Maple Sugaring Weekend at Nixon Park

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

 

 

Maple Sugaring Weekend at Nixon Park is happening Saturday, February 22 from 9:30am-4pm and Sunday, February 23 from 12-4pm.  For $2 per person (free for 5 and under) for both days, your family or group can participate in activities including tours, crafts and more.  Park members are free with their membership card; groups of 10 or more should call 717-428-1961 to pre-register.

The schedule of events includes the following: 

Saturday, February 22-
10am-3pm Tours of the Sugarbush.  Ongoing hourly tours include hands-on demonstrations, pancake eating, a talk by the Hammer Hollow Maplers and a trip to the Red Maple Grove. 

8:30am-dusk Story walk.  Take a short, self-guided tour along a trail through the park to read a story about maple sugaring.  The story is attached to posts throughout the trail. 

10:30am AND 1:30pm Sugarbush Story Time.  Gather in the Nature Center for a maple sugaring story for kids.

Sunday, February 23-
12-3pm Tours of the Sugarbush.  Ongoing hourly tours include hands-on demonstrations, pancake eating, a talk by the Hammer Hollow Maplers and a trip to the Red Maple Grove. 

8:30am-dusk Story walk.  Take a short, self-guided tour along a trail through the park to read a story about maple sugaring.  The story is attached to posts throughout the trail. 

Owl Walk at Nixon Park

Note- this event is appropriate for ages 10 and older.  

Owl Walk at Nixon Park

On Friday, January 17th from 7-9:30 pm at Nixon Park, a wildlife rehabilitator will join staff to give visitors an up-close look at some local species and take you on an outdoor hike to search and call for owls.  

No flashlights, with the exception of deep red-tinted lights, are permitted.  Dress appropriately for the outdoor hike.  While this is a free event, donations to support local wildlife rehabilitation will be accepted.  




























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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.

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?   

Christmas Adventure at Nixon Park

Christmas Adventure is a nature-themed scavenger hunt and hike at Nixon Park and will be held on Sunday, December 23, 2012 from 1-3:30pm.  This event is indoor and outdoor and it's going to be really cold this weekend so be sure to bundle up! 
There is no registration and no fee for Christmas Adventure, and you may arrive at any point during the event to start. 

Christmas Adventure is located at
Nixon Park Nature Center

5922 Nixon Drive York, PA 17403
Phone: 717-428-1961
Email: nixoncountypark@yorkcountypa.gov

Christmas Magic 2012 A Festival of Lights at Rocky Ridge

Are you searching for Christmas Magic 2013?

 

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

Rocky Ridge County Park has kicked off the holiday season with its 29th annual Christmas Magic, A Festival of Lights.  Christmas Magic 2012 is a half mile trail with hundreds of thousands of lights on display, holiday scenes, train displays and more. 
When: Christmas Magic will be held throughout the park until December 31, 2012.  Monday-Friday from 6-9pm, Saturday and Sunday from 5-9pm. 
Where: Rocky Ridge County Park.  3699 Deininger Rd, York, Pa 17406
Cost: 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.


New for 2012:
-More lights, props, scenes, new themes
-A bigger train display
What else:
-Food vendors, including Brown's Orchards, Bricker's Fries and more will be serving some great comfort and holiday food.
-Wednesday, December 5 is Pet Night.  Bring your pet along during normal business hours and even get a picture with Santa for $5.
-Beginning December 11 and continuing as weather permits, there will be ice sculptures by students from The School of Culinary Arts.
-Many county municipalities offer a buy-one-get-one-free coupon for certain dates.  If your township or borough doesn't offer this coupon you may also print it from the website. 
-Live entertainment each business evening- see the website above for details.

Bats Demystified at Nixon Park

Learn all about bats during the Bats Demystified informational session at Nixon Park on Sunday August 26, 2012 from 2:30-4pm.  A park volunteer will share facts and dismiss myths about the night flyers.  There is no fee nor registration required. 

Nixon Park is located at Nixon Dr, York, PA 17403
717-428-1861

Outdoor Family Yoga for All

Outdoor Family Yoga for All!

Families are invited to Nixon Park on Saturday, April 22, 2012 from 12-1pm for a fun outdoor yoga session hosted by the teachers of the Yoga Home in York.  Classes are open to all and there is no fee.  You must register at 717-428-1961, so class sizes may be limited.  Yoga mats will be available or you may bring your own.

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. 

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.  




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The Big Walk at John Rudy Park

Sunday March 20, 2011 John Rudy Park will be hosting The Big Walk to walk off obesity; the first in a series.  This is a free event and no registration is required- just show up!  The Big Walk begins at 1PM.  Bring your family, friends and a water bottle to walk John Rudy's trails- anywhere from 1/4 a mile to 3 1/4 miles.

John Rudy Park is located at
400 Mundis Race Rd.
York, PA 17406


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Marshmallow Hike at Rocky Ridge

MARSHMALLOW HIKE AT ROCKY RIDGE PARK

On Tuesday, December 28 at the Hidden Laurel Picnic Area from 9:30–11:30am & 1–3pm

and Thursday, December 30 (same location) from 1–3pm you can take a holiday hike through the woods to search for gifts from Mother Nature.  After the walk there will be hot chocolate and a warm fire available!   
 
It's free but call 717-428-1961 to register for the walk.
 
What a great way to get outdoors and burn off some extra energy!! 

Christmas Magic 2010: A Festival of Lights at Rocky Ridge

Are you searching for Christmas Magic 2013?

Rocky Ridge County Park is having their annual Christmas Magic Festival of Lights.  Rocky Ridge is located off of Mount Zion Rd. (Rt 24) about a mile North of Rt. 30.  Families take a half-mile walk through 400,000 displays of lights and holiday scenes (including a train display- a favorite in my family!).  If it gets too cold don't worry- there are some heated pavilions along the way! 
Bring a canned food item when you visit for the Park Rangers' Food Drive. 

When:
November 26 - December 23
December 26 - December 31
(Closed Dec. 24, 25 )


Times:
Monday through Friday, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 5 to 9 p.m.


Costs:
Adults, $8; Ages 4-12, $6
Under age 4, Free,
Seniors(60+) $7
Groups: 12+ adults - $7 each
Groups: 12+ children - $5 each


Bring a canned food item when you visit for the Park Rangers' Food Drive.

Are any readers going this year?  Have you been here before?  Share your past experiences!  I haven't been to this event since I was a kid so I don't remember much.  Hopefully we can make it this year!

Exploring Minerals at Nixon Park

This is different than the Rocks and Minerals Weekend at Nixon and will be held on Saturday Oct. 16th at 2p.m.  It's, free, for ages 8 and up and registration is required.  Call 717-428-1961 to register.

Kids will take a look at different minerals using hands-on activities.  They will learn the importance of minerals and why they are fun to collect.  

Check out the label "Nixon Park" for more events on the 16th!

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Fox Story Time: Prospecting for Gold at Nixon Park

On Saturday October 16th at 10a.m. at Nixon Park join Brenda Miller as she reads a story about a person who lived his dream of becoming a gold prospector.

After story time children will have the opportunity to find their own gemstones to take home!

For ages 4-7.  $5 per person, register by calling 717-428-1961.

Check out the label "Nixon Park" to see what else is going on at Nixon Park this weekend!


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Earthquakes and Volcanoes at Nixon Park

On Saturday October 16th at 11a.m. you can visit Nixon Park to learn about earthquakes and volcanoes.  This event is recommended for ages 8 and up and is free to attend.
Kids will have the chance to erupt several types of volcanoes.

Check out the label "Nixon Park" to see what else is going on at Nixon Park in October.  There are a few events going on on the 16th for every age group!! 


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Rock and Mineral Weekend at Nixon Park

On Saturday Oct. 16th from 10am–4pm and Sunday Oct. 17th from 12 noon–4 pm Nixon Park is hosting Rock and Mineral Weekend.  This event is free and no registration is required.

The event includes demonstrations and special exhibits like the fossil pit and gemstone sandbox.

While this event is probably best suited to children ages 5 and up, Nixon park has plenty of fun for all ages.    

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Summer Wildflower Walk at Nixon Park

Nixon Park is having a Summer Wildflower Walk on Sunday July 18, 2010 from 2:30-4pm.  This is a free educational hike taking visitors through the park to study flowers and learn about their roles.  No pre-registration required.  The age range for this event isn't listed.  I suggest using your judgment but it seems more appropriate for kids 12 and older, or for younger kids who love nature and hiking.   






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