Lucy Reflects

If there is one thing we enjoy doing, it’s finding new and unique activities to share with our followers.

Well guess what? We’ve created another list of more of our favorite free and inexpensive things to do around Lancaster County. Enjoy!

FREE STEM CLASSES AT MUSSER PARK

Take part in a “super galactic summer” during FREE summer STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). camp for kids from kindergarten to sixth grade. Held at Musser Park June 18-July 31, the classes, compliments of the folks at Thaddeus Stevens College, aim to bring exciting and unique classes focusing on STEM. Classes are held at the park from 6:30-7:30 p.m. For registration and more information, email phillygirlonthego@gmail.com.

LANCASTER CREATIVE REUSE

One of my recent favorite finds is Lancaster Creative Reuse, located at 1865 Lincoln Highway East, where you can pick up a bag of markers, acrylic paints, chalk, stickers, or paper for just pocket change. The donation-based art, craft and sewing supply store offers an abundance of gently used art supplies, crafting items, scrap book materials, fabric and knick-knacks. The store also boasts a crafters’ tables where kids can create to their hearts content for just $1. This summer, the store will also host guided craft sessions on Thursdays at 6 p.m. Classes are for kids ages 3-10 and are $5. Not only is this store helping promote the arts with a focus on upcycling, they also benefit and work with many other non- profit organizations. And we totally dig that! Check them out at www.creativereuse.org

FREE STORIES ON THE PORCH

Take the kiddos to the picturesque grounds of Historic Rock Ford Plantation for Stories on the Porch every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Children will listen to stories about early America and are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the grounds. Storytime is free and reservations are not required. Rock Ford is also hosting a performance by the Edward Hand Puppet Theatre on June 24 at 1 p.m. Check their website (www.rockfordplantation.org) for more information and additional events throughout the summer.

FREE PLAY AT KING SWINGS

Located at 909 Strasburg Pike, King Swings is a manufacturer of immaculate swings. You know what makes them even cooler? They have created a swing set playground for people to enjoy FOR FREE. The play area features 20 of King Swing’s coolest sets complete with ball pits, slides, tiny houses and even a trampoline AND it’s completely gated in. Follow King Swings on Facebook for upcoming open houses and other community events or just show up any day (except Sunday) and play!

SUMMER PROGRAMS WITH LANCASTER COUNTY PARKS

These classes are one of my favorite things to do in Lancaster and never disappoint at only a couple dollars a person. Enjoy events like how to make a hummingbird swing, a junior tennis clinic (FREE), a summer solstice celebration, munchkin science classes, nature games, creek play, story craft and critter classes, moonwalk in the meadow and many more. Classes range is price from $1-$4 with all supplies provided. Lancaster County Parks also offers summer camp programs for kids of all ages. Visit www.co.lancaster.pa.us for a complete list of events. Preregistration and payment is required (and can be done by calling 295-2055).

FREE LANCASTER PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS

OK, so I put the libraries on this list every time, but for good reason – they have awesome and FREE programs. And this summer does not disappoint either. Kids can read with Gracie the Dog or with a therapy pig (adorbs), rock out to junkyard drumming, Giggle Magic Toolbox Kidz Show, craft times, family yoga, Dutch Wonderland Princess story time, music from around the world and many more. Library locations include Lancaster City, Leola and Mountville. Visit www.lancasterpubliclibrary.org for a complete list and calendar of events. Manheim Township and Elizabethtown libraries are other favorites, offering programs and play times. (Elizabethtown’s upstairs library for kids is AMAZING with so much to do!) And don’t forget to sign up for the summer reading program, where your kids can earn free admission to local attractions and other perks just for reading!

YOUTH GO GREEN SUMMER CAMP

Taking place June 18-29 is the Youth Go Green Summer Camp hosted by Hands on Hope. Directed for kiddos age 5-15, the campers will learn about entrepreneurship by designing and creating upcycled items they will then have an opportunity to sell. The camp is held at the Bethel AME Cultural Center (512 E. Strawberry Street, Lancaster) Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $55 per week. For more information, call 717-224-8469.

OLD WINDMILL FARMS

This may seem a bit touristy, but Old Windmill Farm (262 Paradise Lane) offers one of the best farm tours in Lancaster. Cost is $10 per person (free for kids under five) and visitors can bottle feed a calf, pick fresh flowers, milk a cow, gather eggs, feed goats and take a hayride with Farmer Jesse (we love Farmer Jesse!). This farm is just down the lane from one of our other favorite places, Lil’ Country Store and Horse Farm, which together make for an eventful day the whole family is sure to enjoy. For more information, visit www.oldwindmillfarm.com/tours or call 717-687-7929.

PREVAIL FAMILY FITNESS

My kids LOVE Prevail, a gym that focuses on obstacle training with child and family classes Monday- Saturday. Designed for kids age 4-12 and only $5 per kiddo, the class starts with a 10-minute warm up, a 20-minute exercise circuit, 15-minute group game, followed by open gym time with obstacles like rope climbing, a warp wall, prowlers, wall climbing and more. Prevail recently relocated to an even cooler spot at 2482-A Horseshoe Road that we can’t wait to check out. Feel free to just drop into classes, too, no pre-registration or signups required. For more information, visit www.prevailtraining.org.

GOOD OLD-FASHIONED CREEK PLAY

One of my go-to activities with kids in the summer is splashing in the creek with friends. One of our favorite spots is Historic Poole Forge in Narvon. The grounds feature a covered bridge over the Conestoga with shallow areas perfect for play and to catch crayfish, not to mention picnic areas, playgrounds, fishing areas, plenty of shade and more. Poole Forge is located at 1940 Main Street, Narvon. There’s also a great little spot at at Lancaster County Park just past the Environmental Center and Shuts Library (also great little places to visit). These are just two of many places to check out. Just pack a change of clothes and kick it in the creek this summer when you need to splash around and cool off!

What are some of your favorite spots to check out while the kids are on summer vacation?