Lucy Reflects

It’s that time of year again, when panic mode sets in on how to keep the kids busy, but there’s plenty to do this winter for your kiddos.

From STEM events to knitting, movies, crafting and painting, Lancaster is full of activities to help you through the rigidly cold days of winter. I’ve included my old standbys, who are offering different and exciting programs and new places we’re looking forward to checking out, including evening and weekend activities to fit everyone’s schedule.

HANDWORK HOUSE (343 West Lemon Street, Lancaster): The Handwork House is a place both children and adults can learn more about textiles, fiber art, creative art and even cooking classes. They offer kids’ quilting workshops, open craft nights, kids’ vegan baking classes, open studio hours, “No School” craft parties and much more. For more information and a full list of events and prices, visit www.handworkhouse.com.

THE CIRCUS SCHOOL OF LANCASTER (411 West King Street, Lancaster): Did you know there is a circus school in Lancaster? And did you know they feature a Circus Family Fun Day the second Saturday of the month? Children and families can explore the school, try out different circus activities, like acrobatics, hula-hoop making, juggling, stilts and much more. Tickets are $5 a person or $20 for admission for families of four or more. The school also offers classes for youth and adults among other activities. For more information, visit www.circusschooloflancaster.com.

ART MATTERS STUDIO (486 Royer Drive Suite 104; Worthington Shoppes at Township Square): Offering lots of classes, the Art Matters Studio also welcomes kiddos for open studio times and special events. Kids can create art on canvas, pallet painting, ceramics, mosaics and décor. Art Matters also has specific classes for kids from age 4 and up. On February 2, they are hosting a Open Studio, where kids of all ages can create Valentine’s Day art. The session lasts two hours and is priced at $8 and up. Pre-registration is required. For more information, visit www.artmattersstudio.com.

ROCK FORD PLANTATION (881 Rockford Road, Lancaster): On February 10, Rockford celebrates George Washington’s Birthday Party in the barn and invites kids 4-10 to learn about our first president, enjoy crafts, stories and other activities, a visit from George himself, cake and ice cream. Cost is $10 per child (adults are free). On March 16, Rock Ford will host its last Stories in the Barn event at 10 a.m. The St. Patrick’s-themed story time also includes an activity. This event is pay-what-you-can. For more information on Rock Ford’s children’s events and its upcoming Stories on the Porch, visit www.rockfordplantation.org.

SNAPOLOGY (1571 Manheim Pike, Granite Run Shopping Plaza): Snapology, which just opened in Lancaster, features Legos, briks, K’Nex and other STEM technology for hands-on learning and play. They offer lots of classes, including a Preschool Play and Learn, which includes a structured half hour of learning, followed by an hour of open play. Ages 2-5 are welcome, and cost is $14 per session. In addition to classes for all ages, they also offer creative play times. For more information, visit www.snapology.com/locations/lancaster.

LANCASTER CREATIVE RESUSE (1865 Lincoln Highway East): Not only can you visit Lancaster Creative Reuse and craft at their table, they also offer Winter Crafting Sessions on Thursdays from 6:05-6:45 (after store hours). Classes include acrylic paint on wood, collage on cardboard, watercolor paint, and more. Classes are a $5 donation per child. For more about Lancaster Creative Reuse, visit www.lancastercreativereuse.org.

KENDIG SQUARE MOVIE THEATRE (2600 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street): Taking the family to the movies can be costly, but it’s also a great way to relax and enjoy some snacks with the kids when there’s nothing else to do. We love Kendig Square because movies are $3 for kids and $5 for adults (or $3 for everyone before 4 p.m.), offer reasonably priced snacks, and free refills on sodas and popcorn. Visit their Facebook page for movies and times.

FREE WINTER CARNIVAL (Central Manor Church, 387 Penn Street, Washington Boro): On Saturday, February 9 from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Manor Church hosts a FREE Winter Carnival featuring bounce houses, games, balloon art, food and more. Special guest Marian and Friends will put on a puppet show from 11 a.m.-noon that the kids are sure to love. For more information on the festival, visit www.centralmanorchurch.org.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICALS: If you haven’t checked out a local high school musical lately, you are missing out. These performances are top notch and tickets are only a few dollars. Most local high schools have performances, but here are just a few announced this season: Mary Poppins is being performed at Hempfield March1-3 and Lancaster Catholic performs Tim Burton’s Big Fish March 28-31. Look for Lucy Reflects to post a complete and updated list coming soon with all Lancaster County School’s performance schedule.

LIBRARY EVENTS: I know I’ve highlighted many of my local library events, but we’re excited to check out other Lancaster libraries this winter as well. The ELANCO Library in New Holland has tons of events including parachute play, frolic for toddlers, Crafternoons, yoga story time and much more. For a complete list, visit their website at www.elancolibrary.org. Strasburg-Heisler Library offer parachute play, little cruisers, construction zone, and The Science of Seuss. For a full list of their events, visit www.strasburglibrary.org. Elizabethtown Library has story times, family Lego club, and an impressive area in the kid’s section of the library for kids to play. Visit them at www.etownpubliclibrary.org. Ephrata Library has toddler and preschool story time, STEAM events, kids’ gamer clubs, kids reading to Tailwaggers and much more. Learn more at www.ephratapubliclibrary.org.

LANCASTER COUNTY PARKS (1050 Rockford Road, Lancaster): These programs are always going to be in my list because they are fantastic, always changing, and so reasonably priced. Some upcoming events include Pine Cone Crafts on January 26, Story, Craft and Critters on February 17, maple sugaring on February 24, munchkin science classes and so much more. What I also love about these programs, is that they are held during the week, evenings and weekends so everyone can enjoy them. And they are only a few dollars, just be sure to preregister. For a complete list, visit https://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/DocumentCenter/View/9911/Winter-2018-2019-final-11-6?bidId=m.

We’d love to hear from you, what are some of your favorite activities to get through the cold winter months?