Family Fun
If you are interested in visiting southeastern Pennsylvania to experience local culture and events, the region offers you a wealth of opportunities throughout the year. Listed below are a list of family fun activities held in the area.

Please ask us for suggestions for other local events that may interest you.

Sight and Sound Millennium Theatre Strasburg, PA Story, song, and spectacular staging bring each of Sight & Sound Theatres' epic shows to life. Dozens of professional actors attired in elaborate costumes, meticulously detailed sets towering up to 40 feet high, trained animals, unmatched special effects, and beautifully memorable music inspire 800,000 guests every year. Behold the Lamb - February 21st thru May 16th, 2009 Behind the Scenes Tour - March 11th thru October 15th, 2009 Abraham & Sarah - April 11th thru September 19th, 2009 In the Beginning - June 13th thru October 17th, 2009 Voices of Christmas - October 30th, 2009 thru January 2nd, 2010 Miracle of Christmas - November 7th, 2009 thru January 2nd, 2010 For ticket prices and show schedules, call 1-800-377-1277 or visit the official website. Back to Top

Mt. Cuba Center Hockessin, DE Mt. Cuba Center is a 650-acre non-profit horticultural institution in northern Delaware. The center is dedicated to the study, conservation, and appreciation of plants native to the Appalachian Piedmont Region through garden display, education, and research. The center's woodland wildflower gardens are recognized as the region’s finest. Trilliums and Their Companions Tour - April 16th thru May 3rd, 2009 Glory of the Spring Tour - May 7th thru May 31st, 2009 Summer Twilight Tour - May 20th thru July 30th, 2009 Advanced registration required. The Spring Tour fee is $5 per person. For more information, call 302-239-4244 or visit the official website. Back to Top

The 2009 Cherry Blossom Festival Greater Reading, PA and various other locations Join RiverPlace on the Schuylkill and the Greater Reading Convention and Visitors Bureau for the 2nd annual Cherry Blossom Festival, April 17th thru April 26th, 2009. Various events including entertainment, movies, crafts, children's activities, Ginza Shopping Arcade, local flower shop displays, classes in floral design, bonsai exhibits, and more. Just a few of the scheduled events are listed below. 1,000 Paper Cranes - Friday, April 17th, 1:00 p.m. Ginza Arcade - Saturday, April 18th Reading Symphany Orchestera Concert - Saturday, April 18th Cherry Blossom Parade - Sunday, April 19th, from 11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Blossom Bash Reception - Sunday, April 19th (a ticketed evening event) Earth Day - Sunday, April 19th, From 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Arbor Day - Friday, April 24th Berks Ballet Theater presents "Coppelia" - Saturday, April 25th Reading Philles Cherry Blossom Game - Saturday, April 25th Wyomissing Earth Day - Sunday, April 26th Blossom Bike Ride - Sunday, April 26th Gather By the River - Sunday, April 26th, 12:30 p.m. For event times and locations, call: 610-375-4085, 1-800-443-6610, or 610-373-4131; or visit the festival's official website. Back to Top

The Historical Society of Berks County Reading, PA The mission of the Historical Society of Berks County is to focus attention on the unique local history, the vast material culture, and the diverse cultural heritage of Berks County by preserving, archiving, and promoting this material to instill in our citizens of all ages and ethnic groups an awareness of this growing treasure trove of information. First Saturday Program: Will The Real Mary Lincoln Please Stand Up! - Saturday, February 7th, 2009 Hendel Open House - Saturday, February 14th, 2009 Free Children's Program: Molly the Trolley and Bud - Sunday, February 21st, 2009 Annual President's Day Luncheon & Program: Frontier Forts of the Blue Mountains - Sunday, February 21st, 2009 World Wars I & II on the Berks Home Front: We Stood United - Saturday, March 7th, 2009 For more information, including ticket prices and reservations, call 610-375-4375 or visit the historical society's official website. Back to Top

Ephrata Cloister Ephrata, PA One of America's earliest religious communities, the Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 by German settlers seeking spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards. Gathered in unique European style buildings, the community consisted of celibate Brothers and Sisters, and a married congregation of families. At the zenith of the community in the 1740s and 1750s, about 300 members worked and worshiped at the Cloister. Today, the National Historic Landmark is open for tours, special programs, and on-going research opportunities. Winter History Class - January 29th, February 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, & April 2nd, 2009. Tuition charged. 9:00 a.m. to noon Charter Day - March 8th, 2009. Admission FREE. Noon to 5:00 p.m. Community Days - April 24th, May 29th, October 23th, 2009. Admission charged. Advance registration is strongly encouraged. 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Spring Concert - May 17th, 2009. Time and location to be determined. Donations collected. Building History - June 6th, 2009. Admission charged. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dressed for the Part - June 28th, 2009. Colonial Afternoon Pastimes - July 26th, 2009. 2:00 p.m. A Taste of the Past - August 30th, 2009. 2:00 p.m. Peace in War: Ephrata in the Revolution - September 19th & 20th, 2009. Admission charged. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Apple Dumpling Day - October 9th & 10th, 2009. Admission charged. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Day of Music - October 11th, 2009. Admission charged. Noon to 5:00 p.m. Christmas at the Cloister - December 14th and 15th, 2009. Seating is limited and advance tickets are required. Programs at 6:30, 7:45 and 9:00 p.m. Lantern Tours - December 26th through 29th, 2009. Reservations are required. Admission charged. Tours begin every half hour from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Admission: Adults $7.00, Senior Citizens ages 60 and above $6.50, Youth ages 6-17 $5.00, Children under age 6 are free. For more information, including information on membership, call 717-733-6600 or visit the official website. Back to Top

Mount Hope Estate and Winery Manheim, PA Mount Hope Estate & Winery is an historic estate featuring spectacular indoor and outdoor entertainment on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire running almost year round providing incredible entertainment just for you. Wine, Dine & Seance - February 2009 Improv Comedy at the Pub - Friday and Saturday Evenings at 9:00 p.m. February 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th; 20th & 21st; 27th & 28th. Swashbuckler Pyrate Feaste - April 5th, 12th, & 19th at 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; April 18th at 7:30 p.m. Great Green America Fest - Saturday & Sunday, May 3rd & 4th, 2009. 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Celtic Fling & Highland Games - June 28th & 29th, 2009. Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire - Weekends, Mid-August thru October. 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday Knights at the Improv - August 14th, 21st, 28th & September 4th, 11th, 2009. The laughs start at 7:00 p.m. Poe Evermore - October 30th through November 14th, 2009. Showtimes vary; check website for details. A Dickens of a Christmas - November 27th through December 27th, 2009. Showtimes vary; check website for details. New Year's Eve Victorian Gala - December 31st, 2009. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. Evening ends at 12:30 a.m. For ticket prices and more information, call 717-665-7021, Ext. 231, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM or visit the estate's official website. Back to Top

Kitchen Kettle Village Intercourse, PA From a far-fetched dream and a backyard business, the Kitchen Kettle Village has grown to more than 40 shops, restaurants, and lodging. The world-famous canning kitchen has been preserving the good things in life for over 50 years. Sample the jams and relishes or enjoy some hand-rolled fudge or homemade ice cream while you shop for everything from Lancaster's finest quilts to leather goods. Yummie's Giant Easter Egg Hunt - April 11th, 2009. Egg hunt starts at 10:30 a.m. 26th Annual Rhubarb Festival - May 15th & 16th, 2009. 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Friday) and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Saturday). 14th Annual Berry Jam Festival - June 19th & 20th, 2009. 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Friday) and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Saturday). Yummie’s Birthday Party - August 1st, 2009. 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 7 Sweets & Sours Tailgate Festival - September 18th & 19th, 2009. 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Friday) and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Saturday). Holly Days - November 28th, December 5th, 12th & 19th, 2009 Old Fashioned Christmas Friday Nights - November 27th, December 4th, 11th and 18th, 2009 For more information, call 800-732-3538 or 717-768-8261, or visit the official website. Back to Top

Longwood Gardens Kennett Square, PA Longwood Gardens encompasses 1,050 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows. Enjoy over 11,000 types of plants, more fountains than any other garden in the US, educational and visitor programming, and over 400 performances a year. Orchid Extravaganza - January 24th thru May 31st, 2009 Spring Blooms - April 1st thru May 22nd, 2009 Wine and Jazz Festival - May 2nd, 2009 For ticket prices, event times, and more information, call 610-388-1000 or visit the official website. Back to Top

Brandywine Strawberry Festival Coatesville, PA The Brandywine Strawberry Festival is held May 28th through May 31st, 2009 on the grounds of the Brandywine Hospital. Over 25,000 people come to this four-day event to enjoy non-stop entertainment, rides, crafters, international food fair, and much, much, more. By attending this event you'll support The Brandywine Health Foundation dedicated to health; both finding and funding solutions to improve the health/healthcare of low-income/uninsured children and adults in and around Coatesville. May 28th - 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. May 29th - 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. May 30th - 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. May 31st - Noon - 6:00 p.m. For more information, visit the festival's official website. Back to Top

Strasburg Railroad Strasburg, PA Strolling through the historic East Strasburg Station and the neighboring town of Strasburg, exploring the engines and rail cars up-close and riding beautifully restored trains are so much fun that you'll almost forget that you're immersed in a richly educational experience...learning about steam railroading, agriculture, Amish culture and PA Dutch heritage. Day Out With Thomas - June 13th thru 21st, September 12th thru 20th, and December 4th thru 6th, 2009 Easter Bunny Train - April 10th thru 12th, 2009 Educators Open House - July 30th & 31st, 2009 Trains & Troops - November 7th & 8th, 2009 Santa's Paradise Express - December 11th thru 13th &l 18th thru 20th, 2009 For ticket prices and more information, call 717-687-7522 or visit the official website. Back to Top Rockvale Square Outlets Lancaster, PA Over 100 outlet stores, featuring the brands you love at prices you won't believe! Buy direct from the manufacturer and save everyday. Amenities on the property include six restaurants, a bank, trolley & shuttle service, and ATM machine access. All located on 76 rolling acres in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Plus, enjoy no sales tax on clothing and shoes in Pennsylvania. Home Decor and Furniture Clearance Event - January 15-March, 2009 Lancaster's Largest Easter Egg Hunt - April 11, 2009 Eagles End Zone Birthday Celebration and Eagles Player Apperances - June 2009 Annual Fireworks Spectacular - June 27, 2009 Christmas in July Truck & Tent Event - July 24-26, 2009 Back to School Teen Celebrity Apperance Event - August 15, 2009 Midnight Madness - Black Friday - November 27, 2009 For more information, call 717-293-9595 or visit the official website. Back to Top