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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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…
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…
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…
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…
Subway - Tesco Extra Oxford Road

Address

Tesco Extra, Reading, RG301AP

Reading
Reading Museum Tours

Address

Blagrave Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

Telephone
0118 937 3400

READING

Situated in Reading’s Victorian Town Hall, the Museum tells the story of Reading from its Saxon beginnings to the high-tech town it is today. Explore ten galleries of historic and artistic objects. Discover archaeology from Roman Silchester and…
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.

Our…
Cosy Club

Address

The Oracle, Lower Ground Level, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

reading@cosyclub.co.uk

Reading

Cosy Club Reading serves up delicious all-day dining in stylish, retro-inspired surroundings. From indulgent brunches and elegant mains like King Prawn and Cod Linguine to standout cocktails and treats like their signature Monkey Bread, the menu…
Shave & Coster

Address

Harris Arcade, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DN

READING

Specialist tobaconist now owned by Havana House. The business dates back to the late 1800s.
Beale Wildlife Park

Address

Lower Basildon, READING, Berkshire, RG8 9NW

Telephone
0118 976 7480

admin@bealepark.org.uk

READING

Beale Park is an outdoor wildlife park within 40 acres set against the River Thames in Berkshire. A home to an exciting mix of animals and attractions.
Peppito

Address

The Village (First Floor), 19-23 King Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HG

Telephone
+447749030514

reading@peppito.co.uk

Reading

Fresh food made with love in the heart of Reading.
At Peppito, we believe that food is a celebration of community. Our menus are thoughtfully designed to enhance any gathering, reflecting our commitment to craftsmanship and flavour. We take pride in…
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…
Slik Beauty

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
01183 271870

READING

Slik Beauty Salon is the perfect place to pamper, refresh and revitalise yourself. We carry the finest beauty products and offer the largest selection of beauty services in the area. When you want to look your very best, trust us to take care of all…
Paddy Power

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0800 056 5275

READING

Paddy Power is Ireland’s biggest, most successful; security conscious, friendly and innovative licensed betting shop. You can get all the latest betting offers, bonuses, free bets and promotions from a friendly customer service team.
Menkind

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 996 0128

Reading

Retail chain specialising in gadgets, accessories, watches and novelty gifts aimed at men.
Lovisa

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

Lovisa was created out of the need for on trend fashion jewellery at ready to wear prices. Our trend spotting departments worldwide take inspiration from couture runways and current street style to deliver new, on trend, must-have styles to our…
The Dr. Martens Store

Address

24 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TG

Telephone
0118 956 8536

Reading

Legendary footwear from the iconic boot-maker and home to the 'air-wave' sole. Selling everything from the iconic 8-eye boots, to more modern daring styles.
Broom Wagon Cycle Tours

Address

12 Dunbar Drive, Woodley, READING, Berkshire, RG54HA

READING

E bike vineyard tour - English wine is enjoying a boom right now. Join Broomwagon Cycle Tours for a ride through the beautiful Chilterns with a stop at one of the country’s most exclusive vineyards. Nestled in the foothills of the Chilterns, South…

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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