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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Greggs, 10 Queen Victoria St

Address

10 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, RG1 1TG

Reading
Adrienne Henry Millinery

Address

26 Harris Arcade, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DN

Telephone
0118 950 4421

adriennehenrymillinery@gmail.com

Reading

Adrienne Henry Millinery specialise in hand-made hats for all occasions.
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.
Haslams Estate Agents

Address

159 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HE

Telephone
0118 960 1000

sales@haslams.net

Reading

Haslams are an Estate and Lettings agency specialising in all aspects of the property market place around Reading, Berkshire.
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…
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,…
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…
Boux Avenue

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Reading

Boux Avenue are obsessed with fit, designing unique lingerie, nightwear and loungewear collections, inspired by YOU. With exceptional service, including an expert bra fitting experience and inclusive size offering; you'll find lingerie available in…
Reading Farmers Market

Address

Great Knollys Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7HD

READING

Reading's friendly farmers' market showcases locally-produced food and drink, direct from the producers. You'll find it at the old cattle market on Great Knollys Street on the first and third Saturday of every month, between 8.15am and 12pm.
It's…
Tesco Extra superstore

Address

Napier Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8DF

Telephone
0345 674 6466

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.
Palmer Park Sports Stadium

Address

Wokingham Road, Reading, Berskhire, RG6 1LF

Telephone
0118 304 4787

PalmerPark@gll.org

Reading

Set in acres of beautiful parkland, Palmer Park Sports Stadium is one of the finest outdoor sports centres in the region. The stadium offers a combination of outstanding outdoor and indoor facilities including; Athletics stadium, 460m Velodrome,…
Paul

Address

70 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AF

Telephone
0118 229 0126

Reading
MADEbyTamalia @ Creativ.Spaces

Address

Creativ.Spaces Art Studio & Event Spaces, 2b Southview Business Park, Marsack Street, Caversham, Reading, RG4 5AF

sue@creativspaces.co.uk

Marsack Street, Caversham, Reading

Bespoke Art & Craft Parties & Themed Immersive Events. Looking for something a little different for your party or event? From urban industrial unit to clandestine party pad - our quirky artist designed venue hides the ultimate escape for…
Hen…
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…
Shinfield Players

Address

Shinfield Park, Shinfield, READING, Berkshire, RG2 9DF

READING

In 1956 a group of Shinfield residents felt there was a need for live theatre in Shinfield and the surrounding area. On the 12 January 1956, a small group of potential thespians met at St Mary's church hall in Shinfield, and so the Shinfield Players…
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…
Ladbrokes - Queen Victoria Street

Address

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

Telephone
0800 022 3454

Reading

A world leader in online betting and gaming. Play poker, online bingo or bet on casino games. Enjoy sports betting, horse racing betting and more. Bet now!
Leeds Building Society

Address

10 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
0118 957 5192

Reading

Savings, mortgages, ISA's and insurance products. Over 140 years of experience in the industry with Leeds Building Society.
The Baskerville

Address

Station Road, Lower Shiplake, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxfordshire, RG9 3NY

Telephone
0118 940 3332

enquiries@thebaskerville.com

HENLEY-ON-THAMES

Warm and welcoming hotel paired with an award winning restaurant and pub. The Baskerville Arms is the perfect spot for an overnight or weekend stay where you can enjoy incredible food and drink without leaving the hotel.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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