Photo credit: @berkscountyviews
While August is still full of summer warmth, plenty of sunshine, and relaxing longer days, the season is slowly approaching its end in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Whether you want to beat the heat with relaxing indoor fun or enjoy the weather and events outdoors, there’s plenty to do for both adults and the whole family. We’ve included just a few of the many summer fun activities below to help you make the most out of the season.
Muhlenberg's RiverFest
RiverFest has quickly become an event everyone looks forward to near the end of the summer. The backdrop of the Schuylkill River becomes a beautiful vista for the Muhlenberg’s RiverFest Music and Food Festival. For this year, there will be two stages of music, a beer and wine garden, food vendors of all kinds, artisan, and home-based businesses celebrating the best summer days yet. There will also be a sanctioned Quoiting Tournament, so don’t hesitate to join in the fun with the entire family along the Schuylkill River this August.
Crystal Cave
Photo credit: @alizav328
Discovered almost 150 years ago, delve into the well-preserved Crystal Cave for a guided lantern tour and explore the culinary delights of the Crystal Cave Cafe. Before or after touring, treat yourself to Pennsylvania Dutch food and traditional sweet treats in the Ice Cream Parlor. Take the family for an afternoon of exploring to enjoy one of the true outdoor treasures of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. You can also extend your time returning to your childhood to play miniature golf on one of the oldest historic courses in America and pan for gemstones in the sluice.
Schuylkill River Water Trail
Near Berks County, there’s no better way to experience the best nature has to offer than by paddling the Schuylkill River. Numerous access points are available to bring all your kayaking and paddle equipment for a fun family excursion across one of the most immersive and vibrant rivers in the state. Visitors can even sign up to take historical paddling tours to learn more about the river’s importance to the region, including how it was an integral part of the Underground Railroad.
Hawk Mountain
Photo credit: @garyallan508
Tackle your next woodland adventure this summer by visiting Hawk Mountain to start your hiking anywhere along the vast Blazed Trail System. Hawk Mountain is a private, non-profit wildlife sanctuary and admission fees/membership dues support the institution’s raptor conservation mission, sanctuary stewardship, and more. You can also visit Haw Mountain’s Native Habitat Garden, which boasts more than 250 species of native flowers, trees, shrubs, grasses and vines which attract more than 40 species of butterflies and countless birds.
Reading Public Museum
While the summer weather is usually great, August certainly gets very hot for at least a few days. To keep cool, why not dedicate an afternoon to visiting the Reading Public Museum? Relax in the air conditioning as you learn about everything from ancient civilizations to our solar system to the secrets of the invisible universe as part of the Weekday Star Show. The museum’s ongoing exhibits and enticing displays will easily spark curiosity in every visitor.
Colebrookdale Railbike
Photo credit: @mackidboyertown
Perfect for groups and friends and family, Colebrookdale Railroad offers a pedal-powered railbike adventure into the vast forests of the area’s Secret Valley. You’ll adventure across secluded bridges, chase nearby creeks, and experience all the picturesque wonders the valley has to offer. Keep an open eye out for wildlife, including white-tailed deer, great blue heron, and bald eagles!
Strasburg Rail Road
Climb aboard the Strasburg Rail Road for one of their themed excursions! Discover your inner investigator on their Escape Room trip, unwind with an evening of live entertainment on the Le Train Cabaret, or enjoy a wine and cheese tasting! The options are endless. Find a ride that interests you and book an excursion today.
Reading's Fightin’ Phils
Photo credit: @fightins
There’s nothing quite like supporting your local sports team at a home game! This summer, sports fans can cheer on Reading’s Fightin’ Phils at exciting baseball games. With beautiful fireworks displayed after many of the games, it’s easy to see how there’s no better way to enjoy the great weather than by grabbing a cold one and watching the Fightin’ Phils play.
Taste of Hamburg-er Festival
A festival dedicated solely to America’s favorite food - the hamburger? Count us in! The 19th annual Taste of Hamburg-er Festival will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2022 in Hamburg, PA. Visit to grab a bite from one of the more than 35 burger stands, listen to live entertainment, sip at the beer and wine gardens, watch professional burger eating competitions, and more!
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
Photo credit: @hpaige1230
Bring the whole family out for a fun day at the farm at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm! They offer attractions, food, entertainment, shopping, and more! On select weekends, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm also hosts festivals including the annual Sunflower Festivals where you can see the beautiful flower fields in full bloom.
With such a variety of exciting local opportunities to enjoy the end of summer, there are perfect opportunities for solo adventures and all kinds of excursions with friends and family. With so many wonderful options near Berks County, PA, long-time residents and newcomers alike can take in all kinds of fun under the sun!