What ages is this event best for?

The session is aimed at toddlers and preschoolers but is open to young children who enjoy group storytime and sensory play; caregivers must remain with their children.

How long does a session last?

Each reservation includes access to the imaginative play area for a two-hour session; storytimes occur at scheduled times within that window.

Is the activity sensory-friendly?

Yes—Read & Play follows a loose schedule and allows children to participate at their own pace to accommodate different sensory needs.

A dry cereal snack correlated to the weekly story is provided; additional café refreshments are available for purchase.

Where do I go to check in?

Check in at the meeting point listed: 142 E. Pitt Street Bedford, PA 15522. Please arrive on time to enjoy the full session.

Can children purchase books?

Yes—parents can add Book Fair Bucks to a reservation so children can shop the book fair collection as part of the visit.

Pete the Cat Read & Play: Ice Cream Storytime & Sensory Play at Home & Harvest

Settle into a sunlit corner of Home & Harvest for Read & Play — Pete the Cat Screams for Ice Cream!, a hands-on storytime that turns a picture book into a two-hour summer-sized adventure. Located at 142 E. Pitt Street Bedford, PA 15522 in the Altoona/Bedford region, this session blends an enthusiastic reading with ice-cream themed crafts, sensory bins, and pretend scoop stations that invite small hands to explore color, texture, and imaginative role play.

The space is built around an imaginative play area where kids rotate through reading, craft, and free-play stations. Key features include a guided story reading of the book, a craft table to take a sweet-themed project home, sensory bins stocked with themed materials, and a make-believe ice cream counter for pretend scooping and topping. Parents can relax in the adjacent café while keeping an eye on play spaces — the setting balances caregiver comfort with child-directed discovery.

What makes this Read & Play special for families visiting the region is its low-pressure, sensory-friendly approach. Sessions follow a loose schedule but allow children to engage at their own pace, making it ideal for toddlers, preschoolers, and children who benefit from unstructured exploration. The event ties into a local love of family outings: after a morning at nearby parks or trails, this is an easy indoor option that keeps kids active and focused on creative play without screens.

The program uses a mix of tactile materials and book-based prompts to support early literacy and motor skills. You’ll find easy craft supplies, dry cereal snack correlating to the week’s story, and optional Book Fair Bucks so kids can practice decision-making at the end of their visit. The book choice — a Pete the Cat title — brings a familiar, rhythmic read-aloud that encourages participation and song.

Practical details: sessions typically run at scheduled times throughout the day and last the duration of the reserved two-hour play window. Arrive on time to get the full experience; café refreshments are available separately. The venue creates an inclusive environment with sensory-friendly pacing and supportive staff.

Whether you’re local to Altoona or passing through the Bedford area, this Read & Play event is a compact, playful stop that combines story, craft, and social play in one accessible session. It’s a dependable option for families seeking creative, child-centered programming that complements outdoor days with an indoor dose of structured fun and hands-on learning.

Bring a lightweight tote to carry crafts and any Book Fair Bucks purchases; a change of clothes helps with sensory bins and snacks. Photo-friendly corners make candid moments easy—ask staff about quieter zones if your child needs low stimulation. Sessions often fill, so reserve online using the provided referral link.

About Home & Harvest

Home & Harvest is a family-focused play cafe and creative workshop venue located in Bedford, Pennsylvania. The venue hosts a wide range of experiences including birthday party rentals at The Freckled Duckling, open play sessions, seasonal book fairs, and hands-on classes such as soap making, candle making, embroidery, and pottery-friendly paint & sip events. Home & Harvest operates a play cafe space designed for imaginative play with life-like installations—a miniature barn, a veterinary office, and a coffee shop—so children can develop motor and social skills in a safe environment.

The business offers age-inclusive programming from toddler-focused mornings like Little Lambs & Lattes to all-ages craft nights and family workshops. Each experience lists clear details and options; several classes include instructor-led instruction, materials, and the ability to create take-home items such as soap loaves, ceramics, bouquets, and chunky-knit blankets. Refreshments are available onsite for events such as the Make Your Own Bouquet Bar and paint nights. Home & Harvest also provides private timeslots, sponsorship opportunities for community organizations, and customizable party packages with optional design services and extended hours. The venue emphasizes sensory-friendly scheduling for events like book fairs and storytimes, making gatherings more accessible. Parents and caregivers can reserve sessions online for workshops including Advanced Soap Making, Beginner Soap Making, Candle-Making, and cooking classes. By combining a play-forward environment with hands-on craft programming and event hosting, Home & Harvest serves families in Central Pennsylvania seeking creative, community-oriented experiences. Booking information, schedules, and accessibility details are available on the Home & Harvest event pages today.