Places to visit in Reading, PA.
Whether you’re visiting Pennsylvania for the first time or want to explore a new city, there are some great things to do in Reading.
You can check out the city’s museums and parks and visit the site of the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone. Those interested in aviation can visit the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, which displays vintage military aircraft and aircraft of today.
Mid-Atlantic Air Museum
Located at Reading Regional Airport, the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum has an extensive collection of vintage and historic aircraft. The museum is open to the public and offers guided tours.
The museum’s collection combines civilian and military aircraft—the aircraft spanning eight decades of aviation history, including those used in World War II. The museum is best known for its fully airworthy B-25J Mitchell. However, it also has 12 newer model aircraft. In addition, the museum has restored many aircraft to flying conditions.
The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational facility. It was established in December 1979. The museum’s mission is to preserve and restore military and civilian aviation history.
The museum’s collections include over seven dozen aircraft. The museum’s collection ranges from a 1928 Elias Aircoupe to a 2011 Mitchel Wing A10D.
Reading Pagoda
Located at the south end of Mount Penn, the Reading Pagoda offers a fantastic view of the city. This seven-story wooden building is one of the most iconic sights in Reading. It was built in 1908 to cover an ugly mountainside quarry. It is now considered a landmark and has been a city symbol for over a century.
The Pagoda has a museum within its walls. The museum features artifacts from civilizations across the globe. It also includes an extensive collection of Egyptian mummies.
Reading Public Museum
Located in West Reading, Pennsylvania, the Reading Public Museum offers visitors a chance to learn about civilizations and scientific discoveries from the past.
The museum’s permanent collection consists of more than 300,000 objects. In addition, the collection includes a variety of American Indian, Mayan, and European artifacts. The museum also offers temporary exhibits that change every three months.
Reading Public Museum is a West Reading, Pennsylvania museum that has been around for over a century. The museum is a cultural institution focusing on science, civilization, and art.
The museum is home to 300,000 art objects, some of which are permanent. It also features a planetarium and arboretum. The planetarium provides astronomy lessons and music shows. The museum also offers guided tours and displays artifacts from various local fire departments.
Santander Performing Arts Center
If you’re into the performing arts, you’re probably already familiar with the Santander Performing Arts Center. The venue is home to several high-brow acts, including a pair of Broadway stalwarts and the Reading Symphony.
This is a great location to take the family to watch great entertainment. It is a historic building built in the 1870s as a market. After a fire destroyed the theater in 1921, it was rebuilt. With over 7,000 seats, this historic theater is one to see.
Even though the theater is not that large, you can still get the whole experience by taking advantage of the tiered seating. Seats at the Santander Performing Arts Center are also pretty inexpensive. For more details, check out the official website.
If you want a fun night out with the family, consider attending the Reading Civic Opera Society’s Sesame Street show. Also, you might like to check out the Reading Symphony Orchestra or Berks Ballet Theatre. Visiting these organizations will also allow you to see the city of Reading in action.
Santander Arena
Located in Reading, PA, the Santander Arena is the premier venue for live entertainment. It has hosted hundreds of concerts over the past 20 years.
The Reading Royals play at the arena. They are a minor league hockey team affiliated with the Philadelphia Flyers. You can watch them in action on Varsity TV and at the arena.
In addition to its hockey games, the arena hosts a variety of concerts. You can see acts like Slipknot, Avenged Sevenfold, and Phish. You can also find the Reading Craft Beer Festival, which attracts many visitors each April. In addition, there is a VIP area for fans who want to enjoy an exclusive event.
Boscov’s Fairgrounds Farmers Market
Located on the North 5th Street Highway in Reading, PA, Boscov’s Fairgrounds Farmers Market offers more than just fresh produce. This local market is also home to 65 family-owned stands, making it a one-stop shop for shoppers looking for a quick bite. It also has a small selection of edible souvenirs and is open year-round.
The market was part of the Reading Fairgrounds Complex, constructed in the early 1920s and used for displays at fairs and events. Unfortunately, the building was destroyed in a fire in 1969, but it was rebuilt.
The market has a few other exciting claims to fame. It is also home to a wine retailer with an antiques stand. In addition, several other noteworthy attractions are on site, including an art center with a gift shop containing local art.
Best Things to Do in Reading, Pennsylvania
Places to visit in Reading, PA:
- Mid-Atlantic Air Museum
- Reading Pagoda
- Reading Public Museum
- Santander Performing Arts Center
- Santander Arena
- Boscov’s Fairgrounds Farmers Market