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…
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

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…
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…
Hugo Boss

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 956 5620

Reading

BOSS epitomises authentic, understated luxury. The men’s collection offers modern, refined business wear and premium leisurewear; fusing timeless design and precision craftsmanship.
Hobson & Quinn

Address

8 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
0118 950 5144

nick@hobson-quinn.co.uk

Reading

Hobson & Quinn offer a full grooming experience for everyone. Express versions of more conventional high end spa treatments let our customers experience a side of men’s grooming without the premium price.\n\nLocated in the centre of Reading just off…
Vue Cinema

Address

Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0345 308 4620

Reading

All the latest mainstream movies are shown at this state-of-the-art chain cinema with family deals.
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.
Cole Museum of Zoology

Address

University of Reading, Whiteknights campus, READING, Berkshire, RG6 6LA

READING

The Cole Museum of Zoology is owned and managed by the University of Reading. It was established by Professor Francis Cole in 1906 when the University was known as University College Reading. The Cole Museum of Zoology represents a snapshot of…
Jacobs the Jewellers

Address

25 King Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2HE

Telephone
0118 959 0790

connect@jacobsthejewellers.com

READING

Family owned trusted independent jewellery shop selling expertly made new jewellery, antique pieces with on site jewellery repairs, valuations and design.
Vegivores

Address

41 Church Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8BA

Reading

Founded in Reading in 2017 as a street food and catering business, after successfully building a following at local markets and events we went on to launch our first restaurant in Caversham in October 2019 which is still Reading's only fully plant…
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,…
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...
Sonning Golf Club

Address

Duffield Road, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6GJ

Telephone
0118 969 3332

READING

Sonning’s original layout was designed by JH Taylor with later input from Harry Colt. The course measures 6,329 yards and has a par of 70 and a SSS of 71. It generally plays longer than its yardage due to the elevation of several greens and fairways…
Beam Wellbeing

Address

Westfield Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8HH

Reading

Beam Wellbeing delivers school-based, effective, early intervention support for children in and around Caversham and Reading. As an experienced, advanced practitioner, I run 1:1 Drawing and Talking and sand play sessions as well as group work for…
The Pantry Cafe & Kitchen

Address

Blagrave Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

READING

A vibrant and contemporary space providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle for a coffee or taking time over lunch, you’ll find a great big welcome in comfy surroundings.
Offering a delicious…
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.
Rams Rugby Club

Address

Old Bath Road, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TQ

Telephone
0118 969 5259

READING

The club was founded as Old Redingensians in 1924 by former pupils of Reading School. The Club changed its name in 2018. Rams 1st XV made club history and achieved promotion to National League 1 (Level 3 rugby) during 2018-19.
Elegant Hair

Address

Union Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EU

Telephone
07472 884441

READING

Elegant Hair and Beauty Salon is the premier Afro Hair Salon in the Berkshire area.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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