The Reading Science Center’s annual Celebrate Science Day returns on Sunday, May 3, 2026, with a new location and a theme ready for takeoff. From 1 to 5 p.m., families are invited to Reading Regional Airport for a free afternoon of science exploration in a setting where flight happens every day.

This year’s theme, “Take Off!” highlights the science of flight, showing how helicopters, airplanes, and even birds lift into the sky, while still offering a wide range of STEM experiences for curious learners of all ages. Inside the hangar, guests will find interactive activity stations, live demonstrations, themed characters, and exhibits from community partners all across the region, while outside, you can discover a medevac helicopter, an airplane, fire truck, and live wire trailer, as well as a variety of food trucks. It is a chance to experience science up close, both in the air and all around. Look at this great list of educational partners:

Now in its third year, Celebrate Science Day continues to grow as a signature spring event for Berks County families. The move to the airport creates more space, welcomes more partners, and brings even more opportunities for children to connect with science in real and memorable ways.

Celebrate Science Day will take place rain or shine at Reading Regional Airport Aviation Hangar 521 (24 Liberator Way, Reading). Admission is free, with free parking available in the airport lot!

I write this message of appreciation as the Reading Science Center is abuzz with a flurry of noises that range from young, excited voices to the mechanisms of dozens of strange exhibits. A 1st grader delights in zapping her teacher’s hand in "The Finger Tingler." Her friend calls her over to show off how strong he is by lifting three bowling balls on a rope. She one-ups him by doing the same task with one less pulley. Another child bursts into the classroom to sheepishly ask the staff, “Are there any planets in here?”, as he desperately searches for the last item on his scavenger hunt, Jupiter.

We recognize that success in these students’ futures lies not only in content knowledge about the STEM subjects but, much more importantly, in a lifelong curiosity for learning new things. It’s my hope that all the many children who visited us this past year (and continue to visit us in the busy month to come) walk away from this building with a new awe for the world and its wonders.

Our team of uniquely talented educators has worked tirelessly to deliver interesting and engaging content to children from PreK through middle school this year. I am deeply honored to work in the company of such excellent people whose love for the next generation is evident in all their interactions. An unforgettable highlight was the end-of-year graduation for all the girls who participated in the free Sisters In STEM afterschool program, presented with all the formality and seriousness which it deserved.

Our eyes are set on refining and expanding our programming in ways that continue to be intentional and equitable. We now focus on preparing for our Reading Science Camp, Girls Inventing the Future Camp, and many other programs in the works for this summer and the next school year. I look forward to continuing conversations with all those who share our educational vision about how we can best support the scientists of tomorrow.

Our monthly lineup keeps things fresh with rotating demonstrations and guided experiences designed for curious minds of all ages!

INVESTIGATION STATION

Our monthly lineup keeps things fresh with rotating demonstrations and guided experiences designed for curious minds of all ages!

SCIENCE STORYTIME

Science Storytime pairs a themed read-aloud book with a simple, science-based activity for young learners–free with admission on the third Monday of every month. 

Summer is right around the corner, and the Reading Science Center is ready with two exciting camp experiences designed to keep students thinking, exploring, and discovering for an entire week.

READING SCIENCE CAMP

July 27–31
Ages 8–11
$325 per camper

A full-day camp where curiosity leads the way. Campers spend the week diving into science investigations, tackling creative challenges, and exploring exhibits while building confidence and problem-solving skills along the way.

GIRLS INVENTING THE FUTURE CAMP

August 3–7
Girls ages 12–14
FREE

This half-day experience is designed for girls ready to explore science in a way that feels relevant and empowering. Through collaboration and real-world connections, campers build confidence and see possibilities for themselves in STEM.

The Reading Science Center (RSC) has been awarded a $142,000 grant from the Neag Foundation to support expanded access to science learning opportunities for children and families across Berks County. The funding will invest in renovations for new exhibit and classroom spaces, support the development of new after-school science programs and reduce costs for school visits. Together, these initiatives are expected to impact more than 7,000 children annually.

"As we conduct our capital campaign for our physical expansion at 645 Penn Street in Reading, the Neag Foundation's comprehensive gift will not only help us upgrade our learning spaces and add the needed resources for a new co-ed after-school program, but Neag is also subsidizing field trip costs for local schools. This is an extraordinary investment in STEM education for Berks County's children," said Ralia Vardaxis, Executive Director of the Reading Science Center. 

These improvements will help the Reading Science Center accommodate more students in facilitated science investigations that align with classroom learning, better meet the needs of schools across the region, and expand outreach programs and public access.

In addition, Neag Foundation funding will help establish a new, free after-school science program for children in Berks County. Building on the success of the Center’s Sisters in STEM initiative, the new program will serve a younger demographic and broaden opportunities for students across the community to explore science beyond the school day. 

“The Neag Foundation serves as a philanthropic force for positive change in educational initiatives dedicated to making a positive difference in the world. We are proud to support the Reading Science Center in its important work to bring STEM education and enrichment to more students. The Neag Foundation celebrates the life and legacy of Raymond and Carole Neag whose support for educational excellence was longstanding and produced important results,” said Sally Renzulli, Chair of the Neag Foundation Board of Trustees.

With this support from the Neag Foundation, the Reading Science Center is poised to reach more students, welcome more families, and create new opportunities for hands-on science learning across Berks County.

The 2025–2026 season of Sisters in STEM (SIS) has officially come to an end—and what an incredible journey it has been. This free after-school program, meeting weekly on Wednesdays, brought together a group of curious, determined, and inspiring young girls who made this season truly unforgettable. Throughout the year, they embraced scientific inquiry, took on new challenges, and supported one another every step of the way.

A favorite highlight was their annual visit to the Drexel University College of Medicine West Reading Campus, where they explored bones and brains, including a preserved human brain. Back in the classroom, their curiosity never wavered, as they dove into chemistry and botany and took on the infamous egg drop challenge with creativity, joy, and perseverance.

A standout moment of the season was their collaboration with MG Architects for the Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading Canstruction Competition. Together, they collected over 1,200 cans (more than 1,500 pounds of food) for Helping Harvest, turning innovation into meaningful community impact. 

This extraordinary year was filled with growth, discovery, laughter, and lasting friendships. We are incredibly proud of all they accomplished and are excited for what’s ahead. Sisters in STEM will return in the Fall 2026, and we invite all girls in grades 4 through 6 to join us as we continue to explore, build, and inspire together.

This spring marks an exciting new chapter for the Reading Science Center. With the newly expanded exhibit space opening in mid-May, visitors can look forward to more ways to explore, experiment, and discover during every visit.

The expansion allows us to introduce new interactive experiences, create more room for curiosity to unfold, and welcome even more families, students, and educators into the space. It is a meaningful step forward in strengthening what the Reading Science Center can offer to the community.

As we grow, we are also making a thoughtful adjustment to our admission and membership pricing. These updates will take effect on June 1, 2026 and will support the ongoing care, development, and expansion of exhibits and programs.

UPDATED PRICING BEGINNING JUNE 1, 2026:

Even with these changes, we remain committed to keeping the Reading Science Center accessible. Programs like Museums for All continue to ensure that low income families can visit at a reduced cost, and memberships still provide an economic way to return again and again.

We are grateful for the community that continues to grow with us and make this work possible. The Reading Science Center looks forward to welcoming you into the expanded space very soon!

DOUBLE (OR EVEN TRIPLE!) YOUR SUPPORT FOR READING SCIENCE CENTER

Did you know that one of the most powerful ways to increase your support for the Reading Science Center might already be available through your employer? Many companies offer Matching Gift Programs—a benefit that often goes unused but can dramatically boost the impact of your generosity.

WHAT IS A MATCHING GIFT?

A matching gift is a program where your employer matches the charitable contributions you make, sometimes doubling or even tripling your donation with a simple form the employee fills out. Some employers also extend this benefit to volunteer time, meaning the hours you spend supporting Reading Science Center could translate into additional funding. In some cases, companies donate a set amount for every five hours volunteered or even offer paid time off for community service, making it easy to increase your impact in multiple ways.

HOW TO FIND OUT WHAT YOUR COMPANY OFFERS

Start by contacting your Human Resource Department staff. They can provide information about your company’s match ratio, whether volunteer hours qualify, how to submit a matching gift request, and any deadlines or guidelines to keep in mind. You may be surprised by how many organizations participate!

EMPLOYERS THAT MAY SUPPORT MATCHING GIFTS

Many national and regional employers offer matching programs, including several right here in our community. A few examples include:

If your employer is on the list or if you are unsure, taking a moment to check could significantly amplify your impact on local STEM education.

A membership to the Reading Science Center is your ticket to endless science fun, discovery, and special benefits. Whether for yourself or your family, membership means unlimited visits on Mondays and Saturdays, exclusive discounts, and invitations to members-only events that amplify science discovery.  We also validate for parking at the Doubletree Reading Hotel garage.

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS AND PRICING EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2026

Individual Membership - $50 Per Year

Unlimited admission for 1 person for one year

Family Membership - $125 Per Year

Unlimited admission for 5 individuals for one year

MEMBERSHIP PERKS