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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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Ann Summers

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 996 0282

Reading

Playful lingerie chain selling women's underwear, fancy dress outfits and bedroom toys.
Fidget and Bob

Address

The Piazza, Kennet Island, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0GX

Telephone
0118 931 0271

hello@fidgetandbob.co.uk

Reading

Fidget & Bob is the new all-day café bar in Kennet Island, Reading.
Honest Burgers

Address

1-5 King Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG12HG

Reading

Great British burgers, homemade rosemary chips and much more.
Barista & Beyond

Address

5 Alfred Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7AT

Reading

We serve great quality coffee, cakes, and plates all while supporting people with disabilities to gain employment.
Allied Arms

Address

57 St Marys Butts, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LG

Telephone
0118 958 3323

Reading

The Allied Arms is located in what was the area of Saxon Reading, and is almost certainly part of the original land on which the first church...
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…
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…
Thames Lido Restaurant

Address

Napier Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8FR

Telephone
0118 207 0460

READING

Relax, indulge, unwind at Thames Lido.
Thames Lido is the result of a three-year sympathetic restoration project of a beautiful, historical landmark in Reading: the Edwardian Kings Meadow swimming baths, which first opened in 1902. Tucked away…
Escape Reading

Address

Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

Telephone
07429 147597

hello@escapereading.co.uk

READING

Locked in a room with no way out, you must search for hidden compartments, secret passageways, and clues to plot your escape – all within 60 minutes! For groups of 2-6, Escape Reading offers three different rooms designed for groups of 2-6. It is…
White Stuff

Address

13-14 Gun Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JR

Telephone
0118 958 5935

Reading

Fashion chain selling clothes and accessories for men and women, some with nature-inspired prints.
Pappadams

Address

74 Kings Road, Reading, RG1 3BJ

info@pappadamsreading.co.uk

Reading

Pappadams is an aunthentic indian curry gourment, with an experience of over twenty years in the indian curry industry.
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.
Thirsty Bear

Address

110 King's Rd, Reading, RG1 3BY

Telephone
0118 950 4439

Reading

Pizzeria and bar located along King's Road. Freshly made Pizza using a secret pizza dough recipe.
Essential

Address

15, The Oracle Centre, Reading, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 958 1009

Reading

We stock a fabulous range of Sterling silver jewellery, fashion jewellery, accessories and branded watches - including Ice-Watch, Storm and Swatch. We are an independent retailer and are passionate about providing our customers with fashion forward,…
easyHotel Reading

Address

132 Caversham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8AY

Telephone
0114 349 8450

reading@easyhotel.com

READING

Convenient and centrally located, easyHotel Reading welcomes visitors to explore the local sights with ease and lay their heads down in clean, comfortable rooms. Whether you’re looking for a short stay or planning a weekend visit, you couldn’t be in…
Card Factory

Address

46 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AA

Telephone
0118 958 5123

Reading

Pop into the Card Factory and find greetings cards, gifts, wrap & party supplies all at great value prices.
Wenzel's

Address

36 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AA

Reading

Bakers selling lots of tasty baked treats and sandwiches for sustenance on the go. Started life in Londfon but now have 100 stores across the country.
Popworld

Address

110 - 117 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EP

READING

Popworld is a late-night bar with a difference – we are cheese with style! You'll be greeted by our friendly bar staff and party the night away with like-minded people.
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.
Paddington Bear Statue

Address

Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AP

Reading

Reading has an extra special connection with the beloved Paddington Bear as his creator, Michael Bond, grew up, went to school, and started his working life in the town. His experiences in Reading shaped his books that have inspired generations and…

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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