Summer in York County is packed with free and low-cost activities for families, kids, teens, and adults. From reading adventures and outdoor movies to skating, bowling, and splash pads, there is something happening almost every day of the week.
Below is a complete, organized guide to programs and events happening this summer.
📚 York County Library Summer Reading Club & Go Hike Program
The York County Libraries offer a free Summer Reading Club and Go Hike Program for children, teens, and adults every summer.
Participants can enjoy:
- Free registration (online or at your local library)
- Reading challenges for all ages
- Fun hands-on activities and special events
- Outdoor hiking and exploration programs
- Prizes and incentives for participation
Each library location offers its own schedule of events, so families are encouraged to check calendars frequently.
🔗 York County Libraries: https://www.yorklibraries.org
🎾 Tennis For Kids – Free Youth Tennis Camp
Tennis For Kids provides a free tennis camp for children ages 7–16 across York and Adams Counties.
Highlights:
- Free tennis instruction and skill-building
- Hosted at 22 locations throughout the region
- Designed for beginner and developing players
- Encourages fitness, teamwork, and confidence
⛸️ Wacky Wednesday at Magic Elm Skateland
Join the summer fun every Wednesday from June through August at Magic Elm Skateland for Wacky Wednesdays!
Bring the designated donation item listed for each date and receive:
- 🎟️ FREE admission (1 item = 1 free admission)
- 🛼 Skate rentals available for $3
- Two session times: 1:00–3:30 PM Matinee or 6:30–9:00 PM Evening Skate
📅 Special Item Schedule 2026
- June 10 – 2 NEW Rolls of Paper Towels
- June 17 – 1 NEW Box Ziploc Sandwich Baggies
- June 24 – 2 NEW Liquid Anti-Bacterial Hand Soap
- July 1 – 2 NEW Rolls Clear Scotch Tape
- July 8 – 2 NEW Rolls Paper Towels
- July 15 – 1 NEW Pack of 8.5" Paper Plates
- July 22 – 1 NEW Box Ziploc Sandwich Baggies
- August 5 – 2 NEW Liquid Anti-Bacterial Hand Soap
- August 12 – 1 Box of #10 Envelopes
🎬 R/C Queensgate Movies 13 & IMAX Summer Series
Families can also enjoy the same $1 summer movie lineup at Queensgate Movies 13 & IMAX:
- Smurfs – 6/16 & 6/17
- How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action) – 6/23 & 6/24
- Dog Man – 6/30 & 7/01
- David – 7/07 & 7/08
- The Wild Robot – 7/14 & 7/15
- Bad Guys 2 – 7/21 & 7/22
- The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie: Search for SquarePants – 7/28 & 7/29
- Minions: Rise of Gru – 8/4 & 8/5
🎬 R/C Hanover 16 Summer Movie Series
Enjoy $1 summer movies every Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 10:00 AM.
- Smurfs – 6/16 & 6/17
- How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action) – 6/23 & 6/24
- Dog Man – 6/30 & 7/01
- David – 7/07 & 7/08
- The Wild Robot – 7/14 & 7/15
- Bad Guys 2 – 7/21 & 7/22
- The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie: Search for SquarePants – 7/28 & 7/29
- Minions: Rise of Gru – 8/4 & 8/5
🎬 Regal Summer Movie Series
Each week from June 1 to August 13 get $1 Summer Movie Express tickets starting at 11AM Monday through Thursday.
All attendees of a Summer Movie Express title will receive $3 off a Snack Pack, which includes a junior-sized drink, popcorn, and fruit gummies, and / or a cup of refreshingly cold Dippin’ Dots ice cream.
- June 1–4 Sing & Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
- June 8–11 David & Kung Fu Panda
- June 15–18 K-Pop: Demon Hunters (Sing-Along) & The Wild Robot
- June 22–25 The Bad Guys 2 & The Garfield Movie
- June 29 – July 2 A Minecraft Movie & Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- July 6–9 How to Train Your Dragon (2025) & Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- July 13–16 TBD & Scoob!
- July 20–23 Animal Farm & The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
- July 27–30 Dog Man & Paddington in Peru
- August 3–6 Charlie the Wonderdog & Despicable Me 4
- August 10–13 Muppets Treasure Island & The Sandlot
🍔🎥 Food Trucks and Flicks – Cousler Park
Bring the whole family for an evening of food, fun, and movies at Cousler Park.
Event features:
- Food trucks: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Yard games and inflatable bounce house
- Movie begins at dusk on Raver Stage
📅 2026 Schedule
- Fri, Jun 12 – Zootopia 2
- Fri, Jun 19 – Soul On Fire
- Fri, Jun 26 – I Can Only Imagine 2
- Fri, Jul 10 – How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action)
- Fri, Jul 17 – The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
- Fri, Jul 24 – Lilo & Stitch (Live Action)
- Fri, Jul 31 – Wicked For Good
🇺🇸 York County Parks Passport Program
The History Passport program has returned for its second year. Inspired by the York County Libraries SummerQuest program, the History Passport opens doors to new places, experiences and memories.
Students (18 and under) are encouraged to participate by visiting our passport stops from June 1 – August 31.
The more passport stamps your student collects the higher chances of winning prizing!
🎶 🎥 Summer Sounds & Screens Returns at Sunset Lane Park
The brand-new Summer Sounds & Screens series is bringing families, friends, and neighbors together for three exciting evenings packed with live entertainment, delicious food, and outdoor movie magic.
Each event features live music from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, followed by a family-friendly movie beginning at 9:00 PM at dusk. Food vendors will also be onsite, making it easy to grab dinner, snacks, or sweet treats while enjoying the evening.
Summer Sounds & Screens Schedule
Thursday, June 18
Live Music:
Joe Cooney & Friends Trio
Classic Rock
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Movie:
Lilo & Stitch
9:00 PM
Sponsored by the Lions Club.
Thursday, July 9
Live Music:
Tall in the Saddle
Country
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Movie:
Zootopia 2
9:00 PM
Thursday, August 13
Live Music:
Vintage Crew
Classic Rock
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Movie:
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
9:00 PM
🎶 Sounds Of Summer Concert Series Springettsbury Township
Springettsbury Township’s beloved Sounds of Summer Concert Series is back, and the 2026 lineup is bigger, more exciting, and more diverse than ever. Held at Springettsbury Township Park, this annual summer tradition brings the community together for evenings filled with live music, family fun, and unforgettable memories.
Running throughout June, July, and August, concerts kick off at 7:00 p.m. and feature an impressive mix of genres—from high-energy dance bands and classic rock to country, pop, and tribute performances.
🎭 Appell Center for the Performing Arts – Free Summer Film Series
Enjoy free summer films in a comfortable indoor setting Wednesday mornings at 10am in the historic Capitol Theatre! Large groups, are asked to call the Box Office at 717-846-1111 in advance.
2026 Lineup:
July 8, 10am - Kung Fu Panda
July 15, 10am - Shrek 2
July 22, 10am - Madagascar
August 5, 10am - Penguins of Madagascar
🏊 Check out our Local Pools & Spalsh Pads
🔗: https://york.macaronikid.com/guides/60763d1da8254525ff1e3d4a/york-area-pool-and-splash--pad-guide
🎳 Kids Bowl Free Program
Kids can bowl locally all summer long for free!
- 2 free games daily
- Shoe rental fee applies
- Runs May through August
- Great indoor activity for rainy days
🔗 https://www.kidsbowlfree.com
⛸️ Kids Skate Free Program
A year-round skating benefit for families.
- 2 free skate sessions per week
- Valid at participating rinks
- Encourages active, healthy recreation
🔗 https://www.kidsskatefree.com
From libraries and parks to movie theaters and skating rinks, York County offers an incredible variety of free and affordable summer fun for all ages. Be sure to check individual venue calendars for updates, availability, and any schedule changes.
For even more free & affordable summer fun be sure to check out our online calnders:
