Daylight hours are getting longer; temperatures are rising, and summer is right around the corner. Looking for some places to have some fun with the whole family? Here are nine ideas to get you started.
1. Take Me Out to the Ballgame. Catch a game, or two, or three at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading and cheer on the Fightins. The stadium has so much more to offer than the game, too. Think: delicious concessions, carnival-type games, musical entertainment, firework displays and a pool. fightins.com
2. Hole in One. Schell’s Miniature Golf in Muhlenberg Township, a championship course with 27 holes, is a mainstay that’s been enjoyed by families for more than a half-century. If you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy their famous BBQ and some ice cream, too. 610.929.9660
3. A Need for Speed. For a different type of competition, take it to the track, the slick track, that is. Slick Willy’s in Wyomissing offers indoor electric cart racing, reaching speeds of up to 50 mph. Visit online to learn more about pricing and specials offered during the week.
4. Get Blinded by Science. Visit the Reading Science Center, where their motto is: “Interact. Invent. Inspire.” More than 55 interactive exhibits focused on electricity, light and sound, forces and motion, engineering and more are waiting to be explored in the 7,000-square-foot space. readingsciencecenter.org
5. Reach for the Stars. Head to the Neag Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum. The weekday and Sunday show schedule programming is variable, but did you know you can also book the planetarium for private events? It’s true! readingpublicmuseum.org/planetarium
6. A Day of Fun. Make the trip to Wernersville to South Mountain YMCA on designated days each May (May 1 & 8) to enjoy Family Fun Day. Activities include climbing the tower, shooting archery, creating crafts, wagon riding and more. The May 1 theme is Healthy Kids Day and will host a blood drive. Hours are 2-4pm, and attendance is free and open to the public. smymca.org
7. All Aboard. Head to Boyertown to board a train that will take you on an excursion into a forbidden land. Colebrookdale Railroad offers themed train rides throughout the year and there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. colebrookdalerailroad.com
8. Treat Yourself. As we approach the end of May especially, it can really get hot. Cool off with a sweet treat at Sweet Ride Ice Cream in West Reading. Can’t decide which delicious flavor to enjoy? Buy a couple of flights and the whole family can sample to their heart’s desire. sweetrideicecream.com
9. Roll with it. Unleash your inner child and lace up some roller skates. Cruise around the rink and enjoy throwback and current tunes with the entire family at Skateaway Family Fun & Sports Center in Shillington during public skate times. skateaway.net
