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	Basildon Park

Thames River Cruise
© Reading UK/Great West Way
Palmer Park community pool
Thames River Cruise
© Reading UK/Great West Way
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-...Read More

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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NOOD Stores

Address

32b Church Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8AU

Reading

NOOD Stores is an eco friendly gift, home fragrance & plant shop with vegan skincare, made in Caversham. It has a soothing and friendly environment with quirky gifts and supports many local makers along with your bigger brands offering you your…
Card Factory

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
01189 585123

READING

Card Factory is the UK’s leading specialist retailer of greeting cards, gift dressings and party products. You can be sure to find a wide selection of cards, gifts, bags, wrap and everything else you may need to help you cater for that special…
Jolibee

Address

21 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AP

Reading

Jollibee is famous across the world for delicious crispy fried chicken and fast-food classics with a tropical twist. Founded in 1978 by Tony Tan Caktiong in the Philippines, Jollibee serves up the crispiest, juiciest and tastiest fried chicken…
Zambrero

Address

31 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SY

Telephone
0118 221 0154

reading@zambrero.com

Reading

Zambrero Reading brings a contemporary twist to the Mexican favourites you love, with a freshly prepared menu of burritos, bowls, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and more. You can enjoy delicious Mexican-inspired meals, including vegan and vegetarian…
Sweeney and Todd

Address

10 Castle Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7RD

Telephone
0118 958 6466

Reading

Restaurant with acclaimed pies and deli selling pasties, sausage rolls and free range scotch eggs.
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…
Black Sheep Coffee - Broad Street

Address

60 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AF

Reading

Founded by Eirik and Gabe, university flatmates who quit their job to leave the herd behind and embark on an exciting coffee journey. Striving not only to rid the world of boring coffee but to do this sustainability and ethically. Our coffee is…
Bella Italia

Address

Unit 11A, Riverside Level, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 956 6963

Reading

With a menu combining delicious Pizza and Pasta with a superb range of grill and speciality dishes there's something for everybody...
Premier Inn Winnersh

Address

Reading Road, Winnersh, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG41 5HQ

Telephone
0118 338 3730

WOKINGHAM

With so many handy transport links nearby, our Premier Inn Winnersh hotel is in a great location. You'll only be a five-minute walk away from the Winnersh Triangle train station, making it easy for you to explore Reading. Discover local parks like…
The Reading Room - The Roseate Reading

Address

26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJ

Telephone
0118 952 7770

reception.TFLR@roseatehotels.com

Reading

A luxury hotel that oozes elegance, conveniently located in the centre of Reading. This award-winning hotel is minutes walking distance from the Reading station, with journeys as short as 22 minutes to Paddington. Perfect for a weekend escape to…
The Fragrance Shop

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 958 5342

Reading

The Fragrance Shop is the UK’s leading independent fragrance retailer with over 400 fragrance brands available in more than 200 stores throughout the UK.
River Island

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0344 826 9859

Reading

On-trend casual fashions for men and women; some branches include children's clothing.
The Roseate Reading

Address

26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJ

Telephone
0118 952 7770

reception.TFLR@roseatehotels.com

Reading

The Roseate Reading hotel is designed for both business and pleasure, boasting the latest technology, stylish yet functional surroundings and dedicated conference rooms providing the ideal location for meetings and events. All our meeting rooms are…
Tours 2 Order

Address

READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
07827 715353

info@tours2order.com

READING

I’m Graham Horn, a specialist and fully qualified Blue Badge tourist guide for the South West, South and South East of England. That area stretches from Cornwall to Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire to Kent, and everywhere else in between. Our…
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.
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…
John Lewis - Place To Eat

Address

108-113 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BB

Telephone
0118 957 5955

Reading

If shopping makes you gasping for a refreshing pick-me-up, a treat from the patisserie counter or a full-blown Sunday lunch, then try the in-store cafe and restaurant at John Lewis.
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.
Travelodge Reading Whitley

Address

387 Basingstoke Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0JE

Telephone
08719 846209

READING

Conveniently located a mile from Reading train station and only 45 minutes from Heathrow Airport, our hotel is an excellent place to stay if you are looking for a base in Berkshire with strong transport links. This is the perfect place to take a…
Zizzi

Address

Oracle, Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 996 2111

Reading

Popular chain specialising in Italian dishes including pizza, calzone, pasta and salads. Second branch in Reading town centre, situated on the Oracle Riverside.

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