The Pagoda @felixwongphoto

Berks County & Reading PA Attractions

Picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and outstanding outdoor recreation are major draws to the Pennsylvania Americana Region. But you’ll find that our PA attractions extend beyond what you already know!

Wander off the beaten path and explore caves that have stood the test of time. Join a crowd of music lovers for a jazz festival or rock concert at a state-of-the-art arena. Create art or learn about it at maker classes. There’s no limit to what you can do in Reading, Pennsylvania, and Berks County.

Reading PA Attractions

Reading is home to attractions that’ll awaken your imagination and spark your curiosity.

Interact with art in ways you may never have at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading. This unique attraction is housed in a former safety goggle factory and offers classes and workshops on glassblowing, woodworking, silversmithing, and more. If you prefer to stay hands-off, check out their art galleries and exhibits showcasing regional, national, and international artists. 

Travel across the globe and even outer space at the Reading Public Museum and Neag Planetarium. The Reading PA attraction has been the epicenter of learning since 1906. Check out the museum's permanent and rotating collection of art, science, and children’s exhibits. Meet an Egyptian mummy that talks, and marvel at dinosaur bones. Take a quick walk to neighboring Neag Planetarium for daily star shows and astronomy lessons. If time allows, enjoy the museum’s arboretum.

Enjoy panoramic views of the Reading skyline from the Pagoda. For over a century, the Japanese-inspired building has stood tall atop Mount Penn, serving as a symbol of Reading and an architectural masterpiece. While the Pagoda isn’t open to the public, you may visit the grounds, open from dawn to dusk daily.

See a touring broadway musical at Santander Performing Arts Center or rock concert at the Santander Arena. Visit Reading in the spring to experience the sights and sounds of improvised music at Boscov's Berks Jazz Festival

Things to Do in Berks County 

Berks County attractions invite you to explore and widen your perspective.

Discover milky white stalactites, stalagmites, and dripstone formations at natural attractions like Crystal Cave in Kutztown and Lost River Caverns in Hellertown. Go bird watching at Kempton’s Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, one of the best spots in the country to catch the annual hawk migration. Explore our waterways by boat, paddle board or canoe around Blue Marsh Lake near Reading. 

Spend the night or a few at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in the northern part of the Americana region. In addition to plush accommodations, enjoy the resort’s seasonal activities, which include everything from archery and hiking to skiing and snowboarding.

Berks County is home to seasonal attractions like Koziar’s Christmas Village, where you can enjoy spectacular lights displays.  

Some of our attractions have lasted the test of time. Step onto the site of a 19th-century iron plantation at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site in southeastern Berks County. Or, time travel with a ride on one of our railroads. Enjoy a themed train excursion with views of our scenic landscape. 

With so many attractions to choose from, you’ll have to come back for more discoveries!

Airplane WWII Photo Courtesy of Mid-Atlantic Air Museum

Looking for fun, family-friendly festivals in and around Lancaster, PA? The region offers a variety of enjoyable festivals throughout the year that celebrate art, music, culture, history and food.