What age is this appropriate for?

This event is aimed at toddlers and preschoolers; caregivers should remain with children for the duration of the two-hour session.

Where do we check in?

Check-in is at 142 E. Pitt Street Bedford, PA 15522 at the listed meeting point; arrive early to allow children to explore before activities begin.

Are refreshments included?

Cafe refreshments are available at additional cost; the themed snack included with the session is provided as part of the event.

What are Book Fair Bucks?

Book Fair Bucks are an optional add-on that lets children independently shop the book fair selection after the session.

Is the event sensory-friendly?

Yes—this session follows a sensory-friendly format that allows children to participate at their own pace rather than following a strict instructional schedule.

How do I reserve a spot?

Book through the provided referral link; sessions during Easter week are popular, so reserve early to secure morning or weekend slots.

Peter Rabbit Storytime & Imaginative Play — Easter Week in Altoona | Events | Theater

At the heart of Altoona, Pennsylvania, Read & Play - Peter Rabbit offers a two-hour, themed story session that turns a rainy afternoon into a memorable garden romp for small children and their grown-ups. Held during Peter Rabbit Easter Week (March 29–April 4), the program gathers families at 142 E. Pitt Street Bedford, PA 15522 where volunteers and staff welcome children into the venue’s Imaginative Play area for reading, crafts, treats, and gentle exploration.

The format is simple and purposeful: an enthusiastic reading of Beatrix Potter’s beloved bunny adventures anchors the experience, followed by a craft to take home, a themed snack that ties into the story, and a special prize pick that celebrates curiosity and participation. The space emphasizes sensory-friendly play, allowing children to move through stations on their own schedule rather than following a strict class format. That relaxed structure makes this event ideal for toddlers, preschoolers, and families who value small wins over strict instruction.

What makes the session stand out locally is how it blends literacy, free play, and a community bookstore vibe inside a kid-scaled play space. The Imaginative Play area is arranged with small garden props, plush vegetables, and low shelves that encourage independent exploration while adults sit nearby with cafe options available at additional cost. The event is designed to nurture book-handling skills, early financial literacy through optional "Book Fair Bucks," and social comfort in group settings.

For visiting families, this entry-level activity is a low-commitment way to sample Altoona’s family offerings. The program runs two hours, which is long enough for a meaningful encounter but short enough to fit between naps and mealtimes. Staff maintain a welcoming pace, and the sensory-friendly approach accommodates children who prefer quieter engagement.

Bring comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little crafty, a change of shoes for little ones who want to run, and an openness to play. Arrive on time so children can take full advantage of the schedule. Parents who want souvenirs can purchase books at the adjacent book fair and add Book Fair Bucks to reservations to let children shop independently.

Read & Play - Peter Rabbit is less a performance and more an invitation: a neighborhood-sized celebration of storytime, spring treats, and imaginative movement that helps little readers build confidence and joy in books while families connect in a relaxed, playful setting.

Sessions are ideal for caregivers who want structured, low-pressure interaction; staff are prepared to help children who need extra time at activities, and the open-plan layout lets parents monitor play while enjoying a coffee. Consider booking early during peak Easter week to secure a spot; capacity is limited and popular morning sessions often fill first. Bring a tote for crafts and prizes.

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.