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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Sheabutter Cottage

Address

118 Henley Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 6DH

Reading

Sheabutter Cottage, located on Henley Road in Caversham, is a local independent family-run fair trade shop dedicated to ethical practices. They offer a wide range of unique and handmade products. Experience the allure of locally crafted items from…
The Bap Reading

Address

Market Place, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2DE

Reading

The Bap is an independent Korean restaurant founded by people passionate about Korean Food. Leading our business with a passion for food and the belief that good food heals the body and mind; we have curated a menu that introduces you to the most…
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.
Meadow Farm Camping

Address

Whitchurch Road, Pangbourne, READING, Berkshire, RG8 7DA

Telephone
07912 068720

READING

Meadow Farm Camping is a pop-up campsite for tents only, alongside the River Thames, close to the village of Pangbourne, with 6 pubs within a mile. Pop up loos, Washing-Up Stations with USB charging and cold water on site. BBQs and campfires…
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.
Lagoona Park

Address

Pingewood, READING, Berkshire, RG30 3UH

Telephone
0118 988 5959

enquiries@lagoonapark.com

READING

Elevate your corporate summer event with thrilling team-building activities on the water! Whether it’s navigating our exhilarating aqua park or enjoying the serene experience of paddleboarding, we offer options for both small and large groups.…
Ibis Reading Centre

Address

25 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
0118 953 3500

h5431@accor.com

READING

A choice town-centre location, but it's what's inside our hotel that makes all the difference. ibis Reading Centre offers all the necessities with no fussy frills, so from a hearty breakfast spread to free fibre Wi-Fi, a 24hr snack bar to Sweet Beds…
Ibis Styles Central Reading

Address

4 Duke Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4RY

Telephone
0118 958 3455

HA071@accor.com

READING

Our central spot puts you right at the heart of Reading, with the famous Madejski Stadium and Thames Valley Park Drive both only 10 minutes away.
The French Horn

Address

Sonning Eye, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TN

Telephone
0118 969 2204

info@thefrenchhorn.co.uk

READING

Our air-conditioned, Wi-Fi enabled rooms are designed for comfort. Our Rooms are the perfect place to lay your head after dinner, or as a base for exploring the Thames and local villages. This is a wonderful place to stay, with many rooms offering…
London Cocktail Club

Address

5-6 Gun Street, Reading, RG1 2JR

Reading

Reading, are you ready for the biggest cocktail party to arrive in town? Arriving Soon, The Cocktail Club will land on Gun Street and we cannot wait to get the party started with you. Want to be part of the launch weekend madness? Bookings are now…
Blagrave Rooms

Address

7 Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PJ

Telephone
07966 263 843

bookings@blagraverooms.co.uk

Reading
The Botanist

Address

1-5 King St, Reading, RG1 2HD

Telephone
07393 546112

Reading

A concept like no other, offering a soon to be world-famous selection of botanical cocktails, craft beers and ales, Champagne and wine...
Reading Town Hall

Address

Blagrave Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

READING

Welcome to Reading's historic Town Hall. Right in the heart of Reading, this beautiful Grade II* listed building boasts a stunning Victorian Gothic facade by celebrated architect Alfred Waterhouse, and state-of-the-art facilities within to…
Reading Football Club Conference and Events

Address

Select Car Leasing Stadium, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0FL

Telephone
0118 968 1333

READING

Located inside the spectacular Select Car Leasing Stadium (previously The Madejski Stadium), our events and conference centre combines first-class facilities with the heritage of the iconic Reading Football Club. Whatever your plans, our event…
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…
Reading Museum

Address

Blagrave Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

Telephone
0118 937 3400

READING

Situated in Reading’s Victorian Town Hall, the Museum tells the story of Reading from its Saxon beginnings to the high-tech town it is today. Explore ten galleries of historic and artistic objects. Discover archaeology from Roman Silchester and…
RISC World Shop and Global Refills

Address

35-39 London Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4PS

READING

Founded in 1987, we are one of the UK's largest fair trade shops. Our selection of gifts, books, cards and food is wide ranging and we pride ourselves on having something for everyone; little ones love our wooden toys and puzzles; our natural body…
Costa Coffee Caversham

Address

43 St Martin’s Precinct, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8BA

Telephone
01189 475698

Reading

A beloved Costa Coffee franchise nestled in the heart of Caversham, proudly serving the Caversham community since 2007. Recently renovated to the highest standards, this store offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere to enjoy handcrafted coffee and a…
Loddon Brewery

Address

Church Lane, Dunsden, READING, Berkshire, RG4 9QD

Telephone
0118 948 1111

READING

Our beers have been hailed for their quality and consistency since 2003 – winning awards all over the UK. Built on traditional foundations, we’ve continued to evolve and take our beers to the next level. From firkins of classic bitter to cans of New…
Broad Street Mall

Address

Broad Street, Reading, RG1 7QE

Reading

Broad Street Mall is a shopping centre based in the heart of Reading. The mall has a unique mix of big brand and independent retail and lifestyle brands, as well as diverse food brands.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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