Palmer Park community pool
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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

Reading is a great place to visit with the family, with plenty of child-friendly activities and attractions to suit everyone, and every budget. From farmyard visits and woodland strolls, to activities for the more adventurous cohorts, here’s some of our favourite family-friendly things to do in Reading to get you started. For families on a budget, take a look at our top 10 free attractions, most of which are suitable for all ages.

Watch a live show at Reading Hexagon
Reading’s theatre and arts venue, Reading Hexagon, sits on Queen's Walk in the centre of town. With a jam-packed events timetable running year-round, The Hexagon hosts some great family shows, from theatre productions and child-friendly plays to ballet productions and the Pantomime at Christmas. And with its handy town-centre location, it can be paired perfectly with a family trip to your favourite restaurant, too!

Embrace your wild side at Lagoona Park
Open from May-September, the Aqua Park at Lagoona Park is open to the whole family. But it's not just the watter obstacle course, you can try paddleboards, water bikes, and pedalos too.

Two new pools
Two new swimming pools have opened in Reading in the last 18 months. A brand new Rivermead Swimming Pool opened in summer 2024 with a 25m 8-lane main pool and a teaching and diving pool with 5 metre dive tower; 3 metre springboard and two 1 metre spring dives. In 2023, Palmer Park swimming pool opened with six lanes wide with family sessions, as well as a soft play area and cafe. You'll find it in Palmer Park in East Reading. You can also enjoy the paddling pool in Christchurch Meadows.

Channel your inner detective at Reading’s Escape Rooms
Reading is home to four top-rated Escape Room venues offering PG rated games and welcome younger players (if they’re accompanied with an adult, of course). Recommended ages are 8+ (Escape Hunt) and 12+ (Escape Reading), so if puzzle-solving sounds like your idea of family fun, there’s a challenge just waiting to be accepted!

Climb the walls (literally)
Reading has two indoor climbing centres for young and old who like hanging around at heights or bouldering. Or you can bounce at Red Kangaroo.

Go on an adventure at Wellington Country Park
Wellington Country Park offers an open air, fun-filled venue for children to explore. From a miniature railway and animal farm, to indoor soft play and even a giant bouncing pillow, you won’t be short of ways to keep little ones entertained. There’s also short walking trails and a playpark, and, if you’re looking for staycations in Reading, why not bring your tent and camp under the stars?

Step into local history at Reading Museum or MERL
Reading is packed with history and culture, so why not explore its past with a family trip to Reading Museum? Hosting exhibitions, permanent galleries, and the only full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry, it makes for a great family trip. If you have time, you can always pick up a map and wander to the Abbey Ruins afterwards – both are free to visit. The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL) has a family friendly collection celebrating the countryide, food and farming. There are family trails and a lovely garden to let off steam.

Visit the animals at Beale Wildlife Park
If you’re looking for wildlife, look no further than Beale Wildlife Park, located just 6 miles west of Reading town centre in Lower Basildon. Home to over 160 species of animals from monkeys to zebras, Berkshire’s only wildlife park is set in 350 acres of countryside, right next to the River Thames. Along with the zoo, there’s also a train, play area, farmyard, gift shop, gardens – and a café serving ‘proper’ coffee.

Also west of Reading is Bozedown Farm where you can walk alpacas. The might come from Peru, but they are quite at home in Reading.

See Reading from the water on a Thames River Cruise
For a different view of Reading, why not take to the water with a Thames River Cruise? Starting from Caversham, just north of the town centre, the river trips on offer range from 45-minute taster sessions through to longer 3-hour cruises and explore nearby riverside villages of Goring, Shiplake and Pangbourne. Keep your eyes peeled during half terms and school holidays for special offers for children too.

Take a trip to Basildon Park
A National Trust property situated a few miles to the west of Reading town centre in Berkshire’s countryside, Basildon Park is a great option for a family-friendly day out in Reading. Featuring a Mansion House and 400 acres of gardens and parkland to explore, it’ll keep even the most restless little ones entertained. There’s also a gift shop and tea rooms when it’s time for a rest!

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Venue Reading

Address

Venue Reading, Whiteknights, READING, Berkshire, RG6 6UR

READING

Situated just outside of Reading town centre, Venue Reading is located on the University of Reading, Whiteknights campus and is in a prime location for the South East of England with excellent transport links. Reading Buses even come through the…
Thames River Cruise

Address

Bridge Street, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8AH

Telephone
0118 948 1088

bookings@thamesrivercruise.co.uk

READING

The Perfect Venue on the Upper Thames. The Upper reaches of the Thames are enchanting and captivating, a fitting backdrop for your Corporate Event. Sailing from Caversham Pier in Reading, passing open countryside, historic villages, and stunning…
Reading Abbey Ruins

Address

Abbey Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BA

Telephone
0118 937 3400

READING

Explore 900 years of history in Reading Abbey Quarter including the burial place of King Henry I, Jane Austen's schoolroom and Oscar Wilde's Gaol. Notably the Quarter includes Reading Museum, St. James' Church, St Laurence's Church, the Forbury…
Thames River Cruise

Address

Caversham Pier, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8BD

Telephone
0118 948 1088

bookings@thamesrivercruise.co.uk

READING

As a small family-run business with over 50 years of river life experience, we take great pride in the vessels that form the soul of our operation. From our very own Little Ship of Dunkirk, rich with heritage, to our spacious multi-deck party and…
Walking.Holiday - St James' Way

Address

St James' Church, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3FD

Telephone
07889 654979

camino.ingles@walking.holiday

Reading

We are a local walking holiday company who offer four to eight day self-guided walking itineraries along the St James' Way from Reading to Southampton. Our packages include B&B accommodation, daily baggage transfers, transport to and from…
Blue Banana

Address

95 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AP

Telephone
0118 227 9829

Reading

Blue Banana is a UK-based alternative fashion and lifestyle store that’s been around since 1997, specialising in edgy street style, band merchandise, shoes like Dr Martens and New Rock, hair dyes, accessories and more.
Travelodge Reading Central

Address

60 Oxford Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7LT

Telephone
08719 846211

READING

Situated just 0.8 miles from the city of Reading and 0.5 miles from Reading train station, the Reading Central hotel is an excellent choice if you’re looking for accommodation around this historic, bustling Berkshire town.
Forbury Gardens

Address

The Forbury, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BB

READING

Forbury Gardens is a delightful Victorian town garden, created at the height of the urban parks movement. The gardens have recently undergone major restoration. They are located between the town centre and the ruins of the 11th century abbey, not…
Geo Cafe

Address

10 Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8JG

Reading

Geo-Café is a family-run café, bakery and grocery, providing a range of Georgian delicious food and local produce.
Zero Degrees

Address

9 Bridge Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LR

Telephone
0118 959 7959

reading@zerodegrees.co.uk

Reading

Bar, restaurant and microbrewery, Zero Degrees is situated within 1 minute walking distance of the Oracle Shopping Centre and offers a wide range of settings that are perfect for any occasion. The Tank Lounge on the mezzanine level, complete with…
Griggs & Mackay

Address

Church Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 7AA

Telephone
0118 946 1440

Reading

We welcome you to visit and browse our Berkshire shop where you will find beautiful, unique statement pieces to update your home.
Barista & Beyond

Address

5 Alfred Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7AT

Reading

We serve great quality coffee, cakes, and plates all while supporting people with disabilities to gain employment.
The Henley Distillery

Address

Hampstead Farm, Binfield Heath, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxfordshire, RG9 4LG

Telephone
07511 208490

shop@thehenleydistillery.co.uk

HENLEY-ON-THAMES

Located in an 18th century threshing barn just three miles outside out of Reading, The Henley Distillery, voted New Distillery of The Year 2022 by The Gin Guide, offers tours, gin tastings and fully-immersive gin-making experiences inviting people…
Terry's Reading Walkabouts

Address

READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
07505 351517

terry.dixon89@virginmedia.com

READING

The original Guided walks going over 8 years around my home town in fun way. 18 themes, inc.Town Centre, Architecture, Crime/Punishment, Photographic Heritage, Ghosts. All donated go to local charities, raising over £24,000 & taken out 4500 people!
Caversham Artisan & Farmers' Market

Address

Waitrose Car Park, Church Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8AY

Reading

Caversham Artisan & Farmers Market has been and always will be here to serve the community. We believe in providing our shoppers with quality products as well as outstanding service. Since day one, a genuine love and passion for our own market…
Cafe Yolk

Address

44 Erleigh Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG15NA

Telephone
01183271055

info@cafeyolk.com

Reading

Cafe Yolk is an award-winning brunch restaurant with 2 locations in Reading, serving delicious breakfast and brunch since 2013.
Bill's

Address

St Mary's Church House, Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HX

Telephone
020 4512 6642

Reading

Bill's Restaurant and Bar first opened in Lewes, East Sussex in 2001. A very pretty location, Bill’s Reading restaurant occupies St Mary’s Church House. This elegant Georgian building makes a fabulous restaurant and has become a very popular…
Zizzi

Address

Oracle, Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 996 2111

Reading

Popular chain specialising in Italian dishes including pizza, calzone, pasta and salads. Second branch in Reading town centre, situated on the Oracle Riverside.
Sweeney and Todd

Address

10 Castle Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7RD

Telephone
0118 958 6466

Reading

Restaurant with acclaimed pies and deli selling pasties, sausage rolls and free range scotch eggs.
Royal Berkshire Medical Museum

Address

London Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 5AN

READING

Founded in 1997, The Berkshire Medical Heritage Centre is based in the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading (built 1881-1882). Located in the old hospital laundry (built 1881-1882), the Museum is the hub of the Centre's activities.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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