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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Prezzo

Address

228 King Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HF

Telephone
0118 959 6092

prezzo228@prezzoplc.co.uk

Reading

Modern Italian dining in a stylish and elegant setting, providing the perfect surroundings to make any occasion a celebration...
Leeds Building Society

Address

10 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
0118 957 5192

Reading

Savings, mortgages, ISA's and insurance products. Over 140 years of experience in the industry with Leeds Building Society.
Ladbrokes - Queen Victoria Street

Address

20 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TG

Telephone
0800 022 3454

Reading

A world leader in online betting and gaming. Play poker, online bingo or bet on casino games. Enjoy sports betting, horse racing betting and more. Bet now!
Nationwide

Address

51 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AA

Telephone
0800 554 0353

Reading

The world's largest building society, run for the benefit of its members. Helping you with your current account, mortgage, savings and other personal finance needs. From April 2021, Nationwide is open to the public on Saturdays, 9:30 till 1 and …
Subway - Broad Street Mall

Address

Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QG

Reading

Whatever you are in the mood for, our Subway store have a huge range of subs, salads, treats and drinks to choose from. And the best bit – every one of their Subs is made fresh in front of you, exactly the way you want it with the bread, salad and…
Therapists on the High Street

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 951 0637

info@therapistsonthehighstreet.co.uk

READING

Therapists on the High Street is a Sports Therapy and Wellness Walk in Clinic, offering accessible, convenient and affordable Sports Therapy. Sports Therapy is an essential healthcare for everyone, from sporting and non-sporting backgrounds.
Choose…
Snappy Snaps

Address

149 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1EX

Telephone
0118 958 6215

info@snappysnaps-reading.co.uk

Reading

Photography and digital services chain offering prints, frames, enlargements and personalised gifts.
Haslams Estate Agents

Address

159 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HE

Telephone
0118 960 1000

sales@haslams.net

Reading

Haslams are an Estate and Lettings agency specialising in all aspects of the property market place around Reading, Berkshire.
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…
Skipton Building Society

Address

30 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TG

Telephone
0118 959 0409

Reading

Savings, mortgages, pensions and investments - plan for your life ahead with Skipton Building Society.
Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra

Address

London Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 5AQ

READING

The Aldworth Philharmonic is an non-professional orchestra based in Reading, Berkshire. It’s named after the founder of Reading Blue Coat School, Richard Aldworth. RBCS has been a brilliant supporter over the years and two of its former Headmasters…
Greggs, 18 West St

Address

8 West Street, Reading, RG1 1TT

Reading
Savers

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
01189 587745

help@savers.co.uk

READING

Savers specialise in branded health, home and beauty products at everyday low prices. We stock a wide range of Hair Care, Personal Care, Oral Care, Household Cleaning, Fine Fragrance, Toiletries, Health Care, Skin Care, Food, Drink products.
You…
H&T Pawnbrokers

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 9599946

info@handt.co.uk

READING

H & T Pawnbrokers are here to help you access cash in a safe and friendly environment. Depending on your need, they will try to find the right solution for you from a wide range of products.
Charles Tyrwhitt

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Reading

At Charles Tyrwhitt (pronounced “Tirrit”) they endeavour to produce the finest menswear, with timeless style and no compromise on quality. From beautifully tailored men’s shirts and suits to smart and comfortable casualwear, the whole kit and…
Culture Mix Arts

Address

Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

READING

CultureMix Arts is an international music and carnival arts company based in Berkshire, UK. We encourage participation and development offering employment opportunities in the music industry and the carnival sector. An Arts Council England National…
Albin & Co Solicitors

Address

46a West Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TZ

Telephone
0118 957 4018

Reading

Albin & Co are highly respected solicitors offering legal advice to legal aid & privately funded clients.
Poundland

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 958 1795

READING

Poundland’s retailing concept is extremely simple: a range of more than 3,000 items – representing AMAZING VALUE for money.
Timpsons

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 9503421

READING

Timpson specialize in all types of shoe and boot repairs – both mens and ladies. We can carry out almost any job you can think of from the smallest piece of stitching right up to a full long sole and re-welt. Any job – any time! Most repairs are…
Tesco Express - Oxford Road

Address

28 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7LA

Telephone
0345 610 2847

Reading

UK's largest supermarket chain, with express stores to serve as a quick stop for your everyday grocery needs, or to grab dinner on the way home from work.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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