Lancaster Family | Fall/Winter 2023

FALL/WINTER 2023

BOREDOM BUSTERS BOREDOM BUSTERS

A LANCASTER COUNTY

BUCKET LIST

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS

RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES

PUBLISHER

Jocelyn Engle

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Cathy Molitoris

ART DIRECTOR

Ashley Kendrick Kennedy

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Greg March

Publication and distribution of Lancaster Family magazine does not equate to an endorsement of information, products or services. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or editorial that is in conflict with the publication’s standards. All rights reserved. ©2023

Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc. P.O. Box 500, Mount Joy, PA 17552 800.800.1833

Exploring the Great Outdoors

The great outdoors can be an inviting place with plenty of opportunities for adventure. It’s also a treasure trove of sights and sounds that can be a springboard for a lifelong yearning for knowledge.

Children can benefit from both unstructured and structured play outside. The following are some outdoor activities families can enjoy together.

HUNT FOR FOSSILS: Whether there is a natural fossil bed nearby or not, children can use plastic colanders and shovels to dig in the dirt or sand to see if any treasures can be found.

COLLECT AND PAINT ROCKS: Collect stones and then paint them with vivid designs or sayings. Once painted, the rocks can be placed back into their natural surroundings for others to discover.

MAKE A NATURE COLLAGE: Take a hike or a stroll through a nearby park and collect little treasures along the way. Glue these items to a piece of cardstock or cardboard to create a collage that will serve as a memento of the day.

RUN THROUGH A SPRINKLER: Pools can be great fun, but something as simple as a garden sprinkler may keep families occupied for a few hours.

VISIT A BOTANICAL GARDEN: Tour a nearby botanical garden for an opportunity to see flowers and plants that may not be native to the area. Bring sketch pads and draw your favorite plants.

GO CAMPING: Whether you camp in the backyard, in the woods, or at a campsite, spending a night immersed in nature can be an unforgettable experience. Camping equipment can be rented or borrowed, if necessary.

ENJOY A PICNIC: Bring a meal outdoors to a quiet spot, like a park or garden.

TAKE A BOAT RIDE: Enjoying the great outdoors from the water brings an entirely new perspective. Purchase tickets for a fishing charter or take a tour of a local waterway. Rent a canoe or kayak and explore local flatwater areas.

FEED DUCKS OR OTHER BIRDS: Children can see wildlife in its natural environment and provide some supplemental nutrition in the process. Bring along wild birdseed (bread is not a healthy option) and sprinkle some along shorelines or in the water and then watch the birds arrive.

DO A SCAVENGER HUNT IN NATURE: While on any excursion, people can engage in a scavenger hunt. Have a list of five to 10 items to find, such as a pink flower, a leaf with a stem, and a black rock. See who can find them all the fastest.

Spending time outdoors provides plenty of opportunities for familyfriendly excitement and fun.

• Native Trees & Shr ubs

• Perennials & Native Wildflowers

• Hollies

• Ber ry Shr ubs

• Garden Accessories

• Fr uit Trees

• Handmade Gifts & Ar t by Local Ar tisans

Coming Soon: Holiday Wreaths & Greens Workshops

Check out our page for details.

8957 Hickor y Road, Felton, PA 17322 (closer to Stewar tstown) Open Monday-Saturday 9am-4pm, Closed Sunday 717-993-5230

Pet Place, customer service for you and your pet is our number one priority! Our pet stores have dog and cat food and supplies, small animal food and accessories, and full-service pet grooming, and walk-in services for dogs, cats and small animals!

locations to serve you!

Rescue Pets

Sayonara, Sofa!

ACTIVITIES TO GET THE FAMILY MOVING TOGETHER

Due to increasingly busy weekday schedules that have families running in different directions for work, school, and extracurricular activities, weekends can be an ideal time to recharge. Too often, however, family members retire to their respective rooms, devices in hand.

Kommando Tech said that people spend an average of three hours and 15 minutes on their phones each day, with Americans spending 5.4 hours a day using phones. Those statistics do not include additional time that is spent on devices like tablets or laptops.

Chances are phones are being used while their owners are lounging on a couch or bed, something that has negative health consequences for many children and adults. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain, loss of muscle strength, weak bones, diminished immune system

response, and poor blood circulation, according to the health information site Medline.

The following fun activities can get kids and parents off the couch on weekends.

TAKE A FAMILY BIKE RIDE.

Inflate those tires and tighten your helmet chin straps. A family bike ride is an ideal activity for the family because it is something that can be enjoyed by all age groups. Choose the pace and the terrain based on the age of the youngest or oldest riders. For example, flat, easy-to-navigate

paths may be more appropriate for the very young or for seniors.

WASH THE CARS.

It’s a chore, but it’s one that has the potential for lots of laughs along the way - and possibly a suds fight. Washing vehicles also is a great way to cool off when the weather is warm.

ENGAGE IN SPORTS TRAINING.

Whether the children participate in organized sports or not, set up an obstacle course or fitness circuit in the backyard. Everyone can take turns going through the course,

providing an opportunity for beneficial exercise while spending time together. If the backyard isn’t an option, check out a fitness trail at a local park.

TAKE A WALKING TOUR.

Educational attractions like museums, zoos, aquariums, and arboretums are great to visit on weekends. The family will see new sights and learn information from exhibits, all while walking a few miles.

VISIT AN AMUSEMENT PARK.

Research the nearest amusement park and take a day trip. Hours will be

spent walking around the park and going on thrilling rides. Consider discounted memberships or season passes if this is the type of activity the family plans to repeat.

CHECK OUT A DRIVING RANGE.

Practice golf swings at a driving range or a virtual driving range. Everyone can compete to see whose drive is the longest.

The possibilities for physically active family time are endless and beneficial for the body in many ways.

HELPING KIDS EMB � ACE CONSE � VATION

Conservation is a collective responsibility shared by individuals around the globe. In order to protect the planet and ensure its future, adults must educate the next generation on how to do their part. The following three activities can prove both engaging and educational.

1. CLEAN UP A FAVORITE HIKING TRAIL.

Hiking is a great family-friendly pastime that promotes physical activity and appreciation for nature. These benefits make hiking an ideal way to teach kids about conservation. Parents can plan a hiking trip that focuses on cleaning up trails. Kids who have a favorite hiking trail may be especially enthusiastic about cleaning up a

place they already feel attached to, and parents can let them know they’re doing their part to protect the planet with each piece of litter they collect and ultimately remove from the park.

2. TEACH KIDS TO COMPOST.

Parents do not need to leave their homes to teach kids about conservation. According to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), composting benefits the planet in numerous ways. In addition to reducing the waste stream, composting cuts methane emissions from landfills, which the NRDC reports are the largest source of human-generated methane emissions in the United States. Composting also helps to conserve water by adding organic matter to soil, which research has shown improves the soil’s capacity to retain water. Families can build a compost bin together, and parents

can teach kids about which types of waste can be composted and how that compost benefits the plants and trees in their own yard as well as the planet as a whole.

3. CRAFT WITH RECYCLED MATERIALS.

In addition to giving kids an opportunity to be creative and develop fine motor skills, crafting provides a way to teach kids to reuse and recycle, which are two of the core tenets of conservation. Parents need only conduct an internet search to find a wide range of craft ideas that use tin cans, toilet paper tubes, water bottles, egg cartons, and other recyclables.

Conservation efforts are vital to helping secure the future of the Earth. Children can learn the importance of conservation by engaging in various activities that make protecting the planet fun.

HOMEMADE CHICKEN PIES, LLC.

Featuring one of life’s most savory and delicious comfort foods, join with those who have discovered the “from-scratch” meat pies that are made at Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies. Surrounded by Amish farmlands in the heart of the PA Dutch countryside, this family owned and operated business uses special mouth-watering recipes that are making their beef, chicken, and sausage pies more famous with each passing year

From the humble beginnings in their Amish farmhouse kitchen to a USDA inspected commercial enterprise, the quality and taste of their pies remains the same, even as the distribution has increased from one market stand to multiple stores and farm markets throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

You are always invited to stop by the Zook’s retail store to stock up on these quick and easy meals that are tasty and nutritious too! In addition to meat pies. Zook’s has a nice selection of specialty food items, including homemade soups, bake-at-home meals and fresh bakery items.

Open

Boredom Busters

A Lancaster County Bucket List

Lancaster County is a top tourist destination for people from across the globe, but have you ever thought of playing tourist in your own hometown? Check out this Lancaster County bucket list for ideas the next time you’re itching to get out of the house.

BY CATHY MOLITORIS

1. Eastland Alpacas

2089 Risser Mill Road, Mount Joy www.eastlandalpacas.com

You can get up close and personal with alpacas at this 30-acre farm that breeds and sells the animals and has a store that offers yarn, woven rugs, stuffed animals, clothes, and more.

“We do tours by appointment and by donation for any size group,” said owner Sue Zurin. “We also take the alpacas to off-site events, day cares, church activities, etc. On a tour, you get to be up close with most of the 80-plus alpacas here on the farm.” Tours include learning about and feeding baby alpacas and opportunities to take pictures with Cordon Bleu and Griffin, two visitorfavorite alpacas. “We also have our llama, Buddy, so you can see the difference from the alpacas,” Zurin shared.

Eastland Alpacas will host an open house on Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 4, 5, 11, and 12.

“During this event, you will get to pet, hand feed, lead, and learn about the alpacas,” Zurin remarked. “The 4-H club will do obstacle course demos at various times. We also have wagon rides and other activities. There is a food stand, and, of course, don’t forget to visit the enlarged store for the holiday season.”

2. Cherry AdventureCrestFarm

150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks www.cherrycrestfarm.com

More than 70 farm activities, rides, mazes, and more can be found at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. The fall season begins on Friday, Sept. 15.

The site’s corn maze has been voted the No. 1 corn maze in the country by USA Today. This year’s maze theme is “Bee A-Maized,” featuring a focus on celebrating bees and the role they play in farming. Flashlight mazes run on Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 4.

Upcoming events at the farm include the Hometown Heroes Festival on Saturday, Sept. 16. Local EMS, fire, and police departments will set up their equipment in the Barnyard for an educational Touch-aTruck and meet-and-greet event from noon to 6 p.m. The event will also feature live music and fireworks.

The site also features pick-yourown pumpkins, popcorn, sunflowers, and zinnias, and the 14th annual Pumpkin Madness Festival will close the season on Sunday, Nov. 5.

The Discovery Barn on-site features interactive farm displays, and a variety of live animals are on the grounds for hands-on fun. The Shootin’ Gallery includes a paintball range and more, while Sproutsville is

a miniature town of 15 shops and services, designed and furnished to let kids’ imaginations go wild.

3. Columbia Historic Preservation Society

21 N. Second St., Columbia www.columbiahistory.org

Did you know that Columbia was once considered as a site for the nation’s capital? Columbia is rich in history, playing an important role in the Civil War, among other events. You can explore that history through programs offered by the Columbia

Historic Preservation Society. “Our society has done more groundbreaking research on Columbia’s past in the last 10 years than anyone in the last 100 years,” said Chris Vera, president of the organization. With a museum full of artifacts and information, the society also houses an HO- and O-gauge model railroad exhibit.

Vera credits enthusiastic volunteers with helping people feel welcome at the museum, answering questions, and showcasing the everchanging scenery of the railroad. The society has also partnered with Columbia Borough to restore the

landmark Zion Hill Cemetery in Columbia, and the organization holds events throughout the year.

“Our events are always targeted to the young and old,” Vera said. Among the organization’s more popular events is Albatwitch Day, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14. The festival focuses on the legendary Bigfoot-like creature rumored to wander Lancaster County woods.

4. Covered Bridges Various locations throughout the county

At one time in the past, Pennsylvania had more covered bridges than anywhere else in the United States. Today, Lancaster County has the most remaining covered bridges in the state, with 28. For a fun, free family activity, pile the kids in the car and set off to discover these architectural gems.

Bridges can be found in all parts of the county, including the areas around Ephrata, Lititz, Manheim, and Strasburg. A listing of these covered bridges can be found in a blog article published on the website for the Smithton Inn. Check it out at www. historicsmithtoninn.com/blog/ covered-bridges-in-lancaster-pa.

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore, consider a covered bridge tour by Strasburg Scooters. The twohour tour includes guided history of the bridges and the Lancaster County countryside. For more information, visit https://strasburgscooters.com.

5. Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery

219

E. Main St., Lititz

www.juliussturgis.com

Pretzels have a long and interesting history in Lancaster County, and you can learn all about it at a hands-on tour here. The Sturgis family has been continuously baking pretzels since the bakery was founded by Julius Sturgis in 1861.

“We offer a full retail store filled with our fresh-baked soft pretzels, chocolate-covered pretzels, hard pretzels, and pretzel-themed souvenirs,” said Kurt Van Gilder,

general manager. “Additionally, we offer a 25-minute tour at a familyfriendly rate. … The tour includes a hands-on twisting exercise using a flour and water mixture. In the tour, guests will hear the history of the Sturgis family, the pretzel business, and a little about Lititz.”

You can stop in anytime during business hours to take a tour, and the bakery will also be one of the stops during the ticketed Lititz Chocolate Walk on Saturday, Oct. 7.

6. Lancaster County Nature Preserves

Various locations throughout the county

www.lancasterconservancy.org

“Lancaster Conservancy nature preserves offer opportunities to get outdoors and be immersed in nature,” said Avery Van Etten, marketing and communications manager for the nonprofit land trust. “Whether you’re exploring rocky overlooks above the Susquehanna, hiking through meadows or shaded forests, fishing in our local rivers and streams, or

searching for beautiful wildflowers, our preserves offer a variety of ecosystems and experiences to enjoy.”

Lancaster Conservancy hosts educational programs for people of all ages, including the Happy Hiker series. This series includes basic lessons on topics such as first aid, map reading, choosing the right gear, and natural history. “We’re also excited to be launching a series of events on phenology, which is the study of changes in the natural environment through the seasons and years,” Van Etten noted.

If you’re not sure where to start with a nature preserve, Van Etten suggests Climbers Run Nature Center, a hub for education. “We host a plethora of events about bugs, birds, plants, hiking safety, and more at the Russo Barn (at Climbers Run),” she said. “The barn is also a great place to stop and enjoy a picnic overlooking the woods and pond, and there are several trails to explore through woods along a stream and over hills to open meadows. Plus, kids can pause and play in the natural playground at the nature preserve. Another one of our favorite nature preserves is Welsh

Mountain, where visitors can hike through shady forests of mature oaks and maples and where we have a halfmile-long universally accessible trail.”

7. Local Libraries

www.lancasterlibraries.org

For endless fun that’s always free, stop in at your local library. Lancaster County features 17 libraries that are part of the Library System of Lancaster County, and each provides much more than books. You can check out movies, musical instruments, museum passes, and even American Girl dolls.

Library branches also host free programs for people of all ages. At the Manheim Library, Thursday Crafternoons feature projects for children age 5 and older. Join a knitting and crocheting group that meets at the Quarryville Public Library on Thursdays, or stop in at the Elizabethtown Public Library for a craft fair on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 8 and 9. The Mountville Branch of Lancaster Public Library turns 60 this year and will celebrate with a community party on Saturday, Oct. 21.

8. National Christmas Center

1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown www.stonegablesestate.com/ national-christmas-center

Located on the grounds of Stone Gables Estate, the National Christmas Center is open for visits in November and December. It features 17-foot-tall stores and storefronts of yesteryear, including a replica of F.W. Woolworth Co. Wander through more than 18,000 square feet of Christmas décor and take in the sights, including a fully animated Tudor Towne; 5,000 hand-painted toy soldiers; and dollhouses from around the world.

“We also have Christmas dinners, the Santa Express, a Christmas light drive-through, and a walking Christmas Village to combine with the National Christmas Center,” said Cameron Norris, general manager of

Stone Gables Estate. Those attractions are open select dates in December.

9. Rough and Tumble Engineers AssociationHistorical

4997 Lincoln Highway East, Kinzers www.roughandtumble.org

“There is something for everyone at our events,” said Kathleen Hazzard, second vice president of the Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association. “We have activities for children at each of our events, including a children’s pedal pull, candy toss, pumpkin coloring, a barrel train ride, the Little Toot Railroad, hayrides, etc. We want everyone who attends to feel included.”

Rough and Tumble began as a gathering of steam threshermen and farm families, who got together after the harvest season to have a picnic. It

has since expanded to become a museum created to commemorate agriculture, and a variety of events are held throughout the year to demonstrate and showcase equipment.

On Friday and Saturday, Oct. 13 and 14, the site will host the Time of Harvest event, featuring children’s activities such as pumpkin coloring and a pedal pull, as well as trains, tractors, a blacksmith shop, a machine shop, and more.

10. Strasburg Rail Road

301 Gap Road, Ronks

www.strasburgrailroad.com

This site of the oldest continuously operating railroad in North America features rides and special events for people of all ages. Fully restored steam locomotives take visitors on a 45-minute narrated journey through farmland. Special events on the property include Day Out With Thomas the Tank Engine, running Thursday, Sept. 14, through Monday, Sept. 18, and the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, running on select dates through Sunday, Nov. 5. A variety of Christmas trains are also featured, including Santa’s Paradise Express, the Night Before Christmas train, and the Christmas Tree train. Many of the trips offer options for riding in coach or enjoying a meal in the dining car.

Kids in the Kitchen

BY CATHY MOLITORIS

“Cooking is a fundamental life skill that everyone should learn,” ChudakovaSanya stated. “When children participate in food preparation, they gain a deeper appreciation for the effort and resources that go into creating a meal.”

Zest! provides a variety of cooking classes for children, all of which demonstrate how cooking can promote cultural and culinary understanding. “Cooking … is a rewarding experience overall that empowers (children) with essential life skills, cultivates healthy eating habits, strengthens family bonds, and fosters personal growth,” she shared.

Before you dive into culinary experiences with your children, Chudakova-Sanya suggests taking a moment to consider the following tips:

Start with age-appropriate tasks: Tailor the tasks to the child’s age and abilities. “Younger children can help with simple tasks like washing vegetables, stirring ingredients or setting the table,” she said. “As they grow older and gain more experience, you can gradually introduce them to more complex tasks, like cutting with supervision or using kitchen appliances.”

Safety first: Emphasize kitchen safety rules and precautions. “Teach them how to handle knives, hot surfaces and appliances carefully,” she advised. “Make sure they understand the importance of handwashing before handling food and after touching raw ingredients.”

When your children help you scramble eggs or make spaghetti, they’re doing much more than just cooking a meal. Helping in the kitchen can provide benefits that contribute to the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development of children, said Helen Chudakova-Sanya, culinary director and chef instructor at Zest! Cooking School in Lititz.

Keep in mind…

Here are some additional tips to help families prepare to make memories in the kitchen:

• Expect some mess. It may be possible to minimize messes by setting up workstations covered by plastic tablecloths that can be folded up and shaken into the trash. Encourage children to sit down to work on meal preparation so they don’t inadvertently spread any messes to another part of the house.

• Add more generations to the experience. Host weekly or monthly family meals where everyone gets to take part in bringing the meal to the table. This activity also provides an opportunity for grandparents to pass down family recipes and share memories with grandchildren.

• Plan for things to take a little extra time. Families should slow down and employ some patience. Adults should resist the urge to take over when children may not be doing things perfectly. If meals need to be on the table at certain times, start an hour or two earlier than you otherwise would.

• Eliminate as many distractions as possible. Distractions like televisions or phones can draw attention away from cooking and potentially lead to injuries from pots boiling over or children getting too close to hot surfaces or sharp kitchen implements. Eliminating distractions can help to keep everyone safe.

Choose child-friendly recipes: “Select recipes that are easy to follow and suitable for children,” she said. “Dishes with fewer steps and simpler ingredients will help maintain their interest and confidence. Consider making fun snacks or treats that they enjoy.”

Supervise and assist: “Always supervise children while they are in the kitchen, especially when using sharp objects or heat sources,” she recommended. “Be available to assist them whenever needed, and don’t hesitate to step in if a task becomes too challenging or risky for them to handle alone.”

Encourage creativity: “Allow children to express their creativity in the kitchen,” she shared. “Let them make decisions about certain ingredients or decorations, within reason, to make them feel involved and proud of their creations.”

Children of almost any age can help in the kitchen once they are able to follow simple directions. “Even toddlers can be cracking eggs, whisking pancake mix, cutting soft veggies with a plastic knife, ripping salad leaves or bread into pieces, seasoning, pouring, or measuring dry ingredients under proper

supervision,” Chudakova-Sanya noted. “Young school-age children who are able to read can follow simple recipes that do not require turning on the oven/stove if they are cooking by themselves and make things like yogurt parfait, sandwiches, frozen desserts, salsas, salads, etc. I believe teenagers are able to do anything adults can, if they have been exposed to cooking at home from a young age.”

Looking for inspiration when your kids are in the kitchen? Check out these recipes, provided by Chudakova-Sanya, on page 30.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup plain or flavored yogurt (Greek yogurt works well too)

• 1 cup mixed fruit (such as berries, sliced bananas, chopped apples, or any favorite fruit)

• 1/2 cup granola or crunchy cereal

• Honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)

• A few mint leaves for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare the fruit: Wash and cut the fruit into small, bite-size pieces. You can use a mix of fruit or choose the children’s favorites. Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, work particularly well in parfaits.

Layer the ingredients: In clear glasses or small bowls, start by adding a layer of yogurt at the bottom (about 1/4 cup). Then, add a layer of mixed fruit on top of the yogurt (about 1/4 cup). Sprinkle a tablespoon of granola or crunchy cereal over the fruit layer.

Yogurt Parfait  Easy Baked Meatballs

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, dried oregano,

Repeat the layers: Continue layering yogurt, fruit, and granola until you reach the top of the glass or bowl. Try to create a visually appealing pattern with the layers. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup (optional): If the yogurt and fruit aren’t sweet enough for the children’s taste, they can add a little drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the top layer.

Garnish and serve: To add a finishing touch, kids can place a few mint leaves on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the yogurt parfaits immediately, or you can refrigerate them for a short time if needed.

dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Get hands-on: Kids can use their clean hands to mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. Make sure they wash their hands before and after handling the raw meat.

Shape the meatballs: Help the kids shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between the meatballs.

Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.

Serve and enjoy: Once the meatballs are done, serve them with the children’s favorite dipping sauce or as a topping for spaghetti or sandwiches. Kids will love these tasty and homemade meatballs!

Thinking outside the box on rainy days

There are numerous reasons for children to spend time outdoors. Soaking up sunlight and fresh air can have a variety of benefits, from reducing stress to improving cardiovascular health.

Unfortunately, not every day is tailor-made for spending time outdoors. When inclement weather occurs, some creative thinking may be necessary to keep kids happy and occupied. Here are a few ideas for getting started.

PLAN A SCAVENGER HUNT.

Parents or caregivers can hide an item and set children on the course toward finding the treasure by providing clues that incrementally lead to the final hiding place.

VISIT THE LIBRARY.

Libraries have a host of activities ideal for rainy days. Apart from various genres of reading materials, there are movies to rent, informational classes, rooms for club meetings, and even arts and crafts events.

ESTABLISH AN INDOOR CAMPSITE.

Camping is a popular outdoor activity that can go on rain or shine. Those who are averse to camping in the rain can re-create the magic of camping indoors. Set up a tent

or make a lean-to from blankets and sheets. Use a fireplace or stove to roast marshmallows and make indoor s’mores.

MAKE HOMEMADE MODELING COMPOUND.

Invite a few of the children’s friends over and mix up a batch of homemade modeling clay. A handy recipe can be found at www. iheartnaptime.net/play-doughrecipe/. Children can spend hours molding the dough into imaginative creations.

VISIT A MUSEUM.

Lancaster County is home to various museums, some showcasing historic artifacts and others touting novelties. For those concerned about indoor crowds, try visiting shortly after doors open or an hour or two before doors close. Foot traffic tends to be lower at these times.

HOST A MOVIE SCREENING.

A favorite downtime activity for many people, watching a movie can be a good idea for a rainy day. Kids can invite friends over and gather in a family room in preparation for the movie. Parents might provide healthy snacks and a few sweet treats to munch on during the film.

PLAY IN THE RAIN.

Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean outdoor fun needs to be entirely curtailed. Children can don rain boots and raincoats or ponchos and go outside to stomp in puddles or dance in the rain showers. If rain gear is not available, children could wear old clothes and go barefoot to splash in the yard. Just have plenty of towels on hand and choose a warm day so kids won’t catch a chill. Inclement weather necessitates having alternative activities ready for kids. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to keep them occupied.

Home for the Holidays

INVOLVING KIDS IN DECORATING

Millions of people around the world feel that the holiday season is a magical time of year. Although those people come from all walks of life, it’s likely that no group is as taken by the unique spirit of the holidays as much as children.

Whether they’re looking forward to Santa’s arrival or preparing for a school holiday pageant, kids have much to be excited about come December. Parents can channel that enthusiasm by involving kids when decorating around the house this holiday season.

CREATE homemade ornaments. From simple ornaments fashioned from pine cones picked up outside to more complex projects designed for children nearing adolescence, the options are plentiful. Parents can look to the internet to find design ideas and directions.

LET KIDS LEAD the way when decorating the tree. Families that celebrate Christmas can let kids make the decisions when decorating the Christmas tree. Kids are likely to spend the weeks leading up to Santa’s arrival gazing in awe at the tree, and knowing that they decided where to place the various ornaments on it might make the season even more special for youngsters.

TAKE KIDS ALONG when choosing lawn ornaments. It’s not safe to involve children when installing lighting displays, but kids may get a kick out of choosing inflatable lawn decorations and other items to place around the yard. After the kids help to pick out new items, then seek their input when placing Frosty, Santa, and his reindeer friends on the lawn.

INCLUDE KIDS in culinary creations. Many celebrants cannot imagine a holiday season without gingerbread houses and cookies. These traditions provide another great opportunity to involve children in holiday decorating. Set aside time to build gingerbread houses, which can be used as decorations before they’re ultimately eaten. Cookies may not have the shelf life of a typical gingerbread house, but kids can pitch in and decorate cookies prior to a holiday party or family meal.

The spirit of the holiday season can be seen on the faces of children each December. Inviting kids to pitch in when decorating for the holidays can make the season especially enjoyable for its youngest celebrants.

Fall Fest Fall Fest

1 Steam Engine Hill, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

ALL WEEKEND: CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR, HAYRIDES, W AGON RIDES, TRAIN RIDES, M ODEL RAILROAD, 50/50 (DAILY WINNER) PUMPKIN PAINTING, RAFFLES, FOOD

FRIDAY: TRICK-OR-TREAT, SCAVENGER HUNT, LIVE MUSIC

SATURDAY: KIDDY CARNIVAL, TRACTOR PARADE, LIVE MUSIC, FACE PAINT, TIE DYE, TRACTOR PULLS, LAWN & GARDEN TRACTOR GAMES

SUNDAY: CAR SHOW, FARMERS FLEA MARKET, PEDAL PULLS, TRACTOR PARADE, RAFFLE WINNERS

TRAIN RIDES

BUY 3 TICKETS, GET 1 FREE Must present printed coupon to redeem Expires 10/29/23