Avoiding wet and wintry weather? Just taking a break from hiking and biking through York County's beautiful landscapes? We've got you covered! There are plenty of indoor activities in York, PA.
Explore a York PA Museum
Whether you’re interested in American history, Native Americans, fire trucks, weightlifting, or agriculture, there’s no lack of museums to explore.
The Agricultural and Industrial Museum, part of the York County History Center, has two floors of exhibits spotlighting 300 years of transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing, such as a 72-ton ammonia compressor used to make ice. You can look and touch while sitting in a 1940 train switcher engine, or operating a 1930s phone switchboard.
Also part of the center is the Historical Society Museum, Library/Archives, which features an extensive research facility to trace your family roots; a stroll down the streets of 1800’s businesses; and decorative arts from the 18th and 19th centuries, such as quilts and Pennsylvania German furniture. The Fire Museum, housed in a 1903 firehouse, shows off more than two centuries of firefighting equipment from York County’s 72 fire companies, including antique fire trucks and historic alarm systems.
Other must-see York museums include 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 York museum features an actual hand-dug hiding place under his kitchen floor.
The Weightlifting Hall of Fame at York Barbell Company highlights vintage equipment and stories of the strongest people in America.
Other York County PA Museums
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 what it was like to be rich and have excellent taste with this 1913 Greek Revival with original furniture.
The Indian Steps Museum in Airville has more than 10,000 Native American artifacts from North and South America house displayed in a 1912 cabin.
Explore the Good Libations Trails
Whatever your drink of choice is, you’ll find an experience tailored to your tastes on the Good Libations Trails. Drink from the vine on the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail, go brewery hopping on the Susquehanna Ale Trail, or taste whiskey and more on the Keystone Craft Spirits Trail. You can explore York one sip at a time!
See a Live Performance
The Appell Center for the Performing Arts in York presents so many different things to do in York, PA. Sit back and enjoy symphony and jazz concerts; ballet and contemporary dance performances; comedy and variety shows; theater productions; and movies.
Go Ice Skating
Winter sports are classic York, PA, activities, but here’s where you can do one indoors. York Ice Arena feeds your inner figure skater or hockey player with public skating times on two National Hockey League-sized rinks.
Go Bowling
Hit a satisfying strike or spare at Laser Alleys and Suburban Bowlerama, both in York. Laser Alley has 24 lanes, plus a laser tag arena and more than 30 arcade and prize games. Suburban Bowlerama has 30 lanes for classic bowling or a “cosmic” experience with laser, disco, and black lights. Kid-friendly bumper lanes keep balls from skipping over while the little ones are still learning.
Ride Go-Karts & More
Hickory Falls Family Entertainment Center in Hanover offers indoor go-karts, laser tag, virtual reality gaming, rollerball bowling, arcade games, and an indoor play area.
Take in Art
York, PA, is home to several art galleries and studios for your enjoyment.
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. Hive Artspace, an award-winning gallery and gift shop, has new exhibits every month – from the quirky to the traditional – created by national and international artists.
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. Kings Courtyard and Artists’ Collective has fine art, sculpture, painted glass, jewelry, and home décor created by local and regional artists.
Come to York County for the great outdoors and indoors!