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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
True Food Co-op

Address

61 Grove Road, Emmer Green, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8LJ

Telephone
0118 946 1188

Reading

True Food Co-op in Emmer Green, Caversham is a local organic, independent grocery shop. As well as selling fresh organic bread, loose organic fruit and vegetables, organic meat, organic alcohol, organic store cupboard essentials and ethical cleaning…
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.
Filter Coffee House

Address

33 Castle Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7SB

Reading

Filter Coffee House is an independent café inspired by the rich coffee and chai traditions of South India, located on the outskirts of Reading town centre.
Manzano's

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 3343338

info@manzanosperiperi.co.uk

READING

Manzano's is the home of delicious, healthy, flame grilled cuisine. Expect a fantastic range of healthy grilled food including: juicy steaks, flame grilled peri- peri chicken and the best wings in town; all at great value. Expect to experience great…
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…
Post Office Broad Street Mall

Address

1st floor, Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QA

Reading

Our Post Office offers customers everything they need and expect from a trusted provider of essential services. More than 170 products and services including; foreign currency exchange at 0% commission, passport checks and travel insurance are all…
Rabble Theatre

Address

School Lane, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8HX

READING

RABBLE Theatre is a multi-award-winning theatre company based in Reading, producing work in the region’s iconic spaces. But as well as producing amazing works of theatre, they also teach business how to communicate better.
Want to practise…
South Reading Leisure Centre

Address

Northumberland Avenue, READING, Berkshire, RG2 8DF

READING

South Reading Leisure Centre offers a range of indoor and outdoor facilities for the local community. The gym features a range of cardio and resistance stations, a dedicated free weight area and a spin and dance studio offering a range of fitness…
Slater Menswear

Address

Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AP

Telephone
0118 939 3479

contact@slaters.co.uk

Reading

Slaters are a family run business with 40 years’ experience. With tailored suits starting from £49, as well as suit packages including shirt, tie and shoes for only £79 they are your first port of call for formal wear or hire. Each store hires a…
Döner & Gyros

Address

43-35 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 950 7200

Reading

Döner & Gyros is a casual fast-food restaurant that serves healthy, delicious and affordable products. We take traditional sandwiches and give them an urban and modern twist. Since opening our first store 2014, we’ve come a long way. At Döner &…
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…
Eatnua

Address

15 Gun Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JR

Telephone
0118 304 4317

contact-reading@eatnua.com

Reading

Experience authentic Thai street food dining, the bold, fresh flavours of Thailand—right here in central Reading!
Vino.Vita

Address

20 Valpy street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1AR

Telephone
0118 950 5493

guest@vinovita.bar

Reading

We are authentic Italian wine bars boasting quality wines and tempting Italian food. Vino.Vita was born in 2013 with two friends who shared a love for Italian Aperitivo, the ritual of drinking, nibbling and relaxing after work. A daily occasion to…
ProCook

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 370 2088

Reading

We’re ProCook, UK’s leading specialist kitchenware retailer. For over 29 years, we’ve been helping cooks like you bring more to the table – more flavour, easier prep and more meals to remember. From premium cookware to award-winning electricals and…

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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