Kid-Friendly Events in February in South Central PA

NRA Great American Outdoor Show: February 3rd – 11th. Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. The Great American Outdoor Show is a nine-day event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania that celebrates hunting, fishing, and outdoor traditions treasured by millions of Americans and their families.

Lunar New Year: February 3rd – 4th, 10th. Hershey’s Chocolate World. Join us in a celebration of the year of the dragon, complete with special activities and and sweet samples. Enjoy special performances during each afternoon of fun.

West Reading Farmer’s Market: 1st and 3rd Sundays, from 10:00am – 12:00pm. West Reading. The West Reading Farmers Market features the very best in locally grown food on the 500 Block of Penn Avenue + on 6th Avenue (Penn to Cherry)! The producer-only market features locally grown fruits and vegetables, sustainably raised meats, poultry and farm fresh eggs, fresh cut flowers, artisan baked goods and breads, local beer & wine, kombucha, hand-made pasta, local honey, and value added products made with locally sourced ingredients. We are committed to supporting and promoting the rich agricultural history of Berks County!

The Three Little Pigs Opera: February 3rd and 10th. Miller Center for the Arts. An operatic version of the story of The Three Little Pigs based on music from operas by W. A. Mozart. While brother pigs Don Giovanni and Cherubino set off to make homes of sticks and straw, their sister, Despina, goes to the library to read up on “huff-proof, puff-proof” home construction. After Wolfgang Bigbad blows down the boys’ flimsy homes, they run to their sister’s sturdy new brick house quite ready to admit that going to the library and reading books is a pretty smart thing to do after all.

Black History Celebration: February 10th and 11th, 16th – 18th, 23rd – 25th. Gamut Theatre Group. What starts as a search for the perfect burger and a lost little brother leads a group of young friends on a journey of musical exploration and personal self-discovery. Through encounters with several mysterious strangers, they are led to reflect upon the legacy of Black musicians & the Harrisburg hospitality network that gave them safe lodging.

Annie: February 1st, 7:30pm. Santander Performing Arts Center. Based on the popular comic strip, Annie tells the extraordinary story of a little orphan who ends up in the lap of luxury with Depression-era billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Unlike most of the other children at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage, spunky Annie believes that her parents are still alive and will one day return to claim her. So when Mr. Warbucks offers to adopt her, she asks the most powerful man in America to help find her real mom and dad instead, and he agrees. Warbucks’ whopping reward for Annie’s parents attracts the attention of con artists Rooster, Lily and the wicked Miss Hannigan, who hatch a plot to kidnap Annie and take the $50,000 reward. But don’t fret: This classic family musical has a happy ending for Annie, Daddy Warbucks and the whole gang.

Carlisle Art Fest: February 2nd – 4th. Downtown Carlisle. This year, there is a new record of 120 Ice Sculptures throughout our downtown!! Our downtown businesses invite you to come in out of the cold to shop while you warm up. And there are plenty of dining and beverage options to suit your tastebuds and warm your bellies! Many merchants will be offering extended hours with special activities, live music and much more. Benchfield Farms will be returning to offer horse and carriage rides throughout the weekend. Reservations are recommended but not required. To reserve your date and time, contact Traci at 717-448-8464 or email [email protected].

Manheim Township Groundhog Day Celebration: February 2nd, 7:00am. Stauffer Park. Join us for M.T. Parker’s weather prognostication. We will have crafts and light refreshments. Will MT Parker see his shadow? Will we have an extra 6 weeks of winter?

Groundhog Day Party: February 2nd, 4:00pm. Imperial Event Center. Cornhole and Huge Jenga will be on the Terrace all evening, BINGO,
Groundhog presentation by naturalist Carter Johnson, Elliott the Groundhog will prognosticate the Super Bowl Winner, Raffle, Crafts for children, and more!

First Friday at the Lebanon Valley Council on the Arts: February 2nd, 5:00pm. Lebanon Valley Council on the Arts. Featuring artwork by students at Lebanon County high schools, with music by Luther Tyree.

Lovebug Cake Workshop: February 2nd, 6:00pm. Jubilee Cake Studio. Learn how to make a super cute Love Bug Cake! All supplies are included. All guest attending MUST register, parents as well.

Ice Cream for Breakfast Day: February 3rd, 7:30am. Fox Meadows Creamery. They will be serving ice cream, specialty treats, and cafe drinks from 7:30am – 10:30am at both locations. Our market will also be open if you want to take home some packaged ice cream and other treats to continue the festivities. Let’s bend the rules of breakfast and make memories together while eating ice cream, Baked Foxes, affogatos and enjoying warm coffee or cafe drinks! Feel free to wear pajamas! Lunch will be served regular time 11am – 2pm and we’ll be open till 9:30pm as usual. We look forward to serving you a Fox Meadows breakfast!

Take Your Child to the Library Day: February 3rd, 8:00am. Exeter Community Library. Join us for a fun-filled day that includes a visit from the Lehigh Valley Zoo, Book Bingo, crafts, a scavenger hunt, raffle, and more. This event is free and recommended for children ages 4-10. Registration will be required for the zoo program.

Take Your Child to the Library Day: February 3rd, 10:00am. Lebanon Community Library. Stop by for crafts, games, and giveaways. Storytimes will be held at 11:00 and 1:00; every child will receive a free book to take home!

Kids Discover Groundhogs: February 3rd, 1:00pm. Wildwood Park. What did the groundhog predict this year? Why do we even look at groundhogs to predict weather? Join a Naturalist to discover more about Groundhog Day and how the amazing groundhog spends the winter. This program will include a short walk to look for signs of a groundhog den and a search for signs of other burrowing animals. Registrants must be accompanied by a chaperone for the duration of the program. A maximum of one chaperone per child is permitted. Space is limited.

Family Movie Matinee – The Super Mario Bros. Movie: February 3rd, 1:30pm. Milanof-Schlock Library. Bring the family (age appropriate) for a viewing of The Super Marios Brothers Movie, with popcorn of course! Please register!

Ice Harvest: February 3rd, 2:00pm. Historic Dreibelbis Farm. The annual Ice Harvest will include a demonstration of antique ice harvesting tools and (weather permitting) cutting and harvesting ice blocks from the ice pond. We’ll explain how ice was hauled to and loaded in the ice house. We’ll offer horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides for a small fee. A bonfire, homemade soup, and hot chocolate will be available and the farm grounds and nature trail will be open to the public. The event is free to the public and will be held rain or shine, with only blizzard conditions or pouring rain cancelling.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover: February 3rd – 4th. Simpson Library. Wouldn’t your stuffed animal love to spend the night at the library? Bring a stuffed animal to the library on Saturday, February 3 at 4:00 pm and then return on Sunday, February 4 at 1:15 pm to pick it up and see what mischief it got up to overnight! You and your stuffed animal will enjoy a special story and craft together on Saturday afternoon. Leave your animal to spend the night with all of the other stuffed animals! Come back on Sunday afternoon at 1:15 pm, to pick up your animal, eat a snack of animal crackers and juice, and hear all about the adventures of the stuffed animals during their night in the library!

Let’s Sing Taylor – A Live Band Experience: February 3rd, 7:30pm. The Appell Center for the Performing Arts. This is the ultimate tribute to the music of Taylor Swift. We can show you incredible things, including the most faithful and lively covers of Queen Taylor’s expansive and sacred catalog. Taking the country by storm, we’re bringing the communal experience of celebrating Taylor’s music in a live setting to Swifties near and far. So, let the games begin! Calling all Swifties to sing your hearts out and sport your Taylor-inspired attire. You can show up at our party any time.

Queen of Hearts Tea: February 4th, 10:00am. The Willows at Ashcombe Mansion. There will be no better way to celebrate family and friendships this Galentine’s Day! Besties, Moms, Daughters, Nieces, Granddaughters – This event is recommended for ages 4 and up. Join us for a Traditional English Tea Experience here in our very own Wonderland. As part of our pop-up ticketed event series, we present you with The Queen of Hearts Tea.

Valentine’s Toddler Time! Gnomeo Cuppies: February 4th, 4:00pm. Jubilee Cake Studio. Learn how to create a super cute Gnomeo cuppies. Toddler time is for toddlers 5 years old and younger only. Workshop includes ONE parent and ONE toddler. All guest attending regardless of age must register, sorry no sharing seats. You may add a “Parent Pass” to add one additional parent.

Popovitch Comedy Pet Theater: February 8th, 7:00pm. Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center. Get ready to laugh your socks off at the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater! This hilarious event is happening in person at the Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center. You won’t believe your eyes when you see these talented pets perform incredible tricks and stunts. From dogs and cats to birds and even geese, this show has it all! Don’t miss your chance to witness the ultimate pet extravaganza. Grab your friends and family and get ready for a night of non-stop laughter and entertainment. Hurry, seats are limited!

Kids Discover Rocks and Fossils: February 10th, 10:00am. Wildwood Park. Do you have what it takes to be a Rock Hound?! A rock hound, or rock collector, explores the world of geology, the study of rocks and minerals, through things like mineral hardness testing and discovering what types of rocks glow under UV light. Learn about some cool types of fossils and make your own fossil to take home with you! Registrants must be accompanied by a chaperone for the duration of the program. A maximum of one chaperone per child is permitted. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Prince and Princess PAR-TEA: February 10th, 10:00am. Stuart Community Center. Boys and girls ages 3-7 are cordially invited to a magical morning filled with whimsy and wonder at a Prince & Princess PAR-TEA! Join in an enchanting celebration including snack time, wand decorating, story time, and meet and greet with princesses, Cinderella and Elsa.

Happily Ever After Valentine’s Day Ball: February 10th, 11:30am. Hebron Banquet Hall. Hear ye, hear ye, noble guests of the realm! Everlasting Wishes and Company and Red Bird Events cordially invite you to a splendid and enchanting affair: the Happily Ever After Valentine’s Day Ball! Princess Aurora and her gallant Prince extend their gracious invitation for you to join them at the illustrious Hebron Banquet Hall, nestled in the heart of Lebanon, PA. Prepare to be captivated as you dine alongside royal couples such as Aladdin and Jasmine, and witness the radiant Rapunzel and Flynn enthrall us with their magical presence. Your hearts will be serenaded with live singing, and you shall have the honor of dancing with a prince in true fairytale fashion. The merriment continues with enchanting dances, royal games, and who knows, perhaps a surprise guest appearance! Prepare your finest attire, for a day of magic, love, and eternal wishes awaits you at the Happily Ever After Valentine’s Day Ball.

Valentine’s Cartoon Cake: February 10th, 1:00pm. Jubilee Cake Studio. Learn how to make a super cute Valentine’s Cartoon cake! All guest attending MUST register, parents as well.

African Drumming Workshop: February 10th, 2:00pm. On Stage Theater. African Drumming Workshop by Studio Solomon. All ages welcome!

Will You Be My Owl-Entine? February 11th, 10:00am. Craigshead House. This free program is for children in K-5th grade. Join us for a fun-filled morning of crafts and information on these beautiful, unique birds. Registration (https://bit.ly/4aXonXJ) opens on January 28th.

Valentine’s Love Note Mailbox Cake: February 11th, 4:00pm. Jubilee Cake Studio. Learn how to make a super cute Valentine’s Love Note’s Mailbox Cake! All guest attending MUST register, parents as well.

Motorama: February 17th and 18th. Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. The nation’s largest all indoor racing event and live show featuring 1 million square feet of action.

Community Free Day: February 17th, 10:00am. National Civil War Museum. Enjoy living historians, games, presentations, and much more.

Barbie Party: February 17th, 1:00pm. Jubilee Cake Studio. It’s a Barbie Party! Make a super cute Barbie cake! Workshop includes the following: 1 Barbie cake (doll included), 2 students (ONE parent ONE kiddo), 1 Barbie snack tray, 2 Barbie drinks, 1 Barbie Treat Box, 1 Barbie Sunglasses. You may add ONE additional student. Additional paid student will receive 1 Barbie snack tray, 1 Barbie drinks, 1 Barbie Treat Box, 1 Barbie Sunglasses. ONE cake total will be shared amongst all students.

Black History Month Tour of Cornwall Iron Furnace: February 17th, 3:00pm. Cornwall Iron Furnace. Join us for a talk, short video, and tour led by Site Administrator Mike Emery focusing on the lives and experiences of enslaved African Americans at the ironworking plantation complex, including the enslaved collier named Governor Dick. After the tour, participants are invited to the Lebanon Farmer’s Market at 35 S. 8th St. in Lebanon for a guided conversation and delicious soul food lunch at Aunt Hocker’s Fish Fry. Rides are available for those without private transportation. Cost is $7 per person, not including lunch.

2nd Annual Fun Day at the Museum: February 19th, 11:00am. Lititz Historical Foundation. Join the 2nd Annual Family Fun Day! It will be President’s Day, so stop in and see an authentic fan used by the wife of President Abraham Lincoln! There’s also lots more cool stuff to see and do throughout the museum including a scavenger hunt (with prizes!). Parents and guardians: Why not take a tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House? Kids and adults alike love learning about how a typical Moravian lived right here in Lititz during the 1700s. It’s both fun and educational!

Read With a Ranger: February 20th, 10:00am. Berks County Heritage Center. Join the Rangers on an adventure! Kids ages 3-5 are invited to enjoy a themed story, go for a walk on the trail and complete a craft to become an honorary Junior Ranger. Each month will feature a different theme and location, which will be noted on the event. Parents/Guardians must attend with their child (this is NOT a drop-off program). Program is FREE | Registration is Suggested.

Blake Shelton: February 22nd, 7:00pm. Giant Center. This year on his headlining arena tour, country music superstar Blake Shelton brought out the bar stools and the big hits… and the party is just getting started! Shelton second leg of his Back To The Honky Tonk Tour presented by Kubota will launch in February 2024 in Hershey, PA. Joining him on the 17-date run are Multi-Platinum, 8x chart-topping country star Dustin Lynch and rising country artist Emily Ann Roberts, who fans may recognize from her successful run on NBC’s The Voice.

Arcona Ice: February 23rd, 5:00pm. Charter Homes & Neighborhoods. Arcona Ice will feature 15 crystal clear, professionally carved ice sculptures throughout Crossroads and the neighborhood. Live ice sculpting, specialty food and drink specials, kids activities and music will also be offered throughout the weekend. Firepits and s’mores stations will also be available. RSVP now so we can plan activities accordingly.

Harlem Globetrotters: February 23rd, 7:00pm. Santander Arena. The World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters – THE originators of basketball style, captured by dynamic athletes with unmatched skills and influencers of today’s game. The team has showcased their iconic brand of basketball in over 124 countries and territories across six continents since 1926. Winners of 2 Cynopsis Sports Media Awards and Emmy® nominated for their hit NBC weekly series, “Harlem Globetrotters: Play it Forward,” they continue to break barriers and stand as leaders across diversity, equity, and inclusion. Proud inductees into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, their mission continues to advance the game of basketball and deliver exciting and interactive entertainment to the world. If you have ever seen a jump shot, slam dunk or a half-court hook shot, you have witnessed the creative moves made famous by the Globetrotters. The Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the US.

Maple Sugaring: February 24th, 10:00am. Gring’s Mill Recreation Area. Learn how to identify the right kinds of trees to tap and make your very own syrup. Observe the process of taking sap to syrup and see just how much it takes to get the sweet and sticky liquid we love. $5 per person, kids under 3 FREE | Registration Required.

Family Night! Exploding Volcano Cake: February 24th, 1:00pm. Jubilee Cake Studio. Make a super cool exploding Volcano cake! PLUS meet Echo the 12ft Dino! Family Night includes FOUR students total. You may add TWO additional guests at checkout for a MAX total of SIX people. There will not be additional room for unregistered guest.

Harlem Globetrotters: February 25th, 3:00pm. Giant Center. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters global tour as they take the court with moments of extreme basketball innovation and unparalleled fan FUN! See the Globetrotter stars LIVE as they DRIBBLE, SPIN, SLAM, and DUNK their way past their relentless rivals, the Washington Generals! You’ll be amazed by new levels of mind-blowing trick shots, expert ball-handling skills, and BIG LAUGHS with unrivaled opportunities for pre-game, post-game and in-game fan engagement.

Pennsylvania Home and Garden Show: February 29th. Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. The PA Home + Garden Show, presented by PSECU returns to the PA Farm Show Complex February 29 – March 3, 2024. Join us for 4 days of home improvement inspiration!