Palmer Park community pool
Thames River Cruise

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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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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…
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

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…
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…
Sonning Golf Club

Address

Duffield Road, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6GJ

Telephone
0118 969 3332

READING

Sonning’s original layout was designed by JH Taylor with later input from Harry Colt. The course measures 6,329 yards and has a par of 70 and a SSS of 71. It generally plays longer than its yardage due to the elevation of several greens and fairways…
Celador Apartments

Address

Davidson House, The Forbury, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3EU

READING

Welcome to Celador Apartments, we provide a range of contemporary, high quality serviced apartments throughout a number of locations within central Reading. Thanks to our professional yet personal approach, along with our commitment to excellence…
Popworld

Address

110 - 117 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EP

READING

Popworld is a late-night bar with a difference – we are cheese with style! You'll be greeted by our friendly bar staff and party the night away with like-minded people.
Co-space

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
020 80661761

hello@co-space.co.uk

READING

Our Reading meeting rooms are easily accessible and can hold up to 36 people. All our meeting rooms are available for hire by members and non-members alike and provide a confidential space which are equipped with plug and play TV and video…
John Lewis

Address

Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BB

Telephone
0118 957 5955

Reading

Iconic department store in the centre of Reading selling everything from home goods and appliances, electronics, clothing, sports goods and more.
Jewells

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

ukoracle@jewells.com

Reading

Experience jewellery differently.
Discover everything from trend-led, ultra-affordable jewellery to Solid Gold and Lab-Grown Diamond investment pieces, all in the same room. Step inside the Jewells Universe at our The Oracle store, including…
Caversham Tiles

Address

55 Donkin Hill, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 5DG

Telephone
0118 947 8853

mandy@cavtiles.co.uk

Reading

We are an independent family business based in Caversham, with almost 45 years’ experience in the tile industry. Our reputation is based on service and advice you can trust. Client satisfaction is everything - we will not let you down.
Our showroom…
The Pantry Cafe & Kitchen

Address

Blagrave Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

READING

A vibrant and contemporary space providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle for a coffee or taking time over lunch, you’ll find a great big welcome in comfy surroundings.
Offering a delicious…
The Hexagon

Address

Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

Telephone
0118 960 6060

READING

The Hexagon is a multi-purpose entertainment venue in the heart of Reading, hosting an eclectic mix of entertainers from big name Comedians, Spectacular Musicals, Children's Shows, Classical Concerts, Opera, Pantomime, Theatre, Dance and everything…
Cantley House Hotel

Address

Milton Road, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG40 1JY

Telephone
0118 989 5100

reservations@cantleyhotel.co.uk

WOKINGHAM

A charming and lush retreat located near Wokingham. Perfect for a relaxing escape to the gorgeous countryside Berkshire has to offer.
Double-Barrelled Brewery

Address

Unit 20 Stadium Way, Tilehurst, READING, Berkshire, RG30 6BX

Telephone
0118 942 8390

READING

You can visit us on Fridays and Saturdays at our on-site taproom, where we serve a wide variety of beers direct from our warehouse cold store, where our beer is continuously stored between 4-5 degrees, keeping it in the best condition possible for…
Lush

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 957 6766

Reading

Inventors of the bath bomb and home of bath art. Vegetarian, vegan and cruelty free cosmetics, handmade by real people fresh from our kitchens straight to your bathroom.
Broad Street Mall

Address

Broad Street, Reading, RG1 7QE

Reading

Broad Street Mall is a shopping centre based in the heart of Reading. The mall has a unique mix of big brand and independent retail and lifestyle brands, as well as diverse food brands.
Greys Court

Address

Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxfordshire, RG9 4PG

HENLEY-ON-THAMES

From a picturesque 16th-century mansion to a 20th century intimate family home. The house exudes a welcoming atmosphere with a well-stocked kitchen and homely living rooms. The series of walled gardens are a colourful patchwork of interest set amid…

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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