Berks County Parks & Recreation continue to present programs promoting nature, history, and outdoor activity throughout the month of April 2024.
*New in 2024: Visitors can now register for programs online with our new RecDesk account!*
Check out our account at https://countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
Make sure to register each person attending.
Saturday, April 6 | Spring Stroll Wellness Walk | 9 a.m. @ Angora Fruit Farm
Just a few minutes of walking can greatly improve the state of your mind, create healthy habits, and introduce new connections among others looking to do the same. In April, we’ll be meeting at the Angora Fruit Farm.
Free | Registration is recommended.
Saturday, April 6 | Civil War Encampment | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Heritage Center
Experience life as a Civil War soldier! Visit the encampment, watch the soldiers drill, and ask questions as National Regiment reenactors prepare for the 160th anniversary of the year 1864.
See original sketches by 18th-century Sketch Artist Kevin O’Malley and find out how sketch artists helped create a visual depiction of the war for publications in the time before photography.
12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.: Songs and Stories of the Civil War Days with Matt Dodd
1-2 p.m.: A Tie that Binds: General John Hartranft, the 1899 Exeter Train Wreck and Beyond
Join Craig Breneiser, president of the First Defenders Civil War Round Table, for this PowerPoint presentation.
Friday, April 12 | Family Fishing Day | 5:30 p.m. @ Church Rd Access, Blue Marsh Lake
Join Parks Staff and Rangers as we enjoy an evening of fishing fun. Learn how to tie fishing knots, try your hand at casting, and hear some fish tales. No experience or tackle is necessary. No fishing license is required. All rods, bait, and tackle will be provided.
Free | Registration is required.
Sunday, April 14 | Forest Therapy Walk | 9 a.m. @ Angora Fruit Farm
Join certified forest therapy guide Mette Gleason on the trails of Antietam Lake Park for a forest therapy experience and guided meditation. This session does not focus on the distance traveled but rather a slow-paced experience to allow for time to reflect on all the senses. Geared towards adults, please wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
$10 per person | Registration is required.
Tuesday, April 16 | Read with a Ranger: Earth Day | 10 a.m. @ Angora Fruit Farm
Join Park Rangers on an adventure. Kids ages 3-5 are invited to enjoy a themed story, go for a walk on the trail, and complete a craft to become an honorary Junior Ranger. Parents/guardians must attend with their child. This is not a drop-off program.
Free | Registration is suggested.
Tuesday, April 23 | Homeschool Hour: Earth Day | 10 a.m. @ Bingaman House
Join Parks staff in celebrating Earth Day. Learn how parks help keep our Earth green and clean with activities like planting seeds and group litter lookouts. This is not a drop-off program.
$5 per child | Registration is required.
Tuesday, April 23 | Full Moon Hike- Sensory Edition! | 8 p.m. @ Angora Fruit Farm
Walk the trails at Antietam Lake Park by the light of the full moon! We’ll focus on our senses as we stroll, taking time to listen, look, smell, and feel the early spring forest. This will be a mostly silent hike to focus our senses appropriately.
Free | Registration is required.
Saturday, April 27 | Opening Day at the Berks County Heritage Center | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Visit the Berks County Heritage Center during the 2024 season. The park’s museums will be open Thursdays-Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sundays, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tours of the National Historic Landmark, the Gruber Wagon Works will be offered every hour during the Heritage Center’s operating hours, with the last tours departing at 3 p.m.
The Canal Center will be open for walk-in visitors by suggested donation during the operating hours of the site.
The Epler’s One Room Schoolhouse will be open on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Visitor Center Barn will be open and staffed during the Heritage Center’s hours of operation, which includes the Snack Bar and Country Store Thursdays through Sundays.
For more information, please visit our website at www.countyofberks.com/.
Saturday, April 27 | Berks Family Fun Day | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Heritage Center
Berks County Parks and YMCA of Reading & Berks County presents a family fun day at the Heritage Center filled with activities.
Visit https://www.ymcarbc.org/ for more info and a full list of activities and vendors.
Sunday, April 28 | Wildflower Walk | 9 a.m. @ Antietam Lake Park, Angora Trailhead
Walk the trails at Antietam Lake Park with staff member Kathy Grim to discover spring wildflowers throughout the park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water.
Free | Registration is required.
Register for all programs using our RecDesk account: https://countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
Questions? Contact Rec & Special Events Coordinator Lisa Gauker via email at [email protected] or via phone at (610) 374-2944 extension 2611.
