Lancaster Science Factory

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Usually every summer we go back and visit this science-based museum in Lancaster County.  The kids never seem to tire of it, and I am always glad to engage their brains over summer break.  Just one floor, this is an easy half-day destination, although you are welcome to leave and come back on the same day with a hand stamp.  Children between the ages of 7 to 13 will get the maximum educational benefit, but younger siblings and parents can still enjoy the experience.

The Lancaster Science Factory is unique as a museum since visitors are encouraged to touch and explore the exhibits.  There is no right way to move through the different stations so it never gets too crowded, making the experience less stressful.  The exhibits are centered around themes such as magnetism and electricity, structural engineering, light and vision, acoustics, and more.  We always enjoy the optical illusions and brain teasers as well.  Every visit my children spend a lot of time stuffing their parachute man in the suction device and watching him be catapulted high into the air and then float peacefully down!  There are plenty of building opportunities for little hands to be kept busy…blocks, K’nex, car models.  Most of the museum is self-guided, although a live demonstration with some type of science experiment is available at the “science café.”  As of July 2016, Baxter, a state-of-the-art, human-like robot will be featured interacting with the visitors.  A hands-on exhibit utilizing LEGO Mindstorms will be included for participants to design and build.

As our educational system is beginning to put a greater emphasis on STEM subjects, the Lancaster Science Factory comes alongside as a perfect supplement to your child’s education while keeping it fun and interesting!

There is free parking available in the lot across the street from the museum.

This is one of the sites you can get a free family pass to see through the Lancaster public library.  Chances are you will be on a waiting list and will need to be sort of spur of the moment when one becomes available, but it may be worth a try! 

Hours:  Monday to Saturday 10 – 5; Sunday noon – 5

Admission Prices: One price for all is $8.50, Children 2 and under are free.

The Lancaster Science Factory

454 New Holland Avenue

Lancaster, PA 17602

(717) 509-6363

See www.lancastersciencefactory.org for more details!

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Day Tripper Mom

Jeanette Knaub is a wife and an at-home mom to four children; Jackson (17), Eliana (15), Amalia (13), and Lilah (8). During the school year, she works part time as a Classroom Aide. In what little spare time is left, she enjoys volunteering at church and community organizations, reading, running, and of course researching and blogging about her family’s next trip!

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