Category: Family Fun

What’s Happening at the YMCA in October & November

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

HappeningsWhat’s Happening at the Y in October & November

Family Fun, Fall Fitness & Reasons to Be Thankful

Make Time for Fun, Find Your Community

A family night out. A workout with a friend. A chance to try something new. This October and November, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County is bringing people together through fall events, family activities, and fitness challenges.

Get into the Halloween spirit, give the kids a night of their own, or discover racquet sports at our open house. Keep the momentum going with Turkey Burn and the Run, Run Rudolph fitness challenge, then check out our Black Friday specials.

Every visit is a chance to build friendships and feel part of a community. That connection is at the heart of the Y’s mission to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

More Ways to Play: Racquet Sports at the Y

Sinking Spring YMCA Racquet Sports

More room to rally, more chances to connect. Join us at the Sinking Spring YMCA on Friday, October 23, from 6–8 PM for our annual Racquet Sports Open House and the grand opening of our new tennis and pickleball courts.

Explore the updated indoor space with four tennis courts and ten pickleball courts, including dedicated and dual-purpose courts. Meet the racquet sports team and discover lessons, clinics, leagues, open play, and tournaments for a range of ages and experience levels.

New to the game? Returning to the court? Come see where you could find your next favorite activity and people to play alongside. Plus, get a first look at the new courts and exclusive open-house discounts.

Explore Racquet Sports & Plan Your Visit

Halloween Events at the Y:

Costumes, Pumpkins & Family Fun

The costumes deserve more than one outing. This October, make time for Halloween fun at the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, with Trunk or Treat events, Dunkin’ for Pumpkins, and our Spooktacular Monster Mash Dance Party for families.

Find Halloween Event Dates & Registration Details

Trunk or Treat

Bring your little superheroes, storybook characters, and friendly monsters for a night of trick-or-treating and community connection. Gather your crew and choose a Y event to enjoy together.

Dunkin' For Pumpkins

Dunkin’ for Pumpkins

Trade the pumpkin patch for the pool! At the Reading YMCA, kids can pick a floating pumpkin, enjoy swimming, and decorate their pumpkin to take home. 

Spooktacular Monster Mash Bash

Spooktacular Monster Mash 

Give those costumes a chance to hit the dance floor. Our family dance party brings a playful twist to Halloween, with time to move, laugh, and celebrate together.

Black Friday Specials at the Y

Black friday deals the whole family can take advantage of. Give the gift of the Y.

Put experiences on your holiday wish list. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County’s Black Friday specials offer another reason to plan for activities that help you and your family stay active, build confidence, and connect.

Thinking about your next step at the Y? Explore the offers and check the deadlines so you can make the most of the savings.

Explore Black Friday Specials

Fall Fitness Events & Challenges

Keep moving with a little seasonal fun and people who help you stay motivated. This fall, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County is bringing costume-party energy, Thanksgiving workouts, and a holiday team challenge to your fitness routine.

Monster Mash Fitness Dance Party

Dance, dress up, and celebrate Halloween Y-style! Join our Zumba and Dance Fitness instructors for an evening of music, movement, and a costume contest. Bring a nonmember guest for a free smoothie. Ages 12+.

Kids’ Night Out happens at the same time, so you can plan a fun evening for the kids while you enjoy yours. Register for Kids’ Night Out by October 16.

10/23 | 6–7:30 PM Sinking Spring YMCA

Turkey Burn

Earn the right to eat that extra piece of pie! Join us for pop-up fitness classes on Black Friday and kick off the Run, Run Rudolph challenge with extra points. Bring a nonperishable donation to support Reading Y Housing and make your morning of movement count for our community, too.

11/27 | 9–11 AM Sinking Spring YMCA

Run, Run Rudolph Fitness Challenge

Team up and keep your motivation going through the holidays. Earn points by attending fitness classes or completing the fitness challenge of the week, and compete with your team for prizes. Turkey Burn starts the challenge, so get ready to hit the ground moving!

11/27–1/8 | All YMCA Branches

Find Your Fitness

Big Fun for Kids. Support for Busy Families.

Kids’ Night Out: Their Fun Night, Your Free Evening

Make dinner plans, catch up with a friend, or enjoy a quiet evening. Kids’ Night Out gives children time to have fun with friends at the Y while you take a little time for yourself. Activities vary by location and may include games, crafts, snacks, and more.

Choose your October adventure:

Monster Mash

Friday, 10/23 | 6–8 PM

Sinking Spring YMCA

Spooktacular Glow Fest

Friday, 10/23 | 6–8 PM

Tri Valley YMCA

Plan ahead and check your event’s registration deadline before making your evening plans.

Winter Rec Basketball League

That first basket feels good. Having teammates cheer you on feels even better. YMCA winter recreation basketball helps kids learn the game, build confidence, and practice teamwork in a supportive setting.

From basketball basics for ages 4–6 to leagues for first through sixth graders, there’s room for beginners and returning players. Explore the options for your child’s age and location, and get ready for a winter of learning and playing together. Register by November 15.

Enchanted Memories & Magic Ball

Dress up, take a few photos, and hit the dance floor together. The Adamstown YMCA Family Dance brings children and their special grown-ups together for an evening of dinner, DJ music, and dancing.

Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other trusted adults are welcome. Make time for an evening where the only thing on your family’s to-do list is having fun together.

11/20 | 6–8 PM Adamstown YMCA

Save Your Spot for the Family Dance

School’s Out. We’ve Got You Covered.

When school takes a break, but your workday doesn’t, the Y can help. School’s Out child care gives kids a safe, engaging place to spend scheduled school closures, holiday breaks, and early dismissals.

Children enjoy active games, creative projects, and time to build friendships with support from caring Y staff. You can focus on your workday knowing they have a day of their own to enjoy.

With holiday breaks approaching, check your school calendar now and arrange the care your family needs. 

Dates, hours, and locations: Vary by school district and program
Registration deadline: The Friday before care is needed. Advance registration is required.

Find School’s Out Locations, Dates & Register

Headlines, Highlights, & Spotlights

Community spotlights, news, and stories from the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. Read media features and blog posts that spotlight local impact.

Berks residents applaud county officials for funding recovery services

Jacqueline found hope and support for her recovery at the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, and she joined fellow residents to thank county leaders for investing in services that help people rebuild their lives.

Click here to read the full story from the Reading Eagle.

Swim Lessons at the Reading YMCA

Does My Child Need More Swim Lessons?

Does your child need more swim lessons? Learn when to continue, why repeating a level can help, and how to keep kids swimming through fall and winter at the Reading YMCA.

Click here to read the full story.

Reading YMCA Early Learning Center

What a STAR 4 Rating Means for Families in Reading, PA

Discover why families in Reading and Berks County choose the YMCA’s STAR 4 Early Learning Center for high-quality preschool, Pre-K Counts, and kindergarten readiness.

Click here to read the full story.

The Y is more than a gym; it’s your place to connect, grow, and belong. Stay close, stay active, and stay part of something bigger.

Find your connection. Find your Y.
Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin Youtube Tiktok Link

Table of Contents

Save the Date

10/23

Kids' Night Out at Tri Valley Y

10/23

Kids' Night Out at Sinking Spring Y

10/23

Monster Mash Fitness Dance Party

10/23

Racquet Sports Open House & Grand Opening

10/24

Dunkin' for Pumpkins 

10/26

Trunk or Treat at Adamstown Y

10/28

Trunk or Treat at Mifflin Y

10/29

Mifflin Y Seniors' Spookyween Soiree 

10/30

Trunk or Treat at Richmond Program Center ELC

10/30

Senior Spooky Strength & Snacks at Richmond Program Center

11/20

Enchanted Memories & Magic Ball at Adamstown Y

11/26

Thanksgiving Hours:

Closed: Adamstown YMCA, Mifflin YMCA, Reading YMCA, Tri Valley YMCA

Open with modified hours: Sinking Spring YMCA | 6-11 AM | Group Fitness: Pop-up Classes | No Child Watch

11/27

Turkey Burn

11/27

Run, Run Rudolph Fitness Challenge Begins

11/27

Black Friday Specials

Recent Posts

Follow Us

More Than A Place, A Purpose

Sign up for our Newsletter

What’s Happening at the YMCA This June & July

Posted on by Amber Fox

What’s Happening at the YMCA This June & July

Summer Camp, Swim Lessons, Family Fitness & More

Summer Starts at the Y

Summer is heating up at the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, and there’s something happening for every age, stage, and schedule. From summer camp and swim lessons to water safety, Les Mills launches, senior events, youth programs, and family fun, June and July are full of ways to stay active, connected, and part of the Y community.

Whether you’re looking for a safe place for your child to grow, a new class to try, a way to stay moving, or a reason to get the whole family out of the house, the Y is ready for you this summer.

Together, We’re Building a Stronger Y for All

At the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, legacy is built by the people who choose to show up for their community.

This year’s Breakfast of Champions for Youth was a powerful reminder that a legacy is not only what we leave behind. It is what we choose to build right now.

2026 Breakfast of Champions for Youth

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, guests, volunteers, and friends of the Y, the 2026 Breakfast of Champions for Youth has raised more than $115,000 so far for our Annual Support Campaign. Special thanks to our extraordinary Annual Support Legacy Partners in 2026: Dorothy M. Haas Charitable Fund and M&T Bank.

The incredible community support helps the Y continue showing up for children, families, teens, seniors, and neighbors across Berks County. It helps open doors to camp, child care, wellness programs, connection, mentorship, and support when people need it most.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s event meaningful, but the work continues. When you give to the Y, you help create a stronger, healthier, more connected community.

That is what it means to Live Your Y. Leave Your Legacy.

Want to see more from this year’s event? Read the full Breakfast of Champions for Youth recap and see how our community is turning generosity into lasting impact.

Read the Recap | Donate Today

LesMills Luau Launch Week at Sinking Spring Y

Get ready to bring the energy because LesMills Luau Launch Week is coming to the Sinking Spring YMCA! From July 20–27, members can catch brand-new LesMills releases, fresh music, new moves, and tropical launch-week fun during regularly scheduled LesMills classes.

Grab your Hawaiian shirt, jump into a class, and try something new. Each class brings a little extra island-style energy, so stop in when you can and celebrate launch week with your Y community.

Free for members and $13 for non-members – bring a friend!

There’s Still Time to Join the Fun at the Best Summer Camp in Berks

Summer camp is almost here, and there’s still time for kids to jump into a season full of fun, friendship, adventure, and confidence at the Y’s award-winning summer camp.

YMCA of Reading & Berks County’s award-winning summer day camp
Register Today

YMCA Summer Day Camp serves children from 5-12 years-old with full and half-day program options across Berks County. Camp runs June 8 through August 21. Campers will experience themed weeks, field trips, pool or water days, STEAM activities, outdoor games, creative projects, and plenty of screen-free time to just be a kid.

Every week gives campers something new to look forward to. Families can choose the weeks that work best for their summer schedule, but spots can fill quickly, so now is the time to register.

Summer Is Coming: Build Water Confidence with Swim Lessons at the Reading Y

Summer is around the corner, and we all know what that means: pool days, splash pads, vacations, and kids begging to be in the water every chance they get.

Swim lessons at the Reading YMCA help children build confidence, learn important water safety skills, and feel more comfortable in and around the pool. Whether your child is just getting started or ready to keep growing their skills, lessons are a great way to help them enjoy summer safely.

Give your child the chance to feel stronger, safer, and more confident in the water this season.

Sign Up for Swim Lessons Today

Plan Ahead for the 2026–27 School Year

School may feel far away, but fall schedules fill up fast. Start planning now for your family to explore YMCA early learning, Pre-K Counts, and before and after school care options for the 2026–27 school year.

Pre-K & Early Learning 

Give your child a strong start with YMCA early learning and Pre-K Counts programs. Our child care programs help children build confidence, routines, social skills, and school readiness in a safe, caring environment.

Apply Now

Before & After School Care

Make the school year easier with school age child care that gives kids a safe place to learn, play, and connect before and after the school day. Space can fill quickly, so families should plan ahead.

Register for the 2026–27 School Year

Family Movie Nights are back at the Y

free YMCA family movie night
RSVP for Movie Night

Family Movie Nights are back, giving families an easy, fun way to spend time together this summer.

June and July movies include

  • Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu on Friday, June 5 
  • Toy Story 5 on Friday, July 3.

Both movies begin at 6:30 PM at Reading Movies 11 & IMAX.

Seats are limited and registration is required at least 24 hours before each movie night. RSVP today to save your spot.

Headlines, Highlights, and Spotlights

Read our community spotlights, news, blogs, and stories that have been highlighted by media or recognized for local impact.

Ken Borkey Jr. Named President & CEO of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County has welcomed Ken Borkey Jr. as President & CEO. A longtime Y leader with nearly 15 years of service, Ken brings deep knowledge of our programs, staff, members, and community partnerships as he helps guide the Y into its next chapter.

Read the full announcement.

Reading YMCA swim team athletes celebrate historic wins at the YMCA National Championships.

Reading Y Swim Team Makes History at YMCA National Championships

Sixteen Reading Y athletes represented Berks County on a national stage, earning historic wins and showing what hard work, teamwork, and Y community support can make possible.

Read the full story.

Cazden smiling in the pool during swim lessons at the YMCA of Reading and Berks County

Mission Moments: Cazden’s Y

Cazden’s story is a powerful reminder that the Y is more than a place to swim, play, or work out. It is a place where families find support, connection, and community when they need it most.

Read Cazden’s Y story.

The Y is more than a gym; it’s your place to connect, grow, and belong. Stay close, stay active, and stay part of something bigger.

Find your connection. Find your Y.
Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin Youtube Tiktok Link

Table of Contents

Holiday Hours on July 4

Closed: Adamstown Y, Mifflin Y, Reading Y & Tri Valley Y

Open w/ Modified Hours: Sinking Spring Y open 7 AM – Noon | Group Fitness Pop-up Classes, No Child Watch

Savethe Date

6/2

Mifflin YMCA Senior Flip Flop Frenzy

6/17

Art Class w/ Allison 

7/20 - 7/27

LesMills Luau Week at Sinking Spring YMCA

7/22

Art Class w/ Allison 

Recent Posts

Follow Us

Y Mission Moment Stories:

Watch three unique stories of individuals who found hope, resilience and renewed purpose at our YMCA.

Sign up for our Newsletter

What’s Happening at the YMCA This February & March: Egg Hunts, Fitness Challenges, and Family Fun in Berks County

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

What’s Happening At The YMCA This February & March:

Egg Hunts, Fitness Challenges, and Family Fun in Berks 

Spring Energy Starts at the Y

As winter winds down, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County is gearing up for an exciting season ahead. February and March bring Easter egg hunts, seasonal fitness challenges, and family-friendly events across all branches. From youth programs to group fitness launches, there is something for every age and interest. Explore what’s happening and make your plans to join us this spring.

Spring Forward. Sweat Strong.

Spring is the perfect time to reset your routine and challenge yourself in new ways. This season, we’re bringing the energy with a high-impact Les Mills launch and a month-long fitness challenge designed to keep you moving.

Egg Hunt Hustle Fitness Challenge

Hop into fitness from 3/7 through 4/7 with Egg Hunt Hustle, a YMCA-wide fitness challenge that rewards consistency and community. Earn Easter eggs for staying active and increase your chances to win one of five Easter baskets, plus weekly branch prizes.

$10 to participate | Registration deadline 3/7 

Les Mills: Egg Hunt Explosion

Join us at Sinking Spring YMCA for the Les Mills Spring Launch and power through brand-new releases of your favorite classes. Fresh music, new choreography, and two mornings of nonstop sweat kick off Egg Hunt Hustle in full beast mode energy.

Saturday 3/7 | 8–11 AM
Sunday 3/8 | 8–11 AM

Free for members | $10 for non-members

Spring Events 

Easter Egg Hunts at the YMCA

Get ready to hop into spring with egg hunts happening at the YMCA! From traditional community hunts to themed challenges, we’ve got events for every age and interest. Visit our Egg Hunts hub for dates, details, and registration links.

Explore all Egg Hunt events and register.

Healthy kids day

Healthy Kids Day

Healthy Kids Day is back with even more ways for families to move and have fun together. Enjoy free activities, games, local vendors, community partners, and don’t miss the Kid’s Color Run for an unforgettable burst of energy and color.

Click here for full event details and register for the Kid’s Color Run.

Breakfast of Champions for Youth

breakfast of champions

Join us for the Breakfast of Champions for Youth, a morning dedicated to celebrating the power of community and the potential of every child. This inspiring event highlights the impact of YMCA programs and honors the champions who make it possible. Together, we invest in brighter futures for youth across Berks County. Register now to attend or learn how your organization can get involved.

Summer Camp Unplugged

YMCA Summer Camp- voted best in berks

Voted Berks’ Best for Summer Fun

Summer Camp Unplugged is where summer actually feels like summer. No constant screens. No boredom. Just sunshine, friendships, field trips, swimming, creative projects, and memories your kids will talk about all year long.

Voted Best in Berks, our camps give kids the chance to explore, build confidence, and try new things in a safe, supportive environment. Every day brings something new, whether it’s outdoor adventures, team challenges, themed weeks, or just good old-fashioned fun.

Register now and give your child a summer they’ll never forget.

Headlines, Highlights, & Spotlights

Community spotlights, news, and stories from the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. Read media features and blog posts that spotlight local impact.

YMCA of Reading & Berks County - Staff Awards of Excellence, Inducting New Board Members at Annual Meeting 2026

Click here to read the full story from Berk’s Weekly.

The YMCA recognizes excellence and milestones of 2025

In honor of its heritage and 167-year legacy, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County celebrated excellence, leadership, and long-standing dedication to the community at its 167th Annual Meeting.

Click here to read the full story from PA Spotlight.

Meet a Reading woman who advocates for quality childcare

Ashley Shannon Price has spent 33 years pouring her heart into the families of Berks County, and now she’s being recognized for it. As childcare director at the Reading YMCA, she helps children grow, learn, and thrive every single day. Read her inspiring story and see how one dedicated leader is shaping the future of our community.

Click here to read the full story from Berk’s Weekly.

Sinking Spring Y awarded Y-USA grant to expand the racquet sports wing

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County has been awarded a Y-USA grant to expand pickleball and renovate the racquet sports wing at the Sinking Spring Y. The investment will add new hybrid courts, upgraded equipment, and improved spaces to meet growing demand from players of all ages, helping strengthening community connections and creating more opportunities to play, learn, and stay active.

The Y is more than a gym; it’s your place to connect, grow, and belong. Stay close, stay active, and stay part of something bigger.

Find your connection. Find your Y.
Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin Youtube Tiktok Link

Table of Contents

Savethe Date

2/21

Family Dance @ Tri Valley Y

2/27

Family Dance @ Sinking Spring Y

3/3

Day of Giving 

3/7-8

LesMills Spring Launch

3/20

Egg Hunt @ Adamstown Y

3/20

Egg Hunt @ Reading Y

3/28

Egg Hunt @ Mifflin Y

3/28

Egg Hunt @ Sinking Spring Y

3/28

Egg Hunt @ Richmond Early Learning Center

Recent Posts

Follow Us

More Than A Place, A Purpose

Sign up for our Newsletter

Spider Web Layered Bean Dip: A Spooktacular Snack You’ll Actually Feel Good About

Posted on by Amber Fox

Spider Web Layered Bean Dip: A Spooktacular Snack You’ll Actually Feel Good About

Jump to recipe

Halloween snacks don’t have to be sugar bombs or Pinterest nightmares. This Spider Web Bean Dip from YMCA Nutrition Expert Shawn Borup is the perfect combo of festive, filling, and secretly good for you, aka, that magical combo of fun to make, healthy to eat, and actually kid-friendly.

This weekend, Shawn will be bringing this ghoulishly good recipe to WFMZ-TV69’s Saturday Sunrise, where she’ll whip it up live and share how the Y helps families stay healthy, happy, and balanced long after the candy buckets are empty. During the segment, she’ll also highlight our Before and After School Care and School’s Out programs, the perfect solutions for busy parents looking for safe, engaging, and affordable care during school breaks and holidays.

Oh, and she’s also dropping a little teaser about our Black Friday specials… (Trust us, you’ll want to tune in for that one!)

So grab your spooky snacks and your favorite little goblins, because this one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Halloween spider web bean dip layered with guacamole, salsa, and cheese on a round platter

Spider Web Bean Dip Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans refried beans

  • 1 cup guacamole

  • 1 cup salsa

  • ½–1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • ⅓–½ cup cheddar cheese

  • Sliced olives and/or jalapeños (optional, but highly encouraged)

Shawn suggests going organic with your ingredients when you can, because better ingredients mean better fuel for your family’s fun (and fewer mystery chemicals in your cauldron).

Instructions:

  1. Spread refried beans on a round platter like you’re creating your edible canvas.

  2. Add a smooth layer of guacamole (the “green goo” of your dreams).

  3. Spread on salsa, sprinkle cheese, and toss on olives or jalapeños if you’re feeling spooky.

  4. Spoon sour cream or Greek yogurt into a small baggie, snip off the corner, and pipe your spider web design on top.

  5. Serve with cucumbers, zucchini, celery, or whole-grain chips or crackers.

  6. Pro tip: Cut the recipe in half if your crowd’s smaller, or double it if your neighbor’s kids “just happened to stop by.”

Back to top

Why We Love This Recipe (Besides It Being Delicious)

  • It’s easy enough for a weekday, festive enough for a Halloween party.

  • Kids can help “draw” the spider web (and probably eat half the cheese in the process).

  • You can make it ahead, refrigerate it, and pull it out right before the chaos begins.

  • It doubles as a stealthy veggie delivery system.

This snack isn’t just cute, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep everyone’s energy steady. No sugar crashes, no candy-fueled chaos, just clean, tasty fun.

Don’t Miss It!

Catch Shawn Borup live on WFMZ-TV69’s Saturday Sunrise this weekend for the full cooking segment, plus tips for keeping your family healthy and happy this fall with the YMCA’s Before and After School and School’s Out Care programs.

And while you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for Shawn’s sneak peek at our Black Friday deals, because fitness, childcare, and fun family programs make the best gifts.

About the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

At the Y, we’re here to help families thrive, in and out of the kitchen. From nutritious recipes and youth programs to community events and healthy living initiatives, the Y is your home base for wellness, growth, and connection.

Recipe by: Shawn Borup, YMCA Nutrition Expert