10 Ways to Celebrate the First Day of Summer

Ahh…summer. The sun, warm temps and school days off for the kiddos – what’s not to celebrate? We offer up 10 ideas for welcoming the summer season, here.

1. 1. I Scream… Think of hot summer days and cool treats soon follow. There are lots of fun spots in Berks to cool off with a cone or maybe a cup of Italian ice, think Sweet Ride Ice Cream in West Reading; Pop’s Malt Shoppe in Kutztown, and Candy’s Homemade Ice Cream & Italian Ice in Shoemakersville to new just a few.

1. 1. A Different Kind of Dip. Instead of a cool treat, you may just be looking to cool off! Support your community pool by grabbing some friends, your beach towel and making a day of it. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

1. 1. Al Fresco. Enjoy a meal outside. There are plenty of delicious outdoor dining options in the Greater Reading area, including: Beverly Hills Tavern, Plein Air at Judy’s on Cherry, The Tiki Bar by the Manatawny Creek and many more.

1. 1. Keep Learning. Just because the kids are off from school doesn’t mean the learning should end. Sign them up for a reading challenge with one of the libraries in the Berks County Library system and they may earn some cool prizes, too.

1. 1. Enjoy Nature. Berks is home to many great hiking and biking trails. Head to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton and trek to one of several lookouts, or visit the Nature Place near Alvernia University in Reading for a fun program or just to check it out.

1. 1. Fair Fun. From the Kutztown Festival in July to The Reading Fair in August, there are many smaller carnivals and festivals in between for enjoying fair food, fireworks and fun.

1. 1. Take in a Game. When you think summer sports, baseball likely comes to mind. Spend a night out cheering on your hometown Reading Fightins at FirstEnergy Stadium and see why the organization is the 2018 Baseball America Bob Freitas Award Winner recognizing the top overall operation in minor league baseball.

1. 1. Tee Off. Be it at a Best of Berks Public Golf Course winner like Manor Golf or Reading Country Club, or even at miniature courses like Schell’s or Gasser’s Golf in Fleetwood, a round is sometimes the perfect summer activity.

1. 1. Wine down. Take an adult day off by touring the many wineries in Berks and enjoying some samples. From Folino Estate to Clover Hill, Ridgewood and Pinnacle Ridge, there is no shortage of offerings. For a complete list, look up the Berks County Wine Trail online.

1. 1. Celebrate History & the Arts. Berks is rich with history and arts opportunities. Enjoy a free Bandshell Series Concert one Friday night in August. Travel to check out the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, or take in a star show at the newly improved Neag Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum.