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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do

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 Caversham Lakes Aqua Park
Open from May-September, the main Aqua Park at Caversham Lakes is open to the whole family. The on-the-water obstacle course is a must-try for adventure-seeking families and has a minimum age of 6 years old (participants must be competent swimmers). In the summer, visit the family beach which welcomes children of all ages – and there’s lots of other activities and nature trails to keep everyone happy.

Play for hours at Prospect Park
Reading’s grade II listed park, Prospect Park, is a great family-friendly way to spend an afternoon. With a huge playpark to keep the little ones entertained, as well as a whole host of sports facilities for older children to explore, Prospect Park is Reading’s largest open space. Pack a picnic or bring the dog to discover the ‘The Rookery’ woodland. Best of all, it’s free!

Channel your inner detective at Reading’s Escape Rooms
Reading is home to five 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), 10+ (TimeTrap) and 12+ (Escape Reading), so if puzzle-solving sounds like your idea of family fun, there’s a challenge just waiting to be accepted!

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
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.

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.

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.

Watch the latest family blockbuster at the cinema

Film buffs are spoilt for choice, with many great cinemas to choose from in Reading. In the town centre you’ll find Vue and a few miles to the east in Winnersh there is the popular Showcase de Lux with comfy recliner seats and an on-site bar. Or, if you fancy something more community-based, Reading’s new three-screen cinema, The Biscuit Factory, is an independent cinema and community hub found at Broad Street Mall, on the corner of Queen's Walk and Oxford Road.

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
01189 481088

bookings@thamesrivercruise.co.uk

READING

We are based at the heart of the Upper Thames and cruise through some of the most stunning reaches of the Thames from Henley and Soniing up to Going and Streatley.
Established in 1973 our family business has grown from simple roots when we had…
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…
Grosvenor Casino

Address

1 Queens Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4SY

Telephone
0118 983 9441

READING

Next to the Oracle shopping centre, the Grosvenor Casino Reading brings a delightful combination of classic and state-of-the-art gaming to this vibrant location.
TGI Fridays Riverside

Address

Unit 8, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0344 264 6052

Reading

TGI Friday's Reading Oracle is an award-winning restaurant, home to legendary food and drink. Fresh ingredients are used to craft a huge burger range...
NatWest Bank

Address

Level 1, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0845 600 2803

Reading

Welcome to NatWest. Our extensive personal banking products including bank accounts, mortgages, credit cards, loans and more. Visit today to find out more.
Prezzo

Address

228 King Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HF

Telephone
0118 959 6092

prezzo228@prezzoplc.co.uk

Reading

Modern Italian dining in a stylish and elegant setting, providing the perfect surroundings to make any occasion a celebration...
Ann Summers

Address

95 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AP

Telephone
0118 996 0282

Reading

Playful lingerie chain selling women's underwear, fancy dress outfits and bedroom toys.
Crowne Plaza Reading

Address

Richfield Avenue, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8BD

Telephone
0118 925 9988

guestrelations@cp-reading.co.uk

READING

Nestled amongst the trees on the bank of the River Thames in Central Reading, the hotel is an elegant retreat and a strategic base for exploring Reading or unlocking London. Contemporary bedrooms including stylish standard rooms, executive club…
TUI

Address

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

Telephone
0118 958 2331

Reading

Discover your smile with TUI, the world's biggest travel group. We offer you even more handpicked holiday choices, city breaks, short breaks, cruises as well First Choice holiday packages.
Jelly - making space for art

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 9571869

enquiries@jelly.org.uk

READING

Jelly is an energetic charity championing the creative arts. We have played a strategic role in Reading’s cultural life since 1993 – enabling art to appear in unexpected places and creating opportunities for people to look on and join in. We believe…
South Street Arts Centre

Address

South Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4QU

Telephone
0118 937 3456

boxoffice@reading.gov.uk

READING

South Street is situated just to the South of Reading's town centre, 5 minutes from the Oracle Riverside, and boasts two performance spaces. The small-scale programme focuses on critically acclaimed touring theatre, music, comedy & spoken word.…
Marks and Spencer - Broad Street

Address

12 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0118 959 1711

readingsm@marks-and-spencer.com

Reading

Multi-national retailer selling groceries, clothing and other household items.
Super Star Nails and Beauty

Address

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

Telephone
0118 958 8875

Reading

Nail salon in Reading town centre.
The Jazz Café

Address

Select Car Leasing Stadium, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0FL

Telephone
0118 968 1442

READING

Located at the Madejski Stadium, The Jazz Café is a modern, spacious venue ideal for any type of event from corporate lunches to birthday parties to wedding receptions. We pride ourselves in hosting an unforgettable party with delicious food, all…
Leeds Building Society

Address

10 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
0118 957 5192

Reading

Savings, mortgages, ISA's and insurance products. Over 140 years of experience in the industry with Leeds Building Society.
Milk Bar

Address

8 Merchants Place, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DT

Telephone
0118 958 5887

READING

Milk is an independent rum bar in the heart of Reading. Boasting over 100 rums, and a specially made in-house cocktail menu, we have been reading's purveyor of rare rums and prescribed cocktails for nearly ten years.
The Boundary

Address

21-23 St Marys Butts, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LN

Telephone
0118 951 9001

Reading

One of Reading's newly refurbished bar's in the Town Centre. A popular place for beer and burgers especially with the students...
Time Trap Escape Rooms

Address

11 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DB

Telephone
0118 405 0074

team@timetrapescaperooms.com

READING

Founded in June 2016, TimeTrap Escape Rooms are Reading’s 5 star rated immersive escape games provider. TimeTrap sends you back in time to the most important eras to complete quests that rewrite history. You can choose to head back to the Great Fire…
London Street Brasserie

Address

Riverside Oracle, 2-4 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PN

Reading

The London Street Brasserie is the second award winning restaurant by owner and proprietor Paul Clerehugh. Opened in 2000, next to the river Kennet in the heart of Reading, the London Street Brasserie won both critical acclaim and Michelin…

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do

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