Santa at Brown's Orchards

 

Via: http://www.brownsorchards.com/

Santa is coming to Brown's Orchards in December!  The Cottage is decorated and ready for Christmas and the cafe has some extra special treats in store.  Here are a few Christmas and holiday family activities happening at Brown's:

Professional family photos with Santa.  Santa is visiting Brown's Orchards in Loganville on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 from 5-7pm in the Orchard View Cottage.  Bring the family for $10 photos with Santa by Blue Couch Studios.  Personal cameras are not permitted.  

Visit with Santa.  

On Saturday, December 7, 2013, Saturday, December 14, 2013 and Saturday, December 21, 2013 visit with Santa in the Orchard View Cottage from 10am-3pm.  

On Sunday December 8, 2013 and Sunday December 15, 2013 visit with Santa in the Orchard View Cottage from 11am-3pm.  

On Sunday, December 22, 2013 from 11am-3pm Santa will be at Brown's for the last time before heading home to the North Pole.  Christmas music by Ryan's Trumpeters will be played from 1-3pm on the front porch.

You are welcome to bring cameras to take photos with Santa during these events.  Bricker's Fries will also be visiting Santa all six days; On Sunday, 12/8 Sunset Fields Alpacas will also be there. 

Cookie Decorating.  On Wednesday, December 11, 2013 visit Brown's Orchard in the Cafe for cookie decorating from 5-7pm.  Kids are invited to the Cafe to decorate a gingerbread cookie.  Pre-registration is required and the cost is $4 per kid.  Call 717-428-2036 ext. 0 to register.  Wednesday is also Kids Eat Free night in the Cafe with the purchase of an adult meal. 

Santa Visit & Story Time.  On Wednesday, December 18, 2013 from 5:30-6:30pm storyteller Debe Stagmer will be in the Cafe to share holiday stories.  Kids also eat free with an adult meal purchase (1 free meal per adult meal) on Wednesdays.  From 5-7pm Santa will be out in the Orchard View Cottage to visit with children.    

Holiday Story Time.  Mary Brown will be telling holiday stories during normal story time hours on Thursdays, December 5, December 12 and December 19 at 9:30am each day.  Stories about baking cookies, sharing and Christmas will be read and on December 12 there will be an extra special visitor spending time with the kids. 

Click here for more Christmas and Winter activities and events in York.

Breakfast with Santa at Bogey Macaws

Via: Bogey Macaws

Bogey Macaws American Grill in York will be having breakfast with Santa on Saturday December 7 and Saturday December 14, 2013 from 10am-1pm.  The price for breakfast with Santa includes a breakfast buffet, photo with Santa, admission to Ballocity, a Gingerbread cookie to decorate and a gift bag.  

Ages 12+: $15.95
Ages 3-11: $10.95
2 and under: Free

Make reservations (recommended due to popularity of this event): 717-755-0123 X 580 


Click here for more Christmas and Winter events and activities in York.

Breakfast with Santa at the York Galleria Mall

 

Image Source: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=5897

On Saturday, December 21, 2013 from 9-10am bring your family to the food court in the York Galleria Mall for Breakfast with Santa.  
There are no additional details about this event, including which food stores will be participating or pricing. 



FOR MORE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS IN YORK, CLICK HERE.



Holiday image from: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Story Time with Santa at the York Galleria Mall

 

Image source: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=6708

Get your pre-school children in the holiday spirit this year with Story time with Santa.  On Wednesday December 4th and Wednesday December 18th from 9:30-10am, visit the Santa Set at the York Galleria Mall in East York for special holiday stories read to the children by Santa.  Photo hours are immediately after story time, with package prices starting at $21.
The Santa Set is located in the JCPenny court. 


Click here for more Christmas and Winter activities and events in York, including other events at the York Galleria Mall.



Holiday image from: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Free Holiday Activity: Kids' Culinary Craft in York

Via http://photos.pennlive.com/patriot-news/2013/07/central_market_york.html

Families are invited to make a gingerbread house craft at YorKitchen downtown in Central Market.  YorKitchen is offering a free Kids' Culinary Craft, presented by Heritage Hills on Saturday, December 21, 2013 from 10am-2pm (while supplies last).    

YorKitchen and Central Market are located in Downtown York, PA.  YorKitchen can be found at 37 West Clarke Ave. York, Pennsylvania 17401.

Click here for more Christmas and Winter activities and events in York

Pictures with Santa at the York Galleria Mall

 Image source: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=6708

From now until Christmas Eve, kids can visit with Santa at the York Galleria Mall, in the J.C. Penny court.  Santa's photo hours are Monday-Saturday from 10am-9pm, Sunday from 11am-7pm and Christmas Eve from 10am-6pm.  Photo packages begin at $21.  

Click here for more Christmas events in York, including other events happening at the Galleria Mall.  











Holiday image from: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Christmas Magic 2013: A Festival of Lights at Rocky Ridge

Via: http://yorkcountypa.gov/parks-recreation/events/christmas-magic/christmas-magic.html

Rocky Ridge County Park kicks off the holiday season on November 29, 2013 with its 30th annual Christmas Magic, A Festival of Lights.  Christmas Magic 2013 is a half mile trail with hundreds of thousands of lights on display, holiday scenes and also includes train displays, heated pavilions, Santa and more.  

Christmas Magic 2013 is held from November 29, 2013-December 31, 2013 (excluding December 24 and 25); Monday-Friday from 6-9pm, Saturday and Sunday from 5-9pm.

Via: http://yorkcountypa.gov/parks-recreation/events/christmas-magic/christmas-magic.html

The cost for Christmas Magic is Adults $8, Ages 4-12 $6, Under 4 is free, Seniors (60+) $7, Groups of 12+ adults $7 each, Groups of 12+ kids $5 each.  They only accept cash. 

Come hungry: visitors will be able to snack on food from local vendors including cocoa, cookies and cider from Brown's Orchard, fries from Bricker's, plus BBQ, nachos, funnel cake, chicken strips and much more, sold by the York County Parks Friends.
  

What's New for 2013:
-A New Santa Claus scene
-Larger G-gauge train display by Susquehanna Valley Garden Railroad Society.
-LED lighting
-More outdoor props
-New trail themes
-New Light-O-Rama synchronized lighting trail
-New section of paved trail

Via http://yorkcountypa.gov/parks-recreation/events/christmas-magic/christmas-magic.html

There are also special days throughout the event.  There is nightly live entertainment (see the schedule of performers below).  On November 29th and 30th the park is partnering with Toys for Tots.  Bring in a brand-new, still in the package toy on one of those two days and receive a Buy-One-Get-One Free admission for Christmas Magic.  Toys should be brought to the Ranger shack near the parking area.  Pet Night is Wednesday, December 4 during normal Festival hours.  Bring your pets along and get a photo with Santa for $5.  Regular admission rates apply.  The rain date is December 5th.  Non-essential pets are not permitted any other nights.  On December 10th at 10am The School of Culinary Arts will display ice sculptures.  These will be on display nightly for as long as the weather permits.   


Nightly Live Entertainment Schedule:
Nov. 29                        Lou Ann Jones- Vocal
Nov. 30                      Shrewsbury Assembly of God Bell Choir    
Dec. 1                        Sommer Garner Voice Students
Dec. 2                        Country Rockers- Band
Dec. 3                        Gloria’s Strings
Dec 4                        Linda Huber- Autoharpist
Dec. 5                       White Rose Chorus
Dec. 6                       Kayla Kroh- Vocal
Dec. 7                       Colby Joines– Acoustic Guitarist
Dec. 8                       Wetzel Robertson- Vocal
Dec. 9                       Spring Grove School District Choral Groups
Dec. 10                     The Chapelmen- Quartet
Dec. 11                     Mary Snow– Celtaic Trio
Dec 12                       Linda Huber- Autoharpist    
Dec. 13                      Soul Purpose– Duo
Dec. 14                      Keil Holland- Acoustic Guitarist
Dec. 15                      Suzanne Gates- Blues
Dec. 16                      Saints and Singers– Men’s Chorus  
Dec. 17                      Potter’s Clay Drama Group– Christian School of York
Dec. 18                      Madalynn Alt- Baton Twirler
Dec. 19                       Keith Andrew Grim- Acoustic Guitarist
Dec, 20                       Kayla Kroh- Vocal
Dec. 21                        Sweet Life Music Duo    
Dec. 22                       Sommer Garner Voice Students
Dec. 23                       Keith Andrew Grim- Acoustic Guitarist
Dec. 26                       Don Ryan Trumpeters
Dec. 27                       Colby Joines- Acoustic Guitarist
Dec. 28                       Country Rockers- Band
Dec. 29                       Leap of Faith- Band
Dec. 30                       Wetzel Robertson- Vocal
Dec. 31                       Lou Ann Jones- Vocal



Rocky Ridge County Park is located at:

3699 Deininger Rd, York, Pa 17406

 

FOR MORE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS IN YORK, CLICK HERE.

Free December Workshop for Kids: Tic-Tac-Toe Game

Via: http://workshops.homedepot.com/workshops/kids-workshops

With the colder weather comes a higher demand for indoor activities.  Home Depot has just the cure for cabin fever with their free workshops for kids ages 5-12.  The activity for Saturday, December 7, 2013 from 9:00am-12:00pm is to build a Tic-Tac-Toe board game.  These free workshops teach kids safety, DIY skills and give them confidence.  In addition to keeping their board game, all kids receive a certificate of achievement and a workshop apron.  Spaces are limited in the workshops so register online as soon as possible; kits are available on a first come, first served basis. 

A few requests by the Home Depot:

Do not arrive before 9am.

Children must be present to receive the kit.

 

 

There are 2 Home Depots in York County: 

 1 in York located at 2905 E Market Street
York, PA 17402 (717)757-0440

 

The 2nd is located in New Freedom at 960 Far Hills
New Freedom, PA 17349 (717)227-1040

Free November Workshop for Kids: Build a Small Holiday Toolbox

 

Via: http://workshops.homedepot.com/workshops/kids-workshops

With the colder weather comes a higher demand for indoor activities.  Home Depot has just the cure for cabin fever with their free workshops for kids ages 5-12.  The activity for Saturday, November 30, 2013 from 9:00am-12:00pm is to build a small holiday toolbox.  These free workshops teach kids safety, DIY skills and give them confidence.  In addition to keeping their toolbox, all kids receive a certificate of achievement and a workshop apron.  Spaces are limited in the workshops so register online as soon as possible; kits are available on a first come, first served basis. 

A few requests by the Home Depot:

Do not arrive before 9am.

Children must be present to receive the kit.

There are 2 Home Depots in York County: 

 1 in York located at 2905 E Market Street
York, PA 17402 (717)757-0440

The 2nd is located in New Freedom at 960 Far Hills
New Freedom, PA 17349 (717)227-1040

Click here for more Christmas and Winter events in York

Visit with Abraham Lincoln

Via: http://yorkcountypa.gov/parks-recreation/the-parks/heritage-rail-trail-park/

Expose the family to some history on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 2pm at the Hanover Junction Train Station on the Rail Trail.  Abraham Lincoln (portrayed by Jim Hayney) will arrive by train, just like he did 150 years ago, to deliver the Gettysburg Address.  After spending some time meeting the public he will recite the Gettysburg Address.  The Hanover Junction Museum will be open during this event.  Walk, bike (via the Rail Trail) or drive to the Hanover Junction Train Station.  
In November of 1863 President Abraham Lincoln visited the Hanover Junction Train Station while heading to Gettysburg.  His funeral train also passed through in April of 1865.  
This seems like a fun way to share history with your children!  Will you be attending with your family?   

Free Activitiy: Kids' Culinary Craft in York

Via http://photos.pennlive.com/patriot-news/2013/07/central_market_york.html

Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, the kids are invited to make a turkey pin craft at YorKitchen downtown in Central Market.  YorKitchen is offering a free Kids' Culinary Craft, presented by Heritage Hills on Saturday, November 23, 2013 from 10am-2pm (while supplies last).    
YorKitchen and Central Market are located in Downtown York, PA.  YorKitchen can be found at 37 West Clarke Ave. York, Pennsylvania 17401.

Trick-or-Treat Nights in York

It's almost Halloween, and that means it's time for Trick-or-treating!  Halloween is Thursday, October 31 and most places in York are sticking with that night to go trick- or-treating.  Check out these websites that have compiled lists of local trick-or-treat nights.  Remember that North York Borough will require wristbands.  Last year, when the weather ruined the evening for many families in the area, West York Borough hosted an event at Shelley Park by the Fairgrounds and invited York City residents that had nowhere to go. 

Fox 43's list of trick-or-treating in South Central PA, including York County

The York Galleria Mall in East York will also have trick-or-treating on October 31, called "Mall-O-Ween", for anyone ages 1-12 and their adult from 6-8pm.  

Halloween in the Park

Halloween in the Park at Codorus State Park in Hanover is back for another year!  On Friday October 25, 2013 and Saturday October 26, 2013 from 6-10PM each night, your family can visit the park for lots of fun Halloween activities for $10 per car.  Enter the park through Rt. 216 (the pool entrance) to participate in the fun.  Remember to bring your flashlights!

Trick-or-treating is from 6:00-8:30pm both nights.  The reserved campsites are set up and decorated and the kids will trick-or-treat at each site.  There is also a Halloween display and light show to enjoy.  Hayrides run from 6-10pm both nights. 
Other activities at Halloween in the Park are The Turtle Tent, a chainsaw artist and blacksmith.  There will also be games and food vendors.  Mascots and dancing will entertain trick-or-treating families while they wait in line.  A program map is available online to see what's happening and where to find it. 



Sorry, campers- the camping portion of this event has been booked full!  But feel free to contact them to be added to a waiting list in the event of a cancellation or for next season. 



Directions to Codorus State Park:

View Larger Map Get Directions View Bird's Eye

DreamWrights Dream Derby Road Rally

On October 26, 2013 DreamWrights will be holding a fun fundraising event called the Dream Derby Road Rally.  The Dream Derby Road Rally will be held to raise funds for DreamWrights programming.  
This event will be based on the Amazing Race- teams will be given clues to find a location and upon arrival will be instructed to complete an unusual task.  The tasks are of a mental or physical nature and locations will be found throughout York County, at businesses that support DreamWrights.  Points are awarded once the tasks are completed and then you are given clues to the next location.  GPS is permitted.  

Teams consist of 4 people and the cost per team is $120 ($30 per person).  Your team can be made up of family (including kids), friends, co-workers or a combination.  Each team will be assigned a letter and you can create your theme based on your team letter.  
Arrival time is 12:57PM (late arrivals are penalized by the minute) at DreamWrights

Race begins: 1:27PM
The race ends at 4:37PM and is followed by a Finish Line Feast at DreamWrights.

Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:
Most Generous: The team that raises the most money from sponsors.
Fastest Fleet: The first team to finish the race with all the tasks completed.
Crazily Creative: Best team outfits.  
Age Rage: Two awards- for the oldest combined age and the youngest combined age.
Points of Power: The team that earns the most points.

You have until Monday, October 21, 2013 to register to participate in the DreamWrights Dream Derby Road Rally.  The Road Rally will be held rain or shine.  Visit the links throughout this post for more information or you may call 717-848-8623. 

Tours in York, PA

York, PA is the factory tour capital of the world.  Carrying that title means there are no shortages to tours in York.  Many of these tours are family-friendly, free and fun and those are the ones you will find here!  In addition to being family-friendly, these tours would work well for home schooling groups, scout troops and other groups and are free or very affordable.  
You can find a detailed description of tours in York County, including days, times and requirements or rules here on the blog just by searching for tours or by visiting the Tours in York link on the navigation bar, or by simply clicking the Tours in York link in this post.  We will add more as we come across them and as always, please feel free to send an email or comment on Facebook sharing your favorite tours!

Smyser's Farm 2013 Fall Fest

Every Saturday from 10am-4pm and Sunday from 12pm-4pm from now until the end of October Symser's Farm is hosting their 3rd annual Fall Fest.

Smyser's Farm offers a petting zoo, a hayride, 1 acre corn maze, straw maze, the new sorghum grass maze, corn box, and games.  Kids 12 and under get to spin the wheel for a prize.  $5 admission per person; ages 4 and under are free.  Smyser's Farm only accepts CASH!

Smyser's Farm also has a pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkins.  Pick-your-own pumpkin prices vary according to size.  Most are $1-5, giant pumpkins are more.  Enjoy food vendors including Bricker's Fries, Shorty's Funnel Cakes, Turkey Hill Ice Cream, Soft Pretzels, Sandwiches, Kettle Corn, and others.  Many Autumn decorations will also be for sale at the roadside stand on East Berlin Road.

Smyser's Farm is located at the corner of East Berlin Rd. and South Salem Church Rd.

Paulus Orchards Autumn Family Fun 2013

 

Paulus Orchards 2013 Corn Maze honors their new butterfly house.

Every Saturday from 9-5 and Sunday from 11-5 from now until November 3, 2013, Paulus Orchards in Dillsburg, PA is hosting lots of great family fun.  For $7 per person (under 2 is free, seniors are $5) the family can get lost in the corn maze, ride the pedal carts and take a wagon ride, play in the corn shed, apple bin-azium and little log houses, ride on the cow train and much more.  
Pumpkin and apple-picking are also open on Saturdays and Sundays for most of the season during corn maze hours for an additional cost. 

Every weekday from 9:0am-2:30pm families can participate in fun activities like the apple bin-azium, corn shed, slides, pedal karts, giant checkers, little log houses and more.  Admission is $5 per child and their adult is free.  Certain activities are only available on the weekends. 

Paulus Orchards Flashlight Maze:
Every Friday and Saturday night in October only, Paulus Orchards is also offering a flashlight maze.  Enter between 6:30-8:30pm and try to find your way through the maze in the dark.  Cost is $7 per person.  
 

Children ages 12 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times during all events and activities!

Paulus Orchards is located at
522 East Mount Airy Road
Dillsburg PA 17109
717-432-2544

Native American Stories at Nixon Park

On Sunday, November 10, 2013 from 1-4:30pm Nixon Park will host Seneca Indian Jerry Dietz for Native American stories.  He will be in authentic clothing to tell his traditional animal tales in the Nature Center.  This activity is for ages 5 and older and there will be two sessions: one at 1pm and one at 3:30pm. 

Whitecomb's Farm Market Fall Fest

Whitecomb's Farm Market is having a Fall Fest this Saturday October 5, 2013 from 11am-5pm.  There will be live music, food, hay rides, face-painting and more.  Bring your lawn chairs to sit, relax and enjoy the Barn Yard. 

You can visit their Facebook page to enter to win their Fell Fest Pie Contest and RSVP to this event on.

Whitecomb's Farm Market is located on 2410 Roosevelt Avenue, York, Pa

Flinchbaugh's Orchard Fall Fest 2013

Flinchbaugh's Orchard and Farm Market's Fall Fest will be held on Saturdays, October 5, 12 and 19, 2013 and also on Monday, October 14, 2013 from 10am-4pm.  This year the Fall Fest will include games, face-painting, corn maze, pick-your-own pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting, fall games, photo opportunities, corn boxes, wagon rides and other fun Autumn activities for families.  Also, on October 5 and 12 you can pick your own apples. 

At Flinchbaugh's Orchard and Farm Market the pumpkin patch is open Monday-Saturday until November 2 and the corn maze is open Monday-Saturday until November 9, 2013. 

Kreutz Creek Valley Lions Club's: Unplug N' Explore

The Kreutz Creek Valley Lions Club presents the nature and wellness event, Unplug N' Explore, held at Clayton Ely Emig Park in Hallam, Pa on Sunday, October 6, 2013 from 10am-5pm (rain date is Sunday, October 13).  This free event has so much to offer!  
Kids can learn about bugs and look at live insects with Ryan "the Bug Man" Bridge and adults can participate in a horseshoe tournament.  There will be a variety of health and wellness activities for kids and adults including yoga, learning to grow sprouts and more.  Lots of vendors will offer plenty of shopping opportunities plus there will be a few activities that can be done for a small fee, like making soy candles and creating a fairy garden. 

The Clayton Ely Emig Park is located on Buttonwood Lane in Hallam, PA.

New Creation Community Church Fall Festival

The New Creation Community Church in Dover, Pa is hosting a Fall Festival on Saturday, October 5, 2013 from 1-4pm.  The community is invited to the church for a free festival that will offer a bounce house, games, crafts, face-painting, a fire truck display, food and more. 

The New Creation Community Church is located at 
3005 Emig Mill Road
Dover, PA  17315

You may contact the church office at 717-764-0252 for questions or more information.

Pinchotween: Halloween at Pinchot Park

On Saturday, October 19, 2013 from 2-6pm Pinchot Park in Lewisberry is hosting Pinchotween- Halloween at Pinchot Park.  This is the 8th year for this family event which begins at the Nature Center at 2 and includes games, pumpkin decorating and a scavenger hunt. 

Beginning at 6pm, families that have camping reservations can join in the trick-or-treating, costume contest, campsite decorating contest and bonfire.  The costume contest age categories are 1-4, 5-8, 9-12 and 13-adult.  The campsite decorating contest will be judged during trick-or-treat times.  Winners will be announced and prizes given at the bonfire.  Bring snacks to share at the bonfire!  

Remember that from 2-6 everyone is invited to participate in Pinchotween but the activities beginning at 6pm are only for Pinchot Park camping guests that have made reservations.  Please call 717-432-5011 for more information.  

Pinchotween is located at Pinchot Park, 
2200 Rosstown Rd.
Lewisberry, PA 17339

The Dover Halloween Parade

The Dover Halloween Parade in Dover, Pa is scheduled for Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 3pm.  Parade participants line up to start at Dover Intermediate School but the route isn't specified.  The Dover Halloween Parade is sponsored by the Dover Borough Fire Company and you can learn more or register by visiting their website at http://www.unionfireandhose.com/flyers/2013/Halloween%20parade.pdf

Family Fun Fest and Craft Show

On Saturday, October 5, 2013 from 11am-4pm Lehr Park on Davidsburg Rd. in Dover, PA will host a Family Fun Fest and Craft Show.  There will be concerts, food for sale, rides, a petting zoo, games and a craft show.

Register as a vendor here:  Family Fun Fest and Craft Show vendor registration
For questions call: Kristal Kennedy at 717-292-3634

Lehr Park is located at 3700 Davidsburg Rd. Dover, Pa 17315

Story Time and Cupcake Decorating at Macklin's Cafe

Macklin's Cafe in York has a free story time every Thursday morning from 10-11am, following by cupcake decorating for a fee.  Story Time with Korie has a new theme each week and a few stories will be read during story time. 
This Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013, the theme is Princes and Princesses.  


Macklin's Cafe is located in the Queensgate Shopping Center at 2069 Springwood Rd., York, Pa 17403

#macklinscafe #macklinscupcakes

Stauffers of Kissel Hill Fall Festival 2013

It's officially Fall and that means York is abundant with Autumn festivals!  There are so many farms and markets in York County that offer family fun, like corn mazes, pumpkin painting, hay rides and much more for families with kids of all ages.  Many of these activities are free or low-cost and that includes Stauffers of Kissel Hill's Fall Festival.  

Stauffers of Kissel Hill has two York County locations: Dover, PA at 3949 Carlisle Rd. and East York at 4450 Lincoln Highway.  Each location holds their Fall Festival for two weekends, on Saturday, September 28, 2013 and Saturday October 5, 2013.   

Both locations are holding their festival from 10am-3pm.  At the Dover Stauffers of Kissel Hill location the activities include scarecrow-building (this is the only paid activity), a straw maze, photo opportunities, tattoos, pumpkin painting and other free and fun activities.  At the East York Stauffers of Kissel Hill location the activities include all of the same ones as the Dover location but they also offer a hay ride, which is a low-cost activity.  There will also be other visitors at the East York location including the York County SPCA and both locations will be selling food.  

This is a fun time for all!  Check out our past visits (and here) to the Dover Stauffers of Kissel Hill to see some photos of previous SKH Fall Festivals.  

#skh #stauffersofkisselhill #yorkpafamilies #fallfestivalsinyork 
 
 

Dig It! Faire at Pinchot

The Dig It! Faire is a fun family activity hosted by York County Libraries and will be held at Pinchot Park on Saturday July 13 from 10am-2pm.  Activities include storytime, music, puppet shows and more.  From 1-2pm kids can learn all about worms and participate in a digging activity.  Don't forget that Pinchot Park is one of the locations for the GoYork and York Libraries summer reading program: Dig Into Reading!  Go and Dig It Up! 



The Dig It! Faire will be held at Gifford Pinchot State Park at 2200 Rosstown Rd, Lewisberry, PA

Little Explorers Nature Time at Rocky Ridge

Families are invited to Little Explorers Nature Time at Rocky Ridge Park, at the Oak Timbers Picnic Area on Thursday June 27 from 11am-12pm.  Park Naturalist Amber Carothers will guide your family as you explore nature and the habitats at the park. 

All ages are welcome but strollers are not recommended.

This is a free activity and there is no registration information. 

Family Campout Night at Nixon Park

This Friday, June 21 at 7pm until Saturday morning at 9:30am your family can visit Nixon Park for a family campout on the Nature Center lawn.  Bring your tent, sleeping bags, hot dogs and marshmallows for a fun night with a scavenger hunt, campfire and other activities.  A light breakfast will be served in the morning.  There is no rain date for this event; the campout will be inside the Nature Center if there is severe weather.  $8/person (or $6 for park members) and ages 5 and under are free. 

Free Summer Movie Series at Kiwanis Lake

York City's annual outdoor Summer Movie Series at Kiwanis Lake begins Wednesday June 19, 2013 and will run every Wednesday until August 7, 2013.  Movies will begin at sundown but families are invited to join in free Play Street Activities prior to the movie.  Bring snacks, blankets or chairs and bug spray for this fun and free event.  Movies will be determed at a later date and are all PG or family-oriented.  The Summer Movie Series at Kiwanis Lake are held outdoors, weather permitting.  No rain dates are scheduled. 

Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express

The 2013 Regal Summer Movie Express kicks off at the York, PA location on Tuesday, June 11 at 10am.  Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am for 9 weeks, families can watch G and PG-rated movies for $1 per person. 

The following is a list of the movies being shown throughout the summer:

(note that this list reflects the start date for York, PA.  Visit the Regal Summer Movie Express website to see the start date of a different location)

Week 1:
The Three Stooges PG
Ice Age: Continental Drift PG

Week 2:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days PG
Parental Guidance PG

Week 3:
Mr. Poppers' Penguins PG
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked G

Week 4:
Monte Carlo PG
Rio G

Week 5:
Coraline PG
ParaNorman PG

Week 6:
Dr. Seuss' The Lorax PG
Big Miracle PG


Week 7:
Yogi Bear PG
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island PG

Week 8:
Racing Stripes PG
Happy Feet Too PG

Week 9:
African Cats G 
Chimpanzee G

Fairmount Fun Day in Red Lion

The 16th annual Fairmount Fun Day is a day full of free activities and fun for families at Fairmount Park in Red Lion, PA.  Fairmount Fun Day is on Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 10am-2pm. 

Easter at the Dallastown Community Park

The Dallastown Community Park is having an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 11am hosted by the Dallastown American Legion Post #605.  Kids will be separated by age and some eggs will have special prizes.  The Easter Bunny will also be making an appearance!   For questions about the Easter egg hunt at the Dallastown Community Park please contact the American Legion at 717-244-8028

Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt at the Red Lion Community Building

On Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 7pm kids ages 11-16 are invited to participate in the Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt at the Red Lion Community Building.  The cost for this event is $4 per kid and includes a slice of pizza, chips and a drink.  Extra food is available to purchase.

Registration is required and the deadline is March 25, 2013.  Call Yvonne, the Special Events Director, at 717-801-2089

Easter at the Red Lion Community Building and Fairmount Park

The Red Lion Community Building is having a pancake breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, March 30, 2013 from 8-11am.  Adults are $3, ages 7-12 are $2 and kids 6 and under are free. 

Following breakfast with the Easter Bunny, there will be an Easter egg hunt at Fairmount Park for kids ages 0-12 beginning at noon.  Children should bring their own basket to find lots of Easter eggs and a few special prizes. 

Easter Egg Hunt at Ketterman Park in Dover Borough

Dover Borough will have their Easter egg hunt at Ketterman Park (located on Butter Road) on Saturday, March 30, 2013 from 1-3pm.  More information about this Easter egg hunt can be obtained at the start of the event.    

Easter at Brown's Orchards

Brown's Orchards & Farm Market in South York is offering a few Easter activities this year. 

The Easter Bunny will be visiting the greenhouse at Brown's on Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 11:30am-2pm, Sunday, March 24, from 11:30am-2pm and Saturday, March 30 from 10am-12pm and 12:30-2pm. 

Families can enjoy muffins with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, March 23, 2013 in the cafe at Brown's from 9-11am.  The cost for this activity is $3 per person.  Registration is required and seating is limited: 717-428-2036 x0.

Visit with the Easter Chicken, the Easter Bunny and learn about where eggs come from and more on Wednesday, March 27 from 5-7pm.  This educational activity will be taught by a Penn State Animal Service Educator.

Dover Township Easter Egg Hunt

Lehr Park on Davidsburg Road is having an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 23, 2013 for ages 0-9 beginning at 10am.  Participants must bring a basket to collect Easter eggs. 
Start times and locations are as follows:
Ages 0-2 at 10:00am on field 1
Ages 3-4 at 10:05am on field 2
Ages 5-6 at 10:10am on field 3
Ages 7-9 at 10:15am on field 4

If your child finds the golden Easter egg they can recieve their prize at the pavillion.  Eggs are recycled after the egg hunt and can be returned to a staff member or placed in an available bin at the park.  Refreshments will be available at the pavillion.  In the event of bad weather the Easter egg hunt will take place in the community building at Lehr Park. 

Pitch, Hit and Run at York Township Park

Spring Garden Township and York Township have come together to offer boys and girls ages 7-14 that enjoy baseball and softball a free opportunity to show their pitching, hitting and running talents in the Major League Baseball's Pitch, Hit & Run event on Saturday April 27, 2013 at York Township Park, ball fields 2 and 3.  Competitions and awards for baseball and softball will be separate but held at the same time.  Age groups are 7-10 and 11-14.  Age is determined as of July 17, 2013.  Registration must be done by Friday, April 19, 2013 and you can register by calling Spring Garden Recreation at 854-7282. 

Saturday, April 27, 2013
9am: Ages 7-10 
11am: Ages 11-14
Location: York Township Park, ballfields 2 and 3

Visit with the Easter Bunny at Freysville Park in Windsor, PA

Kids ages 2-10 and their families are invited to visit with the Easter Bunny and participate in an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 30, 2013 beginning at 10:45am at Freysville Park in Red Lion, PA.  Plastic eggs are filled with goodies, prizes and coupons.  Participants will be split into age groups.  Pre-registration is required by March 22, 2013.  You can register at the Windsor Township Building.  The rain date for this event is Saturday, April 6, 2013.
Freysville Park is located at:
1600 Windsor Road

Red Lion, PA 17356

Natural Egg Dyeing at Nixon Park

On Friday March 29, 2013 from 9:30-11:30am families can visit Nixon Park to learn how to dye eggs naturally using different foods.  Bring your own blown or hard-boiled eggs and old clothes. 

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.  This activity is $2 per person and you can register by calling 717-428-1961.

A Birthday Party for Dr. Seuss at Martin Library

It's time to celebrate Read Across America and Dr. Seuss' birthday this Saturday, March 2, from 10-11am at Martin Library in York.  There will be stories, snacks and even a visit from the Cat in the Hat! 
If you live closer to the Arthur Hufnagel Public Library in Glen Rock you can visit from 9:30-11:30 for Dr. Seuss and Donuts.  There will be as many Dr. Seuss books as you and the kids can read!   
Both of these York Libraries events are free and no registration is required. 

Spring Garden Township 7th Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Spring Garden Township in York will be holding an Easter egg hunt and visit with the Easter Bunny for families with children ages 2-10 on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at Tri Hill Park.  Plastic eggs will be filled with candy and prizes and there will also be a craft and raffles.  Each child will receive a goodie-filled Easter basket, so registration is required; the price is $4 for Spring Garden Township residents and $8 for non-residents.

Schedule:

2pm: Ages 2-5

3pm: Ages 6-10

Rain or shine.  If it's raining, the event will be held at the same location but inside the building. 
Tri Hill Park is located at:
340 Tri Hill Rd.

York, PA 17403

Kids Eat Free at Brown's Orchards

Every Wednesday from 5-7pm in the cafe at Brown's Orchards kids can eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. 
For Valentine's Day, on Wednesday February 13, 2013 there will be a special Valentine's dinner, a visit from Blossom the mascot, card-making and games. 

Brown's is located in Loganville on the Susquehanna Trail.   

Valentine's Hershey Kiss Bounce with Atomic Bounce

Atomic Bounce is having a Valentine's Hershey Kiss open bounce at the Red Lion Fire Station on Sunday, February 10, 2013 from 6-7:30pm.  The cost is $5 per child and every kid gets a kiss (a Hershey Kiss!)! 

The Red Lion Fire Station is located at
201 W. Broadway Red Lion, PA 17356

Sugarbush Story Time at Nixon Park

On Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 10:30-11am and 1:30-2pm families can visit Nixon Park and listen to a story about maple sugaring.  Sugarbush Story Time is free and there is no registration required. 

Nixon Park is located in Springfield Township:


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Spring Small Wonders at Nixon Park

The Spring Small Wonders at Nixon Park is a series for children ages 3-4 and their adult to explore and learn about nature. Classes will explore outside and include crafts and snack.


The Spring Small Wonders Series costs $35 per child and their adult and is held every Wednesday in April, plus May 1 from 1-2:30pm. You can register by calling 717-840-7440 or you may download the registration packet from the website at www.yorkcountypa.gov.

Love2Learn at the West Manchester Mall

The United Way's Focus on Our Future program presents Love 2 Learn at the West Manchester Mall on Saturday February 9, 2013 from 10am-1pm. 

Love 2 Learn is geared toward families with children ages 7 and younger and emphasis is put on literacy, math, science, art, music and dramatic play.  Activities include face-painting, educational games, child IDs, reading time, musical instrument demo, crafts and more.  Additionally there will be a goodie bag for the first 200 kids and a wishing well with donations going toward teacher scholarships. 
For more information please contact
Sara Bradley, Focus On Our Future Director at 717-771-3808 or email at
bradleys@unitedway-york.org

Discover the Dinosaurs in York

Discover the Dinosaurs is coming to the York Expo Center (AKA, The York Fairgrounds.  The link to Discover the Dinosaurs on the York Expo website is incorrect due to a spelling error.) in February.  From Friday February 1, 2013- Sunday February 3, 2013 families with dinosaur fans can learn all about the prehistoric creatures, from realistic scenes to a dino dig to dinosaur-themed inflatables, dino theater and much more.  Some attractions at the event are not included in the ticket price.  This event is on the pricy side, but hardcore dinosaur fans will have a lot to experience!

Tickets for this event can be purchased at the door.  Ticket prices are:
$16 for 12 years and older
$11 for kids ages 2-11
$11 for seniors ages 65+
Discount tickets for Friday, February 1 can be purchased online. 
The hours for Discover the Dinosaurs:
Friday, 2/1 from 12-9pm
Saturday 2/2 from 10am-8pm
Sunday 2/3 from 10am-7pm

An Update:
I've started hearing some complaints about Discover the Dinosaurs at the Expo center. I noticed on the website that they stated that some of the activities are not included in the admission price but what I'm hearing is that nothing is included in the admission price except for the exhibit (which is reportedly about a 5 minute walk-though) and that everything else requires tickets. The tickets are $2 each or 12 for $20 and each activity "costs" about 3 tickets. You can also get a wristband for $20 that would include all of the activities except mining for gems. If you've visited let us know your experience please!!  Also, you can join in on the conversation about Discover the Dinosaurs going on on the York, Pa Families Facebook page.

Tours in York: Wolfgang Chocolate Factory Tour

York, PA is the factory tour capital of the world.  Carrying that title means there are no shortages to tours in York.  Many of these tours are family-friendly, free and fun and those are the ones you will find here!  In addition to being family-friendly, these tours would work well for home schooling groups, scout troops and other groups.

Today we will be looking at Wolfgang Candy Company, located at 50 East 4th Avenue
York, PA 17404.  
Wolfgang requires reservations for all tours, and you can register here.  The Wolfgang Chocolate Tour includes a visit to the museum where you can see the history of chocolate-making, antiques, a video of the Wolfgang candy-making process and a visit to Das Sweeten Haus- the candy store. 
Some important details about the tour:
-No cameras.
-The tour includes 1/4 mile of walking, 2 flights of stairs.
-No jewelry (with a few exceptions), tank-tops or sleeveless tops, food, gum, candy.
-There are nut products in the factory.
-Wear clean clothing.
Other important information:
-Anyone wearing nail polish or fake nails must wear gloves.
-Close-toed shoes are recommended.  Anyone wearing open-toed shoes will be provided with shoe covers.
-Hair nets and beard nets must be worn and will be provided. 
-Nothing may be carried above the waist, including purses.  
-There are some handicapped and stroller restrictions; the museum and Das Sweeten Haus are accessible to everyone.
Most of these rules are in place to protect the candy.  No one wants to find an earring or piece of hair in their chocolate!!  

Tour times from Labor Day-May 31 are started on the hour and are as follows (reservations are required):
Monday-Thursday
10am
2pm

Tour times from June 1- Labor Day are also started on the hour and are as follows (reservations required):
Monday-Thursday
9am 
10am 
11am 
1pm 
2pm

If you are interested in just visiting the store, Wolfgang Das Sweeten Haus Store Hours are:
Monday-Friday from 8am-6pm 
Saturday from 9am-3pm  




Before your visit you can take a virtual tour of the Wolfgang Factory!