10 Fun Things to Do at Lancaster Science Factory (2025)
The Lancaster Science Factory, a hands on learning center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offers interactive STEM experiences designed to engage kids, families, and educators alike. In 2025, it introduces exciting new programs and events to inspire curiosity and promote learning through play. Here are some of the best new attractions to explore:
1. The STEM Showdown
The competition promises an exciting challenge as primary and secondary students showcase their science skills in egg drop, rocket launch, and coding activities during the January 2025 launch event. This new initiative aims to foster critical thinking and teamwork for students in grades K-8, inspiring a lifelong passion for science. Participants will compete in a relaxed atmosphere, enjoying the process while guests witness the excitement and creativity firsthand.
Hosted in conjunction with Lancaster Recreation, this event emphasizes both education and community, positioning it among the top highlights of the upcoming year.
2. Night Shift at the Science Factory
Overview: The Night Shift program offers a unique experience for kids to spend the night at the Lancaster Science Factory. Families and scout groups will experience an overnight adventure with access to more than 75 interactive exhibits on new dates through 2025. Visitors can join in scavenger hunts, lounge around with treats in the Maker Space, and even snooze among displays instead of rushing home to see Zs.
This one of a kind program is designed to bring magic (and science) in a tangible and educational way that will have the whole family or group of friends excited. The program keeps education fun and convenient, even when it occurs late in the evening.
3. First Fridays: Free Monthly Events for Families
Lancaster Science Factory keeps the tradition of hosting First Friday events unique free community evenings providing STEM specific activities for all ages. These events take place on the first Friday morning each month, offering families the chance to enjoy shows, explore interactive labs, and participate in themed programs throughout their visit. Visitors can look forward to activities like “Chemistry Magic Shows” and static electricity demonstrations led by local scientists and educators.
These events enhance access to STEM education and strengthen community engagement by eliminating financial barriers for new learners. It’s a perfect opportunity for families to make learning exciting while connecting with others locally.
4. Pre-K STEM Explorers
Pre-K STEM Explorers debuts providing engaging early learning opportunities developed specifically for toddlers and preschool children. This program integrates basic science concepts with playful exploration, may it be building simple machines or observing insects. Using real world projects that are hands on and engaging provide early opportunities for children to develop both their cognitive skills as well as motor function turning an initial interest in science or engineering into a lifelong passion.
With the Science Factory incorporating cutting edge techniques with this STEM education program, Explorers is set to be an exciting addition that aligns perfectly with current educational philosophies. This is great for parents looking to have their child participate in some structured education.
5. Expanded Maker Space: Create, Innovate, and Build
The Science Factory’s Maker Space has been redesigned for 2025 with cutting edge tools and materials that inspire new ways of thinking and creating. The space is now open to the public, inviting everyone to explore at their own pace for a $10 fee. Visitors can access laser cutters, 3D printers, electronics kits, and more empowering thousands of kids and adults alike. Whether working on models, creating art, or experimenting with circuits, this expanded space offers tools for innovators of all ages.
Focused workshops on robotics and coding provide hands on experiences with technology, encouraging participants to engage deeply. With these updates, visitors leave with more than just memories they carry new skills and personal creations, sparking future exploration.
6. Youth STEM Camps
Lancaster Science Factory: The Summer STEM Camps at the Lancaster Science Factory are back with fresh modules for 2025. Week long camps provide students the opportunity for in depth exposure to science with topics including robotics, environmental sciences, and structural engineering. Instructors lead experiments, group projects, and presentations, making learning both engaging and enjoyable.
Participants can program simple robots or design wind powered vehicles, while others may explore aerodynamics and physics through kite building. With a wide range of activities tailored to various interests, children are encouraged to discover the fields of science that captivate their curiosity.
7. STEM Field Trips
In order to help schools and organizations offer the most memorable day of learning, Lancaster Science Factory has recently retooled its field trip offerings. Brand new guided STEM trails on fluid dynamics, mechanics, and sound are now available for schools to book. Interactive exhibits offer students a fun way of exploring the wonders of science, while optional workshops allow them to build circuits, explore solar systems, or conduct physics experiments.
The field trips are developed to meet education standards, and teachers receive pre visit expedition guides so students can digest the exhibits. The new improved experience delivers both fun and education, making it easy for kids to relate classroom concepts with learning in the real world.
8. Girls Code Club
2025 The Lancaster Science Factory launches its Girls Code Club, providing an opportunity for girls to dabble with coding using fun hands on projects. Add JavaScript as a new curriculum, teach the basic concepts of programming. complete hands on activities where students will build interactive games and apply their skills to solve real world coding challenges The club seeks to create a culture of collaboration among girls while nurturing critical thinking and problem solving.
Tech girls rocks this programme focusses to supports gender inclusion in tech ensuring girls opt for careers from the areas of computer science, engineering or technology. Combining mentorship and hands on coding, the program encourages participants to believe in themselves and prepares them for opportunities down the line.
9. Hall of Heroes Exhibit
The Science Factory’s new Hall of Heroes Exhibit adds a fun twist to learning by combining science with superhero legend. By examining the true science that fuels movements like understanding physics to fly or biology for super strength, visitors are able to dive into how well developed these natural abilities really could be in today’s world. Using interactive displays, children will explore scientific concepts in a way that is fun for them and rooted in themes they are already familiar with through movies or comics.
The museum takes a nice instruction led entertainment twist on providing facts about space, and for quite complex scientific topics this provides children with the ability to understand them before having had formal education at school. Perfect for family film night and excellent discussion fodder about science in everyday life!
10. Facility Rentals: Celebrate Science with Events and Parties
Facility rentals are also available for birthdays, team building events, or private parties at the Lancaster Science Factory for unique event spaces! New event packages for 2025 include access to Maker Space activities, STEM workshops, and full interactive exhibit access. Mixing tradition with modern day fun, whether it’s for a corporate event or a kid’s birthday party, these rentals provide an exciting learning environment.
The venue creates more curiosity and exploration when the guests are within their hall. It’s a great way to celebrate important milestones for families and organizations in the form of community service events.
These new offerings at the Lancaster Science Factory highlight the institution’s commitment to making science accessible, exciting, and inclusive. With a range of programs catering to different age groups and interests, the Science Factory promises to be a top destination for families, educators, and curious minds alike in 2025.