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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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.
Thames River Cruise

Address

Bridge Street, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8AH

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 and Sonning up to Goring and Streatley. Departing from Caversham Pier in Reading, we sail up to Mapledurham on 45 mnutes, 60…
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…
ITSU

Address

31 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, RG1 1SY

Telephone
0118 4020979

Reading

ITSU's eat beautiful menu celebrates the amazing flavours of the Far East; high in nutrients yet refreshingly low in calories and saturated fat. Protein packed low carb salads...
Five Guys

Address

The Oracle Riverside, Unit R13, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 214 1080

Reading

American diner style burger joint serving hamburgers grilled to perfection alongside chips fried in peanut oil.
Terry's Reading Walkabouts

Address

READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
07505 351517

terry.dixon89@virginmedia.com

READING

Guided walks around Reading from local enthusiast Terry. There are 13 themed walks plus 3 New ones (2022) to choose from, including Town Centre, Architecture, Crime & Punishment, Photographic Heritage walks. Terry' s Walks are non-profit making and…
Post Office Broad Street Mall

Address

1st floor, Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QA

Reading

Our Post Office offers customers everything they need and expect from a trusted provider of essential services. More than 170 products and services including; foreign currency exchange at 0% commission, passport checks and travel insurance are all…
Taco Bell

Address

207 Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QH

Telephone
0118 959 7213

Reading

Taco Bell® is the world’s leading Mexican-inspired restaurant chain. The menu features famous craveable eats, from the Crunchwrap Supreme, to the founder Glen Bell’s famous invention – the crunchy taco. All Taco Bell products are prepared to order…
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.…
Gun Street Garden

Address

5-6 Gun Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2JR

READING

Looking for a nightclub in Reading? Gun Street Garden! With many VIP packages available making it an exclusive venue in Reading to party like a celeb!
Urban Fun

Address

Units 49, 50/52 Broad Street Mall, Reading, -RG1 7QE

info@urban-fun.co.uk

Reading

Urban Fun is where excitement meets adventure! Dive into a vibrant world of games, from classic favourites to the latest high-tech experiences. Whether you’re challenging friends in competitive games or enjoying a solo quest, Urban Fun has something…
Malmaison Reading

Address

18-20 Station Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1JX

Telephone
0118 334 1331

reading@malmaison.com

READING

Next stop Malmaison Reading. Located directly opposite the station and only 30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of London, the former home to Great Western Rail is now a first class business venue. When it comes to event space and meeting rooms in…
IKEA

Address

Pincents Kiln, Calcot, READING, Berkshire, RG31 7SD

READING

Scandinavian chain selling ready-to-assemble furniture, plus housewares, in a warehouse-like space.
TeamSport Go Karting Reading

Address

Cradock Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0EE

Telephone
01252 732300

Reading

Our Reading track is a must-see for any dedicated karter. With two tracks, one for our top-of-the-range E-Karts, and one for the Combat Karts experience. Race around the 450m track in our fleet of electric karts including a boost button to help to…
Shake Shack

Address

121-122 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BD

Telephone
01923 555126

Reading

Bringing its famous burgers, crinkle-cut fries and hand-spun shakes to the town centre, Shake Shack's menu features juicy Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, hot dogs, vegetarian options and indulgent frozen custard treats.
Coppid Beech Hotel

Address

John Nike Way, BRACKNELL, Berkshire, RG12 8TF

Telephone
01344 303 333

BRACKNELL

The hotel has 4 dining options, live music venue, nightclub, leisure club with pool, beauty treatments and gym as well as perfectly located. Relax at this beautiful Alpine themed hotel.
John Lewis

Address

Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BB

Telephone
0118 957 5955

Reading

Iconic department store in the centre of Reading selling everything from home goods and appliances, electronics, clothing, sports goods and more.
The Edit

Address

Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8JG

Telephone
0118 327 1910

hello@theeditshop.co.uk

Reading

Welcome to The Edit Caversham, a local independent store rooted in the heart of Caversham. We offer a carefully curated selection of unique, high-quality gifts, often from independent UK-based brands and other makers who share our philosophy of…
Dinton Activity Centre

Address

Sandford Lane, Hurst, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG10 0SU

Telephone
01182378095

eventbookings@wokingham.gov.uk

Wokingham

Dinton Activity Centre offers the perfect blend of convenience and natural beauty for your next corporate event with a variety of meeting rooms to suit your requirements, all complemented by on-site catering options. After a productive meeting, you…
Millies Cookies

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AT

Telephone
0118 956 6144

Reading

Millie's Cookies creates hand-iced, personalised, giant cookies and mini biscuits ideal for birthday gifts and special occasions.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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