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…
Thames River Cruise

Address

Bridge Street, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8AH

Telephone
01189 481088

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…
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…
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 seven 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
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 Sonning up to Going and Streatley. Dearting from Caversham Pier in Reading, we sail up to Mapledurham on 45 mnutes, 60…
Be At One

Address

1 Gun Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JR

Telephone
0118 956 0666

reading@beatone.co.uk

Reading

Be At One on Gun Street has been undergoing a refurbishment. Due to reopen on the 3rd of November with a brand new look and exciting new features like a karaoke booth with a DJ available to hire. Just in time for Christmas too!
571 Oxford Road Gallery

Address

571 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 1HW

Reading

571 Oxford Road is new contemporary art gallery based in Reading, England. The gallery is part of Open Hand Open Space (OHOS). OHOS is an artist-led centre that fosters excellence in contemporary art and provides affordable studio and exhibition…
Three Guineas

Address

Station Approach, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LY

Telephone
0118 957 2743

Reading

Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself, The Three Guineas was built to serve… and whether you fancy cask ales, commuter coffees or cracking cuisine, we certainly live up to that. Right by Reading Station, we’ve served thousands of travellers…
Pizza Express

Address

Unit R11 Riverside Level, The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 957 4411

Reading

A fantastic light and airy restaurant situated right on the river with a generous alfresco area for those wishing to enjoy the hustle and bustle of...
Swarovski

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 958 8555

Reading

Upscale chain known for its crystal jewellery, watches, Christmas ornaments and home accents.
Yours

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
01189 574095

READING

Your best loved plus size clothing brand, shop sizes 16 – 36. Yours Clothing believe that all women should look and feel great, regardless of their dress size. Fabulous ladies curve fashion does not end at a size 14, and we’re the proof! The UK’s…
Caversham Court Gardens

Address

Church Road, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 7AD

READING

Come and enjoy the beauty and long history of Caversham's hidden gem, Caversham Court Gardens on the bank of the River Thames. Owned and cared for by Reading Borough Council with support from The Friends. Open and accessible to all every day except…
Coppid Beech Hotel

Address

John Nike Way, BRACKNELL, Berkshire, RG12 8TF

Telephone
01344 303 333

BRACKNELL

The hotel has 4 dining options, live music venue, nightclub, leisure club with pool, beauty treatments and gym as well as perfectly located. Relax at this beautiful Alpine themed hotel.
Stanlake Park Wine Estate

Address

Stanlake Park, Twyford, READING, Berkshire, RG10 0BN

Telephone
0118 934 0176

tours@stanlakepark.com

READING

Stanlake Park in Twyford, Berkshire is one of the oldest vineyards and wine producers in England. Our Italian winemaker’s modern and international approach is reflected in award-winning wines that are enjoyable, very drinkable and the perfect…
Treatz

Address

29 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
0118 951 1533

info@treatz.co.uk

READING

Treatz Dessert Parlour is sleek, modern and comfortable, ready to bring you some seriously amazing desserts! The menu includes utterly delicious...
Pandora

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 959 5811

uk.reading@pandorastores.net

Reading

Jewellery chain featuring a variety of necklaces, rings, customisable charm bracelets and more.
Matilda Too boat trips

Address

Star Lane Wharf, Behind Queen's Road car park, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4AR

Reading

A trip boat on the Kennet and Avon Canal in Reading from Kennet & Avon Trust. 45-minute trips on Fridays (during school holidays), Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays at noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm from Easter weekend onwards.
Premier Suites Reading

Address

Minster Court, Minster Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JF

Telephone
01183249700

sales@premiersuitesreading.com

Reading

Premier Suites are the perfect choice of accommodation when visiting the bustling and energetic town of Reading, with an enviable location beside the Oracle Shopping Centre and close to Broad street. All of our one and two bedroom apartments are…
Shree Krishna Vada Pav

Address

97 Kings Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3DD

READING

Vegetarian delicacies from Mumbai from a young start up company with 7 restaurants in west London and the Thames Valley.
The Face Bar

Address

Ambrose Place, Chatham Street, READING, Berkshire, RG2 8SL

Telephone
0118 9568188

sharon.facebar@gmail.com

READING

Modern bar and rock club with regular DJ sessions and a reputation for staging wild gigs.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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