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…
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…
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…
Notes

Address

1 Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PT

bookings@notescoffee.com

Reading

London-based coffee roaster and wine bar, minutes from Reading Station.
Starbucks The Oracle

Address

Upper Mall, The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 959 1463

ukinfo@starbucks.com

Reading

The layout and atmosphere of Starbucks stores are specifically designed to be cosy and intimate, while at the same time providing people with their own personal...
Walk Reading

Address

Town Hall Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

info@walk-reading.co.uk

Reading

Looking for things to do in Reading? Discover the hidden gems of Reading on an unforgettable walking tour. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this charming town as our knowledgeable guides lead you through its streets.…
Jane Austen's Schoolroom

Address

Abbey Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BD

Telephone
0118 937 3400

Reading

Jane Austen's former schoolroom, located in Reading’s Abbey Quarter, is often cited as the inspiration for Austen’s Mr Goddard’s School in Emma.
Subway - Broad Street Mall

Address

Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QG

Reading
Nando's Friar Street

Address

30-31 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DX

Telephone
0118 951 1460

Reading

Home to the legendary flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken. Afro-Portuguese inspired. South African born. Whether you are eating in the restaurants or getting...
Hilton Reading

Address

Drake Way, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0GQ

Telephone
0118 916 9000

reservations.reading@hilton.com

READING

Hilton Reading is located off the M4 and A33 and offers on-site car parking. The hotel is conveniently positioned less than two miles from indoor shopping centre The Oracle; Select Car Leasing Stadium, the home to Reading FC; and University of…
Blue Collar Corner

Address

Hosier Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2LN

READING

In March 2022, we turned this derelict and abandoned yard into Blue Collar Corner - Reading’s newest independent venue and our first permanent site. Featuring 1 bar, 2 floors & 4 kitchens, a huge beer garden in the Summer and with cover in the…
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.
You Me Sushi

Address

150 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HE

Reading

A comprehensive menu with the best sushi in Reading including vegan & vegetarian sushi options too. You can search on Deliveroo for sushi and we’re also in the Just Eat sushi & Uber Eats sushi sections too. Order direct with us online or on our app…
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.
Shed

Address

8 Merchant's Place, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DT

Telephone
0118 956 1482

Reading

Gourmet sandwiches and soups, plus coffee and cakes, in a cafe with exposed brick in an old forge.
Reading Biscuit Factory

Address

1 Queens Walk (corner of Oxford Rd), Broad Street Mall, Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

info@readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

Broad Street Mall, Reading

We are a three-screen cinema, bar, coffee shop, live performance space and community hub situated at the heart of Reading’s town centre. Our aim is to offer a fantastic and welcoming venue and create a setting where everyone can relax, work, meet…
Siren Tap Yard Finchampstead

Address

18 Alberto House, Marino Way, Finchampstead, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG40 4RF

WOKINGHAM

Siren Craft Brew was born in 2013 with a simple idea in mind: to introduce exciting, full-ﬂavoured and forward-thinking beers to as many people as possible. There are now six Sirens of Siren Craft Brew. These Sirens characterise our flagship beers.…

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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