strasburg railroad and Dutch Wonderland. The museum is, well, a museum. If he likes trains it's nice. Take the train and tram rides at Strasburg and have a picnic.

Day Out with Thomas is a spectacular crazy time in Strasburg (better than at Cumberland, MD). Crowds, noise and great fun. (perfect for my high energy kids)

Perfect age. Just avoid during Thomas time.

Go here: It is right by the train and loads of fun for a 3 year old.

http://www.cherrycrestfarm.com

We went last year with our 4.5 year old and 1 year old sons. Loved it! The poster above listed many of the highlights. We did DW from opening until about 1 pm, grabbed lunch and napped, and then went back until closing (I think it was 8 that day). Avoided lots of the crowds and heat of the day that way.

The are 2 hotels that have waterparks for the kids. The Doubletree is closer to Strasburg, and the waterpark is smaller but indoors. The Best Western is closer to DW, and more spread out. Have fun!

I think your 3 year old will have a blast.

Recommend you go to Dutch Wonderland early when it's less crowded, sunny and hot. Remember the sun screen, hats, and possibly a parasol if you're holding a baby while he's on the rides.

If he's a train buff, there are some awesome attractions:

--Strasburg Railroad where you can ride a train: http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/

--RR Museum of PA (across the street from the station): http://www.rrmuseumpa.org/
You can see cars all throughout the history of trains; there's also a back room where you can try to run an electric train

--Choo Choo Barn (name sounds tacky, but it is a cute minature train display): http://www.choochoobarn.com/

--Minature Train Museum: http://www.nttmuseum.org/visitors/index.htm

I would pace yourselves and not try to everything.

We have a 3 year old boy and our baby will be 6 months in August. We're thinking about a 3 night stay in Lancaster for an easy trip to give our 3 year old a good time. Does that sound good? Any hotel recs? Is the train museum fun for a boy so young? Anything else to do in the area? Is Dutch wonderland worth the trip? Restaurant recs? Good Amish food?

Thanks!