Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Santa's In Town....



I can't believe it's the middle of November and we are already talking about Santa! Alas, it is that time of year again and if you were wondering where to take the kids to get a picture with Santa then look no further, I've got the inside scoop on him.

1. The York Galleria Mall- Santa has arrived, as of November 12th. He is located outside of JC Penney's and will be there from 10am-9pm Monday-Saturday and Sunday's 10-6pm
2. The West Manchester Mall-Santa will be arriving at 6pm on the 18th. (Pet's are allowed in pictures from 5-6pm on Sunday, and on Nov. 27th, Dec. 4th and Dec. 11th from 6-7pm.
3. Brown's Orchard (Loganville)-Santa will make a special appearance for the "Christmastime in Loganville" celebration Saturday Nov. 19th from 9am-4pm. He will also be available on Sunday Nov. 27th from 11am-4pm and Dec. 11th & 18th from 11am-4pm.
4. Brown's Orchard (Emigsville)- You can visit with Santa Nov. 26th from 10am-2pm, Dec. 3&4th from 10am-2pm, Dec. 10th from 9am-noon (this event is $3 per person and you have muffins and cider with Santa)
5. Christmas Magic at Rocky Ridge Park- Starting on November 24th the 28th annual Christmas lights display is back for another great year! Santa can always be found about half-way through the display, look on your township website for a coupon on admission! Here is the link to Christmas Magic if you have no idea what I'm talking about :)
6.Light Up The Night York-The event is scheduled for December 2nd and Santa is usually there to meet the kids, I haven't seen official word on his presence but I would assume he would be there.
7. National Watch and Clock Museum-On December 10th from 10am-noon the NWCM will be hosting a Family Timepiece Workshop with Santa. The cost is $10/per clock made by the family and should be a lot of fun!
8.Turkey Hill Experience-Have some ice cream with Santa on Dec. 10-11th and Dec. 17-18th. Admission includes a chat with Santa, a special gift bag, an ice cream sundae, a special craft and a personal photo (along with admission to the "experience"). You must pre-register for this event.
9.Stauffer's of Kissel Hill- Santa will be visiting the Dover SKH on Sunday Nov. 27th from 11am-1pm along with a real reindeer, pretty cool! The same day at the East York location you will be able to get your picture with the reindeer from 1:30-3:30pm, but no Santa. :(



I'm sure there will be more Santa spotting's in the next few weeks, some local places like Central Market and Flinchbaugh's Orchard didn't have anything up for December just yet, I will check back in a week or so. Also, I didn't check individual township websites, but I'm betting that jolly Old St. Nick will show up at a few locations in the next few weeks, so check newsletters, websites, even fliers that might be coming home with the kids from school.

Thomas Is Coming

If you have a Thomas the Train fan in your household it might be worth the trip to Strasburg Railroad this Friday-Sunday (November 18-20th). The special Thomas train departs every 30 minutes, but I would advise getting there early, even in the cold, because it will be crowded!

Here is the link to Strasburg Railroad, while you are there check out the Santa Train too, what a great experience for your little train lover. Enjoy!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Dutch Apple Theater


The fall/winter/spring children's theater line-up at Dutch Apple Theater is now available online. Starting December 2rd Seussical the Musical will be ready for your enjoyment, tickets are $12 for the show or $15 for lunch and the show, which includes children of all ages (no big price jumps for Mom and Dad!). The upcoming shows include Flat Stanley and back by popular demand Pinkalicious!!

There is also a very special, limited engagement, show for the Christmas season called The Elves and the Shoemaker, beginning November 27th. This play only has 12 showings so if you are looking for something to get you into the holiday spirit get your tickets today!

Here is the link to Dutch Apple Theater, get your tickets today, while you can!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

York Little Theater

Does your child have a flair for drama, want to sing out loud, like to make-up stories?

If you answered yes to any (or all) of these questions than a Fall Session class at York Little Theater might be right up their alley. YLT has been a staple here in York, and well known for quality entertainment and instruction, since 1933. Their next session begins October 22nd, so hurry up and check out their lineup for classes from ages 3-18. (Adults are always welcome too!!)

Call 717-854-3894 or visit them online at www.ylt.org .

YorkArts Kids Classes!!


Mark your calendar and sign-up today, these classes tend to fill up quickly!!

1. Mommy (or Daddy) and Me Painting, all supplies included, Saturday November 19th and Saturday December 3rd, each session is from 9-10:30am and costs $25 total (for both parent and student). Suggested age range 3-6.

2. Edible Mosaic Class! (ages 6-10) Tuesdays November 8-29th from 4-5:30pm. Each student should bring a healthy snack for their first class (Cheerios, Carrots or Celery). $55

3. Parent and Child Pottery Workshop (ages 7+) $35 for parent and student, register for ONE Saturday, either, October 22nd, November 19th or December 3rd, 9-11am. (Only 4 spots open for each Saturday so don't wait!!)

Call YorkArts at 717-848-3200 or visit them online at www.yorkarts.org.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Trick-or-Treat 2011



Here is the latest Trick-or-Treat list, from WGAL, and it covers most areas in York County. If you don't see your specific Township or Borough on the list check back in a few days, this is Day 1 of the listings and WGAL is normally good about updating lists!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Things to do!

Fall is without a doubt my favorite time of year. I know many people don't like thinking about the cold weather approaching, and the dreaded snow, but seeing the leaves change, hay rides and pumpkin pie always seem to make me smile. (oh and apple pies too!) Around this time of year I also think about all of the upcoming things I want to do with my daughter, the semi-laziness of summer is over, school has started and the prospect of playing outdoors is coming to a close. Here is my list of activities, classes and places to go when it's cold, wet and blah.

  1. DreamWright's Youth and Family Theater (http://dreamwrights.org/)- Fall classes are out and ready for your little thespian! I cannot say enough about how much we have enjoyed this place, check out their line-up and remember that scholarships are available!
  2. York Little Theater- (http://www.ylt.org/)- Fall classes are posted online, I have heard wonderful things about YLT too, check it out!
  3. York City Ice Arena- (http://www.yorkskate.com/)- Classes are forming now for ice skating lessons, hockey lessons and public skating sessions are always available. There is a current coupon online, 50% off a class for city residents, enjoy!
  4. Tumble Town- (http://www.tumbletowns.net/)- When in doubt, we always head to Tumble Town to burn off some energy. Make sure you check their website for current opportunities, like Mom's Morning Out on Oct. 12th and 26th from 10:30am-12:30pm. Also the York Area Down Syndrome Association has their play-date at the York Galleria Tumble Town the third Saturday of every month from 9-10am!
  5. York County Libraries- (http://www.yorklibraries.org/) FREE family fun, always well organized and well attended. Check out their story times, craft dates and for children in the York City School District there is FREE tutoring available on selected dates.
  6. Just Learning (http://www.justlearningstore.com/)- A great, local, toy store with it's own FREE story/craft time Friday's at 11:30am. The store is located in Queensgate shopping center and don't forget to check her website for upcoming events (we attended a Dino-poetry event that was FANTASTIC!!)
  7. Romp and Roll- Roll R' Way (http://www.rollrway.net/)-Starting Tuesday October 18th RNR is back on, the preschool set can bring ride on toys, strollers, bikes basically anything on wheels and have the whole rink to themselves. The cost is $3 per child and it is a lot of fun for the little ones!
  8. Bowling at Suburban Bowlerama (http://www.suburbanbowlerama.com/)- Sign-ups are underway for Youth Bowling programs beginning in January for kids as young as 4. Check out other bowling alley's for their programs!
  9. Greater York Dance (http://www.gycde.com/)- If your child is serious about dance, or just wanting to explore more, Greater York is the place for them. Top notch instructors with an excellent reputation.
For More CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES check out these sources:
And don't forget to check out your local township and surrounding townships for great kids classes! I have found that York Township, Springettsbury Township and West York Borough have had the best selection in the past, but every township should offer some classes and fun days. Above everything else visit a local playground, a state or local park, take a hike or go fishing; York has so much beauty in the fall, soak it in and enjoy it!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Camps!!

With only a few weeks of summer left, can you believe it, there are still a lot of opportunities to get involved in local camps. Here are just a few options that I found, that are still available, with a little more research I bet you can find more!

1. York Suburban Summer Enrichment Camps and Classes- offered by Yorks Suburban Community Education for children. Visit: www.ysd.org and click on "communities" for more information.

2. York Jewish Community Center- Summer camps for kids aged 3 to 14 years old. Call 843-0918 or visit them online at www.yorkjcc.org for more information. Camps available include themed camps, sports camps, cheerleading and dance camps.

3. Tumbletown at the York Galleria- Offers camps for kids 2-10 years old, every Monday and Wednesday from 10:30am-1:30pm, now through August 17th. Call for more details; 600-2362

4. Camp Spirit- Sponsored by the YMCA of York. This camp runs daily, M-F, from 9:00am-3:30pm. Camp Spirit is available for kids who have finished Kindergarten through age 15. For more information call 292-5622 ex.35 or 755-7144. Or visit www.yorkymca.org. The cost is $125 per week for members and $150 for program members.

5. YMCA York- There are two camps sponsored by the YMCA. For the younger set, ages 5-7, there is a Summer Explorers Camp. For kids 7-15 Camp Cann-Edi-On is ready and set, with canoeing, hiking, swimming and more. Please call 366-1073 for more on either camp or visit www.ywcayork.org

6. Little Spartans Day Camp- Sponsored by York Country Day School, this is either a half-day camp or full-day camp available Monday through Friday for boys and girls aged 6-11. Contact Jim Mustard at 815-6715 for more information.

7. York Little Theater's Stages School of Theatre Arts- Classes available for children ages 5-13 weekdays and ages 6 through adult evenings and weekends. Classes cover all aspects of theater life, from performance, to makeup, to lighting. For more details call 854-3894 or visit www.ylt.org

8. Greater York Dance- There are still dance camps available for tiny tots aged 3 up to ballerinas aged 18. Call 755-6683 or visit www.gydance.org for more information.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas

The Pullo Center at Penn State York will be putting on How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical! this November 12th at 7:00pm and November 13th at 2:00pm. Tickets are, eekk, $59 and $46 dollars, but if you are looking for a special holiday treat this may fit the bill! Look on their website for a preview of the play. http://pullocenter.yk.psu.edu/event_detail/237/Dr._Seuss_How_The_Grinch_Stole_Christmas_The_Musical?utm_source=exacttarget&utm_campaign=Robert+Randolph+Announce-1838425&utm

Visit Your Library Today!


We have a fabulous library system here in York County and if you haven't been spending anytime there lately think about reacquainting yourself with their wonderful events. Here are just a few of the upcoming events, this week, that might peek some interest!

This Friday if you have a fan of Curious George in your house, why not take them to meet him at the Village Library in Jacobus this Friday at 10:30am. On Saturday at 10am, if you are near the Hanover Public Library think about stopping in with your young reader and let them spend time reading books to a therapy dog (studies show kids are more relaxed readers when they are allowed time to read to animals.) Finally, on Monday the 25th stop by Martin Memorial Library at 10am to hear Dr. Jessica Nolan, a biology professor at York College, read When Turtle Grew Feathers: A Tale from the Choctaw Nation and learn about the tortoise and the hare and make a fun craft!

Here is a list of upcoming events at your local library, remember, Reader are Leaders!!
http://www.yorklibraries.org/evanced/lib/eventsxml.asp?dm=rss2&lib=all&Ag=Kids&nd=42

Kids Yoga Camp

Next week, the 25th-29th of July, Lotus Moon Yoga will offer a kids Yoga camp from 1-4pm. The camp is available for kids ages 5 and up and will offer, "A fun and playful introduction for your child to the ancient practice of yoga at our serene and lovely downtown studio."

Check them out today at: http://www.lotusmoonyogayork.com/

Clarabeth 5K

The Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is hosting the 7th annual Clarabeth 5K September 25th at York Suburban High School. There will be a 5k Run, a 5k walk, a track walk and a kids fun run. (A little something for everyone!)


Sign up today for a fun family day that will make you feel good both inside and out!

Monday, March 21, 2011

National Watch and Clock Museum Sleepover

If you have child aged 6-12 this sounds like an awesome night filled with fun and adventure. The National Watch and Clock Museum located on Poplar St. in Columbia is hosting a family sleepover this Friday night where kids will get to do some hand-on activities, crafts and watch demonstrations all designed around the theme, "A Night of Time Travel". Take your kids, and maybe some of their friends, it looks to be a LOT of fun!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania

If you have a child with special needs and have not worked with Easter Seals please consider calling them or stopping by their website today! They are a wonderful resource for just about any need or concern you might have with your child, developmentally or socially, and they are located right here in York. There are new playgroups forming all of the time, in fact I was just informed that they are starting an autism play group to help other autistic children work on their playing and social skills all while having fun!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Go "Downtown"!!

Too many of us living in the burbs around York forget about the wonderful opportunities that lie "downtown". Many city residents, and some of us outside city limits, would like to see that change, we would like to see a re-discovery of all of the wonderful things going on in York City and trust me if you haven't caught the "York" fever yet, hold on because it's contagious!

If you have some time visit http://downtownyorkpa.com/ and take a peek at their calendar and upcoming events, for both kids and adults. There are new restaurants coming, a brewery adjacent to Central Market, and if you are interested in becoming more involved in re-pioneering York City you can sign up to attend meetings/breakfasts where speakers and city officials will be there to discuss progress.

We all know that there are still mountains to move when it comes to York City, but thinking of the possibilities and the efforts currently being brought to the table, it's exciting! Please take some time today and find out how you can help.

The Velveteen Rabbit


The Greater York Youth Ballet is performing "The Velveteen Rabbit" Sunday March 27th at 2pm at the Strand Capitol Performing Arts Center. The GYYB is fantastic, your kids 4 and up would love it! The are also hosting a meet the rabbit luncheon before the show, starting at 12:30pm, for reservations please visit www.yorksymphony.org or call 846-1111, you won't regret it!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Moms 2 Moms


Looking for new friends to share story time, make crafts, play games and have fun? A new group is starting up at Pleasureville UMC, 2606 N. Sherman St. in Springettsbury Township, they will meet on the first and third Fridays of each month from 9:30-11am. Sessions will also include guest speakers, group discussions and refreshments......for more information call 755-0484 or 757-3216!

FREE ticket to Princesses on Ice!

(I'm stealing this whole post from the York County Libraries Facebook page-Friend request them for all of the awesome programs they run!)

The Disney on Ice Reading Program is for kids from 2 through 12.
Read only 5 books, make a list on the official form and take it to your library to be stamped. Then, bring your completed, stamped form to the Giant Center and get a free ticket to Disney on Ice!
(At the Giant Center March 30th through April 3rd.)
Read from February 15th through March 30th.
www.yorklibraries.org for all the details!

York Saint Patrick's Day Parade

It's been a while, but I'm back (crazy couple of months)!

It's that time of year again, time for the annual York Saint Patrick's Day Parade. The 28th annual YSPDP kicks off at 1pm Saturday March 12th and will start at the corner of Penn St. and Market St. and travel down Market St. until it hits Queen St. For more information visit: http://www.yorksaintpatricksdayparade.org/index.html and here is the link to the parade route: http://www.yorksaintpatricksdayparade.org/2011_yspdparade_map_for_web.pdf

Wear your green and come on down, we hope to see you all there!