Lucy Reflects

I just love living in Lancaster County.

Not only is it diverse, there are always new and exciting things to do with the kiddos that cost little to no money at all. Whether you’ve got kids in school or still have youngsters at home, there’s a little something for everyone as we enter fall.

P.A.S.T.E. AT LANCASTER SCIENCE FACTORY: Join the folks at Lancaster Science Factory for FREE P.A.S.T.E. (Pre-Kindergarteners Active in Science and Technology Exploration) classes, such as exploring the five senses, robots, monster circuits, makers of music and more. The classes are for children age 4-6 and introduces them to hands-on programs that explore STEM topics. Classes are free, but registration is required. Visit www.lancastersciencefactory.org for more information.

PINEWOOD & POSIES: This place is one of my favorite new discoveries and I kinda want to ask them to adopt me so I can wake up and see their flowers every day. Take a scenic drive out to Pinewood & Posies in Paradise and stroll their multiple acres of flowers that guests can pick themselves. Kids bouquets are $5 and larger bouquets are $10. Visit www.pinewoodandposies.com for hours and information.

STORYTIME AT TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES: Each month, Ten Thousand Villages in Ephrata hosts a FREE story time on the carpet for preschool to elementary aged kids featuring stories from around the world followed by a craft. Story time is held Thursdays at 11 a.m. For more information, visit www.tenthousandvillages.com.

PAINT AND PLAY AT ART MATTERS: The Art Matters Studio, located in Lancaster, offers Paint and Play classes for kids ages 2-5, with different stations to play and create art. Sessions are Thursdays 10 a.m.-11 a.m. or 11-noon and Friday, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.; 11 a.m.-noon or noon-1 p.m. Cost is $12 per participating child. Paint and Play also offers Open Studio times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information and to check out other events, visit www.artmattersstudio.com.

FAMILY FUN FEST AT THE WARE CENTER: Focusing on family entertainment available at a reasonable price, Family Fun Fest hosts an array of shows at Ware Center and the Visual and Performing Arts Center in Millersville. Shows this season include Dan Zanes’ Sensory Friendly show, “Scare at the Ware,” PA Ballet II: Prince Charming and more. Tickets are only $5 and $10. For more information, visit www.artsmu.com.

E&A CANDIES: A delightful little shop in Intercourse, E&A Candies is a great place to visit, especially on a rainy day. Enjoy free samples, watch them make candies or kids can decorate a pop for only 99 cents. Shop their homemade candies, from fudge to clear toy candies, novelty items and many other treats. For information, visit www.eacandies.com.

LANCASTER RAIL TRAILS: Rail trails were a favorite pastime for my kids this summer and we’re looking forward to checking them out as the seasons change. These trails are ideal for a family walk, balance bikes, regular bike rides and strollers as many are flat and paved. The best part? No cars and beautiful scenery. Our favorites are the Conestoga Greenway Trail and the River Trail (we enter at Columbia or Marietta). Other trails include Conewago Recreation Trail in Elizabethtown, Lancaster Junction Trail in Manheim and the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail.

MOVIES, THEATRE AND PUPPET SHOWS: Introducing your kids to movies, live theatre and the arts doesn’t have to be expensive. We love catching a movie at Kendig Square, where movie tickets are $3 and $5. Visit www.funtimecinemas.com for movies and showtimes. Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre offers children’s theatre and this season will perform “Cinderella,” “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical,” “Mulan,” “Peace, Love and Cupcakes,” “Honk!,” and “The Snow Queen.” Tickets are $18 and include a lunch buffet catered just for kids. Visit www.dutchapple.com for more information. Lancaster Marionette Theatre is a must-see with a unique space just as intriguing as the shows. Upcoming performances include “Sleeping Beauty” and “Cinderella’s Christmas.” Tickets are $15. For more information visit www.lancastermarionette.org.

LANCASTER COUNTY PARKS: There’s a reason I always add Lancaster County Parks to these lists and it’s because they have awesome and reasonably priced events. In addition to Munchkin Science classes, they offer other events like parachute play, make-your-own ant farm, build a bluebird box, hikes, family campfires and so much more, all at only a couple of dollars a person. For more information, visit www.co.lancaster.pa.us.

JULIUS STURGIS INTERACTIVE TOUR: Perfect for kids of all ages, this tour includes a behind-the-scenes look at the bakery as cooks prepare fresh and flavorful pretzels in the kitchen. Guests can also practice pretzel twisting with a playdough mixture. Kids under 4 are free, ages 4-12 are $2.75 and all others are $3.75. Visit www.juliussturgis.com for more information.

We’d like to hear from you, what are you looking forward to this upcoming fall season?