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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7 Flowers & Tea

Address

4 Cross Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

READING

We are an independently run florist and tea room in central Reading, offering you a unique experience to handpick and design your own personalised bouquets, boxes and gifts. We offer the best choice of quality flowers and pride ourselves on…
Bill's

Address

St Mary's Church House, Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HX

Telephone
020 4512 6642

Reading

Bill's Restaurant and Bar first opened in Lewes, East Sussex in 2001. A very pretty location, Bill’s Reading restaurant occupies St Mary’s Church House. This elegant Georgian building makes a fabulous restaurant and has become a very popular…
Burley Lodge Equestrian

Address

Hyde End Road, Shinfield, READING, Berkshire, RG2 9EP

Telephone
01189 886 936

READING

Burley Lodge Equestrian Centre is a family run riding centre set in 180 acres of land in Shinfield, just south of Reading, Berkshire. We are a 'BHS Approved Centre' and are very proud to have gained the Highly Commended status from our inspection…
Barista & Beyond

Address

5 Alfred Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7AT

Reading

We serve great quality coffee, cakes, and plates all while supporting people with disabilities to gain employment.
Jacobs the Jewellers

Address

25 King Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2HE

Telephone
0118 959 0790

connect@jacobsthejewellers.com

READING

Family owned trusted independent jewellery shop selling expertly made new jewellery, antique pieces with on site jewellery repairs, valuations and design.
Cocoon Hair & Beauty

Address

18 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
0118 951 1114

Reading

Beauty salon offering hair cuts, treatments, skin care and more.
Reading Serviced Rooms

Address

164-166 Caversham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8AZ

Telephone
0118 958 9900

hello@readingservicedrooms.co.uk

READING

A brand new self-service hotel offering. If you have stayed with us before then you will be familiar with our highstandards of service and we welcome you back ike old friends. However, if it is your first visit to Reading then there really is no…
De Vere Wokefield Estate

Address

De Vere Wokefield Estate, Goodboys Lane, Mortimer, READING, Berkshire, RG7 3AE

Telephone
0118 933 4000

wokefield.salesteam@devere.com

Mortimer, READING

Set in 250 acres of Berkshire countryside, De Vere Wokefield Estate has been completely transformed following a £20 million refurbishment throughout whether you choose to stay in Wokefield Place, Wellington Lodge or the estate’s historic, grand…
NHS Centre

Address

Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 902 8300

Reading

The centre is now only open for registered patients. Please only visit the centre if you have a pre-arranged appointment and have been invited to attend. The Walk-In Service is CLOSED until further notice.
The centre gives you additional choice and…
NOOD Stores

Address

32b Church Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8AU

Reading

NOOD Stores is an eco friendly gift, home fragrance & plant shop with vegan skincare, made in Caversham. It has a soothing and friendly environment with quirky gifts and supports many local makers along with your bigger brands offering you your…
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.
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…
Hobson & Quinn

Address

8 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
0118 950 5144

nick@hobson-quinn.co.uk

Reading

Hobson & Quinn offer a full grooming experience for everyone. Express versions of more conventional high end spa treatments let our customers experience a side of men’s grooming without the premium price.\n\nLocated in the centre of Reading just off…
California Chalet and Touring Park

Address

Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG40 4HU

Telephone
0118 973 3928

WOKINGHAM

Situated in beautiful Berkshire countryside we are open all year round – 12 months, 4 seasons where each one brings its own highlights to the surrounding area. We provide the perfect setting to relax and to spend quality time in an impressive and…
Showcase Cinema de Lux Reading

Address

Reading Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5HG

Telephone
01189788766

Wokingham

Showcase Cinema de Lux offers a premium film viewing experience, including luxurious seating with extra legroom, in-theater dining options, and access to a VIP Gallery bar and lounge. These features, along with impeccable service, create a more…
Zambrero

Address

31 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SY

Telephone
0118 221 0154

reading@zambrero.com

Reading

Zambrero Reading brings a contemporary twist to the Mexican favourites you love, with a freshly prepared menu of burritos, bowls, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and more. You can enjoy delicious Mexican-inspired meals, including vegan and vegetarian…
Vision Express

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 950 4504

Reading

Opticians offering eye examinations, prescription lenses, designer and own-brand glasses, sunglasses and more.
Next

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AP

Telephone
0333 005 5140

Reading

Next, styled as next, is a British multinational clothing, footwear and home products retailer.
Travelodge Reading Whitley

Address

387 Basingstoke Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0JE

Telephone
08719 846209

READING

Conveniently located a mile from Reading train station and only 45 minutes from Heathrow Airport, our hotel is an excellent place to stay if you are looking for a base in Berkshire with strong transport links. This is the perfect place to take a…
Escape Reading

Address

Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

Telephone
07429 147597

hello@escapereading.co.uk

READING

Locked in a room with no way out, you must search for hidden compartments, secret passageways, and clues to plot your escape – all within 60 minutes! For groups of 2-6, Escape Reading offers three different rooms designed for groups of 2-6. It is…

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