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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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.
Boux Avenue

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Reading

Boux Avenue are obsessed with fit, designing unique lingerie, nightwear and loungewear collections, inspired by YOU. With exceptional service, including an expert bra fitting experience and inclusive size offering; you'll find lingerie available in…
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…
Delikatesy Polskie Smaczek

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 9500886

info@delikatesysmaczek.com

READING

Delikatesy Polskie Smaczek is an authentic grocery store offering a wide variety of imported Polish products. Their range includes: fresh meats, cakes, pastries, fruits and vegetables.
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.
Specsavers

Address

45 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AA

Reading
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.
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.
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.
South Reading Leisure Centre

Address

Northumberland Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 8DH

Telephone
0118 304 4861

SouthReading@gll.org

Reading

South Reading Leisure Centre offers a range of indoor and outdoor facilities for the local community, including a swimming pool, tennis courts and a sports hall. The gym features a range of cardio and resistance stations, a dedicated free weight…
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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
Perfect Beauty

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 958 4031

READING

Perfect Beauty Salon is home to the team of experienced and qualified beauticians offering a wide range of beauty treatments from make-up, shellac nails and IPL hair removal. The team are experts in eyebrow grooming and shaping, using the ancient…
The Baskerville

Address

Station Road, Lower Shiplake, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxfordshire, RG9 3NY

Telephone
0118 940 3332

enquiries@thebaskerville.com

HENLEY-ON-THAMES

Warm and welcoming hotel paired with an award winning restaurant and pub. The Baskerville Arms is the perfect spot for an overnight or weekend stay where you can enjoy incredible food and drink without leaving the hotel.
Mooboo Bubble Tea

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

READING

Mooboo opened its doors last summer and offers a huge selection of teas, smoothies and mocktails. Their passion is to create the highest quality drinks and desserts for all, and stay one step ahead of the competition!
Mooboo’s menu boasts an array…
Meadway Sports Centre

Address

Conwy Close, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 4BZ

Telephone
0118 3044 077

meadway@gll.org

Reading

Meadway Sports Centre offers a varied range of activities and facilities to suit everyone. Facilities include a fully equipped gym, a 20 metre swimming pool, squash and badminton courts, a fitness class and group cycle studio and a multi sports area.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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