Palmer Park community pool
Thames River Cruise

You are here: Ideas & Inspiration > Top 10 Highlights > Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do

Searching for something...

Accommodation
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Accommodation Search

Things to Do Search

Food & Drink Search

Shopping Search

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!

Number of results: 566

, currently showing 521 to 540.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

NatWest

Address

Level 1, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0845 600 2803

Reading

Welcome to NatWest. Our extensive personal banking products including bank accounts, mortgages, credit cards, loans and more. Visit today to find out more.
Sainsbury's - Broad Street

Address

7-8 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0118 959 9824

Reading

Well known supermarket offering a massive range of groceries in the town centre.
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.
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 …
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…
Heavy Pop

Address

South Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4QU

READING

Reading-based independent promoters with over ten years of experience in promoting gigs in Reading/ Oxford. We also run the award-winning multi-venue charity fundraiser festival Are You Listening?, Down at the Abbey Festival in Reading Abbey Ruins…
Greggs, 10 Queen Victoria St

Address

10 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, RG1 1TG

Reading
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…
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…
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…
118 Photography

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 3488874

redphoto118@gmail.com

READING

118 Photography is home to a team of professional photographers and editors with years of experience in capturing your precious moments.
Reading Quality Fish

Address

7 West Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TT

Telephone
0118 957 6917

Info@readingqualityfish.co.uk

Reading

Independently owned fish mongers.
Buzz Gym

Address

100 Kings Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BY

Telephone
0118 958 4589

READING

Buzz Gym is not just another boring gym. Buzz Gym is a fresh, fully equipped gym with a full studio class timetable for a low affordable monthly price. Located in Reading, Slough, Swindon, Oxford and Harrow. Buzz Gym is open 24 hours a day with no…
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.
Foodies

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

READING

Discover the flavours of India's culinary heritage with fabulous samosa's and refreshing Chai Teas. For dessert, soft ice cream and cool slushy's.
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.
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.
Adrienne Henry Millinery

Address

26 Harris Arcade, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DN

Telephone
0118 950 4421

adriennehenrymillinery@gmail.com

Reading

Adrienne Henry Millinery specialise in hand-made hats for all occasions.
Premier

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 958 1357

READING

With over 3000 stores nationwide, Premier is one of the UK’s number one convenience store. Offering the best in essential products, bringing amazing value locally.
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’

My Planner

Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Address

Address

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss