Lancaster Science Factory
Lancaster, PA · 43 minutes from Reading · Under $20 a person
Plan the day
The Lancaster Science Factory is a hands-on, interactive science center in Lancaster, PA, for kids in Pre-K through 8th grade and their families. Admission is good for the whole day.
The exhibits are hands-on and geared for grades K through 8, with a Maker Space classroom and the Castanga Learning Center beside the main floor. The site says to plan at least two and a half hours to see every exhibit, and admission covers the entire day, so a morning in Lancaster can run into the afternoon. Sundays and any day in September or October are the quietest times to come.
Before you go
Free parking in the lot across New Holland Avenue next to Quips Pub, with overflow behind the building and, after 5 pm and on weekends, at Urban Place behind 550 Lofts. No food inside. Noise-cancelling headphones available on request. Sundays and any day in September or October are quietest.
Coming up
First Friday evenings are free from 5 to 7 pm on November 6 and December 4, and BubbleMania with Casey Carle performs November 27 and 28, 11 am to 3 pm.
Checked October 8, 2026 on the official site. Hours, prices and seasons change, so confirm there before a long drive.
