Rain or shine, Berks County offers dozens of activities that are fun for the whole family. We’ve compiled a list that will keep your clan entertained all summer long.
Rain…
1. Crown the Family Champ.
Explore more than 3 acres of indoor entertainment at The Works. Compete for the family title in Xtreme Air’s ninja course or Slick Willy’s karting facility before climbing your way through Ballocity or hitting the arcade. Don’t forget to celebrate over dessert!
The Works | 1109 Bern Rd., Wyomissing | 610.375.2700 | workswyomissing.com
2. Fun on Wheels.
Lace up your skates and hit the rink! At Skateaway, there are plenty of opportunities to skate for all ages and abilities. Get wacky on Wednesdays or join a club for weekly family fun.
Skateaway | 2275 Lancaster Pike, Shillington | 610.777.4000 | skateaway.net
3. Enjoy the Show!
Fox Theaters offer plenty of family-friendly entertainment all summer long. Visit Fox East in Exeter for free admission to the Family Film Series or catch a summer blockbuster with made-to-order food and comfy recliners at Fox Berkshire in Wyomissing.
Fox Theaters | 800 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing | 4350 Perkiomen Avenue, Exeter foxshowtimes.com
4. (Laser) Tag, You’re It!
Play hide and seek with a high-tech twist! Whether you take on your family members alone or team up, there’s fun around every corner of the arena. Grab your laser pack and get ready for an immersive, family-friendly adventure!
Laser Quest | 1035 Bern Rd., Wyomissing | 610.208.0766 | laserquest.com
5. Make an Escape.
Do you have what it takes? Work together to find clues, solve puzzles and decipher codes to make your escape. Each room has a unique storyline that will immerse you in this real-life adventure.
Encrypted Escape | 600 Penn Avenue, Basement Level, West Reading | 610.743.3041
6. Yoga4Kids.
Spend quality time learning to engage the senses in a yoga class for families with kids ages 3-9. Try a Mommy and Me Class or Family Yoga Class at the Wyomissing Public Library.
Wyomissing Public Library | 9 Reading Blvd., Wyomissing | 610.374.2385 | wyopublib.org/kids_yoga.shtml
7. Fun with a Twist.
For a historic and tasty day out, take a tour of the first commercial pretzel bakery in America. See the original facility in Lititz, or get a hands-on lesson in pretzel twisting in Shillington on July 11 during the Pretzel Twisting event from 10am-4pm, and find out what 150 years of heritage tastes like.
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery | 219 East Main St., Lititz | 717.626.4354 | juliussturgis.com
Tom Sturgis Pretzels | 2267 Lancaster Pike, Shillington | 610.775.0335 | tomsturgispretzels.com
8. Knock Em’ Down.
Berks Lanes offers family fun at an affordable price. Bowl a few games for a great night out, or check out their Kids Bowl Free summer program for free bowling passes every day all summer long.
Berks Lanes | 3190 Shillington Rd., Sinking Spring | 610.678.8044 | berkslanes.com | kidsbowlfree.com/chb
9. Climb High.
Take family bonding to new heights during an afternoon of indoor rock climbing. New to climbing? Get a free belay lesson from an expert before tackling the ropes course or one of the nearly 100 available routes.
Reading Rocks | 550 George St., Reading | 610.374.6007 | readingrocks.com
10. Get Crafty.
Take playing in the mud to a whole new level! Summer clay classes for kids allow students ages 6 to 12 to explore their creativity in clay. Tools, clay, glazes and firing are included.
Clay on Main | 313 Main St., Oley | 610.987.0273 | clayonmain.org
11. Get Pampered.
Let’s face it: being a kid can be tough. A girls’ day can help. Book a princess package at MAK Nail Bar and you’ll leave feeling fabulous. Their organic products also mean a healthier spa experience.
MAK Nail Bar & Organic Spa | 704 Woodland Rd., Wyomissing | 610.750.7538 | maknailbar.com
12. Small in Size,Big on Fun.
Explore more than 200 years of handcrafted American history at the world’s greatest miniature village. The colorful exhibit features nearly 7,500 square feet of buildings and operating railroads.
Roadside America | 109 Roadside Drive, Shartlesville | 610.488.6241 | roadsideamerica.com
13. Look Up.
Every star has a story. Take a guided tour of the night sky at the recently improved Neag Planetarium to learn a few, and be sure to take notes! On the next clear night, head outside to see if you can spot the constellations.
Neag Planetarium | 500 Museum Rd., Reading | 610.371.5850 | readingpublicmuseum.org/planetarium
14. Learn Something New.
Visit America’s dreamland, Coney Island, in this summer’s spotlight exhibit at the Reading Public Museum, or take in one of the many kid-friendly events, exhibits and programs hosted all summer.
Reading Public Museum | 500 Museum Rd., Reading | 610.371.5850 | readingpublicmuseum.org
…Shine
15. Explore the Depths.
Travel 125 feet underground at Pennsylvania’s most popular natural attraction. Beat the heat and discover rock formations hundreds of years old before returning to the surface for ice cream or a round of miniature golf.
Crystal Cave | 963 Crystal Cave Rd., Kutztown | 610.683.6765 | crystalcavepa.com
16. Blast Away Boredom.
Take your backyard water balloon battle to a whole new level on Ozzy’s Blaster Boats, but beware; you will get wet on this ride! The floating bumper cars are one of the center’s many attractions.
Ozzy’s Family Fun Center | 5411 Pottsville Pike, Leesport | 610.926.6162 | ozzysffc.com
17. Suit Up.
Your bathing suit, that is! Spend the day by the lake at Dry Brooks Beach or hit the water for boating, paddling and fishing. Whether you want to relax or reel em’ in, Blue Marsh Lake offers outdoor fun for everyone.
Blue Marsh Lake | 1268 Pallisades Drive, Leesport | 610.376.6337
18. Magic Mountain.
Bring your family and they’ll provide the fun at the SMYMCA Family Fun Days May 6 and 20. The free event, open to the public, sees attendees climb the tower, shoot an arrow, roast a marshmallow, ride in a wagon and more! Rain or shine.
South Mountain YMCA | 201 Cushion Peak Rd., Wernersville | 610.670.2267 | smymca.org
19. Stroll Through History.
Visit Saint Peters Village and get a glimpse back in time. Browse the quarter-mile stretch of shops, hop the rocks or take a dip in French Creek, and top off the trip with a sweet treat from the village bakery.
Saint Peters Bakery | 3441 Saint Peters Rd., Saint Peters | 610.469.7501 | saintpetersbakery.com
20. Monkey Around.
What’s more exciting than a trip for ice cream? Ice cream and a petting zoo! The Oley Turnpike Dairy’s zoo is home to 80 different animals and birds, from well-known farm animals to exotics from all over the world.
Oley Turnpike Dairy | 6213 Oley Turnpike Rd., Oley | 610.689.9366 | oleyturnpikedairy.com
21. Not Your Average Playground.
Turn a simple family outing to the park into a day fit for royalty at the Mohnton Castle Playground. Stay the day: hit the baseball diamond for a little batting practice before picnicking under the pavilions.
Mohnton Castle Playground | 202 E. Wyomissing Avenue, Mohnton | 610.775.6582
22. Family Bike Hike.
Join the Berks Nature staff for an educational bicycle tour of two great Berks parks. The roundtrip ride from Angelica Park to Gibraltar Park includes an ice cream break and a lesson about the plants and animals seen along the way.
Nature Place at Angelica Park | 575 St. Bernadine St., Reading | 610.372.4992 | berksnature.org
23. Catch a Game.
Nothing says summer fun like a trip to the ball park. Children under 14 years of age can join the Fightin’ Phils Kids Club for special events, prizes and exclusive experiences all season long.
Reading Fightins | 1900 Centre Avenue, Reading | 610.370.2255 | fightins.com
24. All Aboard!
Take ride on the Hawk Mountain Line. The WK&S Railroad offers rides aboard its vintage train through the farmlands and forests along the Ontelaunee in addition to a full schedule of kid-friendly events.
WK&S Railroad | 42 Community Center Drive, Kempton | 610.756.6469 | kemptontrain.com
25. Sing Along.
Pick a park, pack a picnic, and settle in for a night of music and entertainment. Berks County’s summer concert series offers free theater programs and concerts at parks all over the county on weekends from May through August.
Summer Arts in Berks Parks | co.berks.pa.us/Dept/Parks/Pages/SummerConcertSeries.aspx
26. Hole in One.
Why settle for the usual 18-hole miniature golf course? Tee off at Schell’s 27-hole course, then cool off with a treat from the Dairy Swirl or refuel with one of the classic dinner items at Schell’s Restaurant.
Schell’s Miniature Golf | 4625 5th Street Hwy., Temple | 610.929.9660 | schellsminiaturegolf.com
27. Play Nine.
Leave the clubs at home and hone your Frisbee skills during a round at the Laurelaine disc golf course. The 2,310-foot course spans small rolling hills and an alternate route that is host to several local tournaments.
Laurelaine Park Disc Golf | 3300 Snyder Avenue, Reading | 610.929.4727 | on Facebook @laurelainediscgolf
28. Leave Only Footprints.
Explore 665 acres of woodlands via 10 miles of hiking trails at Nolde Forest. The park’s trail network makes streams, ponds and diverse habitats accessible for everyone without ever straying from the path.
Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center | 2910 New Holland Rd., Reading | 610.796.3699 | dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/NoldeForestEnvironmentalEducationCenter
29. Take in the View.
Did you know that hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of hawks can soar past Hawk Mountain in a single day? Take a trip up the mountain for bird watching, hiking, or one of many educational events.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary | 1700 Hawk Mountain Rd., Kempton | 610.756.6961 | hawkmountain.org
30. Take Flight.
Learn about the evolution of modern flight with a trip to the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum at Spatz Airfield, or watch history take flight at the annual WWII Air Show June 1-3.
Mid-Atlantic Air Museum | 11 Museum Drive, Reading | 610.372.7333 | maam.org
31. Climb to the Top.
Be a tourist in your own town and take time to visit the Pagoda. Enjoy the skyline from atop Mt. Penn, grab a bite at the Pagoda Café, browse the gift shop or attend an event.
Reading Pagoda | 98 Duryea Drive, Reading | 610.655.6271 | readingpagoda.com
32. Pick Your Own.
Get ready for one sweet afternoon! There are more than a dozen pick-your-own fruits to choose from at the scenic Weaver’s Orchards. Their preventative and organic methods ensure crops remain healthy, so see what’s in season and get picking!
Weaver’s Orchard | 40 Fruit Lane, Morgantown | 610.856.7300 | weaversorchard.com
33. Ready, Get Set…
Go to Maple Grove Raceway and get on the fast track to fun. The local track has a packed calendar of races, car shows and experiences for the auto enthusiast in every family.
Maple Grove Raceway | 30 Stauffer Park Lane, Mohnton | 610.856.9200 | maplegroveraceway.com
34. Hit a Home Run.
Two former MLB stars and the Reading Fightins pitching coach have joined forces to help your budding baseball stars improve their skills while having fun. Spend some time in the batting cages or sign up for pitching or hitting help.
Rip It | 1037 MacArthur Rd., Reading | 610.743.4727 | ripit.org
35. Nurture Nature.
The Rock Hollow Woods Environmental Center was developed to provide children with opportunities to discover the natural world and to empower them to protect it. Seasonal workshops, Toddler Time, day camps and more are presented by qualified educators and experts.
Rock Hollow Woods Environmental Center | 615 Rock Hollow Rd., Birdsboro | 610.582.0415 | rockhollowwoods.org
36. X Marks the Spot.
Embark on a high-tech treasure hunt and teach your kids about the wonders of the outdoors. Geocaching uses a handheld GPS to locate caches in local parks, and there are plenty of gems waiting to be discovered right here in Berks.
Various locations | geocaching.com
37. Duryea Day.
The Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles has been preserving Pennsylvania’s automotive history for more than 50 years. See vehicles of all types at the museum or at the annual Duryea Day car show and flea market in September.
Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles | 85 S. Walnut St., Boyertown | 610.367.2090 | boyertownmuseum.org
38. Go Leaf Peeking.
Browse more than 65 specimens of plants across 25 acres of beautiful park land at the Reading Public Museum’s Arboretum. Pick up a self-guided tour map in the museum’s atrium and turn your day in the park into a nature lesson.
Reading Public Museum Arboretum | 500 Museum Rd., Reading | 610.371.5850 | readingpublicmuseum.org/arboretum
39. Pack a Lunch.
Berks County is home to nine scenic parks including Gring’s Mill, the Union Canal Trail, Antietam Lake and Stonecliffe. Pick your favorite and grab your picnic basket for a fresh air lunch.
Berks County Parks | 610.372.8939 | co.berks.pa.us/dept/parks
40. Pitch a Tent.
Unplug and sleep under the stars among more than 7,000 acres of wilderness at French Creek State Park. Sleeping in a tent isn’t for you? Their rental cottages, cabins and yurts will make you feel right at home.
French Creek State Park | 843 Park Rd., Elverson | 610.582.9680 | dcnr.pa.gov/stateparks/findapark/frenchcreekstatepark
41. Cast a Line.
Forget the fish tales; make memories together with a day on the water. Attend a free Fly Fishing 101 class and learn all you need to know about casting and outfit rigging, then head to the streams to practice.
TCO Outdoors | 2229 Penn Avenue, West Lawn | 610.678.1899 | tcoflyfishing.com
42. Go Back in Time.
Spend a day in the life of the infamous frontiersman Daniel Boone. Learn the story of his youth, tour his homestead, and experience 18th century life with hands-on activities and living history demonstrations.
Daniel Boone Homestead | 400 Daniel Boone Rd., Birdsboro | 610.582.4900 | danielboonehomestead.org
43. Get Creative.
Foster your family’s creativity while having fun and making memories at a family art workshop at the GoggleWorks. Don’t miss the gallery for a look at the summer artists-in-residence.
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts | 201 Washington St., Reading | 610.374.4600 | goggleworks.org
44. Fair of the Month.
Get your fill of carnival eats, shop local vendors, and enjoy the sights at some of the summer’s best festivals. Try the Apple Dumpling Festival in June, experience the Kutztown Folk Festival in July, and round out the summer with the Reading Fair in August.
appledumplingfest.com | kutztownfestival.com | thereadingfair.org
