Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, the city of Reading has a long history, dating back to 1758. Close to Philadelphia, the city historically was on a strategic transportation route that contributed its growth and was home to one of the first railroads of the country, Reading Railroad. Today the city is counted amongst the upcoming neighbourhoods of the country and is expanding at a fast pace. Reflecting upon this, the city offers a rich amalgam of history, art and culture, lush nature and great nightlife. So there are lots to do and enjoy here! Find out the best things to do in Reading, Pennsylvania, with our list that has a great selection of different experiences.
1. Enjoy soaring views from Pagoda Reading
This Japanese-style pagoda building may seem a surprising sight in a Midwest city, but it is today is the defining icon of the Greater Reading Area! Set atop Mt. Penn on the outskirts of the city, this 72-feet (22 m) novelty building dates from 1908 when it was built as a part of a failed plan to develop a resort. Now you can walk up through its many levels and enjoy the panoramic views of the city below and the surrounding hills. Going all the way to the top involving climbing 87 steps so it’s not for everyone but you can always relax at the small cafe and explore the onsite museum/gift store. Don’t forget to check it out at night, when it is lit up in red, creating an ethereal sight.
The Pagoda Reading
Address: 98 Duryea Dr, Reading
Website: The Pagoda Reading
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 12pm - 6pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
2. Explore cultural treasures at Reading Public Museum
The Reading Public Museum’s collection is surprisingly extensive at over 300,000 artefacts and spans many subjects including art, natural history, history and world cultures. Spread over three floors, the museum has separate sections dedicated to the different art forms and civilisations. The museum also frequently brings in temporary exhibits and holds special events. On its grounds, you will additionally find a planetarium and a gorgeous arboretum. Be sure to walk around the beautiful grounds of the arboretum and admire the sculpture garden there.
Reading Public Museum
Address: 500 Museum Road, Reading
Website: Reading Public Museum.
Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
3. Marvel at the exhibits of GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
Located inside a historic factory building the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is today a hub for arts. Spread over five floors, this 145,000-square-feet (13,470.9 square metres) building was once the Willson Goggle Factory Building. Now you will find inside an interactive visual art centre, several exhibition galleries, art studios, seven teaching studios (for varied mediums like glass, jewellery and wood) plus a movie theatre that shows an art-house film every day. Also on site is a store that retails art pieces direct from over 200 artists. Stop in at the cafe inside if you feel like a bite.
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
Address: 201 Washington Street, Reading
Website: GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free
4. Get to know Reading's history at Berks History Center
With a collection of over 20,000 items, the Berks History Center showcases the history of the county through its diverse exhibits. Learn about the country and its history through the various informative displays consisting of documents and collectables across furniture, art, historical artefacts and memorabilia. Of particular note is its collection of vehicles - they range from antique bicycles to horse-drawn streetcars and turn-of-the-century automobiles There’s also a library on the grounds that is dedicated to genealogical and historical research.
Berks History Center
Address: 940 Centre Ave, Reading,
Website: Berks History Center
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 3pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 7 USD
5. See vintage airplanes up close at Aviation Mid Atlantic Air Museum
An aviation fan or a WW2 buff? You will love Mid Atlantic Air Museum (MAAM), a museum that looks to put the spotlight on the contribution of the Mid-Atlantic region on the field of aviation. Located on an active airport, the museum showcases different facets of aviation history through a selection of restored vintage aircraft and related memorabilia. Join in one of the guided tours usually led by vets or retired pilots guaranteeing you a knowledgeable and fun experience. The museum’s WWII Weekend held in June every year is a must-visit- there are airshows, re-enactments, and even aircrafts rides!
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Mid-Atlantic Air Museum
Address: 11 Museum Road,Reading
Website: Mid-Atlantic Air Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 9.30am - 4pm; Sat: 9.30am - 4pm (closed on Fri & Sun)
Price: 8 USD
6. Escape the city with a trip to Gring's Mill Recreation Area
Posted by Jessica Quintero on Thursday, 8 August 2019
If you are looking for some peace and quiet, then Gring’s Mill Recreation Area is the place for you. This picturesque park offers a scenic walking path alongside a river, gorgeous grounds and several facilities like picnic areas, children’s play area, outdoor fitness equipment and sports grounds. The river is stocked with trout yearly so it makes for a great fishing spot. You can also go on a longer hike as the part’s trail links up to those of Blue Marsh Lake and Schuylkill River Trail.
Gring's Mill Recreation Area
Address: 2083 Tulpehocken Rd, Reading
Website: Gring’s Mill Recreation Area
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
7. Visit The Nature Place
Located inside the Angelica Creek Park, The Nature Place is an initiative of local environmental conservationist organisation Berks Nature. A place that’s been designed to get close to nature, there are wetland trails to explore, as well as demonstration and teaching gardens where you can get hands on. For kids, the Nature Play Zone is a specially created environment for unstructured free play in a natural setting. The centre hosts a variety of programs themed around nature and environment regularly that you can check out. Do tour the building which has been LEED-Gold certified, a rare certification for green buildings.
Berks Nature/The Nature Place
Address: 575 St. Bernardine Street, Reading
Website: Berks Nature/The Nature Place
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
8. Spend a day bird-watching at Nolde Forest
We have our own sort of fireworks here at Nolde Forest. The rhododendrons are in bloom!
Posted by Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center on Thursday, 4 July 2019
A popular spot for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography, Nolde Forest is a haven of natural beauty developed specially by Jacob Nolde in the early 1900s, Wander about in this lush forest spread over 665 acres (269 ha) and breathe in its fresh air. Its dense forest cover of deciduous woodlands and coniferous plantations hosts a multitude of walking trails, ponds and streams, offering insights into the local flora and fauna. The Centre offers a number of education programs on environmental awareness as well.
Nolde Forest
Address: 2910 New Holland Rd, Reading
Website: Nolde Forest
9. Unravel universal secrets at Neag Planetarium
Located within Reading Public Museum, the Neag Planetarium is a wonderful way to experience the skies above. There are three shows offered daily where a guide helps you understand more about the wonders of our universe. The weekly It’s Floyd Final Friday show is a fun event where you can enjoy a laser show set to music. There are other regular shows like Star Shows to check out, as well as one-off themed programs that educate on different topics.
Neag Planetarium
Address: 500 Museum Road, Reading
Website: Neag Planetarium
Opening hours: Shows: 2pm, 3pm, 4pm (daily)
Price: 8 USD
10. Uncover little-known tidbits of skiing history at Pennsylvania SnowSports Museum
Posted by PA SnowSports Museum on Monday, 29 June 2015
This unique museum is dedicated to preserving the winter sports heritage of Pennsylvania. The museum’s displays showcase the growth and evolution of skiing through exhibits of historic photos, equipment and memorabilia. It also highlights the pioneers and significant contributors to the sport by presenting their biographies. The museum is spread across three locations with the primary one located in Camelback Ski Area’s base lodge. Additional exhibits are located at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts at Reading, the Ski Liberty Mountain Resort and Bear Creek Mountain Resort.
Pennsylvania SnowSports Museum
Address: Goggleworks Suite 506 A 201 Washington Sreet, Reading
Website: Pennsylvania SnowSports Museum
11. Head to Franklin Street Station for its history and architecture
Once a busy railway station connecting the city to the rest of the country, Franklin Street Station now hosts a gastropub, Saucony Creek Craft Brewery + Pub. Originally built in the 1930s, this historical building was extensively restored in 2013. Featuring a soaring 30-feet (9.1 metres) high box ceiling, walls with intricate detailing and terrazzo floors, the building is a great example of the Renaissance Revival Architectural style. Step into the pub to soak in the ambience of this historic building and enjoy one of Saucony Creek’s craft beers. Watch out for an up-close view of the trains that pass by several times a day from its three-story arched windows.
Franklin Street Station
Address: Franklin & 7th Streets, Reading
Website: Franklin Street Station
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
12. Enjoy live performances at Santander Arena
This multi-purpose arena is one of Reading’s major entertainment, sports and convention venues. Developed on the site where the grand Astor Theatre once stood, Santander Arena still retains some of the theatre’s ornate Art Deco style as seen in its chandeliers and gates. Its location downtown puts you close to happening bars and restaurants, making it easy to have a fun evening. The venue frequently hosts concerts and plays as well as live performances. It also is the home of Reading’s home ice hockey team Reading Royals.
Santander Arena
Address: 700 Penn St, Reading
Website: Santander Arena
13. Absorb the history of firefighting at Reading Area Firefighters Museum
Know all about the history of firefighting in the region with a visit to this museum and appreciate the historic building it is housed in. The building dates from the 1800s and was the erstwhile headquarters of the fire company Liberty Fire Co. No 5. Today you can walk around the three-storied brick building to take in the elegance and get a peek into the area’s fire service and the life of firemen through the years via the museum’s collection that encompasses firefighting memorabilia, furnishings and related information.
Reading Area Firefighters Museum
Address: 501 South Fifth St, Reading
Website: Reading Area Firefighters Museum
Opening hours: Thu: 9am - 12pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed from Sun - Wed & Fri)
Price: 5 USD
14. Enjoy a picnic at Pendora Park
Posted by Jeannette G Esparra on Monday, 27 May 2019
Pendora Park began life as an amusement park in 1907 but was converted into a public park and playground after a devastating fire in 1911. Walk around enjoying the park’s lush greenery and the soothing views by the river. Don’t miss checking out the small waterfall! The park includes several amenities including a children’s play area, picnic spots, pavilions and sports facilities.
Pendora Park
Address: 1805 Forrest St, Reading
Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)
15. Visit an art exhibition at Freedman Gallery
The Freedman Gallery hosted by local university Albright College is a permanent art gallery that showcases art by contemporary living American artists. The art shows display works across different mediums including painting, glass/ceramic, metal, and digital medial. The gallery also frequently organises shows based on works loaned from collectors, other museums and galleries. Look out for its annual exhibition based on works created by Albright students.
Freedman Gallery
Address: 13th & Bern Streets, Reading
Website: Freedman Gallery
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Sat)
16. Attempt to climb up the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower
Just down the road from the landmark Pagoda atop Mt. Penn, there sits a 120-feet (36 metres) tall watchtower that offers the best possible views of the city beneath and the rolling hills of Berks County. Lesser known than the Pagoda, William Penn Memorial Fire Tower was built in 1939 using fireproof materials like brick, concrete and native fieldstone in order to watch over the nearby woodlands for fires. There’s a 120-step steel stairway that goes to the glass-covered observation deck which offers a spectacular nearly 60-mile (97 kilometres) view all around. A recent restoration effort though limited has made the tower safe again for climbing.
William Penn Memorial Fire Tower
Address: 21 Skyline Dr, Reading
Website: William Penn Memorial Fire Tower
Opening hours: Every third Sat and second Sun: 12pm - 4pm
17. Go biking on Mount Penn Preserve's challenging trails
Mount Penn Preserve encompasses the stretches of woodlands all around Mount Penn, above the city of Reading. This lush nature preserve includes hiking and biking trails as well as the iconic landmarks of the city Pagoda, and the Fire Tower. Numerous events and activities are frequently organised on its grounds including concerts, farmers markets, nature camps, walking tours and more. The Preserve also includes Antietam Lake Park so you can also head out there for some fishing or boating.
Mount Penn Preserve
Address: 1483-1559 Oak Lane, Reading
Website: Mount Penn Preserve
18. Walk across the historic Wertz's Covered Bridge
Get a taste of the olden times with a walk across this historic wooden bridge that goes across the Tulpehocken Creek. Built in 1867 and restored in the 1980s, this 204-feet-long (62 metres) bridge links the townships of Bern and Spring. The bridge is one of the five covered bridges that remain today in Berks County and is the state’s largest single-span bridge. The bridge serves as the entrance to the Berks County Heritage Center. Built using the Burr Arch Truss design, the bridge is a testament to the engineering and engineering skills of yore.
Wertz's Covered Bridge
Address: 102 Red Bridge Rd, Reading,
Website: Wertz’s Covered Bridge
19. Admire the ingenuity of Gruber Wagon Works' manufacturing process
Get an insight into how an early-1900s wagon-manufacturer operated at this open-air museum. Built in 1882, Gruber Wagon Works was a major producer of wagons, using mass-production methods within an integrated factory. A few decades after its closure, the factory was relocated in 1976 and restored to make it into a museum. Spread over two-and-a-half-stories, the factory ingeniously integrates different processes under one roof, a brilliant example of rural American manufacturing. The factory is split into different functional areas like a woodshop, a blacksmithy and a paint shop, between which a wagon moved in stages. Within the premises, you can observe authentic machinery, hand tools and other equipment. It even features a hand-operated elevator to move materials between floors!
Gruber Wagon Works
Address: 102 Red Bridge Rd, Reading
Website: Gruber Wagon Works
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
20. Head to Genesius Theatre to enjoy a musical show
Genesius Theatre is the place to go to enjoy live musical shows in Reading. With top-notch lighting, modern stage effects and a seating plan that offers an intimate setting, shows here offer a memorable experience that’s referred to as the “Genesius Difference”. The 100-seater venue hosts 10 major productions annually, three of which are aimed at kids/teen and usually features local talent. It also holds theatre classes in the summer for kids and young adults.
Genesius Theatre
Address: 153 N 10th St, Reading
Website: Genesius Theatre
21. Laugh your heart out at a Reading Comedy Outlet show
For an evening of belly laughs, head out to Reading Comedy Outlet. The only comedy club in Reading, this place books great comedians - local, regional and even national - on a regular basis. Shows are held in an intimate hall that makes the experience more enjoyable. Cover charges are affordable, making it a great option for an evening of simple light-hearted fun. The venue offers drinks and meals as well.
Reading Comedy Outlet
Address: 801 Hiesters Lane, Reading
Website: Reading Comedy Outlet
22. Challenge yourself at Reading Rocks
Christmas Eve fun on the ropes course. It's all down and open for your use until 5pm!
Posted by Reading Rocks on Saturday, 24 December 2016
This superb climbing gym has facilities that can accommodate both beginners and experts at rock climbing. It has around 8,000 square feet (743.2 square metres) of climbing surface spread out on 35-feet (10.7 metres) high walls, giving climbers a lot of exciting routes to explore. In addition to rock climbing, the facility also offers bouldering and rappelling. The friendly, safety-oriented staff are one of the top reasons for its popularity, particularly for their supportive guidance to beginners!
Reading Rocks Climbing Gym
Address: 550 George Street, Reading
Website: Reading Rocks Climbing Gym
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 1pm - 9pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 12 USD (day pass)
23. Hang out with friends at The Barley Mow
Posted by The Barley Mow Craft Beer House on Thursday, 16 May 2019
The Barley Mow offers one of the largest selection of craft beer in the region with over 750 varieties sourced from craft breweries across the country. After a recent expansion, this craft beer house offers not only a cosy indoor seating area but also a charming outdoor patio. Spend a lazy evening trying out different beers from its 20 beer taps and enjoying live music. You are free to bring in your own food or order in from one of the many restaurants nearby.
The Barley Mow Craft Beer House
Address: 719 Penn Ave, West Reading
Website: The Barley Mow Craft Beer House
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
24. Enjoy a date night at the romantic Stokesay Castle & The Knight's Pub
Pick from the two experiences available at this historical locale - one is the fine dining restaurant inside Stokesay Castle and the other is casual The Knight’s Pub. Floor-to-ceiling windows in dining rooms offer gorgeous views of the beautiful grounds outside while inside you soak in the old-world English ambience of the pub/restaurant. On cold winter days warm yourself standing by the huge gas fire pit in the stone patio.
Stokesay Castle & The Knight's Pub
Address: 141 Stokesay Castle Ln, Reading
Website: Stokesay Castle & The Knight’s Pub
Opening hours: Knight’s Pub: Tue - Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 11pm; Sun: 4pm - 10pm (closed on Mon); Lord’s Dining Room: Fri - Sat: 5pm - 8pm (closed from Sun - Thu)
25. Don't miss a meal at Jimmie Kramer's Peanut Bar Restaurant
Pamela Shupp Menet. Always great to talk with you and so pleased that you like our newly added high top tables!! Many...
Posted by The Peanut Bar Restaurant on Wednesday, 8 May 2019
The place to have wings and throw peanut shells on the floor! Voted as the best place for wings in USA TODAY’s “Top 10 Restaurants in the Nation for Wings”, this historic restaurant is a landmark in Reading. Featuring an old-world charm with Victorian-era decor and a family-friendly vibe, the restaurant is a popular spot for locals and visitors. Dishes to try here include its cheese balls, homemade pretzel pie and crab cakes. Of course, munch on those peanuts and throw the shells down!
Jimmie Kramer's Peanut Bar Restaurant
Address: 332 Penn Street, Reading
Website: Jimmie Kramer’s Peanut Bar Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri: 11am - 12am; Sat: 12pm - 12am (closed on Sun)
26. Spend a fun evening at Nightclub Reverb
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Thirsty Thursday is back. Come out and grab a drink. Drink specials, DJ 610 Problem and more!
Posted by Reverb on Wednesday, January 22, 2020
When you are in the mood for some rock, underground or alternative music, head out to Nightclub Reverb. This live music venue usually hosts local, regional and national artists across diverse music style ranging from rock to punk. The space is quite large and it has a bar inside where you can get drinks and food too.
Nightclub Reverb
Address: 1402 N 9th Street, Reading
Website: Nightclub Reverb
27. Spa your worries away at Massage Envy - Wyomissing
If you suffer from migraine headaches, it’s massage to the rescue. Massage can help maintain a level of relaxation and stress relief, which may reduce the chances of stress-induced migraines.
Posted by Massage Envy - Wyomissing on Monday, 29 July 2019
There’s nothing like a good massage to get rid of body aches and stress. One of the best ways to find relief is to head to Massage Envy - Wyomissing for their signature hot stone massage. This wellness centre is membership-based and offers a host of massage therapies for pain relief and relaxation. Handled by licensed massage therapists, massages are customised to your unique needs. The centre also offers skincare services like facials plus assisted stretching programs for improved fitness.
Massage Envy - Wyomissing
Address: 718 Woodland Road Reading
Website: Massage Envy - Wyomissing
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 10pm; Sat: 8am - 8pm; Sun - 9am - 6pm
28. Play a round of golf at Flying Hills Golf Course
Winding its way through a housing development the Flying Hills Community, this modern-style Golf Course is welcoming for all levels of golf players. Although not very large the golf course is Par 70 and has an interesting layout as it goes around the housing sections. The icing on the cake is, of course, it’s signature 18th hole which requires an over-the-lake-shot!
Flying Hills Golf Course
Address: 14 Village Center Drive, Reading
Website: Flying Hills Golf Course
29. Bring your family to bowl at The New Hiester Lanes
When the lights go down, the music goes up! After everything else is closed down for the night we're just getting the...
Posted by Hiester Lanes on Monday, 29 July 2019
One of the best places for family entertainment, this bowling alley is set up to be fun for both adults and kids. Separate bowling lane with bumpers for kids makes it more enjoyable for them. Be sure to check out their super fun Glow Bowling - during selected days and times, the lanes go funky with dim lighting, strobe lights, and fog with heart-thumping music videos playing in the background! A keen bowler? Then join the bowling alley’s leagues.
The New Hiester Lanes
Address: 801 Hiesters Lane, Reading
Website: The New Hiester Lanes
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 9am - 10pm; Wed: 9am - 10.30pm; Thu: 9am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 1am; Sun: 9am - 11pm
30. Go shopping at Shillington Shopping Center for all your needs
Goodwill Store & Donation Center 602 E. Lancaster Ave. Shillington, PA 19607 610-777-5250 Mon-Sat 9-9 (Furniture & Houseware Store & Donation Center close at 8); Sun 12-6 Accepts Furniture
Posted by Goodwill Store & Donation Center on Wednesday, 26 February 2014
This strip mall is where you need to head to when you want to shop for essentials. The biggest stores you will find here are a Giant Supermarket and a huge Goodwill store. Other outlets here include Planet Fitness, Rite Aid, Pet Supplies Plus, Family Dollar and Supercuts.
Shillington Shopping Cente
Address: 502 E Lancaster Ave, Reading
Explore all of Reading's rich history
Our comprehensive list of things to do in Reading, Pennsylvania, should give you enough options for great outings, and for knowing this city better. Here’s another interesting fact - did you know Reading was earlier called “The Pretzel City”? Although Reading was one of the first and the largest producers of pretzels in the country, it has since lost the position. However, a few of the original bakeries are still operational such as Reading Hard and Soft Pretzels, Tom Sturgis Pretzels and Unique Pretzel bakeries. Be sure to walk into one of them and taste their scrumptious creations.
History
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