Reading is a quaint little town nestled in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. With a population of just over 10,000 people, Reading offers something for everyone who visits.
Whether you’re looking for a place to hike, spend time with friends, or just relax, Reading has something for everyone.
Some of the best things to do in Reading include taking a walk through the downtown district, experiencing the local eateries and boutiques, enjoying a picnic lunch in one of the park’s many green spaces or checking out some of the local historical sites.
There are certainly more than enough fun activities to keep you entertained here, in that light, let’s consider some of the best things to do in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Things To Do In Reading
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1. Tour The Antietam Lake
Approximately 13 miles from Reading, Antietam Lake is a reservoir lake in Berks County that is part of the Antietam Lake Park.
The lake offers a tranquil location for picnics, fishing, hiking, riding, and simply taking in the peace and quiet since it is surrounded by 643 acres of picturesque park property.
2. Visit The Daniel Boone Homestead
Daniel Boone, a well-known American frontiersman, was born at the Daniel Boone Homestead. The log cottage Boone’s father built in 1731 still has its original basement in the current home.
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is in charge of running the museum at this historical site in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania.
The museum chronicles Daniel Boone’s youth, the daily life of the Boone, Maugridge, and DeTurk families that resided there, as well as the early 18th-century residents in Pennsylvania’s Oley Valley.
Original furnishings and farming equipment can be found in the renovated house and barn. There are several nice hiking trails and picnic areas in the neighborhood, which is a component of the historic park.
3. See A Show At Genesius Theatre
An outlet, the Genesius Theatre in Reading, Pennsylvania, initially welcomed guests in 1971. It was a performance space in 1974 that focuses on musicals.
Its main stage can hold 103 guests, plus 18 in the balcony, and it can also accommodate 4 to 6 weeks of kid’s summer theater camps in addition to two or three performances for kids and teenagers each year. It also serves as a learning center for kids.
4. Take On A Ceramics Class At GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
Looking to add some fun and excitement to your Reading life? Why not take on a ceramics class at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts?
With talented instructors and plenty of opportunities to explore new techniques, this program is perfect for anyone looking to gain new skills or simply have a lot of fun.
From beginner to advanced, there’s a class for everyone at GoggleWorks. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today!
5. Pay A Visit To The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum
If you’re looking for a fun and unusual place to visit, make a trip to the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum. Located in Reading, Pennsylvania, this museum houses a vast collection of vintage aircraft, including some of the world’s most famous planes.
Even if you’re not interested in aviation history, it’s still worth checking out this museum.
The grounds are beautiful and the exhibits are well-organized. You’ll be able to see everything from antique military planes to modern jets.
6. Go Biking Or Bird Watching At Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center
If you’re looking for a fun and interesting way to spend your day, consider biking or bird watching at the Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center.
This scenic spot is perfect for people of all ages, as there are plenty of trails to choose from and plenty of wildlife to see.
Whether you’re a beginner cyclist or an experienced birder, the center has something for you. Plus, the natural beauty of Nolde Forest will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. So why not give it a try today?
7. Reading Co. Technical and Historical Society
This nonprofit organization called the Reading Company Technical and Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the legacy and history of the Reading Railroad.
In Hamburg, Pennsylvania, they run the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum.
When the museum first opened to the public in 2008, it told the tale of Pennsylvania’s once-famous Reading Railroad, which transported coal.
Reading Railroad, once among the biggest companies in the world, is best known now for its inclusion in the Monopoly board game.
The Reading Railroad is represented in the museum, which is currently in its early stages of development, through old locomotives, pictures, railroad carriages, records, and relics.
8. Watch The Reading Fightin Phils
Reading, Pennsylvania is a small town located in Berks County and its baseball team, the Reading Fightin Phils have been around since 1887.
The Phils play their home games at Coca-Cola Park which has a capacity of 5,500 fans. They are a member of the Eastern League and have won two league championships (1973, 1985).
The team competes in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League, and FirstEnergy Stadium serves as their home field.
Since 1967, the class-AA Philadelphia Phillies’ affiliate has been the Fightin Phils. The franchise has generated several baseball stars as a result of having the longest streak in Minor League Baseball.
Attending Fightin Phils games is a well-liked family activity in Reading, and there are frequent surprises like giveaways and fireworks.
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9. Tour The Reading Public Museum
The Reading Public Museum in West Reading, Pennsylvania, was founded by Dr. Levi W. Mengel in 1913 as the Reading Public Museum and Art Gallery with a donation of an ancient collection as well as scientific and anthropological resources.
The museum has always been at the leading edge of interactive and practical education.
A diverse array of exhibits, including paintings, sculptures, armor, and artifacts from various world civilizations, are displayed in the galleries of the museum today, which focus on civilization, natural history, art, and science.
10. Discover All About Reading’s history at Berks History Center
The Berks History Center, which has a collection of more than 20,000 items, uses a variety of exhibits to highlight the county’s history.
Through the different educational exhibits that include papers and collectibles from furniture, art, historical artifacts, and mementos, you may learn about the nation and its past.
Its collection of vehicles, which includes vintage bicycles, horse-drawn streetcars, and automobiles from the turn of the century, is noteworthy. On the property, there is also a library devoted to historical and genealogical research.
11. Go Rock Climbing At Reading Rocks
Reading Rocks is a sizable indoor facility for rock climbing and allied sports including ropes courses and rappelling.
The Nicros Custom Rock is made to resemble genuine rock as closely as possible.
For seasoned climbers, it is possible to hire chalk bags, shoes, and harnesses.
Their staff provides instructions on how to belay or use the rope system, for first-time guests. The admittance fee includes free belay instruction. Additionally, there are frequent seminars, classes, and courses.
12. Enjoy Great Beers At The Barley Mow
With a wide variety of beers and regular live music, West Reading’s The Barley Mow is a well-known brewpub.
With over 750 different beers from 100 American craft brewers, they have earned the right to call themselves “tap pullers, beer experts, growler fillers, and food lovers.”
With exposed brick walls and a bar made of stacked stones, their pub provides a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere for drinking beer with like-minded people.
They provide a sizable, constantly-changing assortment of beers on tap in addition to their enormous selection of bottled and canned beers, also they provide a limited number of house-made snacks, However, there are nearby restaurants where you can get proper food.
13. Spend Time At The Knight’s Pub
What better way to spend your weekend nights than at the Stokesay Castle’s Knights Pub.
The Knight’s Bar is a sizable traditional English pub with lovely décor and contemporary conveniences that is housed in a lovely 1931 castle built in the manner of the ancient English castles from the 13th century.
This pub offers both indoor and outdoor dining options, as well as a fire pit outside for chilly nights.
The Knight’s Pub is renowned for its happy hours, fine dining, daily specials, and live entertainment on the weekends. Everyone can find something on the diverse menu.
14. Have Fun At Pendora Park
Looking for something fun to do in Reading, Pennsylvania? Look no further than Pendora Park!
This park offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages, including a playground, a basketball court, and a baseball diamond.
If you’re looking to take a break from the summer heat, Pendora Park is the perfect place to do so.
15. Explore Feed Man Gallery
Looking for something fun to do in Reading, Pennsylvania? Consider exploring the Feed Man Gallery! This gallery is full of interesting artifacts and displays that will make you appreciate the history of Reading.
You’ll be able to see exhibits on everything from local railroad history to everyday objects used in the early days of printing. So why not come check out the Feed Man Gallery today?
16. See The Reading Pagoda Structure
The famous Reading Pagoda Structure is a must-see for visitors to Reading, Pennsylvania.
The pagoda, which was built in 1927, is a beautiful example of Chinese architecture and has been a popular tourist destination for many years.
The pagoda is located just north of the Reading Railroad Station and can be seen from many locations around the city. Visitors can climb to the top of the pagoda to take in a 360-degree view of Reading.
17. Take A Tour Of The Reading Area Firefighters Museum
In Reading, Pennsylvania, visitors can take a tour of the Reading Area Firefighters Museum.
This museum is dedicated to the firefighters who have fought fires in Reading and throughout Pennsylvania.
The museum has exhibits that focus on the history of firefighting, as well as equipment used by firefighters.
There is also a section that features memorabilia from famous firefighter incidents in Reading. This unique museum is a great place to learn about the history of firefighting in Reading and Pennsylvania.
18. Explore The Nature Place
If you’re looking for a nature-filled destination to explore in Reading, Pennsylvania, then Nature Place is definitely a spot worth checking out!
This 35-acre park offers plenty of trails to take while exploring the diverse flora and fauna that call the park home.
Whether you’re looking to take in a tranquil forest walk or take in some spectacular views of the city skyline from atop one of the many hills, there’s sure to be something here for everyone.
Also, if you’re looking to soak up some local history while you’re at it, be sure to check out the museum on site!
19. Attend A Concert At Santander Performing Arts Center
If you’re in the mood for some fun in Reading, PA, why not attend a concert at Santander Performing Arts Center? The center has a wide range of events to choose from, and you’re bound to find something that’s perfect for your mood.
Whether you’re looking for an energetic show to get your adrenaline pumping or something more mellow and relaxing, there’s sure to be something on the schedule that meets your needs.
Plus, with seating options ranging from general admission floor seating to VIP lounge seats, there’s sure to be a spot near you that’ll allow you to enjoy the show uninterrupted.
So what are you waiting for? Come check out Santander Performing Arts Center today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you spend a day in reading?
Some ways you can spend a day in reading are:
Basildon Park.
Beale Park.
Wellington Country Park.
Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre.
The Museum of English Rural Life.
What can you do in reading with no money?
Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre.
The Museum of English Rural Life.
Reading Museum.
Kennet & Avon Canal.
Forbury Gardens.
Is reading a nice place to live?
Living in Reading will provide residents with great nightlife and a warm community feel.
What is reading best known for?
Reading is known for its regional retail centre, serving a large area of the Thames Valley with its shopping centre.
What is the best area to live in Reading?
The number one best place to live in Reading is Lower Earley & Earley.
Is Reading expensive to live?
A single person estimated monthly costs are 849$ (732£) without rent.
Is Reading the biggest town in England?
Reading is a large city, but it is not the biggest town in England.
Is Reading a nice place to live 2022?
Yes, Reading is a very nice place to live in the UK.
Is Reading UK good for family?
Research has been revealed that Reading is one of the top five cities in the UK to raise a family.
Why is Reading not made a city?
Reading cannot be made a city, without a a Royal Charter, which is a grant given by the Queen.
Conclusion
There are many great things to do in Reading, Pennsylvania. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy yourself, this is the perfect town for you!
Whether you’re looking for a day out with friends, want to explore a new attraction, or just want to relax and take in the scenery, there is something for everyone.
So whether you’re new to the area or have been living here all your life, make sure to check out these fun and best things to do in Reading!
