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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Thai Corner

Address

47 West Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TZ

Telephone
0118 959 5050

info@thaicornerreading.co.uk

Reading

You don't have to go all the way to Thailand to enjoy this exotic and delicious cuisine. They are a family owned business serving food prepared by authentic Thai chefs.
Celador Apartments

Address

Davidson House, The Forbury, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3EU

READING

Welcome to Celador Apartments, we provide a range of contemporary, high quality serviced apartments throughout a number of locations within central Reading. Thanks to our professional yet personal approach, along with our commitment to excellence…
The Bap Reading

Address

Market Place, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2DE

Reading

The Bap is an independent Korean restaurant founded by people passionate about Korean Food. Leading our business with a passion for food and the belief that good food heals the body and mind; we have curated a menu that introduces you to the most…
Shotz

Address

8 Gun Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JR

Telephone
0118 959 0030

Reading

Shotz salon for men and women's hair, skin care, massage and facial treatments, all conveniently situated near the Oracle, the Purple Turtle and historic church in the heart of 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.
Test

Address

Abbey Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BQ

Reading

test
Subway - Duke Street

Address

21 Duke Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4SA

Telephone
0118 958 5555

Reading

Subway is a privately held American fast food restaurant franchise that primarily purveys submarine sandwiches and salads.
Reading Synagogue

Address

7 Goldsmid Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7YB

READING

Welcome to a warm friendly community and the only community to offer, to all Jewish people in the area, regular weekly services and many other activities for adults and children, both inside our wonderful Synagogue & adjoining community hall and at…
Comptoir Libanais

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 321 3999

reading@comptoirlibanais.com

READING

Lebanese canteen on the Riverside at The Oracle. Comptoir Libanais (French for “Lebanese counter”) offers an abundance of healthy dishes, bursting with flavours and colours. It provides a refreshing and contemporary alternative to the usual casual…
Black Sheep Coffee

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…
Smiggle

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 957 4771

Reading

Everything you need for school, homework or fun can be found in a Smiggle store.
Reading Town Hall

Address

Blagrave Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

READING

Welcome to Reading's historic Town Hall. Right in the heart of Reading, this beautiful Grade II* listed building boasts a stunning Victorian Gothic facade by celebrated architect Alfred Waterhouse, and state-of-the-art facilities within to…
Siren Tap Yard Finchampstead

Address

18 Alberto House, Marino Way, Finchampstead, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG40 4RF

WOKINGHAM

Siren Craft Brew was born in 2013 with a simple idea in mind: to introduce exciting, full-ﬂavoured and forward-thinking beers to as many people as possible. There are now six Sirens of Siren Craft Brew. These Sirens characterise our flagship beers.…
Palmers Riding Stables

Address

Peppard Road, Emmer Green, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8XD

Telephone
01189 472 496

READING

The stables are in approx 43 acres of Oxfordshire countryside and on the Berks/South Oxfordshire border. We are on a bus route and are 3 miles from the centre of Reading.
The Riding school has been in existence since the mid-1960s and stood where…
The Fragrance Shop

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 958 5342

Reading

The Fragrance Shop is the UK’s leading independent fragrance retailer with over 400 fragrance brands available in more than 200 stores throughout the UK.
Up & Running

Address

96 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AP

Reading

The UK's Largest Independent Running Store
Riverside Museum at Blake's Lock

Address

Gas Works Road (next to Bel & The Dragon), READING, Berkshire, RG1 3EQ

Telephone
0118 9373400

READING

This small branch site tells the story of Reading's two rivers - the Kennet and the Thames. The Riverside Museum occupies two Listed former waterworks buildings, the Screen House and the Turbine House.
The Turbine House hosts a programme of…
The Jazz Café

Address

Select Car Leasing Stadium, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0FL

Telephone
0118 968 1442

READING

Located at the Madejski Stadium, The Jazz Café is a modern, spacious venue ideal for any type of event from corporate lunches to birthday parties to wedding receptions. We pride ourselves in hosting an unforgettable party with delicious food, all…
Moss

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

Moss is ‘The UK’s No.1 Branded Suit Specialist’ with an unrivalled expertise and a proud heritage that spans over a century.
With styles to suit all tastes and budgets, the Moss Bross store at The Oracle carries an extensive range of suits,…
Three Guineas

Address

Station Approach, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LY

Telephone
0118 957 2743

Reading

Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself, The Three Guineas was built to serve… and whether you fancy cask ales, commuter coffees or cracking cuisine, we certainly live up to that. Right by Reading Station, we’ve served thousands of travellers…

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