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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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.
Marugame Udon

Address

The Oracle Centre - Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Reading

Udon noodles made with skillful hands in our open kitchen, unhurried broths, flavour-filled, freshly fried tempura topped with condiments to compliment. All served with love, that’s the Marugame way.
Sushi Mania

Address

Broad Street Mall, 9 Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7QF

Reading

Classic Japanese sushi restaurant opposite the Hexagon.
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.
Wokingham Waterside Centre

Address

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

Telephone
0118 926 8280

READING

Wokingham Waterside Centre is a unique riverside, water sports and conference venue set on a picturesque stretch of the river Thames in Berkshire. Water sports include canoeing, kayaking, katakanuing, bellboating, dragon boating, stand up…
Reading Rep Theatre

Address

Kings Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4LY

READING

Reading’s resident professional theatre combines high-class productions with ground-breaking education and community engagement to help transform Reading and the surrounding area’s cultural landscape. With tickets from as little as £5 Reading Rep is…
Cole Museum of Zoology

Address

University of Reading, Whiteknights campus, READING, Berkshire, RG6 6LA

READING

The Cole Museum of Zoology is owned and managed by the University of Reading. It was established by Professor Francis Cole in 1906 when the University was known as University College Reading. The Cole Museum of Zoology represents a snapshot of…
Paddy Power

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0800 056 5275

READING

Paddy Power is Ireland’s biggest, most successful; security conscious, friendly and innovative licensed betting shop. You can get all the latest betting offers, bonuses, free bets and promotions from a friendly customer service team.
Ibis Styles Central Reading

Address

4 Duke Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4RY

Telephone
0118 958 3455

HA071@accor.com

READING

Our central spot puts you right at the heart of Reading, with the famous Madejski Stadium and Thames Valley Park Drive both only 10 minutes away.
The Great House at Sonning

Address

Thames Street, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6UT

Telephone
0118 969 2277

reception@thegreathouseatsonning.co.uk

READING

Situated in the beautiful conservation village of Sonning. All of our rooms are restful spaces where every detail has been considered, from the comfy beds to the rousing showers. Rooms are located in the Main House, Palace Yard, Coach House & Clock…
Paul

Address

70 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AF

Telephone
0118 229 0126

Reading
The Henley Distillery

Address

Hampstead Farm, Binfield Heath, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxfordshire, RG9 4LG

Telephone
07511 208490

shop@thehenleydistillery.co.uk

HENLEY-ON-THAMES

Located in an 18th century threshing barn just three miles outside out of Reading, The Henley Distillery, voted New Distillery of The Year 2022 by The Gin Guide, offers tours, gin tastings and fully-immersive gin-making experiences inviting people…
Shed

Address

8 Merchant's Place, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DT

Telephone
0118 956 1482

Reading

Gourmet sandwiches and soups, plus coffee and cakes, in a cafe with exposed brick in an old forge.
Genting Casino Reading

Address

18 Richfield Avenue, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8PA

Telephone
0118 939 1811

READING

Welcome to Genting Casino Reading where you'll find an extensive range of the best and most-popular casino games in both live-dealer and electronic formats.
Hotel Chocolat

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
0118 959 1588

Reading

Hotel Chocolat is a British chocolatier and cocoa grower, with over seventy shops in the United Kingdom. Hotel Chocolat is the only company in the United Kingdom to grow cocoa on its own plantation.
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…
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…
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…
Penta Hotel

Address

Oxford Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7RH

Telephone
0118 958 6222

info.reading@pentahotels.com

READING

Looking for a Penta perfect venue with function rooms in Reading, then we’re here to help. We boast 206 bedrooms and 11 meeting and event spaces, kitted out with all the tech you need and to make the day run smoothly and a passionate Penta team on…
Revolución De Cuba

Address

138-141 Friar St, Reading, RG1 1EX

Telephone
0118 207 7016

Reading

Cuban rum and cocktail bar in the heart of Reading. A great place to eat, drink and dance in town.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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