My family (with two boys 2.5yr & 7yr) will travel to Lancaster, Pa in early June. We will be there on Saturday afternoon and leaving on Monday. Any good family restaurant recommended? I heard there is a Cactus Willie's steak buffet in Lancaster. Is this a good one? We will be staying at the Holiday Inn Vistor center on Greenfield Rd near the Vistors Center on Route 30. We will be at the Dutch Wonderland whole day Sunday. I heard Dutch Wonderland is mainly for small kids. Hope my two sons will like it. I appreciate any comment. Thanks.

We were there several years ago in June. Your children would probably enjoy the train ride in Strausborg (not sure of spelling). From what I remember, you could pack a ice chest and the train stopped about half way at some picnic tables and you could get off if you wanted to and then catch the train when it came back. We ate at 2 restaurants that were "family style." Sorry, but I can't recall the names of either of them. The food was o.k. We're from the south and it was a little bland compared to what we are used to!

Not sure if you willing to drive a bit--but about 20 miles from where you'll be staying is Shady Maple. Huge buffet and MUCH better then Cactus Willie's. www.shady-maple.com

We've never been disappointed by a meal at the Bird in Hand Family Restaurant on Route 340 in Bird in Hand.

It's a family restaurant, and while a small-ish buffet is offered, it's also possible to order off the menu. Prices are quite reasonable.

While it's attached to a hotel, we've found it to be frequented by both locals and tourists alike. I'm always pleased to see Amish folks sitting at the lunch counter. Also, it is not tourist-kitsch like some of the family-style restaurants.

The restaurant is closed on Sundays, except for brunch which is only available to hotel guests.

Dutch Wonderland is designed for younger children and your boys are the perfect age for it.

There's a Cactus Willie's, but it's on the other side of Lancaster from where you are, and not worth the trip. You'll have lots of better options nearby. If you like chain restaurants, close to Dutch Wonderland there's a Fuddrucker's, which the boys will love, Texas Roadhouse, Appleby's, Bob Evan's, Cracker Barrel, Ruby Tuesday, and Waffle House. Expect a line at any/all of them on Saturday night--Sunday will be a little better. Your motel is also near one of the Old Country Buffets.

If you want a Pennsylvania Dutch buffet, Bird in Hand is very nice. Miller's Smorgasbord is also good but overpriced. Shady Maple is great but a bit of a drive. Another good choice is Willow Valley, which is a few miles from Strasburg.

The Strasburg Railroad is a perfect choice for your boys and, yes, you can get off, spend an hour with a picnic or at least a snack, then board the next train to get back to the station. Strasburg also has two miniature railroad displays/museums plus a real-size train museum.

I live in Lancaster...Cactus Willie's is
much cheaper than the other smorgasbords in the area...Shady Maple and Willow Valley. Most people who eat there are looking for lots of food at a low cost. Depending on when you're coming in June, check out staying at Willow Valley...they have an indoor water playground for kids and if you stay on their meal package, your kids eat the
smorgasbord for free. Yes, Dutch Wonderland is for the younger crowd, especially if they don't like the "big"
amusement rides. Take a swimming suit because they have a water slide. If your 7 yr. is into
big parks, Hershey Park is 45 min from here. If you happen to be coming between June 12 and 20, Thomas the Tank
Engine is in Strasburg...expect that area and Dutch Wonderland to be more crowded than usual. Enjoy your trip!