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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do

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 Caversham Lakes Aqua Park
Open from May-September, the main Aqua Park at Caversham Lakes is open to the whole family. The on-the-water obstacle course is a must-try for adventure-seeking families and has a minimum age of 6 years old (participants must be competent swimmers). In the summer, visit the family beach which welcomes children of all ages – and there’s lots of other activities and nature trails to keep everyone happy.

Palmer Park swimming pool is a new indoor leisure facility. 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.

Channel your inner detective at Reading’s Escape Rooms
Reading is home to five 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), 10+ (TimeTrap) 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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Reading Museum

Address

Blagrave Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

Telephone
0118 937 3400

READING

Situated in Reading’s Victorian Town Hall, the Museum tells the story of Reading from its Saxon beginnings to the high-tech town it is today. Explore ten galleries of historic and artistic objects. Discover archaeology from Roman Silchester and…
Perfect Chicken & Ribs

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 950 9696

READING

Perfect Fried Chicken is known for its generous portions, reasonable prices, friendly service, and richly varied halal menu of fried chicken, burgers and ribs. Every dish is meticulously prepared in- house using only the best spices and ingredients.…
Boost

Address

The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AQ

Reading

Boost make fresh, nutritious stuff that tastes good, makes you feel great and always gives you something to smile about. Here at Boost we pride ourselves on making it easy for you to be healthy. Our menu of juices and smoothies, featuring fresh…
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…
Claire's Accessories - The Oracle

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
0118 971 9052

Reading

Jewellery and accessory specialist offering ear piercing services.
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…
Rams Rugby Club

Address

Old Bath Road, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TQ

Telephone
0118 969 5259

READING

The club was founded as Old Redingensians in 1924 by former pupils of Reading School. The Club changed its name in 2018. Rams 1st XV made club history and achieved promotion to National League 1 (Level 3 rugby) during 2018-19.
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.
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.
Mama's Way

Address

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

READING

Reading town centre's neighbourood Italian deli.
The Reading Room

Address

26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJ

Telephone
0118 952 7770

reception.TFLR@roseatehotels.com

Reading

The Reading Room will offer delicious modern cuisine revolving around the freshest, seasonal ingredients and best of British produce from Executive Chef Rajesh Maharjan. Guests can opt to try the delectable Tasting Menu, which also has a specialised…
The Hope Tap

Address

99-103 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1EP

Telephone
0118 958 2266

Reading

The site of this Wetherspoon pub was once occupied by the Hope Brewery, which had its own pub, The Hope Tap.
Munchees

Address

2 Butter Market, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2DP

Telephone
0118 957 3708

Reading

Whatever your preference, a warm welcome, delicious food and great service awaits you at Munchees in Reading. Munchees is a well-established English Cafe Restaurant offering a high standard of food in a comfortable setting, and friendly, attentive…
Miller and Carter

Address

The Oracle Riverside, Reading, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 950 9961

Reading

Miller & Carter know a thing or two about steak. In fact, you could say that they are one of the best steakhouses in West Berkshire. But they'd rather leave...
Intoku

Address

30a Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HX

Reading

It all started with our founders Mia and Greg, their love of anime and Japanese culture, and a small market stall in the hustle and bustle of Manchester. An unusual place for our sushi story to start, but this humble stall was the perfect spot to…
Cote Brasserie

Address

9 The Riverside, Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 959 1180

reading@cote-restaurants.co.uk

Reading

Located on the Riverside, Côte Brasserie is open daily for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Inspired by new trends in Paris, it offers a consistently good menu and prompt service.
Crowne Plaza Reading East

Address

Wharfedale Road, Winnersh Traingle, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG41 5TS

Telephone
0118 944 0444

reservations@cpreading.co.uk

WOKINGHAM

Exceptional new, fully refurbished 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza Reading East offering 174 spacious luxurious bedrooms with King-size beds and 50” TV . New 2 AA Rosette Restaurant & Terrace and Bar/Lounge serving modern British and authentic Asian…
The Slug & Lettuce

Address

Riverside Level, The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1AH

Telephone
0118 957 1839

slugandlettuce.reading@bayrestaurantgroup.com

Reading

Fantastic promotions, including 2-4-1 cocktails all day every day and mouth watering menu. Slug & Lettuce's guests are taken on...
The Cocktail Club

Address

5-6 Gun Street, Reading, RG1 2JR

Reading

Reading, are you ready for the biggest cocktail party to arrive in town? Arriving Soon, The Cocktail Club will land on Gun Street and we cannot wait to get the party started with you. Want to be part of the launch weekend madness? Bookings are now…
Wagamama

Address

Unit R12 Oracle Riverside, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 951 1599

Reading

Wagamamas combines fresh and nutritious food in an elegant yet simple setting with helpful, friendly service and value for money. Serving Asian food...

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do

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