Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Reading, MA

A tranquil and predominantly residential suburb, Reading is a North Shore town situated no more than 12 miles from downtown Boston.

During the onset of the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Lexington and Concord (1775) occurred nearby, and several sites in the town are laden with revolutionary history.

One notable location is the Parker Tavern, the oldest structure in town, which operates as a museum during the summer months.

A significant attraction in Reading is the branch of Jordan’s Furniture, which features a 500-seat IMAX theater and a large indoor ropes course.

1. Reading Center

The commercial center of Reading, located along Main Street, is home to a diverse array of thriving independent businesses spread over a couple of blocks.

At the edge of this district lies a quaint Town Common, featuring lawns, benches, and hardwood trees. Dominating this area is the Colonial Revival Town Hall, dedicated in 1918 as a Carnegie Library.

The Town Hall’s original location was in the Reading Municipal Building (1883) at 49 Pleasant St, which was once the site for town offices, a fire station, and a jail, and is now operating as a Senior Center.

Main Street is worth exploring for its vibrant culinary scene, which includes Irish pub fare, Italian cuisine, sushi, New England seafood, sandwiches, and contemporary American dishes.

This area also boasts fantastic independent shops, notably Comically Speaking (comics) and Whitelam Books, which will be highlighted further on.

2. Parker Tavern

The Parker family holds a significant place in Reading’s early history. One of the town’s founders was Deacon Thomas Parker (1609-1683), and his great-grandson Ephraim (1728-1804) operated a tavern in what is now the oldest existing structure.

A Colonial saltbox, the Parker Tavern was constructed by farmer and blacksmith Abraham Bryant.

Ephraim Parker’s tavern license spanned from 1770 to 1785, commemorating his participation in the Battle of Concord and Lexington (1775) at the commencement of the American Revolutionary War.

Later, during the conflict, he hosted British officer Archibald Campbell (1739-1791) at the tavern as a prisoner of war. Numerous intriguing stories such as this can be uncovered during a visit, as the tavern opens to the public from May to October on Sunday afternoons.

3. Jordan’s IMAX Theater

In 2004, the retailer Jordan’s Furniture introduced an IMAX theater at its Reading location. This establishment is one of two theaters operated by the chain, with this theater featuring the larger screen, measuring 80 feet by 60 feet.

Over the years, the 500-seat theater has been upgraded with cutting-edge technology, including a dual 4K laser projection system, immersive Tempur-Pedic seating, and a 12,000-watt sound system.

In summary, this venue offers the ultimate experience for viewing first-run Hollywood films. Within this expansive complex, there is also a branch of Fuddruckers, a Richardson’s ice cream parlor, and an indoor ropes course, which will be detailed later.

4. Lake Quannapowitt

Situated on Reading’s southeast side is a Great Pond covering over 250 acres, Lake Quannapowitt, along with its lush green shores, plays a vital role in community life for the adjacent town of Wakefield, especially during its renowned 4th of July celebrations.

A 3.6-mile trail encircles the shore, favored by walkers and joggers, offering splendid views from the Reading side during sunrise.

The southern shore features Wakefield Community Boating, which provides kayak and pedal boat rentals until as late as October.

5. Reading Town Forest

To the north of Reading lies 290 acres of untouched nature, bordered on the north by the Ipswich River.

The Reading Town Forest was established in 1930, with thousands of residents gathering to plant trees on Arbor Day that year.

More information about detailed trail maps for the forest, including an interactive guide to all of Reading’s trails and natural areas, can be found on the town website.

The forest features wetland areas and meadows, offering four interconnected blazed trails, including a stretch of boardwalk, lovely river views, and an unblazed path that follows the contours of a glacial esker.

6. Quannapowitt Players (QP)

A cornerstone of Reading’s cultural scene for nearly a century, the Quannapowitt Players are a distinguished community theater group with a large audience base.

The QP stages four productions each season, thoughtfully curated to appeal to diverse audiences, featuring genres such as drama, comedy, mystery, and farce.

This organization is entirely volunteer-based, encompassing all roles from on-stage talent to technical staff. The venue itself is noteworthy, housed in a converted Little Red Schoolhouse built in 1853, accommodating 150 attendees.

7. BeanStalk Adventure Ropes Course

Reading presents ample opportunities for active engagement, including an indoor ropes course located at Jordan’s Furniture.

The main course is elevated 24 feet off the ground and tailored for individuals measuring 48 inches or taller.

This exhilarating course includes over 30 obstacles and intricate transitions to navigate, from criss-cross walks to zig-zag beams, angled rope ladders, and a zip-line.

Young adventurers are not left out, as a lower course is available, allowing parents to accompany their children as they progress through the challenge.

8. Whitelam Books

One charming independent bookstore on Main Street invites visitors inside, offering a carefully selected collection of titles spanning numerous genres.

There is a rewards program for regular customers, and the children’s section is particularly noteworthy for young families.

This colorful area is equipped with furniture appropriate for children and an array of toys and games to stimulate young minds. Whitelam Books also has an attractive variety of gifts, including greeting cards, toys, board games, prints, mugs, and t-shirts.

As a dynamic community hub, there are regularly scheduled events, such as panel discussions, author signings, readings, book clubs, and story times for children.

9. Bagel World

Bagel World, a successful North Shore establishment, has been serving fresh bagels for over 30 years, with the Reading location in operation for a quarter of a century.

Although many changes have occurred since the early 1990s, each shop continues to prepare its bagels using the founder’s old-fashioned Polish-inspired recipe, crafted fresh every morning.

The Reading outlet features a drive-thru window, but it is often advisable to enter the store and experience the atmosphere while waiting in line. An immense variety of bagels is available, ranging from ‘everything’ to marble.

The bagels can be purchased as singles, in half-dozen quantities, or baker’s dozens, accompanied by a wide selection of spreads, offered either on the bagels or to take home. For those seeking a prepared bagel sandwich, an old-school classic like nova lox and cream cheese is highly recommended.

10. Capt. Nathaniel Parker Red House

Located at 77–83 Ash Street, just a minute or two on foot from the shops in Reading Center, this house could easily be integrated into a walking tour.

The Capt. Nathaniel Parker Red House is a private residence, yet it is registered on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts a fascinating history.

Constructed in a vernacular Georgian style during the mid-18th century, this building served as a popular tavern along the coach route, managed by militia captain Nathaniel Parker, who made it stand out at the time for its distinctive paint color.

Minutemen and revolutionaries, including notable figures such as Alexander Hamilton and the Marquis de Lafayette, are documented to have convened here. The house remained within the Parker family until late in the 19th century.

11. Burbank Ice Arena

This local ice rink operates year-round, providing public skating sessions at least six days each week, making it an economical option for recreation.

Burbank Ice Arena hosts high school hockey games and is utilized by various regional organizations, offering programming that ranges from basic skating lessons to figure skating and advanced hockey training.

For those desiring to enjoy free skating, the public skate schedule can be found on the rink’s website, with rental skates available for $7 from the pro shop.

Additionally, casual pick-up hockey sessions are offered several days a week throughout the year. A fun piece of trivia is that this facility was constructed over a decommissioned Nike missile site.

12. St. Athanasius Church

Still an impressive feature on Haverhill St, north of downtown, this Roman Catholic church was dedicated in 1962, shortly after the establishment of the new St. Athanasius Parish in 1960.

The building exemplifies Modernist architecture, designed by Louis A. Scibelli and Daniel F. Tully.

With a rhomboid footprint measuring 155 feet long by 120 feet wide, the church is renowned for its concrete hyperbolic paraboloid roof, which was claimed to be the largest of its kind in the western hemisphere at that time.

13. Reading Fall Street Faire

Entering its second decade, this annual event provides a platform for independent businesses and local organizations.

Transforming Main Street, the Reading Fall Street Faire showcases over 100 booths representing local restaurants and community groups.

In addition to sampling delightful food and exploring the extensive array of businesses in town, attendees can enjoy live entertainment staged on three platforms, partake in an antique car show, and engage in various contests and tournaments.

Children are catered for with a designated area featuring crafts and games, alongside two inflatable zones.

14. XtremeCraze Woburn

Located less than ten minutes away, XtremeCraze Woburn is a unique family entertainment center featuring a range of attractions.

The main highlight is a multi-level laser tag arena, recognized as one of the most advanced in New England, accommodating various gaming scenarios inspired by the popular video game Fortnite.

A recent addition is the Air Park, which resembles a trampoline facility but utilizes 100% inflatable surfaces, providing a safe and soft environment for children to expend their energy.

Lastly, the Game Zone includes interactive games, ticket redemption machines, and classic arcade games such as skee ball.

15. Memorial Park

Located to the north of Reading Center, Memorial Park offers a space for active recreation, incorporating a variety of facilities.

The eastern side features a pond, ideal for ice skating in winter and a haven for waterfowl throughout the rest of the year, including a large population of lively geese.

Trails connect all areas of Memorial Park, which features a bandstand that hosts occasional events, including a summer concert series. Athletic amenities available include a basketball court and tennis courts flanking the trails.