Reading & Berks County | Pennsylvania

There’s a story around every corner, where family-friendly adventures engage all ages with memorable activities and attractions

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Reading & Berks County, PA

Highlights

Our drivable location is an easy 2–3-hour ride from most cities in the Mid-Atlantic, making us a central spot to meet, as well as visit nearby destinations.
Mixed-ages activities, historic sites, museums and other attractions are perfect for multigenerational vacations and reunions.
Plenty of outdoor adventures for every energy level and ability, including state parks, heritage centers, natural wonders and space to go hiking, biking, swimming and enjoy multigenerational picnics.

Why Choose Reading & Berks County for Your Reunion?

Conveniently located within easy driving distance of Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Experience Reading & Berks County offers an ideal place for family, friends and associates to gather.

The area offers interesting ways for groups to connect and celebrate, from vibrant arts spaces, wonderful entertainment venues and historic sites to unique locations and quirky attractions. Add scenic countryside, charming Main Streets and great dining, and a reunion becomes more than a gathering—it becomes a shared adventure, where every stop has a story.

Fascinating History

Reading and Berks County are rich with history, where groups can experience immersive visits to places like the Conrad Wieser Homestead, home of a prominent PA historical figure and Native American interpreter. At the Daniel Boone Homestead, dive into Boone’s famous expeditions and how the frontiersman made history in Berks County. Visit the John Updike Childhood Home for intriguing history about the author’s life and his city and county inspirations for award-winning novels, including Rabbit, Run.

For a look into local history, the Berks County Heritage Center showcases the unique culture and history of the Pennsylvania Dutch, with exhibits featuring folk art, colorful sculptures and fascinating stories. Visit Gruber Wagon Works on the property for a unique history on farm-use wagons.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Visit the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum (MAAM) for an up-close look at the history of aviation through guided tours of the hangar and see a rare P-61 ‘Black Widow’ aircraft, one of only four in existence.

Travel the rails with your family. The Reading & Northern Railroad-Passenger offers groups multiple excursions through vibrant fall foliage and trips with Santa. The trip also brings riders to historic Jim Thorpe, PA, the “Switzerland of America,” to enjoy exceptional dining, historical tours and biking trails. Learn more about Pennsylvania’s rich railroad history at the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum, which features exhibits highlighting the pioneering railroad through artifacts and memorabilia.

Discover over 90 Pennsylvania-built antique vehicles on display at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, including a newly-restored 1872 Jeremiah Sweinhart Carriage Factory, the birthplace of vehicle-building in Boyertown. Catch a thrilling drag race at Maple Grove Raceway, a quarter-mile straight track featuring NHRA Drag Racing and specialized auto-oriented events.

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Connect and Celebrate in Reading & Berks County, PA

Outdoor Adventures in Reading & Berks County, PA

Go on a group exploration of regional gems at places like Blue Marsh Lake and enjoy water activities, fishing and birdwatching. The 23-mile-loop Blue Marsh Trail provides ample space for horseback riding, biking and hiking. French Creek State Park, which lies adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historical Site, offers visitors a historical glimpse of the largest contiguous block of forest between New York and D.C.

Visit Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and explore the world’s first refuge for birds of prey. Glimpse migrating raptors soaring from Canada to warmer climates south. Discover Pennsylvania’s first show cave at Crystal Cave, where half a million years of prehistoric history are found throughout stunning crystalline walls and otherworldly formations. At Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, groups can enjoy tennis, softball, sand volleyball and a playground for children, with plenty of space for a picnic.

Only in Reading & Berks County

Taste delicious homegrown snacks and sodas at Reading Soda Works, which has operated since 1921 and serves its flagship Reading Draft Birch Beer. Grab a classic twist at Tom Sturgis Pretzels, where old-fashioned recipes and techniques combined with modern equipment produce mouthwatering goodies. Or try the crunchy version at Unique Pretzels Bakery, Inc., where six generations have been crafting simple and delicious pretzel flavors since the 1800s. Chip lovers must try Dieffenbach’s Potato Chips, a local favorite since 1964.

Seasonal events and fairs are perfect for multigenerational groups visiting Reading and Berks County. The Eastern PA Homestead Festival showcases talented craftsmen, local vendors, live music, food and family-friendly fun. History is alive during WWII Weekend, with historic war planes flying above, historical reenactments, vintage WWII aircraft, military vehicles and more.

Discover the region’s vibrant culture at Reading Liederkranz Maifest, a lively celebration with German food, music and family-friendly activities. The Oley Valley Community Fair gives groups an authentic down-home country fair atmosphere with friendly competitions, farm animals, local produce, home-style food and more.

Capture memorable moments on camera at plenty of stops that offer exceptional photo opportunities. Gather your group at The Pagoda for a photo in front of Berks County’s most curious landmark, or head to the Berks County Heritage Center to the Distelfink sculpture for a colorful backdrop.

Take a Barn Star Art Tour to see colorful barn stars, also called hex signs, scattered throughout the landscape, perfect for multigenerational family photos showcasing Pennsylvania heritage. Take in the scenery and wildlife on a tour of the Covered Bridge Trail, boasting numerous covered bridges for memorable group photos.