Family events in Lancaster, PA

Each First Friday from May to October, Ewell Plaza turns into a lively arts market. You can browse local artisans and check out emerging artists selling their work. The event is also held in partnership with Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, with arts organizations offering free make-and-take projects for all ages. It is part of a larger tradition of Downtown Lancaster City special events happening year-round.

Enjoy a summer session of prehistoric fun featuring hands-on dinosaur crafts and engaging activities designed for children ages 3 to 12. No advance registration is required, as walk-ins are welcome. Expect a creative, kid-friendly atmosphere centered on dinos and discovery.

Bring the kids for a fun, family-friendly First Friday at the Lancaster Science Factory. Admission is free for the first 300 guests from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and there will be more than 80 interactive exhibits for children in grades K through 8 and their families. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

WellSpan Health Fun Fri. features Star Wars Night alongside Youth Football and Cheer Night, presented by Dicks Sporting Goods.

This event is a Play! Pokemon tournament for the Pokemon Trading Card Game. Registration is completed through a Play! Pokemon account.

Inside the Wild at Acorn Acres invites participants to blend creativity with science through a series of wildlife themed craft activities. Projects focus on native animals and nature, with participants creating take home pieces while discovering how traits like footprints, fur, feathers, and living spaces relate to how animals survive and behave. Each activity builds core learning skills, encouraging careful observation, pattern awareness, and an understanding of how form supports function. The session nurtures imagination and fine motor abilities, while fostering a closer connection to the animals that share our world.

Take a musical journey across the globe without leaving your seat as Allegro presents a Staycation program featuring works by Rossini and Mendelssohn, along with pieces by Brian Norcross, who is the ensemble’s conductor, founder, and Artistic Director. The performance traces how travel influenced these composers, weaving their explorations into a spirited, international program. Tickets start at $35, and children ages 5 to 18 attend free with a paying adult.

This event features fireworks presented by Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, a teddy bear toss, and Youth Hockey Night presented by Dicks Sporting Goods. It also highlights Chester County night.

Nationally acclaimed comedian and former public school teacher Chad Thornsberry takes the stage at Landis Hall at The Junction Center with his There Are No Stupid Questions Tour. Expect clean, family-friendly stand-up built on relatable storytelling about everyday life, parenting, marriage, and real-world experiences. The setting is warm and welcoming, making it a good fit for families, groups, date night, or an outing with friends. The show is presented in historic Landis Hall at The Junction Center near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Tickets are available with early entry, general admission, and reserved mezzanine options, and accessible seating is offered.

This community event serves students in grades K through 8 from the School District of Lancaster, Manheim Township School District, Hempfield School District, and Penn Manor School District. Attendees can receive free backpacks, clothing, shoes, school supplies, books, haircuts, and more. Staff from Rep Rivera and Rep Smith-Wade-Els will be on site to answer questions about state-related issues. Pre-registration is available. Those interested in volunteering, donating, or contributing can contact Kristian Williamson at kwilliamson@pahouse.net or 717-283-4218.

Music Director Lars Potteiger leads an engaging, hands-on drum circle in the Rader Park Pavilion. Open to all ages, this gathering provides drums on site, while participants bring their energy and love of rhythm. Celebrate community through shared beats in a welcoming park setting.

A Back To School Game features Youth Softball and Baseball Camp and Clinic Appreciation. The celebration recognizes youth camps and clinics and the young players who participate, adding a supportive, upbeat atmosphere to the game.

The Long’s Park Summer Music Series features Low Cut Connie, led by Philadelphia rock and roll artist Adam Weiner. The performance showcases piano-forward rock, energetic sets, and crowd-moving showmanship. Food will be available during the concert from JR’s Brisket, Brickers’ French Fries, OBX Lemonade, Scoops, Traveling J’s, and Walko Taco. Admission is free thanks to support from Hammond’s Pretzels, Kegel’s Produce, WGAL, High Hotels Ltd., Citadel Credit Union, Oaktree Outdoor Advertising, City of Lancaster, Miller’s Ale House, and Wegmans.

Enjoy an open play session for children ages 0 to 5 and their siblings, created for parents and caregivers to play alongside their little ones. The Program Room in the Children’s Library will be set up with a variety of toys for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. It is a tech-free environment focused on hands-on, social play. Drop-ins are welcome.

Hosted by Embodyment Wellness, this free Mindful Mondays gathering at Binns Park offers a safe, grounding space for downtown families. It features family-friendly movement, meditation, and vendors.

Settle in at Historic Rock Ford with a chair or blanket for a laid-back night of movies under the night sky. This summer series highlights history-focused films that blend entertainment with learning for audiences of every age. Arrive a little early to get comfortable and enjoy the surroundings before the screening begins. Concessions will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting Historic Rock Ford. Admission is free, and registration is recommended. The slate includes titles such as Johnny Tremain and National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets.

Settle in at Historic Rock Ford for a laid-back movie night featuring Johnny Tremain. Pack a chair or a blanket to sit on and enjoy an evening in the open air. This summer series highlights history on screen, pairing engaging storytelling with an educational touch.