Events: Family-Friendly

Storytime [May 1, 2025]

The book cover for "Finding Wild."
Penguin Random House

Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this May! Each week, we’ll read aloud from a book centered on a history or nature-focused theme or story, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. For May 1, we’ll be reading Finding Wild by Megan Wagner Lloyd (Illustrated by Abigail Halpin).

There are so many places that wild can exist, if only you know where to look! Can you find it? Two kids set off on an adventure away from their urban home and discover all the beauty of the natural world. From the bark on the trees to the sudden storm that moves across the sky to fire and flowers, and snowflakes and fresh fruit. As the children make their way through the woods and back to the paved and noisy streets, they discover that wild exists not just off in some distant place, but right in their own backyard. (Penguin Random House)

Storytime is free, and registration is required to ensure we have craft supplies for everyone. Storytime is designed for young readers, ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings or friends are welcome to attend. Register for all Storytime programs or individual programs online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. We kindly ask that at least one (1) adult 18 years or older attend for every household.

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

May 1, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Required

May First Friday Open House

Join us on Friday, May 2, for First Friday at the Stevens & Smith Center! From 5-7pm, enjoy a sneak peek of the Stevens & Smith Center, see the incredible progress happening at this future museum, and learn about the road ahead to opening in 2026.

This is one of a series of events throughout April and May to support the Stevens & Smith Center and its capital campaign. For a full list of upcoming events, please visit stevensandsmithcenter.org/events.

The First Friday Open House on May 2 is free and open to the public and does not require advance registration. This event is also family friendly; all ages are encouraged to attend. The event will take place at the Stevens & Smith Center, 45 S. Queen Street, Lancaster. Please use the entrance around the corner on East Vine Street.

This event has also been cross-posted to stevensandsmithcenter.org/events for ease of access.

Open House Family-Friendly Fundraiser In-Person Event Reception

May 2, 2025 The Stevens & Smith Center, 45 S. Queen Str., Lancaster 5-7pm FREE

County Founding Day 2025

Celebrate Lancaster County’s 296th Birthday on the Campus of History!

An illustration of a cat wearing a toga next to text "County Founding Day."On May 10, 1729, Lancaster County was born. Since then, 10 generations of Lancastrians have lived, laughed, loved, and eaten shoofly pie in our community. Join LancasterHistory for the annual County Founding Day celebration and lift a glass to everyone who has called Lancaster County home over the last 296 years. In addition to evening museum hours, the event will include special flash talks, access to exhibits, and kids activities.

County Founding Day will include:

  • Regional History Flash Talks: 15-minute talks from local researchers on a variety of topics;
  • Pop-Up Exhibits: Artifacts and documents will be on display in coordination with the flash talks;
  • Cake Wars: Area bakers will craft odes to Lancaster County in dessert form. Attendees will get to taste at least one of their creations.;
  • Kids Activity Area: Crafts and activities for children inside and outside if weather permits; and
  • Light Refreshments: Enjoy light bites, a specialty cocktail by Jimmy Juice (locally brewed in Pequea) and non-alcoholic options.

The speaker schedule will be posted in early May. Please check back later.

County will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 5:30-8pm. Tickets are $20 for Non-LancasterHistory Members and $15 for LancasterHistory Members aged 18 and older. Children 17 and under are free. (Children must be accompanied by a paying adult aged 18 or older.) Tickets are required so that space, cake, and activities can be guaranteed for all. To purchase tickets, click here to buy online or call (717) 392-4633 to purchase over the phone. Ticket purchase includes access to the event, light bites and a specialty cocktail*, cake, and access to a series of flash talks by local historians.

Get Tickets

*Must be 21 years or older with valid ID to consume alcoholic beverages. Non-alcoholic options will be available.

Want To Be A Part of County Founding Day?
Calling all local historians—and bakers! LancasterHistory’s annual County Founding Day celebration is coming on Thursday, May 8, and we want you to be part of it!  For County Founding Day 2025, we’re introducing two opportunities for Lancastrians to help us celebrate our community’s 296th birthday. Click here to learn more!

Open House Family-Friendly In-Person Event Reception

May 8, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, PA 5:30 - 8pm $20 Non-Members | $15 Members | FREE for Children 17 and Under

Storytime [May 8, 2025]

The book cover for "The Hike."
Amazon

Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this May! Each week, we’ll read aloud from a book centered on a historical or nature-focused theme or story, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. On May 8, we’ll read The Hike by Alison Farrell.

Three intrepid young female explorers set out to conquer the outdoors in their local forest, enjoying the process in their own different ways. Wren brings a sketchbook and a flag, El brings a poetry notebook, and Hattie brings feathers (and holds Bean the dog’s leash). They get lost and use maps to find their way. They draw wildlife, spot deer tracks, and see a deer before it startles and disappears, all before they finally and joyfully reach their destination. (Amazon)

Storytime is free, and registration is required to ensure we have craft supplies for everyone. Storytime is designed for young readers, ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings or friends are welcome to attend. Register for all Storytime programs or individual programs online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. We kindly ask that at least one (1) adult 18 years or older attend for every household.

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

May 8, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Required

Storytime [May 15, 2025]

Book cover for "Rosie Revere, Engineer."
Amazon

Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this May! Each week, we’ll read aloud from a book centered on a historical or nature-focused theme or story, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. On May 15, we’ll read Rosie Revere, Engineer: A Picture Book by Andrea Beaty (Illustrated by David Roberts).

Rosie dreams of becoming a great engineer, and her room becomes a secret workshop where she constructs ingenious inventions from odds and ends. From hot dog dispensers to helium pants and python-repelling cheese hats, Rosie’s creations would astound anyone—if only she’d let them see. But Rosie is afraid of failure, so she hides her inventions under her bed. That is, until her great-great-aunt Rose (also known as Rosie the Riveter) pays her a visit. Aunt Rose teaches Rosie that the first flop isn’t something to fear; it’s something to celebrate. Failure only truly happens if you quit. And so, Rosie learns to embrace her passion, celebrate her missteps, and pursue her dreams with persistence. (Amazon)

Storytime is free, and registration is required to ensure we have craft supplies for everyone. Storytime is designed for young readers, ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings or friends are welcome to attend. Register for all Storytime programs or individual programs online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. We kindly ask that at least one (1) adult 18 years or older attend for every household.

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

May 15, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Required

Spring Seasonal Gathering Tour

A white flower with long petals. It is a star magnolia.
A Star Magnolia bloom.

Join the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum for their Spring Seasonal Gathering Tour on Saturday, May 17 at 10am. Friends of the Tanger Arboretum Board Members Jeffrey (Jeff) Hazlett and Bob Davis will lead attendees on a walking tour through the Arboretum for a glimpse at what’s new, what’s blooming, and what’s to come with the approach of warmer, sunnier months. In particular, attendees will learn about the many flowering trees on the grounds, the pollinator gardens, and the two recognized Pennsylvania Champion Trees that call the Arboretum home!

Jeff Hazlett is the current Vice President of the Board of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum and past president of the organization. He studied horticulture at Penn State University and is currently the president of Ever Green Tree & Lawn Care in Lancaster, PA. Jeff is a nature lover and an active volunteer for the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum and LancasterHistory.

Bob Davis is a member of the Board of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum and a former Board member of the American Conifer Society. He also serves as the Chair of the Program Committee of the Lancaster County Garden Club and has done so for 20 years. A tree and nature enthusiast, Bob maintains a personal collection of trees at his home and is the dedicated caretaker of the American Conifer Society Reference Garden in the Tanger Arboretum.

HOW TO REGISTER
The event, “Spring Seasonal Gathering Tour,” will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10am at LancasterHistory. Tickets are $10/Adult (18+) and $5/Child. Friends of the Tanger Arboretum members receive complimentary admission, but should still register for the program. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling (717) 392-4633. The tour will last approximately 1 hour. If you would like to attend but have questions or concerns about the accessibility of the walking route, please contact Emily Miller at (717) 392-4633, ext. 133 or emily.miller@lancasterhistory.org for more information.

Purchase Tickets Online

Membership gets you more! Membership to the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum not only supports the care and conservation of this local natural resource, but also gets you great benefits such as complimentary admission to Nature Series programs! Learn more about membership and sign up today here.

The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum is a member of the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admission Program. AHS Reciprocal Admission Program members may register for tickets in advance and must show a valid membership card upon checking in. AHS Members should contact Emily Miller, emily.miller@lancasterhistory.org, with any questions or to register for tickets in advance.


This event is hosted by the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum. The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum, a subsidiary organization of LancasterHistory, helps foster public interest in, and support for, the maintenance and development of the Tanger Arboretum as a community asset. To learn more about the Arboretum or to become a member, please visit the Arboretum’s webpage.

Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor Tour

May 17, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10am $10/Adults (18+) | $5/Children | FREE for Friends of the Tanger Arboretum Members

Storytime [May 22, 2025]

The book cover of "A Seed Is Sleepy."
Amazon

Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this May! Each week, we’ll read aloud from a book centered on a historical or nature-focused theme or story, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. On May 22, we’ll read A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Aston (Illustrated by Sylvia Long).

Part of the incredible six-book Nature Books series from artist Sylvia Long and author Dianna Hutts Aston, A Seed is Sleepy introduces children to a fascinating array of seed and plant facts. Turn each page to explore the amazing world of these garden wonders through watercolor illustrations that bring to life nature landscapes filled with seeds, flowers, plants, leaves, and trees. (Chronicle Books)

Storytime is free, and registration is required to ensure we have craft supplies for everyone. Storytime is designed for young readers, ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings or friends are welcome to attend. Register for all Storytime programs or individual programs online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. We kindly ask that at least one (1) adult 18 years or older attend for every household.

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

May 22, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Required

Storytime [May 29, 2025]

The book cover for "Miss Rumphius."
Thriftbooks

Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this May! Each week, we’ll read aloud from a book centered on a historical or nature-focused theme or story, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. On May 29, we’ll read Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney.

Alice made a promise to make the world a more beautiful place, then a seed of an idea is planted and blossoms into a beautiful plan. This beloved classic and celebration of nature–written by a beloved Caldecott winner–is lovelier than ever Barbara Cooney’s story of Alice Rumphius, who longed to travel the world, live in a house by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful, has a timeless quality that resonates with each new generation. The countless lupines that bloom along the coast of Maine are the legacy of the real Miss Rumphius, the Lupine Lady, who scattered lupine seeds everywhere she went. (Thriftbooks)

Storytime is free, and registration is required to ensure we have craft supplies for everyone. Storytime is designed for young readers, ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings or friends are welcome to attend. Register for all Storytime programs or individual programs online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. We kindly ask that at least one (1) adult 18 years or older attend for every household.

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

May 29, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Required

Wheatland “Go-At-Your-Own-Pace” Tours

McMaster’s portrait of Buchanan hanging above the mantle in Wheatland’s parlor. (Courtesy of Larry Lefever Photography)

Explore President James Buchanan’s Wheatland at your own pace. On this self-guided tour, you can explore the President’s home and see what you want for as long as you want. Tour guides will be stationed around the mansion to provide visitors with information about the spaces, objects, and people who once called Wheatland home.

At-Your-Own-Pace tours are great for families (pick up a scavenger hunt from reception on your way in!) and those who want to take their time viewing the mansion in contrast to our regular ‘guided tour’ experience. Spend as little or as much time (within operating hours!) as you’d like in President Buchanan’s beloved home.

“Go-At-Your-Own-Pace” Tours are only available on Saturday, June 7. Entry times are every 30 minutes from 10am (first tour entry) until 3pm (last tour entry). Ticket purchase also includes self-guided access to LancasterHistory’s museum exhibitions. Tickets are $17/Adult (14+), $15/Senior (65+), $10/Youth (6-13), and free for children 5 and under. LancasterHistory Members receive complimentary admission. This tour is eligible for our Museums for All rate!

To purchase tickets in advance, please go online or call (717) 392-4633. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.

At Your Own Pace Tour Family-Friendly In-Person Event Tour

June 7, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, PA Tour Entry Every 30 Minutes, 10am - 3pm FREE/Members | $17/Adults (18+) | $15/Seniors (65+) | $10 (11-College ID)

Nature Series | Creeks & Critters

A graphic with the title of the program and an image of the speaker.Summer is a fantastic time to explore life in our local creeks. On Saturday, June 7, Lancaster County Park Senior Naturalist Lisa Sanchez will bring the creek to LancasterHistory for our Nature Series program, “Creeks & Critters!” Examine various “critters” representing a sample of life from a creek and learn about the life cycle of the many insects that begin their lives in the water. Aquatic insects, such as dragonflies, mosquitoes, and mayflies, play a valuable role in our ecosystems and help tell us a lot about the quality of the water and the health of our creeks and streams.

Lisa J. Sanchez has been a naturalist at the Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation Environmental Center for 30 years. Teaching students of all ages to explore and value the wonders of nature is her passion. She enjoys helping people reconnect with the earth through education and observation. Lisa can often be found in her garden or kayaking on the river.

HOW TO REGISTER
The event, “Creeks & Critters” will take place on Saturday, June 7 at 10am at LancasterHistory. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $10/Adults and $5/Children (17 & Under). Friends of the Tanger Arboretum members receive complimentary admission, but should still register for the program. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling (717) 392-4633. Advance tickets recommended as walk-in tickets are not guaranteed.

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE

Membership gets you more! Membership to the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum not only supports the care and conservation of this local natural resource, but also gets you great benefits such as complimentary admission to Nature Series programs! Learn more about membership and sign up today here.

The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum is a member of the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admission Program. AHS Reciprocal Admission Program members may register for tickets in advance and must show a valid membership card upon checking in. AHS Members should contact Emily Miller, emily.miller@lancasterhistory.org, with any questions or to register for tickets in advance.


This event is hosted by the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum. The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum, a subsidiary organization of LancasterHistory, helps foster public interest in, and support for, the maintenance and development of the Tanger Arboretum as a community asset. To learn more about the Arboretum or to become a member, please visit the Arboretum’s webpage.

 


The 2025 Friends of the Tanger Arboretum Nature Series is sponsored by Ever Green Tree & Lawn Care! Thank you for your support!

Family-Friendly In-Person Event Nature Series Program

June 7, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave, Lancaster 10am $10/Adults | $5/Children (17 & Under) | FREE for Friends of the Tanger Arboretum Members