Halloween in the Park at Codorus State Park

Source: Halloween in the Park Flier

Bring your family and your flashlights for Halloween in the Park, on Friday October 28, 2011 and Saturday October 29, 2011 from 6-10PM both days at Codorus State Park in Hanover.  
This family-friendly event costs an affordable $10 per car.
Trick-or-treating is from 6:30-8pm.  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.  
Other activities at Halloween in the Park are kid-friendly hayrides, games, food, chainsaw artist Jeff Haring and more.  View a map of activities and events.        




Directions to Codorus State Park:

View Larger Map Get Directions View Bird's Eye

 

Miller Plant Farm Fall Fest 2011

Miller Plant Farm is offering their first ever Fall Fest in 2011.  We missed the first one, yesterday October 1, 2011 but they are having another next Saturday, October 8, 2011 from 8am-5pm. 
There will be FREE hayrides, pumpkin painting, and lots of fun for families.  Cider sampling and plenty of autumn plants and decor will be for sale.

Miller Plant Farm is located at:

430 Indian Rock Dam Road
York, PA 17403
Ph. (717) 741-2631


View Larger Map

Stauffers of Kissel Hill Fall Festival

LOOKING FOR THE 2013 STAUFFERS OF KISSEL HILL FALL FESTIVAL?

I'm a little behind here but there's still plenty of time to visit Stauffers of Kissel Hill for their 2011 Fall Festival, at both York County locations. 
Today, Sunday October 2, 2011 from 11am-3pm you can visit the East York or Dover Stauffers of Kissel Hill for pumpkin painting (with pumpkin purchase), straw maze, corn box (like a sand box but a little less messy), miniature golf, sidewalk chalk art, make-and-take craft, build-your-own scarecrow ($) and lots of free games.  Visit the East York location for Hayrides ($) or the Dover location for a free scavenger hunt.  Food will also for sale at both locations. 

Here are some more scheduled events for next week at Stauffers of Kissel Hill:

Saturday October 8 from 10am-3pm:
All activities from 10/3 plus,
Kids Safety ID (East York)
11am-1pm: balloon creations (Dover).
1pm: The Puppetman Puppet Show (East York)
1pm: Police Dog Demo with Sgt. Sowers (East York)

Sunday October 9 from 11am-3pm:
All activities from 10/3 plus,
Story Teller 11am (Dover)
Firetruck 11am (Dover)
11am-2pm: Fire department (East York)

We've been to the Dover location a few times and it's always been a blast.  The kids especially loved the scavenger hunt, corn box and pumpkin painting.  Check out some of our family moments from The Stauffers of Kissel Hill Fall Festival 2010.

Hay Maze

Pumpkin Painting is affordable fun.



Corn box




Works better with taller kids ;)



Even the babies can have fun!



Mini Golf



We're looking forward to this year! 

Fall Fest at Brown's Orchards

On Saturday October 8 and Sunday October 9 Brown's Orchards North (Emigsville location) will be having their Fall Fest from 10am-3pm on Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sunday.  Brown's is offering free and low-cost entertainment including hayrides, pumpkin decorating, straw bale mountain, straw bale maze, alpacas, helicopter, firetrucks, food, games and activities, Critter Caravan (Sunday) and more.  Wristbands area available for $5 for certain games/activities for kids. 
We went to this event last year and had a blast painting pumpkins, playing on the straw mountain and racing through the maze.  This year's ad didn't mention the PNAIA Pow Wow, which was really fun too.  It's very family-friendly but avoid bringing your strollers because it was a pain to get around the rocky areas but it is possible if you must.

717-767-4142
Brown's North is located at
3100 North George Street
Emigsville, PA


View Larger Map

 

Kids Fall Day at Brown's Orchards

On Saturday October 1, 2011 Brown's Orchard is having Kids Fall Day at the Loganville location from 10am-2pm.  Brown's will be offering hayrides, pick your own apples, face painting, make your own scarecrow, games, food, alpacas and live music from 2-4.  Some things are free and some are low-cost activities. 


Brown's South is located at
8892 Susquehanna Trail South, Loganville, PA
(717) 428-2036


View Larger Map

The Annual Perseid Meteor Shower August 2011

The annual Perseid Meteor Showers are happening right now.  From close to the end of July until mid August (the peak is mid-August, anyway) late night or early morning sky watchers can view the meteor showers hosted for free by the sky.  Get your binoculars, telescopes and blankets ready! 
The best times and dates to view the Perseid Showers are between moonset and the first light of dawn on August 10th and 11th.  On August 13, 2011, during the peak times the sky will be brightened by the full moon.  This may make the meteor showers difficult to see during more reasonable hours. 
Get your kids excited by science by educating them on the showers before watching.  You can find lots of great information at Space.com. Or view the 2011 Perseid Meteor Shower view table to prepare for your adventure. 


When we watched the Perseid Showers we decided to go to a family member's house since we have loud and crazy kids.  They definitely aren't the quiet type!  We brought blankets, got out chairs, binoculars.  The little one fell asleep in my arms- a pillow would have been a good idea.  Snacks will keep the kids occupied during slow times.  Printing up a star-gazing chart would be helpful as well.  Then you can play eye-spy games with older kids or race to see who finds certain ones first.    
 
Have you watched meteor showers with your kids in the past?  What are your tips for making the most out of educational activities like this? 

2011 Dallastown Carnival

The 2011 Dallastown Carnival at the Dallastown Community Park will be held from Tuesday August 16, 2011 until Saturday August 20, 2011.  This event offers free admission, free parking and free entertainment.  
The schedule is as follows:
Tuesday 8/16 from 6-10pm.  Musical entertainment by Long Ryde (bluegrass).
Wednesay 8/17 from 6-10pm.  Musical entertainment by Mark DeRose & The Way Home  (Acoustic Rock).
Thursday 8/18 from 6-10pm.  Musical entertainment by Revolve (Beetles Cover Band).
Friday 8/19 from 5-11pm.  Musical entertainment by Full Tilt (motown).
Saturday 8/20 from 5-11pm.  Musical entertainment by Jay Jackson Show (country).

Raffle tickets are on sale now and sales will continue throughout the carnival to win a TV, laptop, XBox Kinect, Ipod and E-reader. 

Red Lion's 35th Annual Street Fair 2011

The 35th annual Red Lion Street Fair- sponsored by the Red Lion Area Business Association- will be held on Saturday August 13, 2011 from 9am-4pm in downtown Red Lion.  This family-friendly event in Red Lion, PA has plenty of fun and free activities and entertainment for the whole family, plus shopping and lots of yummy food! 

Kiwanis Lake 2011 Summer Movie Series

Every Wednesday until August 17, 2011 Kiwanis Lake is offering free movies for the 2011 Summer Movie Series.  Family-friendly movies begin every Wednesday at dusk (around 8:30pm) outside by the lake.  Bring a blanket or chairs to this free event.  Food will be for sale. 

YorkArts will attend on Wednesday August 10, 2011 from 6:30-7:30pm for a FREE art in the park program.

The schedule is as follows:
Wednesday July 27: Cats and Dogs
Wednesday August 3: Gnomeo and Juliet

Wednesday August 10: Furry Vengence

Wednesday August 17: Tangled

Lincoln Park Summer Concert Series 2011

Every Thursday until August 18th you can visit Lincoln Park in York City for their free Summer Concert Series.  Starting at 7pm there will be live musical entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. 
The schedule is as follows:
Thursday July 28: Sarah Indian Summer Jars- Festive music.
Thursday August 4: Dennis McCaughey – Tropical Soul
Thursday August 11: Alex Smith Trio- Jazz, Blues and Funk
Thursday August 18: Leah Burkey- Current Country

View Larger Map Get Directions View Bird's Eye

Summer Activities in York (July 2011)

There are so many fun and family-friendly activities going on in York, PA!  Here's a list of just a few upcoming events in the York area.  Remember that you don't have to travel far to have fun!

All Summer: Get Outdoors (GO) York Summer reading and activity.
Tuesday July 26 from 5:30-10pm Old Tyme Carnival and Fireworks at Sunset Lane in West York (Shiloh). 
Tuesday July 26 at 10am Open Season 2 at the West Manchester Mall Regal Cinemas for $1 admission.
Tuesday July 26 and Thursday July 28 at 10am Megamind at Frank Theatres for $1 admission.
Wednesday July 27 at 10am Yogi Bear at West Manchester Mall Regal Cinemas for $1 admission.
Wednesday July 27 at 7pm Springettsbury Park's Sounds of Summer presents The Rivers Rockabilly Trio.
Wednesday July 27 at 8:30pm Cats and Dogs at Kiwanis Lake for free outdoor movie night.
Thursday July 28 at 7pm at Lincoln Park for the Summer Concert Series, Sarah Indian Summer Jars- Festive Music.
Friday July 29 at 8:45pm Despicable Me free outdoor movie event at York Township Park in Spry. 
Sunday July 21 at 7pm Springettsbury Park's Sounds of Summer presents The Groove Train. 

National Night Out 2011

National Night Out, in its 28th year, will be held on Tuesday August 2, 2011 from approximately 5-dark at various parks throughout York County.  National Night Out is a fun event that brings together our communities while promoting crime prevention awareness.  

There are many parks in York participating in this event and I can't locate them all.  I'll do my best to list every one that I'm aware of.  If you know of one that I haven't listed please share it in the comments section!

York City will have NNO at various York City parks.  I cannot find information on which parks. 
West York Borough: Shelly Park will have food, activities, borough officials and live music from Behavioral Nightmare. 
Dallastown: Dallastown Community Park will have city officials, pony rides, a magician, bounce house, scavenger hunt, K9 demonstrations, face painting, fire competition, live entertainment by The Outlaw (DJ) and more.  Their website has also requested that Padawans should bring their lightsabers (and non-perishables) for an expected out of town visitor.  Dallastown also invites residents of Red Lion to their event. 
Spring Garden Township: Elmwood Park (next to Memorial Hospital) will have food, games, bounce house, public officials, car seat check*, Bike safety course* and more.  *pre-register by calling 854-7282. 
Carroll Township (Dillsburg area): Residents of Carroll Township, Dillsburg Borough and Monaghan Township are invited to Logan Park on Logan Road for an old time family-style cookout, exhibits by law enforcement and the fire departments.  Bring non-perishables for the food bank. 

Are you attending your local National Night Out?  Do you know of any I missed? 

Old Tyme Carnival and Fireworks

On July 26, 2011 from 5:30pm-10pm families can visit Sunset Lane Park in West York (Shiloh area) for the Old Tyme Carnival and Fireworks.  This free event is provided by west Manchester Township and includes games, fire and police safety programs, dunk tank, moon walk and slides.  Musical entertainment will be provided by the Mark DeRose Band at 5:30pm.  Foods available for sale include hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, italian ice, ice cream, cotton candy, soft pretzels, french fries and funnel cake.  Fireworks begin at 9:15pm. 
Bring your chairs, blankets and dancing shoes for a fun, free, family-friendly outdoor event!

Rain date is July 27, 2011. 

Sunset Lane Park Summer Social and Movie Night

On July 21, 2011 from 7pm-? you can visit Sunset Lane Park in West York (Shiloh area) for a Summer Social and Movie Night.  The evening will start with musical entertainment by DJ DeLuge.  Then at dark families can enjoy a free movie: Furry Vengeance and food will be for sale including pizza, italian ice and soda.  Don't forget to bring your chairs, blankets and dancing shoes! 

Rain date is July 28, 2011. 

Free Friday Night Flicks at York Township Park

Free outdoor movies!!
York Township Park in South York, PA (Spry) offers FREE outdoor movies every Friday night from now until August 26, 2011. York Township is providing the inflatable big screen- you only need to provide chairs and blankets. These are all family-friendly (mostly G and PG)) movies and it's a perfect way to enjoy the fresh outdoor air without risk of sunburn or heat-related injuries!  All movies begin at 8:45pm.

Here is the list of Summer movies available at the York Township Park:

July 15, 2011: Shrek Forever After
July 22, 2011: Sherlock Holmes
July 29, 2011: Despicable Me
August 5, 2011: The Sorcerer's Apprentice
August 12, 2011: Tangled
August 19, 2011: Prince of Persia: Sands of Time
August 26, 2011: Toy Story 3




York Township Park is located at 25 Oak Street, York, PA 17402, which is just off of S. Queen St. in Spry.


View Larger Map

Springettsbury Park's Sounds of Summer

Looking for Springettsbury Park's Sounds of Summer 2012?  

Every summer Springettsbury Park (by the York Galleria Mall) in Springettsbury Township (East York area) hosts Sounds of Summer (PDF file).  Every Sunday and Wednesday from June 12, 2011 until Sunday August 8, 2011 you can bring your blankets or lawn chairs at 7pm to enjoy an evening of live music, food and fun.  Sounds of Summer is held rain or shine.

On Sunday July 3, 2011 there will also be fireworks.

There are many different genres performing and many returning favorites.  This event is always full of energy and if the family just isn't into it there is always the wonderful "Castle Park" to enjoy.  Favorite food vendors including Bricker's French Fries and funnel cake are available during these events

Currently there is a mix-up on their calendar, as it states that on Sunday August 6th there will be many art activities for children from 1-5 and that the last day is Sunday August 8 (Beetlemania!).  Saturday is the 6th, Sunday the 7th.  I'm assuming that the Rock the Canvas event (art activities and live music) is on Saturday the 6th and Beetlemania is Sunday the 7th.   

.

Codorus Blast 2011

The Codorus Blast Festival in the Park will be held Friday June 24- Sunday June 26, 2011 at Codorus State Park in Hanover, PA.  There are tons of fun, family-friendly activities for all ages all three days.  Here is a breakdown of events, plus events that will happen throughout the weekend.  When we went last year we didn't even make it to the amusement ride area and still had a "blast".

Friday events:
Keystone DockDogs Big Air Wave at 4pm and 6:30pm

Music by Pentagon from 7:30-10:30pm

Nature Tent:
6pm The Art of Facolnry
7pm Value of Vultures

Saturday Events:
Keystone DockDogs:
Big Air Wave at 9am, Noon, 3pm.
Extreme Vertical Finals at 6pm

Codorus Blast Triathlon at 10am Application

Free pontoon boat rides from 10am-6pm

Music by The Willys from 1-4pm
Music by 6 Cents from 7-10:30pm

Nature Tent:
Bluebirds at 10am
"Bob the Critter Guy" at 11am
PA Wildlife Natural History Displays at Noon
The Art of Falconry at 1pm
Bees at 2pm
"Bob the Critter Guy" at 3pm
The Saw Whet Owl at 4pm
The Art of Falconry at 5pm

Fireworks at 9pm

Sunday Events:
Keystone DockDogs:
Speed Retrieve at 9am
Big Air Wave at 11am
Speed Retrieve Finals at 1:30pm
Big Air Divisional Finals 2pm

Music by Borderline from 1-4pm
Music by Leah Burkey from 5-7pm

Nature Tent:
Birding in York County at 10am
Value of Vultures at 11am

Other events:

• Logrolling
• Free pontoon boat rides also possible on Friday and Sunday depending on weather conditions and staffing.
• Kayak program Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-4pm $5 per person for a 15-20 minute lesson and 30 minute ride.  
• Amusement rides all weekend with ride-all-night wristbands available for purchase Friday and ride-all-day wristbands available for purchase on Sunday.
• Family Fun Area: next to the amusement rides, enjoy activities like Water Wars, fire prevention demonstrations, professional woodcarvings; and stage acts including comedy, dance, exercise demos and more will be showing during band intermissions.
• Pigeon Releases Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 4pm
• Civil War Reenactors with many events throughout the weekend

Grand Opening of the Nature Zone at Rocky Ridge Park

On Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 10am-2pm Rocky Ridge will be holding the grand opening of the Nature Zone located by the Hidden Laurel parking area.  Kids ages 2-12 are invited to climb, dig, play and explore with nature.  There is no registration required and this is a free event.  




View Larger Map

Perrydell Farm Dairy Tours

Ever wanted to see a farm in action?  Families with children of any age can visit local family-owned and operated Perrydell Farm Dairy in York for an up-close and educational experience!
Self-guided tours are FREE and available during store hours.  Stop by between 2:30-5PM to see cows being milked, 3:30PM to see the calves being fed (if there are calves), or milk being bottled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 7-9:30AM.  They even make their own ice cream!  (If they sound familiar but you've never been, it may be because they supply Brown's and other local markets!)  Call before you visit if you want to be sure the times are correct (if you have a preference).

Bring your cameras and be sure to wear appropriate footwear, since it's a real, working farm!! 




Perrydell Farm Dairy is located at
90 Indian Rock Dam Rd.
York, PA 17403
Phone: 717-741-3485



View Larger Map




Groups and guided tours can be scheduled for a small fee.  Contact Perrydell Farm Dairy for information on group and guided tours for your family or group. 

Inspiring H.O.P.E. Playground at Cousler Park is Now Open!

The Inspiring H.O.P.E. playground at Cousler Park in Manchester Township has completed construction and is ready to be enjoyed.  I've been looking forward to the opening of this playground!  I think it's a fantastic idea.  You can read about their mission and purpose by clicking on the post title but here is a sampling from their website:

"Inspiring H.O.P.E will create a community-build, barrier-free playground to allow children who cannot walk, see or hear to have a place to play alongside children who can. Nearly 5,000 elementary and middle school-aged children from York County have sensory, physical, or mental disabilities. They need a place to play safely with equipment designed for their abilities. The project will serve the children with disabilities and parents who have disabilities who cannot maneuver around other playgrounds because of barriers."

View Larger Map


A perfectly free and fun afternoon for all ages.  Have your older kids bring their bikes or scooters (with helmets!) if they don't like playing on playgrounds.  There are 3 trails ranging from .5-1.5 miles in length.