Reading Science Center
A volunteer-run gem offering over 50 interactive science exhibits for all ages, making learning hands-on and fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, more space to explore
Reading Science Center
Best Time
Beat the crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A volunteer-run gem offering over 50 interactive science exhibits for all ages, making learning hands-on and fun.
"This might be the best kept secret in downtown Reading. Perfect for elementary age kids."
🎯 Family Pass Deal
Use a benefits card for a family pass at just $12! Great value for a fun day out.
🅿️ Easy Parking
Park at the DoubleTree garage; staff will validate your ticket. Hassle-free arrival!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Exhibits
Main exhibition hall
Over 50 hands-on exhibits covering forces, motion, sound, and more. Fun for all ages!
Exploration Lab
Dedicated lab area
Ages 8+ can conduct experiments like seeing their own cells or extracting DNA. Takes about 30 minutes.
Circuits Activity
Electricity exhibit
Learn to light up bulbs, add switches, and create series/parallel circuits. Engaging and educational.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
Maximize Your Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Family Pass Deal
Use a benefits card for a family pass at just $12! Great value for a fun day out.
🅿️ Easy Parking
Park at the DoubleTree garage; staff will validate your ticket. Hassle-free arrival!
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Plan for over 3 hours to fully enjoy the 50+ exhibits. Kids might want to stay longer!
🙋♀️ Friendly & Informative Staff
Don't hesitate to ask questions; staff are attentive and happy to help with demonstrations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Family Pass Deal
Use a benefits card for a family pass at just $12! Great value for a fun day out.
🅿️ Easy Parking
Park at the DoubleTree garage; staff will validate your ticket. Hassle-free arrival!
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Plan for over 3 hours to fully enjoy the 50+ exhibits. Kids might want to stay longer!
🙋♀️ Friendly & Informative Staff
Don't hesitate to ask questions; staff are attentive and happy to help with demonstrations.
🔬 Special Science Experiments
Look out for special experiments led by staff like Brittany for an extra engaging experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Reading Science Center as a hidden gem, highlighting its engaging, hands-on exhibits and the exceptional friendliness and knowledge of its volunteer staff. It's particularly lauded as a great place for kids to learn and have fun, with many recommending ample time to explore its diverse offerings.
"I had a wonderful afternoon with my kids. The staff was extremely friendly and attentive with demonstrations and explanations. If you have any kind of benefits card you can get a family pass for only $12."
Jeni Evans
"Great places to bring kids to learn about science. There are many different, interactive stations, for all ages, set up to keep their minds occupied.
There is also a lab area for ages 8 and up where each station takes about 30 minutes to complete.
We came here for a special science experiment led by Brittany. Her instructions were clear and repeated them for safety purposes for the kids. Such a bonus when coming to the center to have an additional science experiment!
The people who work here are very informative and present when you need help or have questions.
Update: park in the DoubleTree parking garage and the staff will validate your parking ticket."
Texaspoontappa
"We visited with a group of students from Hershey. Everyone at the Science Center was welcoming and helpful. The students had an excellent adventure in the Exploration Lab. They learned at the same time that they had fun experiencing the center. Thank you all!"
Toni Allen-King
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Reading Science Center is located at 645 Penn Street, Reading, PA. Parking is conveniently available and validated at the DoubleTree parking garage.
Yes, you can park in the DoubleTree parking garage, and the staff at the Science Center will validate your parking ticket.
Driving is convenient due to the validated parking. Public transport options might be available depending on your starting location in Reading.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The center is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM. The last entry is admitted at 3 PM.
While general admission prices aren't specified, a family pass can be obtained for only $12 if you have a benefits card.
Information on advance ticket purchases is not readily available, but it's recommended to check their official website or contact them directly.
Yes, if you have any kind of benefits card, you can get a family pass for only $12, which is a significant saving.
The last entry admitted to the Reading Science Center is at 3 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to maximize your time.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The center boasts over 50 interactive exhibits covering topics like forces and motion, sound, and electricity, making science hands-on and fun for all ages.
Yes, there are activities specifically designed for younger children, alongside more complex exhibits for older kids and adults.
The Exploration Lab is a dedicated area for ages 8 and up where visitors can complete science experiments, such as seeing their own cells or extracting DNA, with each station taking about 30 minutes.
The staff are very friendly and attentive, often leading demonstrations and providing explanations to enhance the visitor experience.
Visitors have reported spending over 3 hours at the center, and many feel their children would happily stay even longer, so allocate ample time.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, allowing you to capture the fun and learning moments.
The interactive exhibits themselves provide great photo opportunities, especially when children are actively engaged in experiments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families:
* Allocate ample time: Plan for at least 3 hours, as kids often want to stay longer.
* Utilize the family pass: If you have a benefits card, the $12 family pass offers incredible value.
* Explore the Exploration Lab: For kids aged 8 and up, this area offers in-depth experiments like DNA extraction.
* Take advantage of parking validation: Park at the DoubleTree garage for easy access.
💡 Budget Travelers
Beyond the low entry fee, the validated parking at the DoubleTree garage further reduces expenses.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hands-On Learning for All Ages
One of the standout features is the Exploration Lab, designed for children aged 8 and up. Here, visitors can delve deeper into scientific processes through dedicated experiments that typically take around 30 minutes to complete. Activities like seeing their own cells or extracting DNA offer a glimpse into molecular biology, providing a more advanced and memorable learning experience. The center also highlights specific activities, such as the circuits activity, where kids can learn about lighting bulbs, adding switches, and understanding series and parallel circuits, demonstrating practical applications of scientific knowledge.
The volunteer staff at the Reading Science Center are frequently praised for their friendliness and attentiveness. They are not only present to assist visitors but also actively lead demonstrations and explanations, enriching the educational value of the exhibits. This community-driven aspect, with staff who are passionate about science education, creates a welcoming and supportive environment for learning.
Planning Your Visit: Hours, Parking, and Value
For visitors driving to the center, parking is a significant convenience. The DoubleTree parking garage is the recommended option, and importantly, the staff at the Science Center will validate your parking ticket. This eliminates a common travel hassle and makes accessing the center straightforward.
The value proposition of the Reading Science Center is particularly strong for families. While general admission details are scarce, a significant highlight is the availability of a family pass for only $12 when presenting a benefits card. This makes it an incredibly affordable option for a day of educational fun, especially when compared to other entertainment venues. Visitors often report spending over 3 hours at the center, indicating a rich experience that justifies the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit