Family events in Wilkes-Barre, PA

This two-hour beginner workshop introduces the craft of spinning your own yarn with a traditional Turkish spindle. Geared toward ages 12 and up, the session walks participants through the fundamentals while they create a first handspun yarn. Each person receives a Snyder Spindles Classic Turkish spindle made of maple in standard size, plus about 2 ounces of wool fiber to use during class and continue practicing at home. Instruction covers drafting fiber for even results, getting started on the spindle, managing and controlling twist, basic plying, and how to care for and maintain a Turkish spindle. By the end, participants will understand the core mechanics of spinning and feel ready to keep making yarn at home. Reservations are required through Back Mountain Makery, and comments offering tickets are not authorized sellers. Workshops are non-refundable for no-shows or no-calls. Cancellations should be made at least 72 hours in advance; later cancellations may be eligible for store credit or a refund minus 10 percent to cover fees. Parking is available in the side lot, and the side entrance may be used. Please do not block the alley or park directly in front of neighboring businesses to keep spaces open for their customers.

Newborn Essentials from PAK Pediatrics is a welcoming, interactive program designed to support the earliest weeks of life with a new baby. Led by experienced pediatricians and child care experts, the sessions share evidence-based guidance on feeding, sleep routines, and infant health in a warm, supportive setting. The format encourages conversation and questions, helping new mothers build confidence while connecting with others to share experiences and form lasting friendships. Created to feel intimate and personalized, it blends practical instruction with community to make navigating early parenthood more manageable.

WVCA’s long-running community Walk-A-Thon returns at the WVCA school, bringing people together to learn about WVCA and raise funds that support its programs. For more than 30 years, this signature gathering has focused on families and features an outdoor walk alongside plenty of activities for all ages. Attendees can look forward to children’s activities, food, character meet and greets, community vendors, and more. The day moves from registration to the walk, then continues with post-walk activities and lunch. It happens rain or shine, with indoor activities planned if the weather does not cooperate. Tickets will be on sale soon, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Entry fees are non-refundable and set at $25 for adult pre-registration or $30 at the door, $15 for ages 7 to 13, and free for children 6 and under. The event takes place in the WVCA school parking lot, with designated parking at Hugh B Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home.

Paint your own pottery during an open glazing session at Peaceful Potter. Drop-ins are welcome, and booking ahead is encouraged with at least 12 hours notice. Choose a pre-made, pre-fired piece from a wide selection, let the team know what you selected, add your glaze design, then leave it to be fired. Plan to pick up your finished piece in about two weeks. No prior art experience is needed. Staff can demonstrate techniques like double loading brushes, blending color gradients, and planning layouts, and they can provide stencil outlines that burn away in the kiln so only your design remains. Each item is individually labeled with its price, which includes glazing, firing, and common add-ons such as lights, stoppers, or corks. Options span many styles and budgets, starting around $4, with many pieces typically between $15 and $25. There are no extra charges for glaze, studio time, palettes, or kiln firing. If you are short on time or unable to return for pickup, you can take a project to paint at home. An acrylic paint kit is provided at no additional cost. Stay as long as you like within open hours. Snacks and nonalcoholic beverages are welcome, but alcohol is not permitted. Selections are refreshed often, with Christmas and spooky themes available year round. Many pieces are created in house, including vintage pours cast from early 1900s molds, small seasonal flats for décor or magnets, durable tableware that is microwave and dishwasher safe, handmade pottery shaped on the wheel or built by hand, and handmade ornaments offered throughout the year. Parties, off-site events, and wholesale options for organizations are also available.

Paint your own pottery during an open glaze session at Peaceful Potter. You can drop in without an appointment, though reserving a spot at least 12 hours in advance is encouraged. Choose from a selection of already made and bisque-fired pieces, let the team know what you picked, add your glaze design, and leave it to be kiln fired. Finished work is typically ready for pickup in about two weeks. Guidance is available for every skill level, including brush techniques like double loading and ombre, help with planning your design, and optional stencils whose lines burn away in the kiln so only your artwork remains. Each item is individually priced and that price includes glazing, firing, and common add-ons such as lights, stoppers, or corks. There is a wide range of options from simple to ornate, starting at $4, with many pieces commonly in the $15 to $25 range. There are no extra fees for glazing, seating, palettes, or kiln use. If you are short on time or unable to return, you may take the project home to paint with a complimentary acrylic kit. Stay as long as you like within open hours. Snacks and nonalcoholic drinks are welcome. The selection features year-round holiday and spooky themes, frequent restocks, and many pieces made in house for something unique. Highlights include Vintage Pours from early 1900s molds, Seasonal Flats that work as decorations, magnets, or frame accents across more than 50 themed sets, functional tableware that becomes dishwasher and microwave safe after glazing and firing, wheel-thrown and handbuilt pieces crafted by the studio’s artists, and handmade ornaments available throughout the year. The studio also supports parties, off-site events, and wholesale orders for organizations.

At Abide Coffeehouse, a casual swap market invites people to bring books, games, clothing, home decor, and other items they no longer need to trade for fresh finds. It is an easy way to refresh your space, uncover hidden gems, and connect with the community over coffee. Whether you have swapped many times or are trying it for the first time, the focus is on sharing, discovering, and meeting new friends. No rules, no pressure... simply bring items and an open mind for a lively, friendly exchange.