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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Swiss Farm Touring and Camping

Address

Marlow Road, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxfordshire, RG9 2HY

Telephone
01491 573419

HENLEY-ON-THAMES

Our five star, landscaped Henley on Thames Touring & Camping park in the Oxfordshire countryside is perfectly placed for guests wishing to visit London, Reading, Windsor & Oxford. The park is a short walk from the beautiful town of Henley on Thames…
The Reading Room

Address

26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJ

Telephone
0118 952 7770

reception.TFLR@roseatehotels.com

Reading

The Reading Room will offer delicious modern cuisine revolving around the freshest, seasonal ingredients and best of British produce from Executive Chef Rajesh Maharjan. Guests can opt to try the delectable Tasting Menu, which also has a specialised…
Crown Lodge Guest House

Address

27 Russell Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7XD

Telephone
0118 956 9014

crownlodgereading@gmail.com

READING

In the heart of Reading, this family guest house offers rooms with Freeview TV, tea/coffee facilities and free WiFi.
Keeley's Picture Framing

Address

14 Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3AA

Telephone
0118 959 6961

keith.keeleys@hotmail.com

Reading

Framing specialist providing custom and pre-made frames for everything from single photographs up to multiple photo's, posters and more.
Black Sheep Coffee - Victoria Street

Address

1-3 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SY

Reading

Founded by Eirik and Gabe, university flatmates who quit their job to leave the herd behind and embark on an exciting coffee journey. Striving not only to rid the world of boring coffee but to do this sustainability and ethically. Our coffee is…
Reiss

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 959 4845

Reading

Fashion brand known for its modern takes on classic, casual & formal designs for men & women.
Rabble Theatre

Address

School Lane, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8HX

READING

RABBLE Theatre is a multi-award-winning theatre company based in Reading, producing work in the region’s iconic spaces. But as well as producing amazing works of theatre, they also teach business how to communicate better.
Want to practise…
Flight Club

Address

One Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1NR

Reading

The home of Social Darts (darts, but like you've never played before) is NOW OPEN at One Station Hill.
The Hexagon

Address

Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

Telephone
0118 960 6060

READING

The Hexagon is a multi-purpose entertainment venue in the heart of Reading, hosting an eclectic mix of entertainers from big name Comedians, Spectacular Musicals, Children's Shows, Classical Concerts, Opera, Pantomime, Theatre, Dance and everything…
Bravissimo

Address

2 Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HX

Telephone
0118 950 5952

Reading

Lingerie, swimwear and clothes for women who are a D-L cup.
Cosmo

Address

35-28 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1DX

Telephone
0118 9595588

reading@cosmo-restaurants.co.uk

Reading

Pan Asian and world dining experience. We believe your taste buds should be intrepid explorers seeking out the best flavours the world has to offer...
Whittington's Tea Barge

Address

Hills Meadow, George Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8DH

Telephone
07778787308

info@whittingtons-teabarge.co.uk

Reading

Discover Reading’s most unique dining destination. Moored near the historic Reading Bridge, Whittington’s Tea Barge offers a tranquil escape from the city hustle. This family-run, restored narrowboat specializes in award-winning Afternoon Tea with…
Be At One

Address

1 Gun Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JR

Telephone
0118 956 0666

reading@beatone.co.uk

Reading

Looking for cocktails in Reading? We have the tunes, drinks (a menu of 100+ cocktails!) and vibe to get you in the mood!
Wellington Country Park

Address

Odiham Road, Riseley, READING, Berkshire, RG7 1SP

READING

Wellington Country Park is a country park in Riseley, near Reading. The park consists of 350 acres of coniferous and deciduous woodlands with attractions, several nature trails, and a lake
The Works

Address

Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 959 0332

Reading

The Works offer you huge savings of up to 80% on books, toys, DVDs, stationery, art & craft supplies and amazing gift ideas for every occasion.
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JD

Address

52 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AA

Telephone
0118 959 2083

Reading

Retail chain specialising in designer branded footwear, casual sportswear and accessories for men, women and children.
Picnic

Address

2 Butter Market, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2DP

Telephone
0118 958 9292

info@picnicfoods.co.uk

Reading

Specialising in ethical coffee and locally produced food and with a unique welcoming atmosphere, we attract a varied and discerning crowd .
Church of Our Lady and St Anne

Address

2 South View Avenue, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 5AB

READING

Built 1902-21, it includes a shrine chapel, re-designed between 1954-58 to include the external squint on South View Avenue for observance by passers-by. This has a large 500-year old oak statue of Our Lady and Child. The shrine was redecorated in…
HMV

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
0843 221 0302

Reading

Home of entertainment. hmv.com is the place to read exclusive interviews, features and reviews on the latest albums, films, TV shows and games.
Co-space

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
020 80661761

hello@co-space.co.uk

READING

Co-Space boasts 16 spacious,fully furnished office suites available to rent, ranging from between 2 person, up to 50+ person spaces, available with a range of flexible level membership options suit individual needs and changing requirements.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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