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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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

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…
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…
Britain's Bayeux Tapestry

Address

Reading Museum, Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

Telephone
0118 9373400

Reading

The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the world’s most famous pieces of medieval art. It is 70 metres long, and chronicles the legendary tale of the Norman conquest of England in 1066. In the late 19th century, an extremely ambitious project was undertaken…
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…
Crowne Plaza Reading

Address

Wharfedale Road, Winnersh Triangle, Reading, Berkshire, RG41 5TS

Telephone
0118 944 0444

reservations@cpreading.co.uk

Reading

The fully refurbished 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza Reading, M4 Jct 10 provides a stylish contemporary look and feel, catering to business travellers, leisure guests, and spa visitors. The hotel boasts 174 spacious new bedrooms and an award-winning 2…
Spinners

Address

Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

READING

Crazy Golf, Ten Pin Bowling and Darts comes to Reading! An independent competitive socialising venue run by local people with an affinity for good times, fine cocktails, ice cold beers and stonebaked pizza. An intimate bowling experience with…
Thaigrr

Address

1D Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

Telephone
07379 636771

contact@thaigrr.co.uk

READING

ThaiGrr! serves enticing, ready-to-go Thai food, cooked to perfection by our experienced Thai chefs with a menu that brings you Thailand’s favourite dishes. Our tempting choice of tasty Thai hot meals are available to take out or to deliver.
To…
Travelodge Reading Whitley

Address

387 Basingstoke Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0JE

Telephone
08719 846209

READING

Conveniently located a mile from Reading train station and only 45 minutes from Heathrow Airport, our hotel is an excellent place to stay if you are looking for a base in Berkshire with strong transport links. This is the perfect place to take a…
Walk Works

Address

RG4 7QX

Telephone
07979 758330

Walk Works is a friendly, mixed walking group run by experienced walk guides Liz and Caroline.
They walk every other Friday morning in Berks, Bucks and South Oxfordshire. Join them to learn lots of woodland routes and trails, often with a coffee /…
Starbucks The Oracle

Address

Upper Mall, The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 959 1463

ukinfo@starbucks.com

Reading

The layout and atmosphere of Starbucks stores are specifically designed to be cosy and intimate, while at the same time providing people with their own personal...
Caversham Boat Services

Address

Thames Side, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8DG

Telephone
0118 957 4323

READING

Caversham Boat Services is a family-run boat yard. Whether you’re looking for a cruiser for leisure or a corporate event, our hire fleet caters for 2-12 berths, whether it be for a week, a short break, or a day. Make your next adventure one to…
Warren James

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 959 5779

READING

Warren James first opened in 1979 offering something new to customers: great jewellery design – just like the brands – but half the price .To date Warren James has become one of the largest jewellers in the UK. The original passion and dedication is…
Select Serviced Accomodation

Address

Reading

Telephone
0330 900 5881

info@selectservicedaccommodation.com

Reading

Discover our 13 exceptional apartments in the heart of Reading, offering a mix of stylish 1 and 2-bedroom homes, some nestled within historic listed buildings.
Notes

Address

1 Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PT

bookings@notescoffee.com

Reading

London-based coffee roaster and wine bar, minutes from Reading Station.
YayLo

Address

26 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
01189 597 809

joy@yaylo.co

Reading

YayLo is situated in the heart of Reading city centre and is an easy walk from Reading Station. We are local, independent artisanal coffee brewers and specialist bakers. While we are completely gluten free one of the most common compliments we…
NHS Centre

Address

Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 902 8300

Reading

The centre is now only open for registered patients. Please only visit the centre if you have a pre-arranged appointment and have been invited to attend. The Walk-In Service is CLOSED until further notice.
The centre gives you additional choice and…
Greyfriars Church and Centre

Address

Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EH

Telephone
0118 304 53 68

bookings@greyfriars.org.uk

READING

Greyfriars Church and Centre are located in the very heart of Reading, on Friar Street, just a five-minute walk from Reading Station, which can be easily reached from most areas of the country.
A Grade I Listed Building, Greyfriars Church offers a…
Nirvana Spa

Address

Mole Road, Sindlesham, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG41 5DJ

Telephone
0118 9897500

WOKINGHAM

Let tensions melt away and indulge your senses in our beautiful, uplifting spa facilities. Surrounded by palm trees and Roman statues you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean. Unquestionably, our spacious facilities are…

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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