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…
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…
Office

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Reading

OFFICE are the undisputed leaders in high street footwear fashion – consistently presenting new trends first; offering everything their customer needs, wants and more...Get ready for autumn and channel your military street style vibe in chunky boots…
The Caversham (Reading Golf Club)

Address

Mapledurham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 7UT

Telephone
0118 9478600

READING

The Eyston Course is a fantastic championship course measuring between 5,536 to 7,319 yards. Located just outside Reading, built to USGA standards and is in great condition year-round due to excellent drainage.
Pizza Express

Address

Unit R11 Riverside Level, The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 957 4411

Reading

A fantastic light and airy restaurant situated right on the river with a generous alfresco area for those wishing to enjoy the hustle and bustle of...
St James ' Church

Address

Forbury Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3FD

READING

St James catholic Church is built within the ruins of the great Benedictine Abbey. Today we continue the practice of the monks to celebrate the Sacred Liturgy in Word and Sacrament. The church was built between 1837 and 1840, the architect was A W…
The Nag's Head

Address

5 Russell Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7XD

Telephone
0118 957 4659

Reading

The Nag's Head is a CAMRA award-winning pub situated near Reading town centre. Specialising in Keg and Craft Cask, we have 12 hand pumps featuring a constantly changing variety of Craft Casks from predominantly local breweries as well as a selection…
Fidget and Bob

Address

The Piazza, Kennet Island, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0GX

Telephone
0118 931 0271

hello@fidgetandbob.co.uk

Reading

Fidget & Bob is the new all-day café bar in Kennet Island, Reading.
Gail's Bakery

Address

Broad Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2BD

reading@gailsbread.co.uk

READING

Newly opened in October 2022, Gail's bake fresh, handmade bread, pastries and cakes every day, served with our carefully-sourced house blend specialty coffee. We take great pleasure in using the best ingredients we can find for food and drink,…
The Cocktail Club

Address

5-6 Gun Street, Reading, RG1 2JR

Reading

Reading, are you ready for the biggest cocktail party to arrive in town? Arriving Soon, The Cocktail Club will land on Gun Street and we cannot wait to get the party started with you. Want to be part of the launch weekend madness? Bookings are now…
De Vere Wokefield Estate golf course

Address

Wokefield Park, Mortimer, READING, Berkshire, RG7 3AE

READING

De Vere Wokefield Estate is home to Wokefield Estate Golf Club: a 6,996-yard, par 72 championship course that is designed to US PGA standards and one of the leading golf clubs in Reading.
Kiko Milano

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

KIKO MILANO was established and founded in 1997 by the Percassi Group. It is an Italian professional cosmetics brand that features a range of cutting-edge makeup, face and body treatments. Safe and effective products of the highest quality, created…
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.
Three

Address

21 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0118 957 5514

Reading

Retail chain providing mobile phones, tablets & broadband services.
Prospect Park

Address

Liebenrood Road, READING, Berkshire, RG30 2ND

READING

Prospect Park is Reading’s largest open space and gets its name from the fine views across the Kennet Valley and beyond, which can be enjoyed best from the Mansion House.
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…

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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