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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Levi's

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

The Levi’s® brand epitomises classic American style and effortless cool. Since their invention by Levi Strauss & Co. in 1873, Levi’s® jeans have continued capturing the imagination and loyalty of people for generations.
Today, Levi’s® continues to…
Reading Sailing Club

Address

Sonning Eye, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TT

READING

Reading Sailing Club is situated on a large picturesque former gravel pit adjacent to the river Thames in Sonning near Reading. Dinghy sailing is the club’s main activity with both beginners and experienced racers making use of our facilities.
We…
Madoo

Address

10-14 Duke Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4RU

Telephone
0118 950 2249

Reading

Italian deli and coffee house selling toasted sandwiches, great coffee, cakes and other goodies as well as a good range of dried pasta and biscuits.
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…
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…
Slater Menswear

Address

Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AP

Telephone
0118 939 3479

contact@slaters.co.uk

Reading

Slaters are a family run business with 40 years’ experience. With tailored suits starting from £49, as well as suit packages including shirt, tie and shoes for only £79 they are your first port of call for formal wear or hire. Each store hires a…
Nisbets

Address

61-62 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1DX

Reading

Nisbets was established in 1983 with the aim to provide high quality catering equipment at affordable prices. We understand the pressures of a commercial kitchen and making your life easier is at the heart of what we do.
Eatnua

Address

15 Gun Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JR

Telephone
0118 304 4317

contact-reading@eatnua.com

Reading

Experience authentic Thai street food dining, the bold, fresh flavours of Thailand—right here in central Reading!
House of Fisher - City Wall House

Address

26 West Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1TZ

Telephone
0118 951 4151

reservations@houseoffisher.com

READING

House of Fisher’s City Wall House Aparthotel is based in the very centre of Reading offering a selection of studio, one and two bedroom fully furnished serviced apartments, all with free unlimited WiFi and a lift available to four floors. These…
Grosvenor G Casino Reading

Address

Rose Kiln Lane, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0SN

Telephone
0118 402 7800

READING

Grosvenor Casino Reading is the perfect leisure destination with a fantastic restaurant, amazing bar, live Show Bar, and Games Lounge.
The Hexagon

Address

Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

Telephone
0118 960 6060

READING

The Hexagon is a multi-purpose entertainment venue in the heart of Reading, hosting an eclectic mix of entertainers from big name Comedians, Spectacular Musicals, Children's Shows, Classical Concerts, Opera, Pantomime, Theatre, Dance and everything…
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…
Novotel

Address

25b Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
0118 952 2600

H5432@accor.com

READING

Perfectly situated in the heart of the town. The guests can choose from executive and superior rooms, all boasting airy, contemporary designs and warmth.
Five Guys

Address

The Oracle Shopping Centre Unit U1, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 957 3931

Reading

American diner style burger joint serving hamburgers grilled to perfection alongside chips fried in peanut oil.
Subway - Reading Station

Address

Brunei Arcade, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LT

Telephone
0118 956 8106

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…
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.
Castle Tap

Address

120 Castle Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7RJ

READING

A short walk from Reading town centre, we are specialists in Great Beer from cask, keg & bottle with an ever-changing range; expect craft beer favourites, Belgian bottles and local classics as well as rotating range of traditional ciders and artisan…
De Vere Wokefield Estate

Address

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

Telephone
0118 933 4000

wokefield.reservations@devere.com

Mortimer, Reading

There has been an estate at Wokefield since the first house was built in the 1560s for the wealthy Plowden family. Set in 250 acres of Berkshire countryside, it’s history is etched in the different architectural features that greet you throughout.
…
Ann Summers

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 996 0282

Reading

Playful lingerie chain selling women's underwear, fancy dress outfits and bedroom toys.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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