Thames River Cruise
© Reading UK/Great West Way
Palmer Park community pool
Thames River Cruise
© Reading UK/Great West Way
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-...Read More

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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Thames Valley Wine School

Address

Corn Stores, Forbury Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1SB

READING

Thames Valley Wine School in Reading offers a host of in-person wine tastings from introductory evening sessions to eight-week courses and WSET training aimed at both beginners and more experienced wine drinkers. Food pairing and themed and events…
Victoria's Secret

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 956 1951

Reading

Victoria's Secret is one of the most powerful, sexy and glamorous stores in the world, where you'll find a dazzling assortment of intimate apparel, beauty products, sleepwear, hosiery and more.
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…
David Lloyd Health Club

Address

Thames Valley Park Drive, READING, Berkshire, RG6 1PT

READING

Set in an easy-to-reach spot on Thames Valley Business Park, David Lloyd Reading is a first-class fitness destination for you and your family. With a state-of-the-art gym, wide range of exercise classes, sports facilities, a swimming pool and…
Gordon Ramsay Street Food Burger

Address

The Oracle Centre, Riverside, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

Join us by the Riverside at The Oracle Shopping Centre and enjoy our signature burgers, seasoned fries and a bottomless soft drink for £16.
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,…
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.
Tortilla

Address

4-6 Broad St, Reading, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0118 950 2769

Reading

Among the hustle and bustle of busy Broad Street, you’ll find our Reading crew rolling deliciously fresh burritos and tacos, to eat in or takeaway! Opened in 2020 and not far from the station, pop in to say hi and we’ll do our best to brighten your…
The Bag Shop

Address

41 Market Place, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2DG

Telephone
0118 959 9959

Reading

Looking for a stunning and durable bag for work or leisure? For a wide choice of bags in Reading pop into The Bag Shop!
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...
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
Slug & Lettuce - Friar Street

Address

7-10 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DB

Telephone
0118 959 7090

Reading

Slug & Lettuce Friar Street is a cool and contemporary bar, which has just undergone a huge refurbishment with the most instagrammable decor you can imagine! Serving all of your S&L faves from Afternoon Tea to Boozy brunches! Start planning your…
Pau Brasil

Address

89 Mount Pleasant, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2TF

Telephone
0118 975 2333

Reading

Brazilian Coffee House and Delicatessen, supplying Brazilian and Portuguese Delicatessen and Patisserie, Seafood and Meats.
Beadle Crome Interiors

Address

44-52 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7LA

Telephone
0118 958 1356

Reading

Sleek showroom for high-end contemporary furnishings from Europe, plus computerised design service.
Office

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Reading

OFFICE are the undisputed leaders in high street footwear fashion – consistently presenting new trends first; offering everything their customer needs, wants and more...Get ready for autumn and channel your military street style vibe in chunky boots…
Metro Bank

Address

201 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 7QA

Telephone
0345 08 08 500

daniel.wilkie@metrobank.plc.uk

Reading

Metro Bank has opened a different kind of High Street bank. A bank with stores that are open when it suits you, 7 days a week. A bank where you can walk in without an appointment and walk out with a working account, debit card and more. A bank that…
Paul

Address

70 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AF

Telephone
0118 229 0126

Reading
Pandora

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 959 5811

uk.reading@pandorastores.net

Reading

Jewellery chain featuring a variety of necklaces, rings, customisable charm bracelets and more.
Purple Turtle

Address

Gun Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2JR

READING

Purple Turtle has been a staple of Reading nightlife for over 30 years, first opening in 1990 and going strong ever since. The bar first opened on Duke Street before moving over to Gun Street when the Oracle was being built in 1997. It is one of the…
Burger King

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

READING

The original home of the Whopper and known for serving high-quality, great-tasting, affordable food. Founded in 1954, Burger King is one of the largest fast food chains in the world. The commitment to premium ingredients, signature recipes, and…

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