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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Hollywood Bowl

Address

Lower Mall, The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AS

Telephone
0844 406 0614

Reading

Enjoy 24 bowling lanes, an American diner, a live sports bar and exciting amusements! What more could you ask for?
Warren James

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 959 5779

READING

Warren James first opened in 1979 offering something new to customers: great jewellery design – just like the brands – but half the price .To date Warren James has become one of the largest jewellers in the UK. The original passion and dedication is…
Sure Hotel Best Western

Address

39 Christchurch Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 7AN

Telephone
0118 931 1311

READING

Whether you're sightseeing, working or visiting Reading University, you can expect clean, comfortable and affordable accommodation for the budget conscious traveller at Sure Hotel by Best Western Reading. This eye-catching red and grey brick…
Voco Reading

Address

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

Telephone
0118 925 3500

vocoReadingReservations@ihg.com

READING

We believe in creating a professional atmosphere that is suitable for all of your meeting and event requirements. Our four meeting rooms are designed for small to medium-sized events of up to 66 guests, while our private dining room can host up to…
Murder Mystery Adventure

Address

Reading Town Centre

Telephone
03300439642

info@im-puzzled.com

Get ready to immerse yourself in a murder mystery adventure around Reading!
Warhammer

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QA

READING

Building, painting and playing with the best fantasy miniatures in the world. A Warhammer store is the gateway to a range of exciting hobby activities that can provide hours of fun, whether enjoying Warhammer alone, with friends and family, or…
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.
…
Three

Address

21 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0118 957 5514

Reading

Retail chain providing mobile phones, tablets & broadband services.
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…
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…
Serdio Ibericos Spanish Delicatessen

Address

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

Reading

Spanish delicatessen serving fresh Spanish food and tapas, along with a special dessert selection including the sought-after ‘Blue Cheesecake’. All made fresh, to order and takeaway.
Blue Collar Corner

Address

Hosier Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2LN

READING

In March 2022, we turned this derelict and abandoned yard into Blue Collar Corner - Reading’s newest independent venue and our first permanent site. Featuring 1 bar, 2 floors & 4 kitchens, a huge beer garden in the Summer and with cover in the…
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…
Hotel 1843

Address

33 London Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4PS

Telephone
0118 950 3925

info@1843reading.com

Reading

This historic building was said to have been opened in 1843 by the British literacy icon, Charles Dickens. Conveniently situated in the centre of Reading, Hotel 1843 is directly opposite The Oracle shopping centre, and is a 10-minute walk from…
Paul

Address

70 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AF

Telephone
0118 229 0126

Reading
Nando's Friar Street

Address

30-31 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DX

Telephone
0118 951 1460

Reading

Home to the legendary flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken. Afro-Portuguese inspired. South African born. Whether you are eating in the restaurants or getting...
Yoga Reading

Address

3-5 Cremyll Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8NQ

Telephone
07952 714 385

Reading

A welcoming space where you can learn how to move well for life. Yoga Reading is a community yoga studio based on the Caversham-Reading border. It’s where you can find the perfect movement practice to suit your mind and your body. Our teachers are…
Ibis Reading Centre

Address

25 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
0118 953 3500

h5431@accor.com

READING

A choice town-centre location, but it's what's inside our hotel that makes all the difference. ibis Reading Centre offers all the necessities with no fussy frills, so from a hearty breakfast spread to free fibre Wi-Fi, a 24hr snack bar to Sweet Beds…
Palmer Park

Address

Wokingham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG6 1LE

READING

This large 50-acre parkland is home to Palmer Park Sport Stadium. It also offers a large children’s play area and adjacent cafe next to Wokingham Road with a second smaller accessible play area (known locally as ERAPA) near London Road. As well as…
The Roseate Reading

Address

26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJ

Telephone
0118 952 7770

reception.TFLR@roseatehotels.com

Reading

The Roseate Reading hotel is designed for both business and pleasure, boasting the latest technology, stylish yet functional surroundings and dedicated conference rooms providing the ideal location for meetings and events. All our meeting rooms are…

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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