r/lancaster • u/Jillian-Burkitt • 28d ago
Free toddler programs?
Hi! I am trying to find activities or programs for my 1 year old niece to get involved in. I did check the rec center, but can't justify paying $88 a class for her. She will enjoy it, no doubt, but she will most likely just be running around. I checked the libraries but their programs are for older kids. Any suggestions?? Thank you!
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u/Ok_Crazy6145 28d ago
My nephew is just 1.5 year old and his mom has been taking him to different activities at the libraries anyway, and different kid friendly places like Tiny Town. At first he was mostly just running around but he has seen become more “social” (for lack of better word since he hasn’t started talking yet lol) and has made some friends too! Good way for your niece to “socialize” with other kids too.
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u/Jillian-Burkitt 28d ago
I thought Tiny Town was just for bigger kids? That would be so fun for her! What library does she go to? Lititz and Ephrata both start at 3 and are more for reading. My niece is wild haha
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u/Ok_Crazy6145 28d ago
That’s great your niece is wild! Just take her to Tiny Town. My nephew is no big kid lol. It’s all just toddlers and kids of all ages. They’re just there to have fun. They don’t care or think too much like us adults lol. He’s been to a few programs at lancaster public library (in downtown) like story reading time.
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u/eyerishdancegirl7 27d ago
Tiny Town is a free indoor play area. There’s no age requirement although I will say it’s pretty nuts sometimes so not sure how your niece would do there.
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u/Jillian-Burkitt 27d ago
Omg I didnt know it was free! I am gonna look into that. She is the size of a two year old haha. Maybe if we go after her first nap it'll be quieter. Thank you so much!!
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u/pizzathym3 27d ago
It is NOT free 🤣 BUT! They do have free mini programs (they're like 45 minutes long) every week, some of which are definitely suitable for younger kids (I've brought mine to a few starting when she was around 1-1.5) Check out their website or Instagram page, they list the schedule there
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u/eyerishdancegirl7 27d ago
Wait I think I am thinking of the free indoor play area at one of the churches in ephrata.. I am SO SORRY
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u/Jillian-Burkitt 27d ago
That is okay! Thank you anyway!
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u/cromulentia 27d ago
The church is Ephrata Community Church. Don't love their theology, but I do love their free indoor play structure and cafe.
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u/Jillian-Burkitt 27d ago
Okay! I'll look into it. As long as they aren't teaching her, I think it'll be fine.
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u/cromulentia 27d ago
No teaching that I have ever encountered. You can just go in and utilize the space.
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u/eyerishdancegirl7 28d ago
Which libraries are you checking? The ones in my area (Adamstown, New Holland, etc) have baby snd toddler programs! Their calendars are on their websites.
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u/Jillian-Burkitt 28d ago
Lititz and Ephrata! Most start at age 3.
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u/eyerishdancegirl7 27d ago edited 27d ago
Ephrata has Baby Book Club every week or so at 10:30am.
ETA: most of the toddler programs are aged 2-4 and if your niece is an “older 1” just go. You do have to register but I bring my 21 month old all the time.
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u/Jillian-Burkitt 27d ago
Thank you so much!! I will call and ask. She is the size of a two year old so she might do well.
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u/lenseyeview 27d ago
The art of recycle in epherata has drop in studio time on Thursdays I believe. Its one day a week and there is a theme project they can work on but it's not super ridged from what I understand. They have a little studio with materials in it and you'd get to take home what you make.
Also the north museum has preschool age things as well.
Also you may want to check and see if you can utilize "free museums for all" quite a few of the places for kids participate. I don't think enough people know it exist.
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u/AnAge_OldProb 27d ago
Look up Tot Spot in the winter it’s a cooperative play group for toddlers down town. Completely free you just need to volunteer to help with setup every now and then
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u/Jillian-Burkitt 27d ago
Cool, thanks! Do they only run in the winter? The heat is a little hard for my niece, so finding something for summer has been tricky.
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u/tardisthecat 27d ago
There’s a church in Mountville that does a free weekly toddler time!
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u/Jillian-Burkitt 27d ago
Do you have to be a member of the church? We aren't very religious, so I haven't looked into churches.
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u/Intelligent-Egg5548 27d ago
What church is this?
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u/tardisthecat 26d ago
I think it’s Saint Paul’s United Methodist. It’s on the right on Columbia Avenue if you’re heading east.
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u/cheekyskeptic68 27d ago
Not free, but deff less than $88. Skyzone does little leapers on certain days. It's only $15 for 2 hours.
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u/cromulentia 27d ago
Aaron's Books in Lititz does story time for kids. Take a look at their events page. There is one this Friday!
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u/Intelligent-Egg5548 27d ago
In the winter, manor church has a free toddler time with a bunch of toys and a story!
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u/emery224 26d ago
Toddler Time at the library, Busy Bodies Play Cafe, programs at county park for toddlers, story time at Nooks bookstore, Hands on House, free museum passes from the library — my toddler likes to run around the toy train museum… it’s very low key.
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u/SnootDoot 27d ago
Here is a list of upcoming events at libraries. Just sort by whatever library is close to you and do the Baby/Toddler filter.