Editor’s Note
It’s officially "where is your other mitten?" season here in Lancaster.
There is a distinct chill in the air this week, which means the annual negotiation of getting winter coats zipped up before getting in the car has begun. But once everyone is bundled up, the county looks beautiful right now. The frost on the cornfields in the morning is something special.
This weekend, we’re balancing the urge to hibernate with the need to get some wiggles out. Whether you’re looking for a cozy indoor spot or brave enough to tackle a playground in a puffer jacket, we’ve rounded up a few easy wins for you.
Grab your coffee (and maybe that extra mitten). Here is what’s happening in Lancaster.
THE WEEKEND PLANNER
🌎 Dutch Winter Wonderland
Dutch Winter Wonderland
When: Saturday & Sunday, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Dutch Wonderland, East Lincoln Hwy
Cost: Ticket prices vary (check online for daily rates)
Ages: Toddlers to Elementary
The Takeaway: The rides are open, the lights are spectacular, and it’s the perfect size for little legs to handle without getting overwhelmed.
Saturday Morning at Central Market
When: Saturday, 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Lancaster Central Market, Penn Square
Cost: Free entry
Ages: All ages
The Takeaway: Grab a donut, pick up fresh produce for the week, and let the kids see the hustle and bustle of the country's oldest continuously operating farmers' market.
Pop-in Play at Hands-on House
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Hands-on House, Children’s Museum of Lancaster
Cost: General Admission varies; Members are free
Ages: 2 to 10
The Takeaway: When it’s too cold for the park, this is the best spot to let them burn off energy while actually learning something in the interactive exhibits.
Storytime at the Library
When: Saturday, 10:30 AM
Where: Lancaster Public Library (verify specific branch location)
Cost: Free
Ages: 3 to 6
The Takeaway: A calm, free activity that gets you out of the house and returns you home with a stack of new books for bedtime.
WORTH THE DRIVE
Ice Cream Lovers
If you have kids who love ice cream (who doesn’t?) and need to kill a solid three hours, the drive over to Columbia is absolutely worth it. The Turkey Hill Experience isn't just a museum; it's highly interactive. Kids can sit in a milk truck, design their own virtual ice cream flavor, and run around the indoor play area.
Know before you go: It is entirely indoors, making it weatherproof. There is ample parking right on site, and the facility is stroller-friendly with elevators. If you want to do the actual "Taste Lab" where you make your own pint, book tickets in advance as they often sell out on weekends.
LOCAL HIGHLIGHT
The Speckled Hen
Located just down the road in Strasburg, The Speckled Hen is one of those rare coffee shops that actually wants families to be there. Unlike quiet cafes where you stress about your toddler making noise, the vibe here is bustling and forgiving.
They serve excellent craft coffee and a full breakfast menu using local ingredients. The best part? They have a designated play corner for kids upstairs. It allows you to actually finish a sentence with your partner while the little ones stay occupied with books and toys. It can get crowded on Saturday mornings, so getting there early is a smart move.
LOCAL HIGHLIGHT
The "Sunday Basket" Method
The mental load of parenting often comes from scattered paperwork—school permission slips, birthday invites, and random mail.
The Fix: Put one physical basket on your kitchen counter. Throughout the week, toss every loose paper into it. Do not process them daily. On Sunday night, spend 15 minutes emptying the basket: sign the forms, add dates to your phone calendar, and trash the junk.
Tool of the Week: A simple magnetic fridge whiteboard. Use it for the weekly meal plan so you stop getting asked "what's for dinner?" at 4:30 PM.
Until next week,
The team at Parents of Lancaster