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First Harrisburg Macaroni Meet-up Announced to Bring Families Together

Come Out and Play! Macaroni KID Pledges to Build Villages, One Playdate at a Time!

By Carla Thomas, Editor and Publisher did a little work but we have Rachael Benion from Harrisburg and West Shore to thank, really December 13, 2024

Macaroni KID Hershey & Harrisburg Announce: Macaroni Meetups

Building Villages, One Playdate at a Time in Hershey, PA!

Parenthood is a whirlwind. Between chasing toddlers, deciphering middle school math, and surviving endless snack negotiations, it’s easy to feel like you’re doing it all solo. But here’s the truth: It takes a village. That’s why Macaroni KID Hershey and Macaroni KID Harrisburg & West Shore are thrilled to announce Macaroni Meetups, a brand-new initiative designed to help parents find their people, kids make new friends, and communities grow stronger right here in Hershey and the surrounding area.

The Backstory

Two Macaroni KID publishers—friends and parenting enthusiasts—dreamed up the idea of Macaroni Meetups during one of their regular chats over (probably reheated) coffee. Carla, the driving force behind Macaroni KID Hershey, and her counterpart Rachael at Harrisburg & West Shore, saw the need to take their online parent communities offline. Together, they envisioned a simple yet powerful way to foster real-life connections among families in Hershey, Harrisburg, and neighboring towns. Thus, Macaroni Meetups was born.

What Are Macaroni Meetups?

These gatherings offer casual, come-as-you-are opportunities for parents and kids to connect. Imagine laid-back playdates at Hershey parks, play spaces, and family-friendly venues in Hershey and Harrisburg where kids can burn off energy and parents can share laughs (and maybe some much-needed solidarity). There’s no Pinterest-worthy planning or pressure—just community, fun, and a chance to build the village every parent deserves.

To kick things off, the organizers are keeping it simple and spontaneous. With one of the founders preparing to welcome her fifth child, these early meetups might not have matching socks or meticulously packed snacks, but they will have heart. As the initiative grows, there are plans to collaborate with local Hershey businesses to create exclusive events that are even more engaging for families.

The First Meetup: Urban Air’s School Day Play in Hershey

Excitement is building for the very first Macaroni Meetup, scheduled for Friday, December 20th, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Urban Air Adventure Park in Harrisburg! This event takes advantage of Urban Air’s School Day Play discount, offering a unique opportunity for homeschooling families in Hershey, distance learning families, and preschoolers to come together for active, energy-burning fun. Whether families count it as PE or just need a break, this meetup promises to be the perfect way to jump—literally—into the holiday spirit.

Pricing Options (*Cost covers Urban Air admission, Macaroni KID is not charging for meet-ups):

  • $23.99 for Platinum Attractions
  • $18.99 for Ultimate Attractions

This kickoff event marks the beginning of what is sure to become a cherished tradition for Hershey families. As Macaroni Meetups gain momentum, future gatherings may include party packages, exclusive venue collaborations, and more exciting opportunities to connect in the Hershey area.

Why Join a Macaroni Meetup in Hershey?

Parenthood doesn’t come with a manual, but it should come with a village. Macaroni Meetups in Hershey provide a chance to find support, make connections, and share the highs and lows of raising kids. It’s about turning online relationships into real-life friendships, one playdate at a time.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to build your village. Mark your calendar, gather the kids, and join the fun at Urban Air Adventure Park in Hershey on December 20th. Let’s make 2025 the year of real connections, shared laughs, and unforgettable memories. Macaroni Meetups in Hershey can’t wait to welcome you to the village! πŸŽ‰


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Speaking of survival tips, join our Facebook Group, Macaroni Village of South Central PA, a collaboration across all three regions where we swap stories, share holiday hacks, and collectively try to figure out how to make bedtime happen before Santa’s sleigh rolls in. It’s a Christmas miracle waiting to happen! πŸŽ„πŸ’¬

Disclaimer: While the ideas and the bulk of the brilliance are all mine, I confess that I enlisted the help of ChatGPT for minor edits and revisions. Why? Because AI is the friendliest grammarian I know—no red pen, no judgment, just pure, unadulterated love for a well-placed comma. So if you find any rogue semicolons or unnaturally perfect phrasing, you can thank my digital editor for that.