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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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Foodies

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

READING

Discover the flavours of India's culinary heritage with fabulous samosa's and refreshing Chai Teas. For dessert, soft ice cream and cool slushy's.
Delikatesy Polskie Smaczek

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 9500886

info@delikatesysmaczek.com

READING

Delikatesy Polskie Smaczek is an authentic grocery store offering a wide variety of imported Polish products. Their range includes: fresh meats, cakes, pastries, fruits and vegetables.
Savers

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
01189 587745

help@savers.co.uk

READING

Savers specialise in branded health, home and beauty products at everyday low prices. We stock a wide range of Hair Care, Personal Care, Oral Care, Household Cleaning, Fine Fragrance, Toiletries, Health Care, Skin Care, Food, Drink products.
You…
Gail's Bakery

Address

Broad Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2BD

reading@gailsbread.co.uk

READING

Newly opened in October 2022, Gail's bake fresh, handmade bread, pastries and cakes every day, served with our carefully-sourced house blend specialty coffee. We take great pleasure in using the best ingredients we can find for food and drink,…
Tesco Express - Oxford Road

Address

28 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7LA

Telephone
0345 610 2847

Reading

UK's largest supermarket chain, with express stores to serve as a quick stop for your everyday grocery needs, or to grab dinner on the way home from work.
Bride to Be

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 9575115

info@bridetobe.co.uk

READING

Bride To Be Bridal Boutique boasts over 30 years of award winning service. In relaxed and friendly surroundings they cater to the needs of every individual bride with sophistication and expertise. Appointments required everday, please call the store…
Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra

Address

London Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 5AQ

READING

The Aldworth Philharmonic is an non-professional orchestra based in Reading, Berkshire. It’s named after the founder of Reading Blue Coat School, Richard Aldworth. RBCS has been a brilliant supporter over the years and two of its former Headmasters…
YayLo

Address

26 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
01189 597 809

joy@yaylo.co

Reading

Reading's exclusively gluten-free coffee shop offering gorgeous cakes, sandwiches, quiches and more alongside local award winning coffee...
PACK & SEND UK

Address

43-45 Milford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8LG

Telephone
0118 958 4498

reading@packsend.co.uk

Reading

PACK & SEND Reading are different from other international transportation companies. Located close to the town centre and providing international delivery and shipping services combined with specialist packing options, PACK & SEND Reading opened in…
Greggs, 18 West St

Address

8 West Street, Reading, RG1 1TT

Reading
Skipton Building Society

Address

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

Telephone
0118 959 0409

Reading

Savings, mortgages, pensions and investments - plan for your life ahead with Skipton Building Society.
NOW TV

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

READING

Introducing NOW TV - Amazing entertainment on your terms. No contract. Dip in and out at any time. Love TV but hate contracts?
We do as well, so no matter how you join NOW TV you can get the best of pay TV without a contract. That means unmissable…
58 Barbershop

Address

58 Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3AA

Reading

Independent and fashionable barbershop specialising in all styles and lengths of mens hair including beard trimming and styling and more.
Sainsbury's - Broad Street

Address

7-8 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0118 959 9824

Reading

Well known supermarket offering a massive range of groceries in the town centre.
Readipop

Address

Trafford Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8JP

READING

From providing weekly interaction through our community bands, to being a young person’s sole place of interaction with education or engagement, Readipop always aims to facilitate ‘Music Changing Lives’
Boots Opticians

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 957 3901

Reading

Buy glasses, designer frames and contact lenses at Boots Opticians.
Timpsons

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 9503421

READING

Timpson specialize in all types of shoe and boot repairs – both mens and ladies. We can carry out almost any job you can think of from the smallest piece of stitching right up to a full long sole and re-welt. Any job – any time! Most repairs are…
118 Photography

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 3488874

redphoto118@gmail.com

READING

118 Photography is home to a team of professional photographers and editors with years of experience in capturing your precious moments.
Subway - Broad Street Mall

Address

Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QG

Reading

Whatever you are in the mood for, our Subway store have a huge range of subs, salads, treats and drinks to choose from. And the best bit – every one of their Subs is made fresh in front of you, exactly the way you want it with the bread, salad and…
Mooboo Bubble Tea

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

READING

Mooboo opened its doors last summer and offers a huge selection of teas, smoothies and mocktails. Their passion is to create the highest quality drinks and desserts for all, and stay one step ahead of the competition!
Mooboo’s menu boasts an array…

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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