Enjoy the Wonderful Winter of 2021 With These Fun (but Safe) Things to Do: Jan. 8-10

There are things to do inside or outside. If you decide to venture out, make sure to wash your hands, wear a mask, and follow social distancing guidelines.

Weekends in Pennsylvania have no shortage of things to do. While events might look different during the coronavirus pandemic, there are plenty of ways to have fun on your own, or with the family or friends in your quarantine bubble.

Here’s a roundup of activities to enjoy during the weekend of Jan. 8-10

If you decide to venture out, make sure to wash your hands, wear a mask, and follow social distancing guidelines.

Philadelphia 

WinTOUR Scavenger Hunt in Fairmount Park

If you’re looking for something fun and safe to ease the winter blues, the WinTOUR Scavenger Hunt is a free, all-ages virtual scavenger hunt to encourage safe, socially distanced exploration of Fairmount Park even during the coldest months. 

Everyone who completes all of the missions through the GooseChase App will earn a $35-level membership to Fairmount Park Conservancy. Members to the conservancy can join free year-round events like guided hikes, walks, trail runs, yoga classes, bike rides, and more.

Virtual Museum: “Daring Diagonal”

University of Pennsylvania architecture graduate Joel Levinson created, and runs, the Daring Diagonal Virtual Museum, takes an interesting look at architecture, art and geometry. From studying angular rooftops to the ancient pyramids, the museum offers viewers a presentation of many different types of diagonality worldwide.

Visit ddvm.org for information and a tour.

Southeastern PA

Virtual Exhibition: ‘Wish You Were Here’ 

The Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County presents “Wish You Were Here: A Small Works Exhibition and Sale.” All images in the exhibition are postcard sized and represent iconic cultural, historical, and natural landmarks in Bucks County. 

The images display an array of artistic styles, from oils to pastels, watercolor, and photography. Original Bucks County artwork is for sale.Visit the show at www.bucksarts.org/onlineshowwinter2020 until January 31, 2021. 

Betsy James Wyeth: A Tribute

Artist Andrew Wyeth found inspiration in his wife, Betsy, and memorialized her in many of his enigmatic works of art through seven decades. She was his business manager and curator.

The Brandywine River Museum of Art is displaying 20 of those works in an exhibit that runs through January 31. 

Northeastern PA

Race the Gate in the Poconos

Race the Gate gives local skiers a chance to try out their chops at a competitive race. It starts Jan. 9 and runs every weekend throughout the ski season at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area. 

For complete details and the race schedule, call 570-421-7231 or visit the resort’s website.

‘A Masked Ball’ Theatre Event

‘A Masked Ball’ is a performance of six short plays by David Parmelee, performed by the Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre. The event will stream on the theatre’s Facebook page starting this Saturday. 

Plays include “Top of the World,” “Piss and Vinegar,” “Messy,” “Points Off,” “Bondo,” and “A High Degree of Certainty.” A $10 donation to the theatre is suggested. Visit http://ltwb.org/donate or call the box office at 570-823-1875.

South Central PA

Virtual Pennsylvania Farm Show

The theme for the 2021 virtual PA Farm Show is “Cultivating Tomorrow.” Participants of the first-ever virtual farm show will be able to take part in events focused on education and awareness of the agriculture industry. 

The show will run from Friday, Jan. 8 until Jan. 16. For more information, visit https://www.farmshow.pa.gov. 

Justice Bell and Women’s Suffrage Exhibit

The York County History Center explores the Women’s Suffrage Movement and the symbolic Justice Bell. The exhibit runs through March 13, 2021, and challenges participants to ask what justice means to them. 

The exhibit examines York’s role in the campaign for a state-level women’s suffrage movement. Visit the York History Center website for more details.

North Central PA

Holiday Jewel Box Exhibit 

Check out the Holiday Jewel Box at a County Gem: Quilts, Silver and Jade at the Thomas T. Taber Museum at the Lycoming County Historical Society. The display includes jewels and intricate fabrics and celebrates the Christmas and winter season.

For further information, call 570-326-3326.

Southwestern PA

Yoga at the Botanic Garden

If you’re in need of a little post-holiday wind-down, look no further than the Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens in Oakdale. Certified instructors from Yoga H’Om will lead socially-distant sessions aimed at improving flexibility, strength, and mind-body connection on Saturday, Jan. 9 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Class sizes are limited and physical distancing and other precautions will be taken. All levels of yoga are welcome. Bring a yoga mat and your mask. The price for the class is $10 for garden members and $15 for non-members. Reserve your spot here. 

Northwestern PA

Self-Guided Nature Walks in Erie

It might be chilly, but a little fresh air does everyone some good. Throughout the month of January 2021, visit Presque Isle and Erie Bluffs State Parks for self-guided nature walks along designated trails. The walks begin Friday, Jan. 8.

Four naturalist-designed, self-guided walks complete with directions, suggested resting stops, and nature information will have you discovering the wonderful winter season!  Register by emailing [email protected] for details about each trail, including your very own #FlatNaturalist to lead the way. You can sign up any time during January.

AvalancheXpress at Whispering Pines

AvalancheXpress opens this weekend with and its snow tubing park allows guests of all ages the opportunity to fly down one of six 7-story, 900-foot tubing runs, and experience the “thrill at the hill.” 
No experience is necessary. For details about this fun time in Meadville, visit Whispering Pines’ website.