Category: Indoor activities

Holiday Break Fun: Kid-Friendly Activites in the JRV

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Holiday Break Fun: Kid-Friendly Activities in the Juniata River Valley

When school is out and the excitement of the holidays is in full swing, parents everywhere are looking for ways to keep the kids active, happy, and off their screens (at least for a little while!). Fortunately, the Juniata River Valley offers plenty of family-friendly adventures perfect for making memories throughout the holiday break or on a rainy day. Here are some great ideas to fill those long winter days:

  1. Visit LoveTwo Farm

Bundle up and take the kids to LoveTwo Farm to meet the animals. From fuzzy farm friends to hands-on moments that spark curiosity, it’s a wholesome outing the whole family can enjoy.

  1. Hit the Ice at Carousel Skating Rink

Whether your child is steady on roller skates or just learning, the Carousel Skating Rink is a festive, high-energy place to burn off some holiday excitement.

  1. Catch a Movie at Miller Cinema 6

Slow down with a cozy afternoon at Miller Cinema 6. With kid-friendly blockbusters and popcorn, it’s the perfect way to unwind between holiday gatherings.

  1. Get Creative at The Busy Brush

Let imaginations run wild at The Busy Brush in downtown Lewistown. Kids can paint, craft, and create something completely their own—ideal for a snowy day or when you need an indoor activity.

  1. Bowl a Strike at Lewistown Lanes

Challenge the kids to a friendly bowling match! Lewistown Lanes offers a fun, active outing that works for all ages—and it’s a great way to spend an afternoon or evening together.

  1. Explore Reeds Gap State Park

If the weather is mild, head outdoors for a winter walk at Reeds Gap State Park. Kids will love playing in the crisp air, exploring trails, and searching for wildlife footprints in the snow.

  1. Visit The Crooked Shelf Bookshop or Local Libraries

Warm up with a good book! Stop in at The Crooked Shelf Bookshop for a cozy browsing experience or check out story times and holiday activities at the Juniata River Valley’s local libraries.

  1. Treat the Kids to Ice Cream

Yes—ice cream in winter is absolutely a thing! Surprise the kids with a sweet treat from your favorite local ice cream shop. It’s the perfect reward after a day of fun.

  1. Pony Play Day at Promise Ranch Ministries

For animal-loving kids, Pony Play Day is a magical experience. Let them get up close with gentle ponies and enjoy hands-on activities. Be sure to check Promise Ranch Ministries’ Facebook page for upcoming dates.

  1. Have an Adventure with the Feathered Frolic Scavenger Hunt

Grab the kids and join the Feathered Frolic Scavenger Hunt! This fun, interactive activity gets families exploring the area to find 12 of the 51 Wild Geese statues You may even discover hidden gems along the way.

With so many things to see and do, holiday break in the Juniata River Valley is full of opportunities for family fun. Whether you’re looking to get creative, burn some energy, or simply enjoy time together, these activities will help make the season joyful, memorable, and stress-free.

Create, Learn, and Connect in the Juniata River Valley

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Create, Learn, and Connect in the Juniata River Valley

Creativity thrives in the Juniata River Valley. Across our towns and countryside, local makers are opening their studios and workshops to share their talents—and inviting you to join in. Whether you’re a lifelong artist or just looking to try something new, hands-on classes throughout the region make it easy to learn a skill, meet new people, and leave with something beautiful to show for it.

Photo by Pustika Sammadar

At Hometown Potters’ Studio, you can shape and glaze your own pottery while learning from talented local ceramicists. Over at Lemon & Lime Craft Co., wreath-making classes offer a fun and colorful way to decorate your home for any season. Love to paint? Painting Parties by Judy and The Busy Brush, host guided painting sessions for all ages and skill levels—no experience needed, just a willingness to have fun!

For those drawn to light and color, Moon Dragon Stained Glass teaches the timeless craft of glass art, helping students design and create pieces that shine.

If the outdoors inspires you, plein air artist Susan Nicholas welcomes painters to her retreats at Hameau Farm, where participants capture the valley’s scenic landscapes in a peaceful, creative setting. Nature plays a role in creativity elsewhere, too—Shade Mountain Naturals hosts make-and-take workshops where you can craft your own soaps and lotions using natural ingredients, and Community Partnerships offers garden-to-table classes connecting gardening, food, and community.

Seasonal classes pop up across the region as well, like Back Mountain Flower Farm’s popular Christmas wreath workshops, and craft events for children at the Mifflin and Juniata County Libraries, where young artists can explore, imagine, and create.

No matter the season, there’s always something creative happening in the Juniata River Valley. So roll up your sleeves, meet the makers, and discover the joy of making something by hand. You’ll walk away with more than just what you’ve created—you’ll take home a deeper connection to the place and the people who make it special.