Why So Much Local Opportunity Goes Unnoticed—and How That’s Changing
Source: Susquehanna Kids
Families don’t lack options—they lack time, clarity, and reliable local information. When families know what’s happening, where to go, and what resources are available, they participate more fully—in schools, in local businesses, and in community life. Susquehanna Kids exists to make that information easier to access and easier to share.
Across Columbia, Montour, Union, Snyder, and Northumberland counties, Susquehanna Kids has become a reliable source for families navigating daily life with children. For local businesses, schools, nonprofits, and organizations, it provides a way to share information broadly and reach families at different stages of awareness—from those actively searching to those who might not otherwise know what’s available.
Launched in 2022, Susquehanna Kids has grown into a multi-channel platform designed to meet families where they are—on the website, in their inboxes, and on their phones.
On the content side, Susquehanna Kids publishes weekly blogs that reflect what’s happening in real time across the region. These posts cover a wide range of timely topics. Recent examples include highlighting local high school musicals, sharing spring sports registration deadlines, and featuring guidance from Geisinger mental health professionals on beating the winter blues. These are just a few illustrations of how timely, relevant information is surfaced for families throughout the year.
In addition to blogs, the site features practical guides parents rely on again and again—such as roundups of indoor play places, where to host children’s birthday parties, and local farms offering hands-on activities for kids. These evergreen resources help families make decisions locally and confidently, regardless of the season.
One of the most-used tools on Susquehanna Kids is the daily-updated community calendar. In December alone, more than 700 kid-friendly events were shared, including library programs, school fundraisers, STEM workshops, holiday events, and community performances. Families use the calendar to plan their weeks and weekends, while organizations use it as a trusted place to share events with a highly local audience.
To complement the website, Susquehanna Kids sends a weekly email newsletter every Thursday highlighting upcoming weekend events worth knowing about. Families can also opt into text message updates—sent weekly or monthly—which include quick links to events organized by age group and by specific geographic area. These messages are designed to be helpful, timely, and easy to act on.
Summer planning has long been a core focus as well. Each year, Susquehanna Kids curates extensive listings of local summer camps to help families navigate options across interests, ages, and locations. In 2024, this work expanded with the launch of a dedicated website, making it easier for parents to filter and search over 250 local summer camps.
Beyond events and activities, Susquehanna Kids supports broader community priorities. The platform works closely with regional partners to share mental health resources for children and families. It also collaborates with the DegenSTEAM initiative to connect kids to STEM opportunities throughout the five counties.
Most recently, Susquehanna Kids launched the Hour of AI™ during Computer Science Education Week in December. Through hands-on, age-appropriate lessons, students learn how artificial intelligence works and how it already shows up in everyday life. More than 30 local schools and organizations are currently signed up to participate.
Susquehanna Kids continues to evolve alongside the community it serves—expanding tools, resources, and partnerships with an ongoing focus on clarity, access, and usefulness.
Businesses, nonprofits, schools, and organizations interested in sharing information or exploring ways to work with Susquehanna Kids are welcome to get in touch at colleen@susquehannakids.com.
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Susquehanna Kids is a regional family resource dedicated to connecting parents with kid-friendly events, classes, and community programs throughout the Susquehanna Valley. Curated daily by a team of local moms, the platform highlights activities across Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties, helping families discover local opportunities in education, recreation, and the arts. Alongside its event calendar, Susquehanna Kids produces seasonal guides, community spotlights, and collaborative campaigns that celebrate the people and organizations making the Valley a great place to raise kids. Contact us: hello@susquehannakids.com.