How long is each session?

Each reservation includes two hours in the Imaginative Play area; story readings occur at scheduled times within those sessions.

Is the event appropriate for infants?

The program is designed for toddlers through early elementary ages, but caregivers with infants are welcome—activities are flexible and sensory-friendly.

Can I buy food on site?

Cafe refreshments are available for purchase separately; the ticket includes a themed dry cereal snack.

Check in at the meeting point listed: 142 E. Pitt Street Bedford, PA 15522; staff will direct you to your session area.

Are sessions wheelchair accessible?

Home & Harvest strives to be accessible—contact staff in advance or on arrival with specific accessibility questions.

What are Book Fair Bucks?

Book Fair Bucks are an optional add-on that lets kids shop a curated selection of books and practice independent purchasing.

Rainbow Fish Read & Play at Home & Harvest — Ocean-Themed Storytime in Altoona

Read & Play - The Rainbow Fish at Home & Harvest brings a splash of color to families visiting Altoona, Pennsylvania. Hosted at Home & Harvest with a meeting point at 142 E. Pitt Street Bedford, PA 15522, this themed week turns a café and play space into a child-sized ocean where storytime, crafts, and free play form the day's tide.

The program centers on a warm reading of Marcus Pfister's The Rainbow Fish, followed by hands-on ocean crafts, a snack that ties into the story, and open access to an Imaginative Play area for a two-hour session. Key features include the curated play zone—designed for tactile exploration—the craft table where children decorate paper scales and shells, a snack pause with a dry cereal treat, and a small Book Fair that lets kids spend 'Book Fair Bucks' to choose their own reading. That combination of guided storytelling and child-led play is what makes the event a standout in the local family scene.

Visiting families will find the venue uniquely social: part café, part play lab, Home & Harvest is a community hub where parents linger over coffee while children practice sharing, fine motor skills, and independence. The Rainbow Fish theme foregrounds lessons about kindness and friendship through colorful, ocean-inspired props and sensory stations rather than passive entertainment. Sessions are sensory-friendly and paced so children can opt into activities; that flexibility makes it accessible for a wide range of early childhood temperaments.

Practical details matter. Sessions run multiple times daily—morning through early evening—with each booking granting two hours in the play area. Tickets include the story time when it aligns with your session, the themed craft, a snack, and a prize-box pick. Cafe purchases are available separately. Parents should arrive promptly to get the full experience and may add Book Fair Bucks at checkout to encourage early reading choices.

This event is also a small lesson in community literacy: the Book Fair and prize options connect reading with positive experiences, and staff-guided interactions promote social learning in a supervised environment. For travelers staying in Altoona, it’s a worthwhile half-day activity that pairs well with local parks or museums. Home & Harvest’s playful approach—anchored in a single picture book—turns a short visit into a memorable, hands-on celebration of creativity, sharing, and the small rituals that help kids learn to play together.

Registering is simple via Home & Harvest booking link; sessions are best for toddlers through early elementary and accommodate caregivers staying with children. Strollers can often be parked aside, and staff can answer accessibility questions on arrival. Bring a change of clothes for messy crafts and a curious attitude—this program packs a dose of playful learning into your visit, and smiles.

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.