Factory Tours

Inspired by the list found here, we're going to try to compile a list of local factories who give tours to the public. My boys, in particular, love the book Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory, so I am hoping to get them to at least one of the local food factories, and I will update the posting when I do!

This list will (hopefully) continue to grow as we discover more tours available in the area. If you know of one that you don't see listed here, please let us know about it!

Food Tours:
Snyders of Hanover Pretzels
Hanover, PA
Tours are conducted on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10:00am, 11:00am and 1:00pm year round. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance.

Utz Potato Chips and Snacks
Hanover, PA
Utz Tour Gallery Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8:00.a.m. – 4:00.p.m.

*Please be sure to call ahead as our daily production schedule is subject to change.

Kreider Farms
Manheim, PA
The website indicates that reservations are required, and that there is a fee for this tour.

Wolfgang Candy
York, PA

Tours of 11 or Less People
Tour Times:
Mon-Thurs 10:00am AND 2pm
Reservations Required for All Tours

Group Tours of 12 or More People:
Tour Times:
M-Thurs 9:00am, 11:00am and 1:00pm
An advance reservation is required

Manufacturing Tours:

Harley Davidson of York
York, PA
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
A note on their website says that they are currently updating their tour schedules, and to call for availability


Additional PA factory tours available can be found HERE.
If you're traveling to other states this summer, there are also listings for factories to see in the rest of the country!

Inspiration

Looking for inspiration on cheap things to do with the small people this summer? Other than this site, of course. :) Check out Crystal & Co. for an idea list of both stay-at-home and out-and-about ideas!

And continue to check back here as we look for local events in particular that their list has inspired!

Summer Reminders

I just signed my kids up again for Kids Bowl Free for the summer, have you signed up?
Don't forget to look back through our posts and activity list to the side for other summer ideas!

Consignment Sales

In case you read us in your Reader, without looking at our other pages, I wanted to make a special note for you to check out our Consignment Sales page. We have updated all of the dates for the Spring Consignment sales, some of which have already happened, many of which are coming up in April.

We'd love any comments on bargains you've found! Consignment sales are a great place to find gently used items for MUCH cheaper than you would pay for them new.

Enjoy shopping!

Room to Romp

The YMCA of Northern York County offers a program called Room to Romp on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 in the old Dillsburg Middle School, off of Rt. 74. It is located in the school's gym, and offers a variety of free-play options for children 1-5. At $4 for one child, and $6 for a family of 2 or more children, it is one of the most affordable options we have found for burning off our cabin fever this winter.

There are some tumbling mats and toys for climbing, and a variety of ride-on toys available for the children to play with. There is also a small basketball hoop, which one of my sons is drawn to every week.

The workers will usually get a parachute out for 10 minutes or so at the end of each session, where they let the children shake, and sit in, and run under. This is also a big hit with my boys.

The program runs Wednesdays through April 27th.

Help with Ideas

I'm making another call out there for any ideas that you may have to share.  March can still be difficult with young children if the weather is not warm enough to play outside.  On the other hand, spring offers some new opportunities for activities that we may not have included on the blog yet.  If you have an idea, no matter how small you may think it is, please sent me an email.

Also, if you have found anything useful on this website, please let us know.  It's so exciting when we discover that our work on this blog has helped others!

Thanks!

Grantham Church Sing and Play

   During the school year, Grantham BIC Church transforms its gymnasium into a play area for preschoolers and toddlers.  Sing and Play is held on Fridays from 9:30 - 10:15, or 10:30 - 11:15.  A $1 donation per family is requested.  There are 8 play centers, including a riding toy area, dress up, craft table, rice/bean/corn boxes, tunnels, etc.  In other words, your child will not be bored!  It's a great opportunity for the kids to burn off some energy especially during those cold months when you are stuck inside WAY to much. 
   After some initial free play, the children pull up a carpet square (doesn't that bring back memories?) for Circle Time, a short time of singing and listening to stories.  The children are then free to continue playing until the end of session.