10 Things to Do in Reading That You Shouldn't Miss

August 1, 2017 Flossie Demartino

Reading (/ˈrɛdɪŋ/ ( listen) RED-ing) is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, 16 miles (26 km) north of central Boston. The population was 24,747 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Reading

1. Jordan's IMAX Theater

50 Walkers Brook Dr, Reading, MA 01867-3224 +1 508-844-5171
Excellent
83%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 77 reviews

Jordan's IMAX Theater

Reviewed By YotaPwr - Maine

We drove over 4 hours to watch F8 here. This place is everything you hope it will be and more. There are only 8 Imax theaters in the world and it was like being there the entire time. The online ticket experience was simple and the concessions were probably the most reasonable prices we have seen in a long time. It was nice to pay a reasonable price for a change. We got there early and had our pick of seats. Parking is ample and there is plenty to do before or after the movie. We can't wait to do another movie here soon!

2. Lake Quannapowitt

Between Lowell St & Main St, Wakefield, MA 01880
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Lake Quannapowitt

Reviewed By CarlosIII - Wakefield, Mass

Lake Quannapowitt is about 3 and a half miles around. - good for walking, running or biking.The Main street side is a bit quieter and the walkway goes right along the lake. Sometimes I'll walk or run from the bandstand around to the Nahant street Stop sign, then turn around and come back along Man street again. - about 4 miles. Sailing is also a major activity on the lake. The Quannapowitt Yacht Club is welcoming and does give sailing lessons.

3. Horn Pond

Arlington Rd, Woburn, MA 01890
Excellent
63%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 91 reviews

Horn Pond

Reviewed By Alison B

Nice place to go if you want to get away from the city. Spent a few hours there enjoying the sunshine and felt refreshed.

4. K1 Speed Boston

40 Fordham Rd, Wilmington, MA 01887-2177 +1 978-253-4740
Excellent
61%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
11%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 17 reviews

K1 Speed Boston

The premise behind the creation of K1 Speed was to offer enthusiasts and amateurs alike an authentic and genuine racing experience in a safe, comfortable, accessible and perhaps most importantly, unique environment. Utilizing advanced European electric karts and indoor asphalt tracks.

Reviewed By Spurssox - Boston

Visited with my wife and 10 year old son who is absolutely obsessed with cars. We bought the three race package and had about a 25 minute wait before our first race, during which we watched the action trackside, The explanation of rules takes just a couple of minutes, the headsocks were clean and comfortable and the helmets new and in all the right sizes. The guys managing the races had it down to a science and by having you in the car and set to go about 10 minutes before your race meant that the track was only ever empty for a few minutes at a time - impressive. The race itself was a ton of fun, plenty fast enough for amateurs like us but not too difficult that you couldnt relax and enjoy yourself. they managed slower/faster drivers well and the timing and scoring was done very professionally. Each race was 14 laps and at about 22-25 seconds a lap you were done in about 6 minutes which was plenty. By the time you de-socked and helmeted, detailed individualized printouts of your lap times and position both in the race and over all K1 facilities nationwide, was waiting for you to pick up. My wife only did one race but we can use those another time so no loss. Great place, loads of fun, highly recommend it!

5. Market Street Lynnfield

600 Market St, Lynnfield, MA 01940-4000 +1 781-484-5400
Excellent
51%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 99 reviews

Market Street Lynnfield

MarketStreet Lynnfield is the North Shore's largest open air shopping village, located directly off of I-95/128 at Exit 43. The center offers a vibrant mix of over 70 national brand and local boutiques, more than 10 exceptional restaurants, Whole Foods Market, and Kings Bowl America. Spend you day enjoying MarketStreet Lynnfield's green spaces, community events, performances and gatherings. Our event calendar is filled with fun family events and even a seasonal outdoor ice skating rink!

Reviewed By Armachians - Armagh, United Kingdom

This area is nicely landscaped and very well kept but has only average store offerings. Would be difficullt to spend more than an hour or two if not dining.

6. Cowabunga's Inflatable Playground

265 Main St, North Reading, MA 01864-1386 +1 603-625-8008
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Indoor Inflatable Playground featuring more than 20,000 square feet of inflatable fun! Specializing in birthday parties, walk-in play and much more.

Reviewed By Rum_Runner99 - Boston

Plenty of bounce houses for the kids. For parties they have private rooms where they have the kids play for a certain time period and then move to the next room. Each one has different houses and activities. Then they move you to a room with tables and chairs for food and cake. After the private areas are over the kids can spend the rest of the day in the public play area with lots of things to do. They allow you to bring in your own decorations and food, but they also can provide much of that too. Overall a great place.

7. Stoneham Theatre

395 Main St, Stoneham, MA 02180-3514 +1 781-279-2200
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 40 reviews

Stoneham Theatre

Reviewed By Martha T - Lowell, Massachusetts

This show was excellent. The Trio all have fantastic voices and the show is loaded with Italian music information from Opera to Italian artists. We loved it.

8. Saugus Iron Works

244 Central St, Saugus, MA 01906-2188 +1 781-233-0050
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 117 reviews

Saugus Iron Works

In the 1600's, on the banks of the Saugus River, something extraordinary happened. Explore the place where European iron makers brought their special skills to a young Massachusetts colony. This nine-acre National Park includes working waterwheels, hot forges, mills, an historic 17th century home and a lush river basin.

Reviewed By SUSAN M - Hollywood, Florida

Saugus Iron Works is a National Historic Park. This one apparently is not very popular; tours are offered only once a day and the park opens May 1st for only six months of the year. Both my husband (not a history buff) and I found it fascinating. Perfect sunny weather didn't hurt. By the time we arrived at 1:30, the day's visitor count was only 26.

This site was the first successful plant for the production of cast and wrought iron in the Americas. Production began in 1646 using technology equal to that used in Europe at the time. Iron products were needed for farm tools, barrel straps, wagon wheels, blacksmiths, building materials, etc. The men working there were indentured servants, not Puritans – arrested English artisans as well as Scottish soldiers deported after capture.

The work was demanding and dangerous. Moisture was the worst. A tiny drop of water falling on molten metal could blow up the entire furnace. Due to financial issues and embezzlement, the mill closed in less than ten years. The workers, however, stayed in New England starting other ironworks that formed the foundation of the future US iron and steel industries.

Our guide demonstrated the actual workings. Water from the adjacent Saugus River drove water wheels that provided needed power. In one building (all are reconstructions) the iron was smelted in a blast furnace and cast into pig iron (workers thought the sand molds for casting resembled a sow with piglets – thus the name). In the next it was forged into varying qualities: pounding with massive 500 pound hammers changed the molecular structure forming 'wrought' iron. Different quality iron was needed for varying products. A third building contained rolling and slitting machinery that could change the iron’s shape, producing flat and/or small items. The park museum contained a number of excavated artifacts and small working models as well as film.

The Ironworks House is the only structure at the park that survives from the 1600s. After more than a century of owner modifications, it was restored in the early 1900’s to its original condition. We were the only two on a tour through the House. The park ranger explained how original wood beams were recognized and dated, and pointed out two different saw cuts in the wood. Every screw, hook, wood shingle and nail was handmade. He really made it interesting.

Before the early 20th century excavations there was no above ground sign of any part of the Ironworks or House other than a slag heap at the edge of the river. A road actually ran across the property. So the creation and restoration of this Historic Site is quite amazing. We stayed more than three hours

9. Beanstalk Adventure Ropes Course

50 Walkers Brook Dr, Reading, MA 01867-3224 +1 781-942-9816
Excellent
67%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Beanstalk Adventure Ropes Course

Visit Beanstalk Adventure Ropes Course, the premiere ropes course and zip line attraction inside the Jordan's Furniture in Reading, Mass. Channel your inner tightrope walker as you take on the 32-foot tall Sky Trail ropes course. It's made up of zig-zag beams, cargo nets, rope ladders and includes the exhilarating 69-feet long Sky Rail zip line you can soar across over and over. Participants 48-inches and taller can go on the course alone. For kids under 48-inches tall, there is the Bean Sprout ropes course at a lower height to match the skill level of younger thrill seekers. With a course perfect for all ages, this is exhilarating fun for the whole family. Your adventure awaits!

Reviewed By mountlombard - Sandown, New Hampshire

This is inside of Jordans furniture in Reading Ma. Nice experience, affordable and fun. Kids loved ziplining.Thank you for the great review!

10. Kings

510 Market St, Lynnfield, MA 01940-4030 +1 781-334-4400
Excellent
42%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
3%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 91 reviews

Kings

Kings Dining & Entertainment offers a memorable dining and entertaining experience unlike any other. Kings Dining & entertainment boasts a restaurant-first approach with amazing scratch dishes from its chef driven award-winning kitchen in classic retro environment. Guests can start with fan favorite appetizers such as the Buffalo Chicken Wontons & Bang Bang Calamari and move on to crisp salads, House Smoked Ribs, Fresh Salmon or Grilled Steak Tips while enjoying a premium cocktails. Guests can round out their meal with decadent desserts and craft beers. Of course, Kings Dining & Entertainment also sets itself apart with timeless social gaming. Kings Dining & Entertainment features family friendly days and a haven for adults after 10pm.

Reviewed By Jen H - Boston, MA

My husband surprised me with a date night to Kings last night, and we had a blast! It was a beautiful evening so we were seated near the open outdoor area. Our server, Michele, was incredible and offered us her opinions on what we were trying to decide upon. The buffalo chicken wontons were out of this world delicious! We each got a burger and they were cooked to perfection and full of flavor. We had a nice visit from the manager, Kyle, who made us feel like VIPs all night. After dinner, we headed over to our lane for some unlimited bowling. The person checking us in for bowling was so genuine and helpful! The bowling was way too much fun, even though we both were horrible at it! We had a dessert sampler platter delivered to our lane, and WOW, that just made for an extra special night! This was the first time going to Kings for both of us, and I can gladly say, it will definitely not be the last! Wonderful experience!

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