Things to Do in Reading, PA - Reading Attractions

Things to do in reading, explore popular experiences, tours near reading.

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Uncovering PA

21 of the Best Things to Do in Reading, PA (and the Rest of Berks County)

The Reading Pagoda in Berks County PA

Located in eastern Pennsylvania, Berks County often gets a bit overlooked by popular nearby destinations like Lancaster , Hershey , and the Lehigh Valley . However, there are many things to do in Berks County, PA, that are worth taking the time to see.

Berks County is home to one of Pennsylvania’s largest cities, Reading (pronounced “Redding”) as well as many small communities that offer a lot of history and natural beauty. The county is in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country region , but also offers a taste of the Philly suburbs and the Lehigh Valley, really adding a lot of nice variety to the area.

So, whether you are looking for something fun to do in the countryside or the best things to do in Reading, PA, here are a few of my personal favorite things based on my many trips to the area.

Reading Pagoda

A close up view of the Reading Pagoda at night.

There might be no attraction in Reading that is more visible yet unexpected as the Reading Pagoda .

Perched high atop Mount Penn, the Pagoda can be seen from just about everywhere in the city, and I’m sure has elicited many surprised exclamations over the years.

The Pagoda was built in the early 20th century to resemble an authentic Japanese pagoda. It was originally supposed to be a focal point of a mountaintop resort, but the rest of the plans fell through and only this impressive pagoda was built.

Visitors can drive right up to this amazing spot and enjoy closer views of the Pagoda and amazing views of downtown Reading. The interior contains a museum, gift shop, and viewing area, and is open seasonally on the weekend.

Nolde Forest

Hiking along the Middle Road Trail in Nolde Forest in Reading PA

If you’re looking for things to do near Reading, PA, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center is a great choice.

This 600-acre state park offers 10 miles of hiking trails through some of the most beautiful woodlands in the region. The trails here are fairly easy, which makes this a great spot for families to visit.

In addition to the great hiking opportunities, the park also features some historical spots and many educational opportunities.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

Located in northern Berks County, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a great spot to view birds and to go for a hike.

This privately-owned sanctuary features nearly 10 miles of hiking trails that lead to several incredible vistas. This is also a popular spot for viewing birds of prey, especially during the fall migration, when hundreds can be spotted in a single day.

However, even if you can’t visit in the fall to see the migration, this is still a great hiking destination for those that love scenic overlooks .

Daniel Boone Homestead

The Daniel Boone Homestead in Pennsylvania

Did you know that frontiersman Daniel Boone was born in Berks County? While most of his childhood home no longer exists, you can see still the remnants of its foundation and learn more about his life in Pennsylvania at the Daniel Boone Homestead .

The current home on the property was expanded several times over the years and offers a great look at what life was like in this part of Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries. There is also a small museum and several other buildings that do a great job offering insight into Boone and early American history.

Goggle Works

Goggle Works in Reading PA

If you are looking for things to do in Reading, Goggle Works is a great option in the heart of the city’s downtown.

This former factory had a 130-year history making everything from optical lenses to bras and goggles. It closed in 2002 and was reimagined in recent years as an art gallery, studio space, and teaching space.

Visitors can tour the galleries filled with work by local artists and even pop into artist studios and see what creations are being made.

Covered Bridges

Kurtz's Mill Covered Bridge is located near Kutztown University

Spread throughout the county, you’ll find five historic covered bridges . And if you love history, a covered bridge driving tour is one of my favorite things to do in Berks County.

Four of these five bridges are located north and east of Reading while the fifth is located just west of downtown. Whether you visit all of them in a road trip or just check off one or two while on your way to other destinations, these bridges are great additions to your itinerary.

Even better, many of these bridges feature unique faces that are different from the other 200 historic covered bridges in Pennsylvania .

Koziar’s Christmas Village

Koziar's Christmas Village in Berks County

While many of the attractions on this list can be experienced throughout most of the year, Koziar’s Christmas Village is only open for two months during the holiday season. However, since this is one of the best Christmas attractions in Pennsylvania , I thought it was well worth including on this list.

Started in 1948, Koziar’s grew from a small household set up to one of the largest light displays in Pennsylvania. In fact, there are more than a million lights illuminate on this working farm.

A walking path is set up to take visitors past the many displays and attractions here.

Reading Railroad Heritage Museum

Train engines at the Reading Railroad Museum in Reading PA

If you’ve ever played Monopoly, you are no doubt familiar with the famous Reading Railroad, which took its name from the city (as well as Reading Terminal Market in Philly ).

The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum is located just off of I-78 in northern Berks County and helps to maintain the history of this famous railroad. They are continuing to work on expanding their collection and displays but offer a great look back at this historic railroad with many railcars and engines, as well as memorabilia from the railroad.

Neversink Mountain

Neversink Mountain is located on the edge of the city and is perfect for those looking for outdoor things to do in Reading, Pennsylvania.

This area features several miles of hiking trails crisscrossing the 900-acre preserve. The hikes here range from easy to difficult, meaning there’s a bit of something for everyone.

The most popular destinations here are the City Overlook and the Witches Hat, both of which offer great views.

Mid-Atlantic Air Museum

The Mid Atlantic Air Museum is a great thing to do near Kutztown, PA

If you love aviation, you won’t want to miss the incredible Mid-Atlantic Air Museum .

Located at the local airport, this museum features an impressive collection of vintage military airplanes. The majority of these planes are from World War 2, though the pieces on display span 100 years of aviation history.

In addition to taking a tour of their impressive collection, you can also sign up to take a flight over Berks County in a historic aircraft.

Chatty Monks Brewing

Beer at Chatty Monks Brewing in West Reading, PA.

Craft beer fans won’t want to miss Chatty Monks Brewing in West Reading. This is one of several craft breweries in the county and offers some of the best beer made in PA .

Chatty Monks is located a short distance from downtown Reading and features a full restaurant in addition to the brewery. There are a variety of spaces within the brewery for patrons to sit and enjoy their beers and food.

If you are craving a meal, I recommend their fish and chips.

Blue Marsh Lake

Blue Marsh Lake is a beautiful public space in Berks County . It is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers and is not a state park, but is still a great spot for those looking for outdoor activities.

The lake offers both residents and visitors to the county a great place to go swimming, fishing, or boating. There’s even a beach to relax on.

On land, you can enjoy over 30 miles of hiking trails around the lake.

Berks County Heritage Center

Distlefink at the Berks County Heritage Center

The Berks County Heritage Center is located in the middle of Tulpehocken Creek Valley Park and offers a chance to learn more about the history of the Reading area.

The center is actually a complex of several different museums covering a variety of aspects related to the county’s history. If you love history, you are sure to enjoy this spot.

While in the park, take time to walk its trails or visit Wertz’s Covered Bridge.

Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles

Visiting the Boyertown Auto Museum in Berks County, Pennsylvania

Antique automobile fans will want to head to eastern Berks County to explore the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles .

For over 100 years, the museum’s building manufactured carriage and automobile bodies for a variety of cars. Today, their collection consists primarily of cars with a connection to southeastern Pennsylvania. In fact, some of the cars on display were built in the space decades prior.

This museum definitely offers an incredible look at the region’s transportation history.

Reading Fightin Phils and the Reading Royals

Whether you are looking for things to do in Reading, Pennsylvania in the summer or the winter, the city has professional sports to keep you busy.

In the summertime, the Reading Fightin Phils play at FirstEnergy Stadium. They are the AA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, so it’s a great chance to catch a game for a great price and see some of tomorrow’s stars.

In the winter, the Reading Royals , an affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, play at Santander Arena in downtown Reading.

Crystal Cave

Crystal Cave is one of the best things to do in Kutztown, PA

Located near Kutztown, Crystal Cave was the first show cave in Pennsylvania.

Tours are offered seasonally and take visitors into this beautiful underground world. The cave is known as Crystal Cave because of the crystalline formations that line the walls of the cave.

Throughout the tour, guides point out interesting formations and offer a wealth of history about the cave.

Reading Public Museum

Reading Public Museum armor, Reading PA

There are many small museums throughout Pennsylvania, but few have impressed me as much as the Reading Public Museum .

Founded in 1907, this museum features an impressive collection of historic, anthropological, and scientific displays. Here, you can see everything from Egyptian mummies and a shrunken head to amazing paintings and geology exhibits. There’s even a planetarium.

No matter your interest, this is definitely a great museum to check out if you are looking for the best things to do in Reading, PA.

Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center

Like most of eastern Pennsylvania, Berks County is known for its German heritage, and there is nowhere better to learn about this history than at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center .

Located on the campus of Kutztown University, this open-air folk museum offers the chance to learn more about this unique culture, including information on Pennsylvania Dutch, a language still spoken by many Amish and Mennonites. There is a variety of buildings you can tour, as well as museum-like exhibits.

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site in Berks County Pennsylvania.

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is a preserved iron furnace that offers a fascinating look into the history and importance of iron making in eastern Pennsylvania.

Hopewell Furnace operated for more than 100 years and, among other things, made weapons for the United States during both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. It was also a stop on the Underground Railroad and offered equal pay for equal work to both women and minorities (something unheard of at the time).

This makes this spot not only an interesting historic destination but also a great place to learn about the region’s culture and the fight for equal rights.

While there, make sure to hike the area’s many trails, some of which contact into the larger French Creek State Park .

Golden Age Air Museum

A triplane on display at the Golden Age Air Museum in Bethel PA

While there are several antique airplane museums in Pennsylvania that focus on aviation from World War 2, the Golden Age Air Museum is unique in that its primary focus is on planes from World War 1 and the interwar period. 

This gives them an interesting collection of original and replica planes, including several bi-wing and tri-wing airplanes, though they do have a few more modern aircraft as well.

And, if you’ve always wanted to fly in a bi-wing, plane, they offer flights throughout the year.

Do you have any favorite things to do in Reading, PA that we didn’t include on this list? Let us know in the comments below.

Looking for more nearby places to visit? Check out the best things to do in Allentown , our favorite things to do in Gettysburg , and the best things to do in Bucks County .

Great places to stay near Reading

  • Doubletree by Hilton - The top rated hotel in Reading on TripAdvisor .
  • The Gables at Stirling Guest Hotel - A charming B&B in Reading
  • The Inn at Centre Park - A European style B&B in Reading
  • Super 8 - The top-rated hotel in Kutztown
  • Find more great places to stay on Airbnb!

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Jim Cheney of UncoveringPA

Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. Based in Carlisle near Harrisburg, Jim frequently travels around Pennsylvania and has visited, written about, and photographed all 67 counties in the state. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world.

5 thoughts on “21 of the Best Things to Do in Reading, PA (and the Rest of Berks County)”

That’s it. I’m going next weekend. There will be a WWll re-enactment complete with an era USO tent, people dressed in era clothing, activities and era antiques vendors. I went years ago, for a few hours. It’s the first weekend in June.

Highly recommend Louie’s in Flying Hills if you like good local beer, they have an awesome rotating draft list and some of the best burgers i’ve ever had as well!

RSME – Reading Society of Model Engineers is a hidden gem for all ages!!

Sadly, the Pagoda’s interior is closed indefinitely. The city is working on funding for major repairs that are needed.

It is, but the main reason to visit is the exterior. The interior is worth popping in to see if it happens to be open when you’re there, but not worth planning a visit to the pagoda around when it’s open.

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12 Top-Rated Things to Do in Reading, PA

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Mar 23, 2023

Reading, PA, is a small city brimming with sightseeing opportunities and surprising experiences for tourists. It has all the attractions you'd expect to find in a Pennsylvania city, including a popular baseball stadium, a farmers market, historical sites, and scenic nature preserves.

Reading Pagoda

But some of the top things to do in Reading are much less predictable. Soak up views of downtown from an authentic pagoda (like the ones seen in Japan) that's more than a century old. Marvel at a mummy in the Reading Public Museum (and see it come back to life as a hologram!). And get up close to one of the world's best collections of vintage military aircraft at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum. This is a destination that will leave you charmed.

Make the most of your trip with our list of the top things to do in Reading, PA.

1. Root for the Reading Fightin Phils at FirstEnergy Stadium

2. watch the sunset at the reading pagoda, 3. marvel at the reading public museum's mummy, 4. feast on local fare at boscov's fairgrounds farmers market, 5. get up close to rare planes at the mid-atlantic air museum, 6. watch artists at work at goggleworks center for the arts, 7. catch a live performance, 8. hike in nolde forest, 9. step back in time at berks county heritage center, 10. meet veteran firefighters at the reading area firefighters museum, 11. get outside at gring's mill recreation area, 12. take a historic train ride at reading blue mountain & northern railroad, map of things to do in reading, pa, reading, pa - climate chart.

FirstEnergy Stadium

The Reading Fightin Phils have earned a reputation as one of the 100 greatest teams in Minor League Baseball, so when it's game day, you can bet on big crowds at FirstEnergy Stadium.

The 10,000-seat stadium, which hosted its first baseball game more than 70 years ago, has earned awards for its attendance levels and soaring views of baseball games. You can regularly catch games here from early April through mid-September.

While this attraction is technically a baseball-only stadium, it also has a variety of concession stands and a state-of-the-art stage, where fans can see concerts before and after roughly 30 games each season. Check the website for the most up-to-date game and event schedule.

Address: 1900 Centre Ave., Reading, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.milb.com/reading/ballpark/firstenergystadium

The Reading Pagoda

One of the last things you'd expect to see in Southeastern Pennsylvania is a pagoda, but that's exactly what you'll find atop Mount Penn in Reading. T

he seven-story tiered structure was built in 1908, and was initially slated to become a luxury resort. But when those plans failed, it was donated to Reading as a public observatory. The Reading Pagoda was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and is broadly considered a symbol of the city.

Visiting the architectural novelty is one of the top things to do in Reading, and the best time to go is around sunset. That's when each tier of the pagoda twinkles with red LED lights, and you can soak up a panoramic city view that stretches for 30 miles.

A grassy area just below the Reading Pagoda makes a great spot for an evening picnic. Grab some local treats at Boscov's Fairgrounds Farmers Market , or look for food trucks that occasionally pop up in the pagoda parking lot.

Address: 98 Duryea Drive, Reading, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.readingpagoda.com

Reading Public Museum

Open in the present location since 1929, the Reading Public Museum rivals major metropolitan museums with a collection of some 300,000 objects.

Its two floors of exhibition space showcase impressive works of Impressionist art, an arms and armor gallery, dinosaur bones, more than 75 taxidermy animals from five continents, decorated pottery from ancient civilizations, and exquisite quillwork and beadwork from Native Americans. There's even an animatronic of museum founder Dr. Levi Mengel, who greets visitors as they enter.

But it's the ancient civilizations gallery that houses the crown jewel of this storied institution: a mummy of Nefrina . She has lied in this preserved state for some 2,300 years and made her way from the ancient Egyptian city of Akhmim to the Reading Public Museum in 1930.

But in recent years, Nefrina has been brought back to life in a ghostly hologram form, projected in a semi-transparent haze in the gallery. The roughly four-minute-long video gives Nefrina (or, in this case, an actress who closely resembles her) the chance to describe her life and the mummification process that has kept her so well preserved. It's worth watching the clip in its entirety.

Mummy of Nefrina in the Reading Public Museum

Just outside the museum, you can stretch your legs at the adjacent arboretum , which has a range of indigenous and exotic trees. You can also catch star shows throughout the week at the Neag Planetarium , just across from the museum.

Address: 500 Museum Road, Reading, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.readingpublicmuseum.org

Boscov's Fairgrounds Farmers Market

Boscov's Fairgrounds Farmers Market has served the city of Reading in one form or another since the late 1940s, starting in a wooden market building in the Reading Fairgrounds Complex.

Today, the award-winning farmers market and food hall offers space for 65 family-owned merchants to sell their produce and ready-to-eat treats all year-round. It's a great place to enjoy a hearty lunch and stock up on fresh fruits, veggies, meats, and edible souvenirs to take home.

Don't miss the Stoltzfus Soft Pretzels stand just inside the Bellevue Avenue entrance. Its soft buttery pretzels come in a range of flavors, including salt, cinnamon-sugar, and everything bagel seasoning, and make the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. End the visit with a cupcake, whoopie pie, or doughnut from the Pennsylvania Dutch bakeries on the opposite end of the market.

Address: 2934 North 5th Street Hwy., Reading, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.fairgroundsfarmersmarket.com

Mid-Atlantic Air Museum

Tourists can get up close to historic war planes, classic airliners, and rare aircraft at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum. Located at the Reading Regional Airport, the museum restores and showcases aircraft from its incredible collection in hangars and on an outdoor ramp.

During a guided tour, you can see restoration work on one of just four remaining World War II-era P-61 Black Widows, along with several bombers (including the B-25 "Mitchell" and TBM-3 "Avenger"), a Sikorsky HH-52A rescue helicopter, and the world's only Zuck "Plane-Mobile 1," which was designed to be a flying car.

The aircraft enthusiast guides may even let you stick your head inside the cockpit of some aircraft to get a sense of what it might have been like to fly them.

Hot tip: Every June, more than 1,700 World War II military and civilian re-enactors gather at the museum for its annual World War II Weekend festival. Get your tickets well in advance, especially if you want to experience a joy ride in one of the legendary World War II planes that take flight that weekend.

Address: 11 Museum Drive, Reading, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.maam.org

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is one of the country's largest interactive art centers of its kind. Housed in a former factory that produced goggles and optical lenses for more than 125 years, the non-profit attraction offers art classes (including drawing, ceramics, glassblowing, photography, and printmaking) in on-site workshops.

Even if you don't have time to take a class, it's still worth wandering around the main building's five floors, where you can peek inside resident artists' studios and watch the creators at work. Art is displayed throughout the property.

There's also a well-curated gift shop with creations from local artists on the first floor.

Address: 201 Washington Street, Reading, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.goggleworks.org

Genesius Theatre

Performing arts lovers are spoiled for choice in Reading. The city is home to several venues, both large and small, that regularly host live entertainment.

The Santander Arena anchors Reading's performing arts scene. Since opening in 2001, the 8,800-seat concert hall has hosted performances by mega stars, including Taylor Swift and Elton John. Nearby, the Santander Performing Arts center also draws major acts to its historic auditorium, including comedians Dave Chappelle and Jerry Seinfeld.

For musical theater with professional live orchestras, look no further than the Genesius Theatre. This non-profit performance venue offers 10 productions each year, three of which are from children and teens. Performances regularly sell out, so get your tickets in advance.

Another venue, the Miller Center for the Arts , can be found at the Reading Area Community College. The 509-seat theater offers concerts, theatrical performances, and dance recitals.

Mansion in the Nolde Forest

Lace up your hiking shoes and head out for an afternoon in the woods at Nolde Forest. The Pennsylvania state park has more than 725 acres of land filled with deciduous trees, coniferous plantations, streams, and ponds, all easily explored through a network of trails.

Look out for the Tudor-style mansion , which was built by the son of the hosier baron who bought this land in the early 1900s. You can tour the historic property during its open house days on the first Sunday of each month. The native wildflower garden just outside the mansion attracts hundreds of butterflies in the summertime.

Address: 3025 New Holland Road, Reading, Pennsylvania

Berks County Heritage Center

Tourists can visit several historic sites at the Berks County Heritage Center. Upon parking, you'll immediately see a brightly colored "Distelfink" (or "thistle-finch") sculpture, which is a traditional motif of Pennsylvania German Folk Art.

Then, you can make your way around to various buildings scattered throughout the park. The buttercup-yellow building is Gruber Wagon Works , a 140-year-old building that's considered one of the country's most complete examples of integrated rural manufactory.

Other important structures include Epler's One Room School House, Wertz's Covered Bridge (the longest single-span covered bridge in Pennsylvania ), the C. Howard Hiester Canal Center, and Melcher's Grist Mill.

Guided tours are available on weekends in the spring and fall.

Address: 1102 Red Bridge Road, Reading, Pennsylvania

Reading Area Firefighters Museum

The Reading Area Firefighters Museum traces the city's firefighting heritage from the early 1770s bucket brigade through the present day. Visits are through guided tours only, and hearing the stories told by guides (often retired firefighters themselves!) is a truly rewarding experience.

The ground floor contains a number of fascinating artifacts, including a hand-drawn pumper from 1812, several glistening fire trucks that have been hand decorated with gold leaf, and antique helmets from various local fire departments. There's also a telegraph fire alarm system that still works–your guide may even let you pull the fire alarm lever and see it in action for yourself.

Tours continue upstairs, where you can see the crown jewel of the museum: the Wannamaker Room. This lounge space houses some of the most precious items in the museum's collection, including a working scale model of a steam engine that dates to 1895, a hand-carved Canadian maple fireplace, and rare stovepipe hats emblazoned with Americana art.

Address: 501 South Fifth Street, Reading, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.readingareafirefightersmuseum.com

Gring's Mill Recreation Area

Gring's Mill Recreation Area is a pretty park with historic buildings that now house various administration and maintenance offices. Throughout its 33 acres, the park offers an 18-station exercise course, sand volleyball, tennis, horseshoe pits , and a ranch-themed play area for kids.

The park hosts concerts at its amphitheater on evenings during the summer. It's also a fun place to visit in December, when holiday lights brighten up the parkway.

Address: 2083 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania

Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad

Take in the scenery of Pennsylvania's pastoral landscape with a train ride on the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad. It offers excursions to the town of Jim Thorpe on vintage-style locomotives.

In the warmer months, you can feel the breeze from the refurbished open-air cars. Or, opt for a seat in the Vista Class Dome Car, which offers panoramic views from giant, curved windows. There's also a Parlor Car with an embossed copper ceiling and plush armchairs that give travelers a Victorian-inspired experience.

Trains can be boarded at Reading Outer Station.

Address: 3501 Pottsville Pike, Reading, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.rbmnrr-passenger.com

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Berks County & Reading PA Attractions

Picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and outstanding outdoor recreation are major draws to the Pennsylvania Americana Region. But you’ll find that our PA attractions extend beyond what you already know!

Wander off the beaten path and explore caves that have stood the test of time. Join a crowd of music lovers for a jazz festival or rock concert at a state-of-the-art arena. Create art or learn about it at maker classes. There’s no limit to what you can do in Reading, Pennsylvania, and Berks County.

Reading PA Attractions

Reading is home to attractions that’ll awaken your imagination and spark your curiosity.

Interact with art in ways you may never have at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading . This unique attraction is housed in a former safety goggle factory and offers classes and workshops on glassblowing, woodworking, silversmithing, and more. If you prefer to stay hands-off, check out their art galleries and exhibits showcasing regional, national, and international artists. 

Travel across the globe and even outer space at the Reading Public Museum and Neag Planetarium . The Reading PA attraction has been the epicenter of learning since 1906. Check out the museum's permanent and rotating collection of art, science, and children’s exhibits. Meet an Egyptian mummy that talks, and marvel at dinosaur bones. Take a quick walk to neighboring Neag Planetarium for daily star shows and astronomy lessons. If time allows, enjoy the museum’s arboretum.

Enjoy panoramic views of the Reading skyline from the Pagoda. For over a century, the Japanese-inspired building has stood tall atop Mount Penn, serving as a symbol of Reading and an architectural masterpiece. While the Pagoda isn’t open to the public, you may visit the grounds, open from dawn to dusk daily.

See a touring broadway musical at Santander Performing Arts Center or rock concert at the Santander Arena . Visit Reading in the spring to experience the sights and sounds of improvised music at Boscov's Berks Jazz Festival . 

Things to Do in Berks County 

Berks County attractions invite you to explore and widen your perspective.

Discover milky white stalactites, stalagmites, and dripstone formations at natural attractions like Crystal Cave in Kutztown and Lost River Caverns in Hellertown. Go bird watching at Kempton’s Hawk Mountain Sanctuary , one of the best spots in the country to catch the annual hawk migration. Explore our waterways by boat, paddle board or canoe around Blue Marsh Lake near Reading. 

Spend the night or a few at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in the northern part of the Americana region. In addition to plush accommodations, enjoy the resort’s seasonal activities, which include everything from archery and hiking to skiing and snowboarding.

Berks County is home to seasonal attractions like Koziar’s Christmas Village , where you can enjoy spectacular lights displays.  

Some of our attractions have lasted the test of time. Step onto the site of a 19th-century iron plantation at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site in southeastern Berks County. Or, time travel with a ride on one of our railroads. Enjoy a themed train excursion with views of our scenic landscape. 

With so many attractions to choose from, you’ll have to come back for more discoveries!

Festivals & Major Events

Looking for fun, family-friendly festivals in and around Berks County, PA? The region offers a variety of enjoyable festivals throughout the year that celebrate art, music, culture, history and food.

Top Things to Do in Reading, PA

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COMMENTS

  1. Visit Pennsylvania's Americana Region | Reading, Berks County, PA

    Welcome To Pennsylvania's Americana Region. Let Your Curiosity Run Free! From art and jazz festivals to outdoor adventures, there’s so much to see and do in Reading, PA. Plan your weekend getaway to Berks County and explore our Pennsylvania Dutch Heritage, including traditional foods, museums, and farmers markets. Book Your Room. Check Rates.

  2. Things to Do in Reading, PA - Reading Attractions

    11. Reading Fire Museum. 11. Speciality Museums. The Reading Area Fire Museum is housed in the 1876 built Liberty Fire Co.station. The museum collection consisting of firefighting memorabilia, antique furnishings, and the John Wanamaker designed…. 12. Gring’s Mill Recreation Area.

  3. 21 of the Best Things to Do in Reading, PA (and the Rest of ...

    If you’re looking for things to do near Reading, PA, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center is a great choice. This 600-acre state park offers 10 miles of hiking trails through some of the most beautiful woodlands in the region. The trails here are fairly easy, which makes this a great spot for families to visit.

  4. 12 Top-Rated Things to Do in Reading, PA | PlanetWare

    Reading, PA, is a small city brimming with sightseeing opportunities and surprising experiences for tourists. It has all the attractions you'd expect to find in a Pennsylvania city, including a popular baseball stadium, a farmers market, historical sites, and scenic nature preserves.

  5. Berks County Attractions | Things to Do in Reading Pennsylvania

    Things to Do in Berks County. Berks County attractions invite you to explore and widen your perspective. Discover milky white stalactites, stalagmites, and dripstone formations at natural attractions like Crystal Cave in Kutztown and Lost River Caverns in Hellertown. Go bird watching at Kempton’s Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, one of the best spots ...

  6. THE 30 BEST Places to Visit in Reading (UPDATED 2024)

    11. Reading Fire Museum. 11. Speciality Museums. The Reading Area Fire Museum is housed in the 1876 built Liberty Fire Co.station. The museum collection consisting of firefighting memorabilia, antique furnishings, and the John Wanamaker designed…. 12. Gring’s Mill Recreation Area. 7.