Palmer Park community pool
Thames River Cruise

You are here: Ideas & Inspiration > Top 10 Highlights > Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do

Searching for something...

Accommodation
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Accommodation Search

Things to Do Search

Food & Drink Search

Shopping Search

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!

Number of results: 573

, currently showing 1 to 20.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

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…
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…
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 eight 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
0118 948 1088

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, Sonning, Going and Streatley. Departing from Caversham Pier in Reading, we sail up to Mapledurham on 45 minutes, 60 or 90…
Spinners

Address

Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

READING

Crazy Golf, Ten Pin Bowling and Darts comes to Reading! An independent competitive socialising venue run by local people with an affinity for good times, fine cocktails, ice cold beers and stonebaked pizza. An intimate bowling experience with…
House Of Flavours

Address

32-36 King's Rd, Reading, RG1 3AA

Telephone
0118 950 3500

info@house-of-flavours.co.uk

Reading

House of Flavours Indian Restaurant & Bar, was conceptualised when their founders recognised the need to create a unique dining experience for Reading.
The Body Shop

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0800 092 9090

Reading

Explore their cosmetic & beauty products, offering over 900 skincare, make-up, haircare and body products inspired by nature and ethically made from The Body Shop.
The Mill at Sonning Theatre

Address

Sonning Eye, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TY

Telephone
0118 969 8000

boxoffice@millatsonning.com

READING

Award-winning theatre set majestically on the banks of the River Thames. The Mill at Sonning Theatre now celebrates more than 40 years of entertainment and hospitality. Uniquely, with a two course meal enjoyed before the show, The Mill has gained…
Oakford Social Club

Address

53 Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PZ

Telephone
0118 959 4267

oakfordsocialclub@hotmail.co.uk

Reading

At the Oakford Social Club, music is everything. Which is why they put the best bands from across the country on their neon lit stage every week...
Alpaca walking at Bozedown Farm

Address

Hardwick Road, Whitchurch On Thames, READING, Berkshire, RG8 7QY

Telephone
0118 984 3827

info@bozedown-alpacas.co.uk

READING

Come and enjoy a fascinating walk in the beautiful South Oxfordshire countryside. Lead an alpaca around our alpaca farm which nestles between the edge of the Chilterns and the River Thames. Learn more about these attractive, enigmatic creatures that…
Apple Store

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 925 4500

Reading

Apple retail store selling iPhones, iPads & more in sleekly designed spaces.
You Me Sushi

Address

150 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HE

Reading

A comprehensive menu with the best sushi in Reading including vegan & vegetarian sushi options too. You can search on Deliveroo for sushi and we’re also in the Just Eat sushi & Uber Eats sushi sections too. Order direct with us online or on our app…
Hilton Reading

Address

Drake Way, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0GQ

Telephone
0118 916 9000

reservations.reading@hilton.com

READING

Hilton Reading is located off the M4 and A33 and offers on-site car parking. The hotel is conveniently close to Arlington Business Park, Green Park Business Park, Thames Valley Business Park and Winnersh Triangle Business Park, as well as offering…
Castle Tap

Address

120 Castle Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7RJ

READING

A short walk from Reading town centre, we are specialists in Great Beer from cask, keg & bottle with an ever-changing range; expect craft beer favourites, Belgian bottles and local classics as well as rotating range of traditional ciders and artisan…
Argos

Address

Unit A2 Forbury Retail Park, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3HS

Telephone
0345 165 7790

Reading

Catalogue retailer selling massive range of products.
Grosvenor Casino

Address

1 Queens Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4SY

Telephone
0118 983 9441

READING

Located just moments away from the bustling Oracle Shopping Centre, discover the best in gaming, dining and live sport, all under one roof - 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Clays Kitchen & Bar

Address

22-24 Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8JG

Telephone
0118 959 6888

Reading

Now open in larger premises in Caversham, Clays is an Indian Restaurant specialising in the regional cuisine that comes from the kitchens of the Royal Kings (Nawabs) of Hyderabad in the south of India. See Grace Dent's 2023 review in The Guardian.
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…
Penta Hotel

Address

Oxford Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7RH

Telephone
0118 958 6222

info.reading@pentahotels.com

READING

Penta Reading is a vibrant hotel in the heart of the City, offering 206 stylish bedrooms, 11 conference and meeting rooms and at the heart of the hotel you'll find the Pentalounge; part bar, part restaurant and part chill-out area, it’s the ideal…

My Planner

Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss