Grab & Go: Pets, Roller Derby and Free Rita's Ices

The Reading Pet Expo, LV Roller Derby and Indoor Football highlight some of the fun family events this weekend. Top off the weekend with a tasty treat at the much anticipated reopening of Rita’s Ice on Sunday.  

FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

• READING PET EXPO (HORSE AND PET EXPO)

Where/When: Great Reading Expo Center, 2525 N. 12th St, Reading, Friday 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Why Go: Rainforest Reptile Show need I say more? Ok, if you are not a parseltongue (that's a Harry Potter reference, parents), you can learn how to communicate with your animal thanks to educational demonstrations by Karen Kober.  Oh, and there is more; the canine flyball, Frisbee and freestyle demonstrations, not to mention cats from around the world, fainting goat demos and the Piggyvilla stage show.  If you love animals, this is your bag.

Pricing: Admission: Adults, $12.00, Children 3- 11, $5.00; Children under 3 are free.  Friday is family night, all children 12 and under free.  Coupons and discounts available online.

• BUILD A BLUEBIRD HOUSE  (LAKE NOCKAMIXION)

Where/When: Nockamixon State Park, Weisel Hostel, 1542 Mountain View Dr. Quakertown, Saturday, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Why Go: The Education Center at the park will teach the kids about birds and show them the best places to mount bird houses. You will need a Philips Head screwdriver or electric drill to put the box together. Even if you don’t get there for the demonstration, the park is a beautiful family escape with picnic areas, fishing holes, horseback riding and cross country trails. 

Pricing: $8 per box.  Registration required (215) – 529-7307

• STORY BOOK FUN ()

Where/When: Crayola Factory Discovery Center, Easton; Saturday, 2:00 p.m.

Why Go: A party with Alice, the Mad Hatter and other characters, complete with cake, ice cream, music and games.  Sounds like fun to me.

Pricing: $9.75 per person, 2 and under free. Call (610) 515-8000 for reservations.

• LEHIGH VALLEY HISSY FITS VS. CENTRAL NEW YORK ROLLER DERBY (LEHIGH VALLEY ROLLER GIRLS)

Where/When: Independence Family Fun Center in Schnecksville, Saturday 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., doors open at 5 p.m.,

Why Go: No kidding; roller derby. Not since “Whip It” have you seen this kind of action on wheels.

Pricing:  Tickets $12 tickets at the door, Kids 10 and under $6.

• LEHIGH VALLEY STEEL HAWKS VS RICHMOND HOME OPENER (TICKET MASTER)

Where/When: Stabler Arena, Saturday 7 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Why Go: Just because the NFL and AFL teams are done for the season doesn’t mean football is sidelined. The Lehigh Valley’s own Indoor Football League keeps the action going as they strive to bring the United Bowl Trophy back to the valley. They call it the greatest show on turf for a reason!

Pricing: Tickets: $14.75 for bleacher seating; $26.50 - $38.

• RITA’S FIRST DAY SPRING FREE ICE GIVEAWAY (Rita's Ice)

Where/When: Any Open Rita’s Italian Ice Store, Sunday at 12 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Why Go: You have been craving Rita’s Ice all winter and finally, they will open their little windows and dole out that creamy gelato with their tasty, fruity flavors of Italian ice. Raspberry, Pistachio, Lemon, Mango, Root Beer, Passion Fruit and more or your favorites.

Pricing: Free 10 o.z. cups of Italian Ice. 

• WINTER CHILDREN’S SERIES WITH ROBBI K ( )

Where/When: Godfrey Daniels, 7 East 4th St. Bethlehem, Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Why Go: Robbi K is a Parents’ Choice Award winning storyteller who uses the entire audience as part of the rhythm makers in her interactive story telling. She will have you and your family singing, clapping, chanting and laughing as she acts out the many characters of her folktales. 

Pricing: Admission is $4.50, Children 5 and under are free.