Stocking up on summer activities
As the Valley schools begin letting out for the summer, parents, grandparents and caregivers need a few activities to have in their back pocket to keep the kiddos occupied.
SteelStacks has something for everyone this summer with the special SensoryFriendly Family Movie Series returning, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network. The series focuses on providing a welcoming environment for individuals with autism.
SteelStacks kicked off the series this week with “Mary Poppins Returns.” However, the series runs through Aug. 21. Movies in this series are shown 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, in the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema of the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.
Specifically designed for children and adults living with autism, this program allows everyone to experience seeing the movies on the big screen. As part of the film screenings, talking and walking are permitted, while stimming (self-regulation behavior) is encouraged. The theater’s house lights are dimmed but remain on, while the film volume is lowered and previews are eliminated, in an effort to provide a comfortable viewing experience for attendees. Additionally, families with special dietary needs are allowed to bring food from home.
The current SensoryFriendly Family Movie Series lineup is: Babe, June 19; Mulan; June 26; Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, July 10; Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse, July 17; Peter Rabbit, July 24; Finding Nemo, July 31; Incredibles 2, Aug. 14; and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Aug. 21.
Tickets for each film can be reserved for free by calling the ArtsQuest box office at 610332-3378 or visiting the ArtsQuest Center, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem.
A traditional format showing of this free movie series will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights at Levitt Pavilion, 645 E. First St., Bethlehem..
Editorial Assistant Jessica Johnson can be reached at 610-778-2262 or email at jjohnson@mcall.com.
Father’s Day Weekend at the Zoo — Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville: Celebrate Father’s Day with a fun-filled lineup, including stations to hand-make gifts for Dad. From 10:30-11:30 a.m. each day the Conservation Educators will be mingling about with a variety of our Ambassador Animals; there will also be a character meet-and-greet with Captain American and Captain Marvel, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. each day. On Sunday, Geakers will be selling $1 hot dogs. Admission to the zoo is $14.50; $13.50, seniors; $12.50, ages 2-11; free, under 2. The zoo is located at 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville. Info: 610-799-4170; www.lvzoo.org.
Screen on the Green — Zoellner Arts Center, Bethlehem: Another opportunity for free movie fun this summer will be at the Zoellner Arts Center for Screen on the Green. Watch a movie under the stars in gorgeous gardens.
Lawn games & entertainment provided. Movie starts at sundown. The summer schedule is The Secret Life of Pets, June 14; Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone, June 28; E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, July 12; The Nightmare Before Christmas, July 26; Zootopia, Aug. 9; and The Wizard of Oz, Aug. 23. (On the Greenway between Adams & New streets). Zoellner Arts Center is located 420 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem. Meter parking is available and free after 9 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the movie will move indoors and start at 8 p.m. Information: 610-419-9180.
Full Moon Family Fun —
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton: Pack up the kids and join one of the sanctuary’s educators Sunday night for a family moon walk to South Lookout. Visitors will use their senses to experience nature at night while participating in activities and games for the entire family. The event runs 8-10 p.m. meeting at the visitors center. Cost: $10, members; $15, non-members, 1 adult and 1 child, additional family members $5 each. Hawk Mountain is located at 1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton. Information and to register: 610-756-6961.