What are the event hours?

The festival runs 12:00–3:00 p.m. on July 17 with a dance party extending to 4:00 p.m.; check the event page for any last-minute updates.

Is parking available?

Yes, the festival listing notes free parking on site at Lehigh Valley Zoo.

What ages are welcome?

All ages are welcomed; programming is family-centered and appropriate for young children and summer camp groups.

Are the activities stroller-friendly?

Yes, the zoo’s accessible paths and stroller-friendly routes make it easy to navigate with young children.

Can we bring outside food?

Food options are listed as available; if you plan a picnic, bring a blanket and use designated picnic areas—confirm specifics on the festival site.

Who organizes the festival?

Just Be You Academy, a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, organizes the event to provide an affirming, kid-friendly space.

Just Be You Children's Festival at Lehigh Valley Zoo: Family Art, Animals & Conservation (July 17)

On July 17, the Just Be You Children's Festival transforms the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania into a three-hour, family-first celebration of creativity, curiosity, and conservation. Hosted by the 501c(3) nonprofit Just Be You Academy, the festival marks its fifth birthday with hands-on arts and crafts, up-close animal encounters, and kid-focused programming that welcomes all ages. Arrive when gates open at noon for a two-hour arts-and-crafts block where children can create animal-inspired projects and contribute to a community art gallery. Between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. the program shifts to an animal trivia game show and a puppet performance hosted by JBY Academy. A short show-and-tell ceremony for the animal art gallery runs at 3:00 p.m., followed by a dance party and movement games to close the day. The venue — Lehigh Valley Zoo — frames the festival with accessible animal habitats and paths that cut through mixed deciduous woodland typical of eastern Pennsylvania. Expect classic zoo residents, live animal demonstrations, and themed stations that interpret conservation topics for children. The festival leans into playful education: animal mingling, photo-friendly encounters, and hands-on activities that reinforce stewardship. Free parking and nearby picnic spaces keep the day easy for families and summer camp groups invited to join. More than a single afternoon of entertainment, Just Be You Children's Festival centers inclusion. Organized by Just Be You Academy, the event creates a secure, affirming environment where creative play and animal education intersect. For visitors arriving from nearby Allentown or Bethlehem, the festival offers a compact program that fits into a summer day trip; Schnecksville’s quiet roads and the zoo’s accessible paths make it simple to manage strollers and young walkers. Whether you’re a local family, a summer camp leader, or a visiting traveler, this festival is a practical, memorable way to connect kids with nature. Practical details: the festival runs 12:00–3:00 p.m. on July 17 with an extended dance party until 4:00 p.m.; check-in and exact meeting point information are provided by organizers and are available on the festival site. Expect accessible routes, stroller-friendly pathways, and seating near activity areas. Bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and a camera for animal moments. Many families treat the day as a relaxed summer outing: plan for two to four hours depending on how long you linger at exhibits. This event supports a local nonprofit and celebrates community connection through animal-focused learning; whether you live nearby or are passing through the Lehigh Valley, the Just Be You Children's Festival offers a compact, uplifting afternoon that blends play, art, and wildlife in one easy trip. Visit justbeyoufestival.com/just-be-you-festival for full details and to confirm times and accessibility accommodations. Families should arrive early to secure activity slots and parking.

About Lehigh Valley Zoo

Lehigh Valley Zoo, located in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, operates as a regional zoological attraction focused on animal encounters, conservation education, and family events. The Zoo offers a range of hands-on experiences including Penguin Encounter, Giraffe Encounter, Otter Encounter, and a West African Crowned Crane Encounter, plus seasonal events such as Breakfast with the Beasts, Zoostock, and the Conservation Gala. Membership gift certificates and tokens provide flexible ways to support the Zoo and enhance visits.

Experienced zookeepers lead guided programs and supervised encounters that allow visitors to feed, observe, and learn about animal behavior and conservation needs. Several offerings explicitly highlight conservation—Penguin Encounter educates about endangered African Penguins, and the Conservation Gala raises funds to protect wildlife and habitats. Event dates and times are publicly announced for specific programs, including scheduled dates for Breakfast with the Beasts and Zoostock.

The Zoo is part of community-focused programming in the Lehigh Valley region, hosting family-friendly activities and educational opportunities for all ages. Safety protocols and staff supervision guide interactive encounters to ensure animal welfare and guest safety. Tickets, membership certificates, and tokens are available for purchase and provide structured access to experiences, early entry events, and exclusive activities.

Lehigh Valley Zoo emphasizes accessible wildlife education, memorable up-close interactions, and ongoing conservation support. Visitors can plan visits around scheduled encounters, special events, and membership benefits while contributing to animal care and regional conservation initiatives.

The Zoo welcomes schools, families, and individual guests seeking educational outings, volunteer opportunities, and meaningful ways to engage with wildlife today.