| Gardens / Great Outdoors / Tours / Family Fare |
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Ongoing
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Explore the world’s first refuge for birds of prey, now celebrating its 75th anniversary. Special events include a Mountain Moonwalk on July 7 & Aug. 6 at 8:30 p.m.; Raptor Day Camp (grades 4-5), July 13-17 & 27-31, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; SummerFest on July 18-19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Vulture Day on July 23, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton. Open dawn to dusk daily; 75-cent admission every Fri. through Aug. 31. 610-756-6961 or hawkmountain.org.
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Ongoing
Hershey Theatre Spotlight Tours This one-hour walking tour explores the historic theater’s three-year renovation that restored its original glory from basement to balcony. 15 East Caracas Avenue, Hershey. Tours offered Fri. at 11 a.m. and Sun. at 1 p.m. 533-6299 or hersheytheatre.com.
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Ongoing
Lancaster Science Factory Enjoy a hands-on adventure in the worlds of science, technology, engineering and math at Lancaster’s exciting new family attraction! 454 New Holland Avenue. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 12-5 p.m. 509-6363 or lancastersciencefactory.com.
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Ongoing
Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts The center presents Invention at Play and The Idea Factory, featuring hands-on activities that illustrate the connection between kids’ play and innovations in science and technology, plus Sea Monsters 3D: A Prehistoric Adventure in the Select Medical Center IMAX® Theater. 222 Market Street, Harrisburg. Tues.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 214-ARTS or whitakercenter.org.
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Through July 5
Kutztown Folk Festival Named as one of the top festivals in the country, this event features 200 juried craftsmen, folklore demonstrations, historical reenactments, entertainment on six stages, the nation’s largest quilt sale, Noah’s World animal park and plenty of food at the Kutztown Fairgrounds. For more information, call 888-674-6136 or visit kutztownfestival.com.
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Through July 27
Lancaster Museum of Art Classes Foster your children’s creativity this summer with a variety of fun sessions. July 13-16 & 20-23: ArtSmart (ages 9-12); July 15-17 & 20 and July 22-24 & 27: Clay Camp (ages 9-12). 135 North Lime Street. Registration required. 394-3497 or lmapa.org.
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Through August 5
ChocolateTown Square Performances Children of all ages will enjoy free performances in the sweetest town on Earth! July 8: ZooAmerica’s Creatures of the Night; July 15: Bill Marconi (world percussion); July 22: Paul Hadfield (comedy); July 29: The Hershey Story’s Old-Fashioned Toys and Games; Aug. 5: The Barnstormers (old-time music). Route 743 & Chocolate Avenue, Hershey. Noon. 520-5722 or hersheystory.org.
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Through August 27
Dinner and a Movie Enjoy a dinner deal at participating restaurants in downtown Lancaster each Thurs., followed by a free flick in Binns Park at 9 p.m. July 2: Young Frankenstein; July 9: Young @ Heart (documentary); July 16: Pee Wee’s Big Adventure; July 23: Son of Rambow; July 30: Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid; Aug. 6: Dreamgirls. 291-4758 or lancastercityevents.com.
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Through September 6
Longwood Gardens Festival of Fountains features summer blossoms, a moon garden with night-blooming plants, alfresco concerts, water displays and more. Special events include the Fireworks & Fountain Show on July 4 & Aug. 8 at 9:15 p.m. Concerts include Blue Highway on July 11 at 7:30 p.m., Rufus Wainwright on Aug. 6 at 8 p.m.; and Ralph’s World on Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. Route 1, Kennett Square. Regular hours: Sun.-Wed., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat., 9 a.m.-10 p.m. 610-388-1000 or longwoodgardens.org.
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Through September 13
North Museum of Natural History & Science Air Play features cool tools and techniques that explore the nature and effects of air in fun, interactive ways. Special events include Family Science Sunday on July 5 & Aug. 2; What’s Up Wednesdays through Aug. 12, 1-4 p.m.; Read, Touch Discover each Thurs. at 10:30 a.m. through Aug. 13; Grands are Grand! on July 11 at 10:30 a.m.; and a Movie Night in the Planetarium on July 29 at 6:30 p.m. 400 College Avenue. Regular hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 12-5 p.m. 291-3941 or northmuseum.org.
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Through September 20
Lancaster Barnstormers Celebrate the fifth season of Lancaster’s champion team at Clipper Magazine Stadium, 650 North Prince Street. Mon.-Fri. games at 7:05 p.m.; Sat. games at 6:35 p.m.; Sun. games at 1:35 p.m.; special start times on July 19 & 23. 509-HITS or lancasterbarnstormers.com.
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Through October
Gardens of the Susquehanna Wheatland Garden Club hosts the return of this popular tour that provides a rare, cross-season glimpse of more than 50 private gardens in the area. For a tour book or more information, call 392-8721 or visit lancasterhistory.org.
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Through October
Historic Lancaster Walking Tour Get a guided tour of the history, architecture and tales of the old city. Tours start at Southern Market Center, 100 South Queen Street, daily at 1 p.m.; additional tours on Tues., Fri. & Sat. at 10 a.m. For more information, call 392-1776.
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Through November 22
Wyeth Studio and Kuerner Farm Tours Brandywine River Museum offers tours of the home and workspace of N.C. Wyeth, as well as the farm that inspired many of Andrew Wyeth’s paintings. Wyeth Studio tours held Tues.-Sun.; Kuerner Farm tours held Thurs.-Sun. and are not handicapped-accessible. For more information, call 610-388-2700 or visit brandywinemuseum.org.
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Through November
Ghost Tours Discover the long-hidden mysteries of Lancaster and Strasburg. Lancaster tours (advance tickets required) depart from Penn Square, Fri.-Sun. at 8 p.m.; Strasburg tours (tickets first-come, first-served) depart from Mrs. Penn’s Shoppe, 2 West Main Street, Mon.-Sat. in July and daily in Aug. For more information, visit ghosttour.com/lancaster.
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July 2-5
Lincoln 200 Philadelphia celebrates Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday during its weekend-long Independence Day celebration at Independence Mall with 19th-century collections, interactive exhibits, visual and performing arts, and entertainment that highlights Lincoln’s close ties to the City of Brotherly Love. For more information, visit lincoln200philly.org.
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July 3 & August 7
Parents Night Out Each First Friday, Lancaster Family YMCA offers arts, crafts, games and other activities for children six months to 12 years, while older children are encouraged to join the Y’s Leaders in Training program. 572 North Queen Street. 6:30-10 p.m. 397-7474 ext. 132 or lancasterymca.org.
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July 3-4
Lititz Independence Day Parade and Celebration Enjoy a town-wide parade followed by a concert in Lititz Springs Park on Fri., plus a variety of family-friendly activities in the park on Sat. including the Baby Parade, Queen of Candles Pageant, Grand Illumination and fireworks. For more information, call 626-8981 or visit lititzpa.com.
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July 4
Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Musser Park hosts this free Independence Day celebration filled with food, games, crafts, music and fun for all ages. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 291-4758 or lancastercityevents.com.
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July 4 – November 7
Amazing Maize Maze Cherry-Crest Farm presents another year of “corny” fun with its famous maze, along with a variety of farm entertainment for the whole family. Special events include a Cruise In on July 11 and Pedal Tractor Pull, Aug. 4-8. 150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-dusk. 687-6843 or cherrycrestfarm.com.
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July 7 – August 29
Hole in the Wall Puppet Theatre Kids of all ages will enjoy a marionette production of Peter Pan. 126 North Water Street. Tues., Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m. 394-8398 or holeinthewallpuppets.com.
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July 10 & August 14
Lovin’ Lititz Every Second Enjoy art, music, dance and other special events at shops, restaurants and galleries in downtown Lititz the second Fri. of each month. 5-9 p.m. For more information, call 626-6332 or visit lititzpa.com.
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July 11
Heirloom Walk View a variety of historic homes and museum sites in Schaefferstown during this popular annual tour. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For tickets and more information, call 949-2244 or visit hsimuseum.org.
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July 13
Galapagos Islands Ramble Preview North Museum hosts this informational session outlining its March 2010 trip to the Galapagos Islands to honor Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of On the Origin of Species. 400 College Avenue. 7 p.m. Reservations requested. 358-4712.
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July 13-17
Hershey Theatre Youth Workshops Develop your child’s inner thespian this summer! July 13-14: Lights, Camera, Action (grades 7-12), 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; July 15: The Reviews are In (grades 3-6), 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; July 16: Sing Me a Story (grades 9-12), 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; July 17: Can’t I Mime? (grades 3-6), 9 a.m.-noon. 15 East Caracas Avenue, Hershey. To register, call 533-6299 or visit hersheytheatre.com.
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July 14-17 & July 21-24
Landis Valley Summer Camp Kids will have fun while exploring traditional rural life this summer. July 14-17: Summer Sampler with American Girl® and apprenticeship themes (ages 6-11); July 21-24: Historic Trades (ages 12-17). 2451 Kissel Hill Road. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. To register, call 569-0401 ext. 228 or visit landisvalleymuseum.org.
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July 14-30
Kids in Exploration Camps National Watch & Clock Museum hosts navigational workshops for kids in conjunction with the museum’s Time & Exploration: Earth, Sea & Space exhibit. July 14 & 16: Land; July 21 & 23: Sea; July 28 & 30: Space. 514 Poplar Street, Columbia. Tues. sessions held 10 a.m.-noon; Thurs. sessions held 1-3 p.m. Registration required. 684-8261 ext. 237 or nawcc.org.
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July 15 & August 20
Backyard Farming Series Spoutwood Farm and the Sustainable Living Institute present this unique opportunity to expand your homegrown food options, with classes on Backyard Beekeeping on July 15 and Preserving Summer’s Bounty on Aug. 20. Classes held at Spoutwood Farm Center, 4255 Pierceville Road, Glen Rock. 6 p.m. To register, call 235-6610 or visit spoutwood.org.
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July 16
Garden Workshop: Landscaping Penn State Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners program and Lancaster County Parks Department present this session that will help you improve your home’s curb appeal through tree and shrub maintenance. Lancaster County Central Park’s Environmental Center. 7-8:30 p.m. Registration required. 299-8215 or lancastercountyparks.org.
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July 17
3rd Friday’s a Charm Downtown Ephrata joins the Friday fun with extended shop hours and special events featuring the theme Nuts for Mutts! 5-8 p.m. For more information, call 738-5060 or visit downtownephrata.org.
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July 17
Movie Night Bring a blanket or cushion and enjoy a free, family-friendly movie (with popcorn!) at Lititz Springs Park starting at 8:15 p.m. For more information, call 626-0214.
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July 17
Woody Plant Conference Swarthmore College hosts its annual conference featuring talks by noted horticulturalists and designers, plus tours of Scott Arboretum’s woody plant collection. 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. To register, call Longwood Gardens at 610-388-1000 ext. 507 or visit woodyplantconference.org.
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July 18
Tip-A-Canoe and Barbecue Too Young Friends of the Brandywine Conservancy hosts its annual fundraiser featuring a relaxing river ride and a family-style cookout with live music. For tickets and more information, call 610-388-8315 or visit brandywinemuseum.org.
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July 24
Fourth Friday Mount Joy hosts arts, music, dining, shopping and family fun at a variety of destinations along Main Street and beyond. 5-8 p.m. For more information, call 653-4227 or visit msmj.org.
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July 25
Conestoga Canoe Trip Lancaster County Central Park naturalists will guide a ride down the Conestoga River that explores its landscape and wildlife. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wear waterproof shoes and accessories; bring a lunch. Registration required. 295-2055 or lancastercountyparks.org.
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July 27-30
Young Villagers Workshop Week Kids entering grades 4-7 will learn about life in the 18th and 19th centuries by making traditional crafts with skilled artisans at the Alexander Schaeffer Farm. 213 South Carpenter Street, Schaefferstown. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. To register, call 949-2244 or visit hsimuseum.org.
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July – August
Hershey Gardens Enjoy 23 acres of summertime blooms including roses, spirea and herbs, plus the popular Butterfly House. Special events include the Butterfly Festival on July 25, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 170 Hotel Road, Hershey. Regular hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. 534-3492 or hersheygardens.org.
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July – August
Keystone State Games & Senior Games Support athletes of all ages during Pennsylvania’s premier amateur competition featuring a variety of sports and competitions at the York Expo Center. Most athletics held July 21-26 (Senior Games held July 22-25 only); ice hockey and girls’ basketball held July 30-Aug. 2. For more information, call 1-888-445-4559 or visit keystonegames.com.
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July – August
Lancaster County Central Park The park offers many opportunities to explore nature and learn valuable outdoor skills. July 7: Full Moon Campfire, 7 p.m.; July 9-11: PA Hunter-Trapper Education (call for times); July 10: Celebrate Science: Exploring a Summer Night, 8:30 p.m.; July 11: Leaf Print T-Shirts, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.; July 18: Trees are Treasures (ages 8+), 10-11:30 a.m., and Summer Stream Search, 1 p.m.; July 20-24: Summer Survival Camp(ages 10-15), 9 a.m.-noon; July 25: Stingers (ages 8+), 10-11:30 a.m. & 1-2:30 p.m.; July 28 & Aug. 4: Adult Craft Series, 6 p.m.; Aug. 1: Wear It, Don’t Waste It (ages 7+), 10-11:30 a.m. & 1-2:30 p.m.; Aug. 5: Whimsical Wildlife (ages 6+) 10-11 a.m.; Aug. 7: Celebrate Science: Hurricanes, 7 p.m.; Aug. 8: Knots in Two Sessions, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Registration required. 295-2055 or lancastercountyparks.org.
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July – August
Men’s Garden Club The club welcomes naturalist and author Alfred Spoo for a discussion on backyard insects and wildlife on July 13 at Salem United Church of Christ at 7:30 p.m., with a Garden Tour at Spoo’s home on July 27 at 6 p.m. The club’s annual Corn Roast and Auction will be held Aug. 10 at the Neffsville Park pavilion at 6 p.m. For more information, call 872-5192 or visit lancastergardenclub.org.
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July – August
Summertime Station Camp Hands-on House offers one-week sessions for ages 4-7 filled with activities including a Wild West rodeo, an outer-space adventure and a puppy-filled mystery! Sessions held July 6-10 & 13-17; and Aug. 10-14 & 17-21. 721 Landis Valley Road. 9 a.m.-noon. Registration required. 569-KIDS or handsonhouse.org.
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August 1
Mt. Gretna Tour of Homes This popular event celebrates its 25th year with self-guided tours inside 10 unique homes and cottages in the Victorian-era community. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Proceeds benefit Music at Gretna. For more information, call 361-1508 or visit gretnamusic.org.
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August 1
Yummie’s Birthday Party Kitchen Kettle Village’s gingerbread mascot welcomes an A-list roster of Lancaster’s costumed characters and guest entertainers for a party filled with kids’ crafts, music and Yummie’s special birthday cupcakes. Route 340, Intercourse, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 768-8261 or kitchenkettle.com.
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August 2-30
Manheim Historical Society Tours The society hosts free tours of Manheim landmarks each Sunday in August that include the railroad station, Birney trolley and the Fasig House. Railroad and trolley tours held 1-4 p.m.; Fasig House tours held 2-4 p.m. For more information, call 665-7989 or visit manheimpa.com.
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August 7
First Friday in Manheim Support local businesses all day starting at 10 a.m., then have a fun night out until 9 p.m. during this Friday event, this month featuring a campfire at the Mini Park at High & Main streets. For more information, call 665-1762 or visit manheimdowntown.org.
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August 8 – October 25
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire Join Queen Elizabeth and her court each weekend for 16th-century food, crafts, performances and revelry at Mount Hope Estate & Winery, 2775 Lebanon Road (Route 72), five miles north of Manheim. Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 665-7021 or parenfaire.com.
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