It’s officially the season of bright sunshine, hot temperatures and more time spent outdoors. Looking for a way to play on or in the water? We have 10 suggestions to get you started.
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- Get Wacky on Wednesdays. Follow the Reading Recreation Commission on Facebook at @ReadingRecreationCommission to discover which fire hydrants they’ll be opening up for kids to splash around in as part of their Wacky Wednesdays program. readingrec.org
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- Creek Crawl. Head to Berks Nature to snorkel in Angelica Creek. Open to the public, those interested can sign up for the program that starts with a lesson in safety and a talk about what you might see, including baby trout, macroinvertebrates, Chubs, Darters and more in their natural habitat. Wetsuits, goggles and snorkels are provided. Programs are planned for June 18 and Aug. 20 at 1pm. Pre-registration and a fee required. berksnature.org
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- For the Dogs. Some dogs enjoy a nice dip in the pool, too. They can do it at the annual Doggie Dip at Ken Grill Pool. The event is in conjunction with the Animal Rescue League of Berks County and proceeds benefit the nonprofit. Another option for dogs that love to get wet, or those just needing a good bath, is a visit to Mister Car Wash for their self-serve pet wash. At $1 per minute, there are four soaps, one conditioner and two dryer speeds. berksarl.org | mistercarwash.com/location/reading
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- Watch the Game. Did you know you can enjoy time in the pool at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading as you cheer on the Reading Fightin Phils? It’s true! It’s the perfect spot for birthday parties, family reunions and more. milb.com/reading/tickets/pool
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- Excellent Exercise. Time in the pool is great for the body. If you’re a water bug of sorts, sign up for the Aqua Fitness Classes at Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex in Wyomissing. Options include Aqua Tabata, Aqua Jog, Water Walk & Tone, Aqua Strength & Stride, Sea Sculpt and more. bodyzonesports.com
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- Head to the Park. Pendora Splash Park in Reading, that is. The fairly new park, complete with splash pads and sprinklers is a perfect place for youth of all ages to cool off and have fun with friends on a hot day. readingrec.org
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- Paddle On. Get out on the water at Blue Marsh Lake and enjoy some paddleboarding, yoga or floating meditation with Aqua Om Paddle. The business encourages a holistic approach to health and wellness through mindful movements. aopaddle.com
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- Out in the Ocean. Looking to explore the seas? Sign up for scuba lessons with Scuba Venture in Reading. Their Open Water Diver program includes a minimum of four classroom/pool sessions, two days of open water training dives, digital training materials, dive tables and more. scubaventure.net
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- Community Pools Galore. Many Berks communities offer community pools where residents and non-residents can pop in and enjoy an hour, or a day, using the facilities for a fee. Most, if not all, offer memberships that can offer a beneficial savings for frequent visitors. Some also offer swim lessons, senior swim times and more. Check with your local community pool or recreation program for more info.
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- Head to the Mountain. South Mountain YMCA Camps in Wernersville, that is. Home to an AquaClimb, children and families enrolled in a camping program can access the climbing water wall that turns the average pool into an adventure. The SMYMCA pool features plenty of other opportunities for fun, too, including a slide, diving board, volleyball net, basketball nets and about a dozen fountains. smymca.org
