With school nearly out for the summer, the Reading Recreation Commission is encouraging families to sign up for a wide range of playground, sports and recreation programs designed to keep children active, engaged and connected throughout the summer months.
“Our summer 2026 tagline is ‘School is just about over, but the fun is just beginning at Reading Rec,’” said Dr. Daphne Klahr, commission executive director. “Hockey, soccer, swim team, pool, football, cheerleading — something for everyone, friends for life, fun all summer long.”
Registration remains open for the commission’s Summer Playground Program, which runs June 15 through Aug. 7 at four city parks. The program, open to children ages 5 to 12, features daily activities including arts and crafts, athletic games, educational programs, field trips, visits to Schlegel Pool and the popular “Rec is Reading” book club.
Additional offerings include specialty camps, such as an art camp at Keffer Park for children ages 6 to 14 and swim camp at Schlegel Pool.
“There are a lot of activities for all ages in Reading,” Klahr said. “We’re really excited to have a really busy and fun summer with our kids, not only on our playgrounds, but at our rec centers, at the pool, with all of our special events. There’s something for everybody.”
City-owned Schlegel Pool will open for the season Saturday, she said, noting memberships and daily admission options are available.
It is not too late for children to join the city’s swim team, Klahr said. This year, the commission will host home swim meets at Schlegel Pool for the first time after the city purchased new starting blocks for the facility.
Klahr said the commission’s summer calendar also includes Wacky Water Wednesdays, special events, open gym nights for teens, youth DEK hockey, football camps, tennis programs, movies in the park and a variety of youth sports leagues.
Open gym sessions for boys and girls ages 13 to 18 will be held every Tuesday from June 9 through Aug. 11 at the Third and Spruce Recreation Center.
A free youth DEK hockey program will take place each Wednesday at the Third and Spruce hockey rink, while free football camps are scheduled for June 18 and July 16 for children in first through seventh grades.
Registration also remains open for summer tennis, which runs June 15 through Aug. 7 at Hampden Park.
Klahr said the a new tennis program is scheduled to start at Glenside Homes thanks to a partnership with the Reading Housing Authority funded by $20,000 grant from the U.S. Tennis Association. The grant will provide resident children with transportation, equipment, food and other resources needed to participate in the sport.
Families can also register for fall soccer, football and cheerleading programs.
Klahr said the commission’s goal is to provide opportunities for every child, regardless of their interests.
Families are encouraged to register as soon as possible because many programs have limited enrollment and will close when they reach capacity, she noted.
Information about programs, schedules and registration is available through the Reading Recreation Commission’s website readingrec.org and social media pages.
City residents can also call 610-655-6201 or visit the Third and Spruce Recreation Center for assistance.