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…
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…
Phantom Brewing Company

Address

Unit 2-3 Meadow Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8LB

READING

Phantom Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in Reading, Berkshire. With the main goal of producing the freshest beer, made with the highest quality ingredients, we have worked hard to provide a welcoming community hub in our taproom in Reading…
Bowl Central

Address

65 Caversham Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8AD

Telephone
01182 292233

Reading

Central Bowl offers boutique bowling lanes alongside darts, pool and a lively bar, as well as a modern, cashless arcade.
Keeley's Picture Framing

Address

14 Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3AA

Telephone
0118 959 6961

keith.keeleys@hotmail.com

Reading

Framing specialist providing custom and pre-made frames for everything from single photographs up to multiple photo's, posters and more.
Yoga Reading

Address

3-5 Cremyll Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8NQ

Telephone
07952 714 385

Reading

A welcoming space where you can learn how to move well for life. Yoga Reading is a community yoga studio based on the Caversham-Reading border. It’s where you can find the perfect movement practice to suit your mind and your body. Our teachers are…
Penta Hotel

Address

Oxford Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7RH

Telephone
0118 958 6222

info.reading@pentahotels.com

READING

Penta Reading is a vibrant hotel in the heart of the City, offering 206 stylish bedrooms, 11 conference and meeting rooms and at the heart of the hotel you'll find the Pentalounge; part bar, part restaurant and part chill-out area, it’s the ideal…
South Street Arts Centre

Address

South Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4QU

Telephone
0118 937 3456

SouthStreetBookings@reading.gov.uk

READING

South Street has two venues, our Main Theatre & the MacDevitts Studio - both of which are perfect for small performances, workshops, rehearsals, parties, conferences and staff training. The flexible, intimate spaces at South Street can meet the…
Showcase Cinema de Lux Reading

Address

Reading Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5HG

Telephone
01189788766

Wokingham

Showcase Cinema de Lux offers a premium film viewing experience, including luxurious seating with extra legroom, in-theater dining options, and access to a VIP Gallery bar and lounge. These features, along with impeccable service, create a more…
Chopstix

Address

80 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AP

Telephone
0118 963 5147

Reading

At Chopstix all food is made with natural ingredients delivering you a fresh and delicious meal.
Crowne Plaza Reading

Address

Wharfedale Road, Winnersh Traingle, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG41 5TS

Telephone
0118 944 0444

reservations@cpreading.co.uk

WOKINGHAM

Exceptional new, fully refurbished 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza Reading, M4 Jct 10 offering 174 spacious luxurious bedrooms with King-size beds and 50” TV . New 2 AA Rosette Restaurant & Terrace and Bar/Lounge serving modern British and authentic…
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…
Victoria's Secret Pink

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 956 1951

Reading

Victoria’s Secret PINK is a spirited lifestyle brand dedicated to the independent collegiate girl. Sometimes cheeky, always fun and absolutely comfy, the range includes hoodies, tees, tanks, sweats, bras, panties, yoga, accessories, beauty and more.
Dinton Activity Centre

Address

Sandford Lane, Hurst, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG10 0SU

Telephone
01182378095

eventbookings@wokingham.gov.uk

Wokingham

Dinton Activity Centre offers the perfect blend of convenience and natural beauty for your next corporate event with a variety of meeting rooms to suit your requirements, all complemented by on-site catering options. After a productive meeting, you…
The French Horn

Address

Sonning Eye, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TN

Telephone
0118 969 2204

info@thefrenchhorn.co.uk

READING

Our air-conditioned, Wi-Fi enabled rooms are designed for comfort. Our Rooms are the perfect place to lay your head after dinner, or as a base for exploring the Thames and local villages. This is a wonderful place to stay, with many rooms offering…
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.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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