What ages is this Read & Play best for?

Sessions work best for ages roughly two to six, but caregivers may bring younger or older siblings; activities are open-ended rather than structured instruction.

How long is each session?

Each reservation includes a two-hour session in the Imaginative Play area, including storytime, play stations, and a craft.

Is the snack included?

Yes — a themed dry cereal snack and a take-home craft are included in the session; café purchases are extra.

Can I buy items for my child at the Book Fair?

Yes. You can add Book Fair Bucks to your reservation to let children shop independently during or after the session.

Do I need to stay with my child?

Caregivers should remain on-site to supervise; the environment encourages independent play but does not replace supervision.

Is the space sensory-friendly?

Yes. Sessions are designed to be sensory-friendly and allow children to participate at their own pace, with staff rotating materials to suit different needs.

read-play-berenstain-bears-on-the-job-home-and-harvest

At Home & Harvest, Read & Play — The Berenstain Bears on the Job invites families to celebrate Labor Day week with storytime and hands-on career play. Located in Altoona, Pennsylvania (meeting point: 142 E. Pitt Street Bedford, PA 15522), this two-hour themed session blends an enthusiastic reading of The Berenstain Bears on the Job with sensory stations, crafts, and imaginative role-play that introduces children to community helpers. Step inside the Imaginative Play area and the scene shifts: a mock farm corner, building bench, pretend classroom, and mini storefront give tangible form to the jobs kids see every day. Key features include an interactive story circle, career-themed sensory play bins, a take-home craft station, and a snack that ties into the week’s book. The program schedules story readings throughout the day—7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, and 5:30pm—so families can pick a session that fits nap and travel rhythms. What makes this offering stand out locally is how it combines a café atmosphere with developmental play. Parents can unwind with handcrafted drinks while kids explore role-based toys, practice simple transactions at the Book Fair (optional Book Fair Bucks encourage early money skills), and build fine-motor confidence with crafts. The event’s sensory-friendly structure lets children opt into activities without rigid instruction, making it welcoming for a range of temperaments and developmental stages. The choice of The Berenstain Bears on the Job as the centerpiece gives the program narrative weight. The Berenstain Bears series dates to the early 1960s, and introducing real-world roles through a beloved picture book helps connect reading comprehension with practical life concepts. This Read & Play is especially useful for families traveling through the Altoona-Bedford corridor who want a low-stress morning or afternoon activity for young children. Practical details: each reservation grants two hours in the play space and includes a craft and a themed snack; café purchases are extra. Sessions are suitable for preschool-aged children and caregivers; the environment supports open-ended play rather than a formal class. To make the most of your visit, arrive on time to enjoy story reading, consider adding Book Fair Bucks to foster independence, and dress kids in outfits that match dream jobs for extra fun. Tip: Sessions work especially well for ages two to six, though younger siblings are welcome; caregivers must supervise and can preload Book Fair Bucks at checkout. Café seating accommodates strollers and high chairs; arriving 10–15 minutes early eases check-in. Staff rotate sensory materials weekly, so repeat visits reveal new props and surprises. Whether you’re local or passing through, this event is a compact, thoughtful blend of literacy, play, and community-learning that translates an afternoon into a hands-on lesson about work, cooperation, and imagination.

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.