Palmer Park community pool
Thames River Cruise

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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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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…
Skechers

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

Skechers is the comfort technology company, where you’ll find the best selection of lifestyle and performance footwear for men, women and kids. Choose from countless options including the latest athletic, casual and fashion sneakers as well as…
Thaigrr

Address

1D Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

Telephone
07379 636771

contact@thaigrr.co.uk

READING

ThaiGrr! serves enticing, ready-to-go Thai food, cooked to perfection by our experienced Thai chefs with a menu that brings you Thailand’s favourite dishes. Our tempting choice of tasty Thai hot meals are available to take out or to deliver.
To…
Co-space

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
020 80661761

hello@co-space.co.uk

READING

Our Reading meeting rooms are easily accessible and can hold up to 36 people. All our meeting rooms are available for hire by members and non-members alike and provide a confidential space which are equipped with plug and play TV and video…
Spinners

Address

Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

READING

Crazy Golf, Ten Pin Bowling and Darts comes to Reading! An independent competitive socialising venue run by local people with an affinity for good times, fine cocktails, ice cold beers and stonebaked pizza. An intimate bowling experience with…
Alto Lounge

Address

Church Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8AU

Telephone
0118 947 3522

alto@thelounges.co.uk

Reading

In the heart of Church Street, the good people of Caversham have been popping into Alto Lounge for years now.
What keeps people coming back? It could be our great range of food and drinks (including kids, gluten-free and vegan menus), it could be…
Subway - Tesco Extra Oxford Road

Address

Tesco Extra, Reading, RG301AP

Reading
Basildon Park

Address

Lower Basildon, READING, Berkshire, RG8 9NR

Telephone
01491 672382

READING

Basildon Park is a country house situated to the west of Reading, between the villages of Upper Basildon and Lower Basildon. It is owned by the National Trust and is a Grade I listed building. The house was built between 1776 and 1783 for Sir…
London Street Brasserie

Address

Riverside Oracle, 2-4 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PN

Reading

The London Street Brasserie is the second award winning restaurant by owner and proprietor Paul Clerehugh. Opened in 2000, next to the river Kennet in the heart of Reading, the London Street Brasserie won both critical acclaim and Michelin…
SWAG

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
01189 574454

READING

SWAG is an independent retailer selling the latest women's and children's fashionwear and accessories. They have been trading in Reading for many years.
To enable screen reader support, press Ctrl+Alt+Z To learn about keyboard shortcuts, press…
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…
Reading Football Club

Address

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

Telephone
0118 9681313

READING

The Select Car Leasing Stadium (formerly known as the Madejski Stadium) is the home of Reading FC. One of the oldest football clubs in the UK, Reading FC recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. The men's team currently play in the EFL…
POP Classics

Address

35 Church Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8BA

Telephone
0118 375 9295

Reading

Pop Classics is a Vinyl Record shop in the heart of Caversham offering a wide range on new and used records and CDs with something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Kokoro

Address

13 Queen Victoria St, Reading, RG1 1SY

Reading

Hand made Sushi, awakening your taste buds with a tastier, fresher and healthier option. If you like to eat simple, cheap but decent oriental food...
Escape Hunt Reading

Address

Kings Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2HG

Telephone
0118 950 5222

reading@escapehunt.com

READING

Packed with excitement, you and your teammates will leap into new worlds completing ground-breaking missions. Work as a team to find clues, solve puzzles and complete challenges before the time runs out. This isn’t something you watch, it’s…
Treatz

Address

29 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
0118 951 1533

info@treatz.co.uk

READING

Treatz Dessert Parlour is sleek, modern and comfortable, ready to bring you some seriously amazing desserts! The menu includes utterly delicious...
571 Oxford Road Gallery

Address

571 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 1HW

Reading

571 Oxford Road is new contemporary art gallery based in Reading, England. The gallery is part of Open Hand Open Space (OHOS). OHOS is an artist-led centre that fosters excellence in contemporary art and provides affordable studio and exhibition…
Reading Serviced Apartments by Charles Hope

Address

300 King's Road, Reading, RG1 4HP

Telephone
020 3983 6300

reservations@charleshope.co.uk

Reading

Our Reading serviced accommodations is located in the heart of the University Quarter, just a stone's throw away from the charming River Kennet. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, our prime location is perfect for exploring all…
Matilda Too boat trips

Address

Star Lane Wharf, Behind Queen's Road car park, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4AR

Reading

A trip boat on the Kennet and Avon Canal in Reading from Kennet & Avon Trust. 45-minute trips on Fridays (during school holidays), Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays at noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm from Easter weekend onwards.
Swiss Farm Touring and Camping

Address

Marlow Road, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxfordshire, RG9 2HY

Telephone
01491 573419

HENLEY-ON-THAMES

Our five star, landscaped Henley on Thames Touring & Camping park in the Oxfordshire countryside is perfectly placed for guests wishing to visit London, Reading, Windsor & Oxford. The park is a short walk from the beautiful town of Henley on Thames…

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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