4 Minute Read

Enjoy These Indoor Activities in York PA

Avoiding the outdoors during the frigid temps of winter? No problem!

York County has plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy until it warms up.

Explore a York PA Museum

Embark on an immersive journey through York County’s rich history at the York County History Center Museum. Discover York County’s vital role in Pennsylvania’s expansion, its hidden ties to the Underground Railroad, and the innovations that shaped its legacy – all in a vibrant space where history comes to life.

Another must-see York museum is The Goodridge Freedom Center and Underground Railroad Museum, which honors William C. Goodridge, a former slave and wealthy businessman who helped free other slaves via the Underground Railroad. The museum features an actual hand-dug hiding place under the kitchen floor.

The Weightlifting Hall of Fame at York Barbell Company highlights vintage equipment and stories of the strongest people in America.

Dill’s Tavern in Dillsburg, restored by the Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society, shows what the 18th century version of a hotel was like, complete with a rye whiskey distillery, outdoor bake oven, and Wheelwright shop.

The Warehime-Myers Mansion & History Museum in Hanover offers tours of an elegant 1913 Greek Revival mansion with original furniture.

At York Time Institute, learn about the rich horological history of York and of the famous clockmakers and watchmakers who thrived here.

Take in a Show

York County is home to many fabulous theaters where you can see everything from Broadway productions, a world-class symphony, a wide range of tribute bands, nationally known as well as up-and-coming musicians, comedians, community theater, and much more. Visit our online calendar to see what’s coming up at Appell Center for the Performing Arts, The Belmont, DreamWrights Center for Community Arts, Eichelberger Performing Arts Center, and The Pullo Center at Penn State York. Just east of the Susquehanna River in neighboring Lancaster County, you’ll find performances at American Music Theatre as well as Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre.

Fun fact: The Strand Theatre, part of the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, is celebrating 100 years in 2025!

Let’s Get Physical

York Ice Arena lets you get in touch with your inner figure skater or hockey player with public skating times on two National Hockey League-sized rinks.

Bowl a satisfying strike or spare at one of several bowling alleys around the county. Choose from Colony Park Lanes & Games, Laser Alleys, or Suburban Bowlerama. You’ll find classic bowling or a “cosmic” experience with lasers, disco, and black lights.

Experience the thrill of throwing an axe at Aces Axe Throwing in Shrewsbury. Their indoor axe throwing ranges have multiple lanes where you can get a one-of-a-kind experience in a fun setting.

Arcade Fun

Step back in time and have fun with more than 300 arcade games and pinball machines from the 1980s and 1990s through today at Timeline Arcade in downtown York City. It’s the largest retro arcade in south-central Pennsylvania and beyond.

Experience Art

Creative York invites you to enjoy the works of local, regional, and national artists in its two galleries; plus create works yourself in ceramics, drawing, and painting workshops. The York Art Association, one of the oldest art associations in the country, has two galleries, one for exhibitions, and the other with original artwork and prints for sale.

HIVE artspace, an award-winning gallery and gift shop located in the Royal Square District, has new themed exhibits every month – from the quirky to the traditional – created by local, national, and international artists.

Get Your Creative Juices Flowing

The Prancing Pig is a DIY art studio committed to you and your creativity. Painting pottery is a great project for all ages, even the little ones.

Candi Duda has been creating stained glass, both small and large, since 2002. In her Red Lion studio, she offers a variety of classes for all skill levels for cut stained class, wind chimes, wine bottle chimes, meditation beads, shell art, and more.

The Creation Station at Sunrise Soap Company is the place to learn how to whip up your own handmade soaps, bath bombs, fizzies, lotions, lip balms, scrubs, and more! You’ll find a TON of silicone molds, essential oils, and fragrances to scent your product, and a rainbow of powder pigments and glitters so you can experiment to your heart’s content and come up with the perfect creation – made by you!

Book Browsing

You’ll find thousands upon thousands of titles in every genre at In Between Pages. Both floors of this expansive yet cozy used book store are packed with great reads that will have you browsing for hours. Tip: You’ll find an Explore York brochure rack there with our 2025 travel guide that will provide inspiration for additional stops around the area.

Good Libations Trails

Last but not least, after a full day of activities around York County, relax at a stop on our Good Libations Trails. Be sure to check in on the digital passport while you’re there. As you sip, you’ll earn points for some cool swag.