Things to Do With Kids in February in South Central PA

Snoopy Meet and Greets, Hershey’s Chocolate World: Snoopy joins us at HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD just in time for Valentine’s Day to visit with all of his chocolate-loving friends!

Visit our Meet & Greet area in the Food Hall!

Dates & Times:
Saturdays & Sundays, January 4 – February 15, 2025
Morning: 9:45 – 10:15 AM; 11:15 – 11:45 AM
Afternoon: 1:15 – 1:45 PM; 2:30 – 3 PM

The Lightning Thief, Theatre Harrisburg. February 6th – 9th: We’re going on an awesome, dangerous, and scary, thrilling, monstrous, and hairy, killer heroes’ quest!” Our third show of Season 99 is electrifying… THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL! As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him. Adapted from the best-selling book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed mythical adventure “worthy of the gods” (Time Out New York).

SIX: Teen Edition, Ephrata Performing Arts Center. February 7th – 16th: SIX: Teen Edition is an exhilarating, high-energy musical that reimagines the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII as a dynamic pop concert. Each queen takes the stage to share her unique story, from Anne Boleyn’s sassy defiance to Catherine Parr’s wise resilience. Through catchy, contemporary songs and fierce choreography, SIX gives these historical figures a modern voice and celebrates their strength and individuality.

Investigation Station: Heart Health, Reading Science Center. Saturdays in February. Join us at the Reading Science Center for our Heart Health Saturday Investigation Station! Investigation Station is a hands-on activity FREE with admission on Saturdays and runs sessions from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This February we will have hands-on activities to learn more about this vital organ. We will also have 2 special edition “Heart Health” Investigation Stations this month with medical students and professors from Drexel University College of Medicine West Reading Campus!

Our guest speakers will join us on 2/8/2025 and 2/22/2025 from 10 am to 2 pm. Don’t miss out!

The Reading Science Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with the mission to foster the love of science through exciting and experiential STEM education in the Greater Reading community. Visit us on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to experience 50+ hands-on exhibits, the Neag Cell Lab, and Curious in the Classroom! We are also open on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.!

Admission is $10 per person. Children under 2 are free. We validate parking in the Double Tree Convention Garage. Please bring your license plate number when you enter the Reading Science Center and check in with a staff member.

REESE’S University Pep Rally, Hershey’s Chocolate World. Weekends in February. Sing and dance along with REESE’S University mascot Cuppy and the Marching Cuppies Alumni Band at HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD! Hershey and Reese join the fun as we celebrate the release of the REESE’S Lava Big Cup and basketball season.

PLUS, after the Pep Rally each day, Cuppy will stick around for special Meet & Greets, so you’ll have the chance to capture photo memories with him!

Pre-register for the event to receive a King Size REESE’S Lava Big Cup candy when you arrive.

Books & Cakes, Martin Library, York. February 7th, 5:00pm – 7:00pm. First Fridays at Martin Library return in February with another edition of Books & Cakes!

This time, our theme is to celebrate Black History Month. Come decorate a cupcake inspired by African American books and authors. Materials and examples provided.

Free
Family-friendly
Celebrate history and authors
Get creative
5-7pm in the Quiet Reading Room, Atrium, and Lounge (Children’s Room and 2nd Floor not available during event).

Winter Party, Manor Church, Lancaster. February 7th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. All are invited to join us for our Winter Party on Friday, February 7 from 6-8PM! We’ll have dinner, dessert, games, bingo, corn hole, and fun for ALL ages! Dinner will be served from 6-7pm. *inclement weather date of Saturday, February 8.

2025 D.O.I.T. WinterFest, Downtown Shippensburg. February 8th, 10:00am – 2:00pm. Mark your calendars for Shippensburg’s first Winterfest! D.O.I.T. members are excited to be hosting our first event of EVERYTHING Winter including Live carvings, Ice Sculptures, Food Trucks, Entertainment, and MORE!!

Ready, Set, Explore STEM & Media, Reading Public Museum. February 8th, 11:00am – 2:00pm. Ready, Set, Explore STEM & Media offers kids and teens the space to discover and experience new technologies, resources and tools, while providing the expertise needed to critically analyze content in the 21st-century’s digital world.

Your family can:

Meet Pennon Education’s original bilingual character, Tiara “Tia” Flora!
Create a personalized GIF with Tia Flora using green screen technology
Help Tia explore her new city by coding a Bee-Bot
Design a bright, eye-catching ad for Tia’s new show
Develop skills to spot AI-created images and discern fact from opinion
Each child in attendance can choose a free book to take home at the end of their visit. Titles include Fact vs. Opinion vs. Robot by Michael Rex and The Girl Who Built a Spider by George Brewington.

Your tickets to Ready, Set, Explore STEM & Media include free admission to the Reading Public Museum and access to all exhibits — including Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure and Wild Kratts: Creature Power. Be sure to take time to explore all the museum has to offer!

Snow date: February 22, 2025

Sweet Valentine’s Day Celebration, Urban Churn Creamery, Carlisle. February 9th, 10:00am – 11:30am. Celebrate love and sweet memories with your little ones at our Family Valentine Event!

📅 Date: Sunday, February 9th
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
📍 Location: Carlisle Scoop Shop

💲Admission:
• $42 for 1 Parent and 1 Child
• $18 for Each Additional Ticket

Included Activities & Treats:
• Hot Cocoa and Coffee Bar to keep you warm and cozy
• Mini Tasting of 6 delicious Valentine-inspired ice cream flavors
• Valentine Bingo with fun prizes
• Guess the Ice Cream Flavor Game for a tasty challenge
• Decorate Your Own Valentine Mailbox to collect sweet notes and goodies

Special Perks:
• Children will receive a fun gift bag filled with surprises
• Parents will take home a complimentary pint of their favorite ice cream flavor

Join us for a heartwarming and delicious event that will create lasting memories for the entire family!

Big Game Sunday, Laserdome, Manheim. February 9th, 5:00pm – 9:00pm. There’s a BIG GAME coming up you may have heard of, but the Steelers aren’t playing, so who freakin’ cares?!? Bring the kids & have a BLAST at Laserdome instead! UNLIMITED Laser Tag, Arcade Attractions AND Pizza for just $29.99! Unlimited Arcade attractions include Laser Maze, Racing Zone, Roller Coaster SIM, Pinball Alley, Xbox Zone and all Carnival games! Don’t wait, quantities are limited! Reserve Your BIG GAME DAY Pass NOW!

Trail Tales, Grings Mill Recreation Center, Reading. February 11th, 10:00am – 11:00am. Get wrapped up in a trail tale and discover plants and animal friends in our parks. This toddler-age program focuses on a nature topic each month partnered with a story and a craft. Special guests and visitors may make an appearance to join us in the fun! Geared towards children ages 3-5.
FREE | Registration REQUIRED.

Valentine’s Day at Laserdome, Manheim. February 14th. At Laserdome, we know it’s more FUN to bring along the people that you care about. We’ve hosted plenty of parents and kids, grandparents and grandkids, besties, plus our fair share of first dates!

So, for Valentine’s Day, we’ve got an absolutely AMAZING deal for you…

Buy ANY PASS and GET ONE FREE!

Choose from ALL Laser Tag and Verse Immersive packages…

save up to $48.99!

Unlimited Arcade attractions include Laser Maze, Racing Zone, Roller Coaster SIM, Pinball Alley, Xbox Zone and all Carnival games!**

DO NOT WAIT!
Quantities are limited!

Reserve Your V-Day BOGO Passes NOW!

Vitamin String Quartet: The Music of Taylor Swift, Bridgerton, and Beyond, American Music Theatre, Lancaster. February 14th, 8:00pm. Long before Bridgerton broke the Netflix algorithm, Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ) had helped establish classical crossover as a genuine force in contemporary music. Fresh off high-profile placements in Seasons 1 and 2 of the aforementioned streaming smash, VSQ has “reached a mainstream, global audience” (Variety) and “charmed the world with their classical covers” (Nylon). New York Observer wrote, “VSQ’s atmospheric hits have made classical versions of pop music cool.” On their latest tour, VSQ have created fresh arrangements of the cultural phenomenon that is Taylor Swift, performing spellbinding and innovative renditions of Swift’s music, alongside familiar hits from Billie Eilish, BTS, Bridgerton, The Weeknd to Daft Punk. VSQ are one of the most popular string ensembles in the world with over 2 billion streams and seven albums charting on both Billboard Classical and Classical Crossover charts.

Motorama, Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. February 15th – 16th. The nation’s largest all indoor racing event and live show featuring 1 million square feet of action.

Let’s Sing Taylor, Whitaker Center, Harrisburg. February 16th, 7:00pm. Let’s Sing Taylor – A Live Band Experience – 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.

Visit https://www.letssingtaylor.com to learn more!

Let’s Sing Taylor is not endorsed by or in any way affiliated with TAS Rights Management, Taylor Swift, or their affiliated entities.

The Canine Stars, Luhrs Center, Shippensburg. February 16th. As seen on American’s Got Talent in 2021, The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show is a fan favorite at venues across North America! Our professional team of world-class performers and their adopted dogs from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, The Netherlands and South Korea provide upbeat, family friendly entertainment. Our shows feature extreme dog sports such as freestyle disc, dancing dogs, agility racing, and dock diving. We reach the hearts of all ages – you are sure to fall in love with these incredible dogs and their adoption stories!

Two showtimes: 1:00pm and 4:00pm

Puppy Pals Live!, American Music Theater, Lancaster. February 16th, 3:00pm. From shelters to showbiz, Puppy Pals is a family fun, action-packed show where adopted and rescued dogs perform spectacular stunts and breathtaking feats. Wesley Williams leads the puppies through challenging and comical tricks as the pooches show everyone who is really boss! Full of surprises and canine comedy, this performance appeals to children of all ages and features the world’s most elite dogs who captivate audiences with their incredible athleticism, speed, and aerodynamics. Puppy Pals’ unique and creative style earned them a top quarterfinal spot on Season 15 of America’s Got Talent.

Kids Day at the Museum, Lititz Historical Foundation. February 17th. Join us on for a special Kid’s Day at the Museum on February 17th, 2025. 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!) and from 12-2pm, kids can make and take a free paper puppet!

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!

It’s all happening at the Lititz Historical Foundation February 17th from 11am-5pm.

Tour tickets can be purchased, but walk ins are also welcome! Tours take place every hour. The Lititz Museum is open by donation.

Also be sure to visit our gift shop for a great selection of local books, Moravian stars, and more! We’ve got some INCREDIBLE deals that whole week!

See you then!

President’s Day Special Event – Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Animal Ambassadors, Lancaster Science Factory. February 17th, 11:00am – 2:00pm. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary will be here presenting special educational programs featuring live birds of prey from 11am – 2pm! Learn to indentify birds of prey in the wild and get to meet some of Hawk Mountain’s Animal Ambassadors. These presentations are free with admission – buy your tickets in advance to guarantee your entry.

Swan Lake, Santander Performing Arts Center, Reading. February 18th, 7:00pm. Experience the world’s most in-demand ballet, “Swan Lake,” presented by Classical Arts Entertainment and performed by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine. A full-scale production features Tchaikovsky’s legendary score and the exquisite Artistic Direction by Andrei Litvinov, bringing the masterpiece choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov to life. Be spellbound by the iconic variation of Little Swans, Odile’s 32 fouettés, and the graceful movements of the talented Ukrainian dancers. With over 200 custom scenery pieces adding grandeur and beauty, this production promises to be a spectacular visual treat. Book your tickets now and be transported into a world of enchantment, where the beauty of dance and the power of love intertwine in a truly captivating performance. Join us to celebrate Classical Arts Entertainment’s 10th anniversary with an unforgettable experience!

Try Hockey for Free, Lancaster Ice Rink. February 21st, 6:30pm – 7:30pm. Lancaster Firebirds invites boys and girls to Lancaster Ice Rink on Friday, Feb 21, 2025 for a Try Hockey For Free clinic as part of Come Play Hockey Month. Starting at 6:30pm local youth, ages 4 to 9, are encouraged to experience ice hockey for the first time and learn the basic skills in a fun, safe environment.

“We look forward to welcoming families to Lancaster Ice Rink to try our great sport of ice hockey” said Chris Campanale. “Our goal is for these families to enjoy watching their kids learn new skills with big smiles on their faces.”

USA Hockey’s Try Hockey program, with the support of the National Hockey League and NHL member clubs, among others, is designed to provide youth hockey associations a national platform to introduce new kids to the sport. USA Hockey has close to 500 locations offering this unique opportunity to kids nationwide.

Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party, GIANT Center, Hershey. February 20th – 23rd. Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party is bringing the magic to guests through dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air. This adventure delivers compelling storytelling through multi-leveled production numbers so be prepared to join this magical search and help unlock an epic journey when Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party delivers an unforgettable experience at GIANT Center.

Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour, Santander Arena, Reading. February 21st, 7:00pm. For nearly a century, the Globetrotters have brought fun and joy to generations of families, and fans return year-after-year to pass their excitement on to the next generation! The Globetrotters are the world’s basketball team – touring over 400+ cities in 25+ countries. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the Harlem Globetrotters 2024 World Tour Presented By Jersey Mike’s Subs!

Maple Sugaring, Grings Mill Recreation Center, Reading. February 22nd, 10:00am – 12:00pm. 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.

Meet inside the barn at Gring’s Mill.

Storytime Plus! Alice in Wonderland, History on High, Carlisle. February 22nd, 10:00am – 12:00pm. Join us for Children’s Storytime Plus! Featuring the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland, read by Donna Hale & Shari Weaver.

As part of the event, children & parents will create art inspired by the story and watch a demonstration of the Would Work woodshop’s laser engraver as it recreates their designs on wood.

Sign up today as space is limited to 20 children. Message us or call the shop at 717-249-7610 ext 118.

Grand Shanghai Circus, American Music Theatre, Lancaster. February 22nd, 6:00pm. Shanghai Circus parades a new production to audiences exercising more variety than ever before witnessed. The show honors the essence of the old historic Shanghai Culture through the dynamic artists’ dazzling performances which includes but not limited to breathtaking acrobatics, colorful dance, comedy, mystifying magic, and numerous aerial feats of strength. Shanghai Circus will deliver a higher level of entertainment by combining stage LED technological innovations with exceptional artistic performances.

Calling All Swifties, Letort View Community Center, Carlisle. February 22nd, 6:00pm – 10:00pm. On Saturday, 22 February 2025 from 6 to 10 p.m., Letort View Conference Center (LVCC) will be entering its Taylor Swift Era with DJ Brenden Orth! Gather your fellow Swifties and join us for a fun night of singing, dancing, delicious hors d’oeuvres and refreshing drinks! DJ Brenden Orth will be spinning all of Taylor’s hits from albums Taylor Swift (2006) to The Tortured Poets Department (2024). No outside food or beverages are permitted.

Cost:
$13 – ages 10 and under
$22 – ages 11 and over

Riverdance, American Music Theatre, Lancaster. February 25th – 28th. Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerizing choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.

To celebrate this incredible 30th year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when the show began 30 years ago.

Audiences will enjoy a unique and memorable performance which blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the skill and passion of the world-class dancers, musicians and singers in the Riverdance ensemble.

PA Home and Garden Show, Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, Harrisburg. February 27th – 28th. The PA Home + Garden Show returns to the PA Farm Show Complex, in Harrisburg, PA, from February 27 – March 2, 2025. Join us for 4 days of home improvement inspiration! 🏡🌼🔨 🌸✨🌻

Exclusive features:

Expansive garden displays and outdoor living exhibits showcasing the latest trends (including a golf-themed feature garden) and offering endless inspiration, created by A.H. Reiff Landscape Supply, QnC Construction, Burdge’s Water Gardens and Jesse James Hardscaping

An abundance of spring plants and flowers from local greenhouses and purveyors, including Ashcombe Farm and Greenhouses’ mobile plant shop, Fern, and Palmyra Greenhouse’s vintage flower-filled truck, Rosie

Plant Bar where visitors can make their own potted creations to bring home, and a fully-stocked Garden Market loaded with plants, gifts and decor, both from Plantscapes By Design

Let it Grow! Visitors with gardening questions can stop by this area to consult experts from local environmental and horticultural groups who can help provide solutions and tips

Bar Sheds: Add more fun to your backyard with these bar sheds built by skilled students from Cumberland-Perry Area Career & Technical Center and Dauphin County Technical School

The Peaceful Pavilion 20’ x 20’ timber frame pavilion by Timberhaven Log & Timber Homes, designed to add a warm and tranquil space to your yard

Local libations and more: The relaxing Wine Garden from Juniata Valley Winery, and Hazard’s Distillery’s Whiskey Backyard with popular backyard games

The inviting Backyard Oasis by Backyard Bliss, designed to show how family members can play and enjoy picnics (and more) together in their own yard

“Ease of Living” design room demonstrating the desirable concept of “carefree and comfortable,” marrying beauty and function, designed by David’s Interiors

Ask A Garden Expert! Visitors with questions about home gardens, plants or other garden-related inquiries can visit the Ask A Garden Expert! booth in the Garden Hall, and get answers from Harrisburg Garden Club members

Ask A Designer! Questions about home design, or not sure where to start with your planning? Expert Abby Fitzgerald, interior designer and owner of Fitz Haus Interior Design, will be available in the Ask A Designer! Booth to assist you

Home Depot Kids Workshops are a free, hands-on learning experience that encourages skill-building and creativity in children ages 5-12, who follow step-by-step instructions and learn to work with hand tools like hammers and screwdrivers, and painting

Specialty markets: Harrisburg’s Homegrown Market offers unique items from local artisans and retailers, and The Barking Lot pet market, filled with treats, toys and accessories for four- legged family members, from which a portion of sales will help support Canine Rescue of Central PA

Doggy Fashion Show on Sat. March 1 at 12 p.m. featuring a crowd-pleasing parade of adorable, adoptable dogs from Canine Rescue of Central PA

February Kids Night Out – Mini Mansions Play Party, Jubilee Cake Studio Mechanicsburg. February 28th, 5:30pm – 8:30pm. Parents, do you need a break?! Check out our KIDS NIGHT OUT! Kids come and PLAY in Jubilee’s Mini Mansion’s! Play time is 3 hours, pizza, snacks, drinks, games, and decorate Valentine Cuppies! Grippy socks are included. Ages are 5 years old to 12 years old. ALL kiddos MUST be potty trained! 5:30-8:30pm. This is a drop off / pick up event. Punch pass/Monthly pass not qualified.

Sharing of workshops is not permitted unless explicitly stated. Any additional guests not accounted for in this reservation must complete a separate registration.