5 Can’t-Miss Attractions in Reading, Pennsylvania

Reading, Pennsylvania, is a hidden gem for family travelers wishing to experience history, culture, nature and good old-fashioned fun. The city, actually pronounced more like Redding, is about an hour east of Philadelphia, making it easy to get to and within reach of other great Pennsylvania destinations like Hershey, home to Hersheypark.

© Eugenia Lazaris

Using Reading as your basecamp, you’ll be able to experience all the great family-friendly attractions in the area, like nearby Boyertown. This charming small town is home to General Carl Spaatz National Army Air Forces Museum, a hidden gem families might be tempted to overlook. But it’s a great spot to learn a little history while sneaking in some fun. The museum focuses on the country’s military history, with staff dressed in WWII uniforms and interactive exhibits tucked away throughout the museum, like two family-friendly escape rooms. In other words, it won’t be like any other military museum you’ll ever find.

While in Boyertown, be sure to step back in time for a sweet treat at Peppermint Stick Candy Store and Ice Cream Shop. Kids can experience first-hand what it was once like to visit the local candy store and get an ice cream or old-fashioned soda at the soda shop. The town is also known for a fun artistic project — Bears of Boyertown. These decorated bears are found around town, and each has its own unique personality. Part of the fun is finding them all, and the other part is deciding which is your favorite.

© Eugenia Lazaris

Not far from Reading, you’ll find Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, where you can learn all about the area’s raptor population and the sanctuary’s conservation efforts to protect these incredible creatures. Once a hunting ground for these beautiful birds, the sanctuary rehabilitates injured birds, conducts regular counts of the raptor population and educates visitors. And the sanctuary isn’t just a place to learn about raptors; it is also an excellent place to go hiking on the mountain to observe birds in their natural habitat while enjoying incredible views.

Within Reading itself you’ll want to dedicate some time to visit Goggleworks Center for the Arts, where you’ll find plenty of ways to experience local art. You can shop, stroll the galleries or take part in art classes to get kids inspired to create.

Reading and the surrounding towns are collectively known as Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. And it isn’t hard to see why — the area is a great place to explore small-town America and find out for yourself what makes Pennsylvania such a special place for families.