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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Subway - Tesco Extra Oxford Road

Address

Tesco Extra, Reading, RG301AP

Reading
Pure Gym Calcot

Address

Sainsbury's, Bath Road, Calcot, READING, Berkshire, RG31 7SA

Telephone
+44 3450138995

info.readingcalcot@puregym.com

READING

Whether you prefer to strength training, cardio, fitness classes, or a little bit of everything, we have all the kit and classes you need at PureGym. All of our gyms in Reading are open 24/7 and have over 50 classes each week included in your…
Yours

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
01189 574095

READING

Your best-loved plus-size clothing brand, shop sizes 16 – 36. Yours Clothing believe that all women should look and feel great, regardless of their dress size. Fabulous ladies curve fashion does not end at a size 14, and we’re the proof!
The Gym

Address

St. Marys Butts, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2LN

READING

The Gym Group believe that fitness should be fun, flexible and affordable. That is why they are open 24 hours a day, so you can eat, sleep, train and repeat regardless of your schedule. They are proud to be the cheapest contract-free gym in town…
Reading Farmers' Market

Address

Great Knollys Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7HD

READING

Reading's friendly farmers' market showcases locally-produced food and drink, direct from the producers. You'll find it at the old cattle market on Great Knollys Street on the first and third Saturday of every month, between 8.15am and 12pm.
It's…
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.
Specsavers

Address

45 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AA

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…
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…
Shinfield Players

Address

Shinfield Park, Shinfield, READING, Berkshire, RG2 9DF

READING

In 1956 a group of Shinfield residents felt there was a need for live theatre in Shinfield and the surrounding area. On the 12 January 1956, a small group of potential thespians met at St Mary's church hall in Shinfield, and so the Shinfield Players…
Boots Opticians

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 957 3901

Reading

Buy glasses, designer frames and contact lenses at Boots Opticians.
Greggs, 10 Queen Victoria St

Address

10 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, RG1 1TG

Reading
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.
58 Barbershop

Address

58 Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3AA

Reading

Independent and fashionable barbershop specialising in all styles and lengths of mens hair including beard trimming and styling and more.
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…
Readipop

Address

Trafford Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8JP

READING

From providing weekly interaction through our community bands, to being a young person’s sole place of interaction with education or engagement, Readipop always aims to facilitate ‘Music Changing Lives’
MADEbyTamalia @ Creativ.Spaces

Address

Creativ.Spaces Art Studio & Event Spaces, 2b Southview Business Park, Marsack Street, Caversham, Reading, RG4 5AF

sue@creativspaces.co.uk

Marsack Street, Caversham, Reading

Bespoke Art & Craft Parties & Themed Immersive Events. Looking for something a little different for your party or event? From urban industrial unit to clandestine party pad - our quirky artist designed venue hides the ultimate escape for…
Hen…
Boots - Broad Street

Address

47-48 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AE

Telephone
0118 957 1135

Reading

Shop our extensive range of health and beauty products from leading brands, fragrances for her and him, gift sets and much more.
Greggs, 16 Broad St Mall

Address

16 Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 9580223

Reading

As one of the most successful and well recognised bakery and café outlets on the High Street, Gregg’s pride themselves on exceptional customer service, great tasting products and remarkable value for money. Products are made fresh throughout the…
Tesco Extra superstore

Address

Napier Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8DF

Telephone
0345 674 6466

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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