Summer in Reading, MA: 7 Things To Do

What are you doing in Reading, Massachusetts this summer?

The last of the parking lot snow piles have finally melted, and the handful of weeks with spring weather have hastily given way to summer temperatures. The warm weather we dream of throughout the darkest, coldest days every New England winter is once again ours for the next three gloriously sunny months. So make the most of the longer days and summer months before the crisp, fall days settle in. Here are 10 things to do this summer in Reading, Massachusetts, to maximize these coveted months.

Visit the Reading Public Library.

Here in Reading, Massachusetts, we are so fortunate to have a great library with a plethora of things for kids to do, unique programs, and plenty of resources available.

For example, take advantage of the Library of Things to tick off tasks from your to-do and bucket lists. Try a new hobby on for size—like sewing or playing the ukelele—before investing in the necessary tools. There’s plenty of tech equipment on offer for those looking to start a podcast, host a movie night, or finally organize their home office. For kids, there are science and music kits as well as binoculars and a telescope available to foster interest in STEM subjects. Or plan a family game day and borrow the giant checkers set, giant Jenga, bocce, or ring toss.

Perhaps instead you’re looking for some accountability and community to help get your nose stuck in a book. The library has several book groups available to meet a variety of discussion preferences. The RPL Book Group is the most traditional book club and meets once a month. There is also the Pints and Pages club which meets at local pubs, the Slacker’s Book Club where you can leave your comments online, and the Word of Mouth group to discuss whatever it is you are reading while discovering new novels for your to-be-read pile.

Shop at Whitelam Books.

Voracious readers looking for more book-love outside of the library and in the comfort of their favorite reading chair will want to swing by Whitelam Books. Pick up your next stack of beach reads from the regularly curated selection of new books.

Dedicated to promoting a love of reading, Whitelam hosts many events throughout the year for their patrons.

In July, they team up with other local businesses to put on the Where’s Waldo Scavenger Hunt throughout the town. There is also always a running roster of events including story times, author visits, book clubs, and sit-and-knits.

Indulge at the Professor’s Market.

Do you love nothing more than crafting a home cooked meal to eat on the patio as hot summer days set into warm summer nights? Or perhaps cooking at home is a summer resolution of yours.

Whatever your motivation for cooking, you should go browse Professor’s Market. It’s Reading’s own specialty grocery store with locally-made and high-end goods. It is the perfect stop for those looking to try their hand at the artful skill of arranging charcuterie boards that are as delicious to eat as they are beautiful to look at. Or pick up a parcel of sandwiches, paninis, and juices from the deli to bring out on a picnic to one of our town’s many parks.

Escape to Stone Zoo.

Stone Zoo is just a stone’s throw away from Reading located right next door in Stoneham. Smaller than its sister park, the Franklin Park Zoo, it still has plenty to offer to make for a full family day out.

Kids will be begging to visit the barnyard for the petting zoo and the playground to burn off some of that endless steam they run on. At the Animal Discovery Center, you’ll find interactive and hands-on programming that includes meeting reptiles and amphibians and observing busy honey bees hard at work.

Looking for more playful critters? Meet the delightful otters and monkeys at the Treetops and Riverbeds exhibit. Encounter the ever popular sloths amongst monkeys and colorful birds at the Windows to the Wild exhibit.

Set Sail at Salem.

Summer is arguably the best time to visit Salem outside of its renowned Halloween festivities. This historic coastal town offers its famous spooky-themed attractions year-round to enjoy during the considerably less crowded months. However, walking about the town’s wharves, quaint shops, and weathered graveyards makes for an interesting day out. Learn more about the town and its history by taking a tour either by sea shuttle or trolley, or both!

For a unique trip out, create an itinerary for the day to visit all of Salem’s historic lighthouses. Of note are the Derby Wharf Light Station, unusual for its square shape, and the Bakers Island Light Station, the island of which was once home to John Turner, the author of The House of the Seven Gables which made Salem’s House of the Seven Gables famous.

Participate in Reading’s recreation programs.

The town’s recreation department offers a multitude of programs to span the many varying ages and interests of Reading’s residents.

There are plenty of sports and science-based programs available throughout the summer for kids. Whether your little ones are still tiny tots or not-so-little grade-schoolers Reading’s rec department has a program for them. There are sports clinics for tennis, soccer, fishing, field hockey, lacrosse, parkour, baseball, basketball, and volleyball as well as sports programs for archery, karate, fencing, golfing, gymnastics, golf, and track and field.

Families looking to get into tennis together will find lessons available to all age groups—even beginner adults. And adults looking to practice a sport will find programming available to them for fencing, basketball, and golfing.

Go golfing!

Golfers new and experienced alike will find plenty of courses nearby to fine-tune their swing.

Hillview Golf Course offers a pay-to-play payment structure for nine- and 18-hole games. They offer one-to-one and group golfing lessons as well as junior lessons for kids looking to pick up the sport. Throughout July, the course offers free junior clinics every Monday for kids between the ages of seven and thirteen. Enthusiasts will find several leagues available including ladies- and seniors-only leagues.

If you are looking for a golfing membership, nearby are the Meadow Brook Golf Club and Bear Hill Golf Club. Both are nine-hole courses that offer tennis and swim membership in addition to or separate from their golfing memberships. They also offer golf leagues and lessons as well as tennis lessons.

There’s lots of things to do in Reading, Massachusetts! And while you’re enjoying yourself, make sure to schedule your dental checkup.

Also read Top 9 Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist During a Consultation.