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 - Broad Street Mall

Address

Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QG

Reading
Superdrug - Broad Street Mall

Address

Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 958 7859

Reading

Superdrug is quite simply the best in everyday accessible beauty and health. They are committed to bring innovation and the latest styles and trends to their stores at fantastic prices. The Superdrug Own Brand collection is not only great value and…
LolaLo

Address

126 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EP

READING

Bringing you a little piece of Polynesian paradise and a true taste of the tropics, Lola Lo’s unique party and night club experience will instantly seduce your senses and sweep you off to the South Pacific – the perfect place to kick back, relax and…
Reading Biscuit Factory

Address

1 Queens Walk (corner of Oxford Rd), Broad Street Mall, Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0191 2611103

info@readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

Broad Street Mall, Reading

We are a three-screen cinema, bar, coffee shop, live performance space and community hub situated at the heart of Reading’s town centre. Our aim is to offer a fantastic and welcoming venue and create a setting where everyone can relax, work, meet…
The Climbing Hangar

Address

Unit 8, Stadium Way, Tilehurst, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 6BX

Telephone
0118 907 4251

Reading

The Climbing Hangar Reading is an indoor bouldering centre, a fully equipped gym and hip coffee shop, serving a fresh, locally sourced menu. Indoor climbing is one of the fastest growing participation sports in the UK. Bouldering is a rope-free form…
Crown Lodge Guest House

Address

27 Russell Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7XD

Telephone
0118 956 9014

crownlodgereading@gmail.com

READING

In the heart of Reading, this family guest house offers rooms with Freeview TV, tea/coffee facilities and free WiFi.
Loddon Brewery

Address

Church Lane, Dunsden, READING, Berkshire, RG4 9QD

Telephone
0118 948 1111

READING

Our beers have been hailed for their quality and consistency since 2003 – winning awards all over the UK. Built on traditional foundations, we’ve continued to evolve and take our beers to the next level. From firkins of classic bitter to cans of New…
Swarovski

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 958 8555

Reading

Upscale chain known for its crystal jewellery, watches, Christmas ornaments and home accents.
Escape Reading

Address

Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

Telephone
07429 147597

hello@escapereading.co.uk

READING

Locked in a room with no way out, you must search for hidden compartments, secret passageways, and clues to plot your escape – all within 60 minutes! For groups of 2-6, Escape Reading offers three different rooms designed for groups of 2-6. It is…
Madoo

Address

10-14 Duke Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4RU

Telephone
0118 950 2249

Reading

Italian deli and coffee house selling toasted sandwiches, great coffee, cakes and other goodies as well as a good range of dried pasta and biscuits.
Slug & Lettuce - Friar Street

Address

7-10 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DB

Telephone
0118 959 7090

Reading

Slug & Lettuce Friar Street is a cool and contemporary bar, which has just undergone a huge refurbishment with the most instagrammable decor you can imagine! Serving all of your S&L faves from Afternoon Tea to Boozy brunches! Start planning your…
Hop Leaf

Address

163-165 Southampton Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2QZ

Telephone
0118 931 4700

Reading

Hop Back Brewery is the home of the multi-award winning Summer Lightning. While not quite as good as tasting the real thing, here you'll get...
Greyfriars Church and Centre

Address

Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EH

Telephone
0118 304 53 68

bookings@greyfriars.org.uk

READING

Greyfriars Church and Centre are located in the very heart of Reading, on Friar Street, just a five-minute walk from Reading Station, which can be easily reached from most areas of the country.
A Grade I Listed Building, Greyfriars Church offers a…
H&M

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AS

Telephone
0344 736 9000

Reading

Chain retailer selling on-trend clothing, swimswear, accessories and shoes for men, women and children.
Clays Kitchen & Bar

Address

22-24 Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8JG

Telephone
0118 959 6888

Reading

Now open in larger premises in Caversham, Clays is an Indian Restaurant specialising in the regional cuisine that comes from the kitchens of the Royal Kings (Nawabs) of Hyderabad in the south of India. See Grace Dent's 2023 review in The Guardian.
Paul

Address

70 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AF

Telephone
0118 229 0126

Reading
Soju

Address

9-11 Kings Walk, King Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG12HG

Telephone
0118 334 8162

Reading

Soju offers authentic and freshly grilled South Korean BBQ in the heart of Reading.
Best Western Calcot Hotel

Address

98 Bath Road, Calcot, Reading, Berkshire, RG31 7QN

Telephone
0118 9416423

gm@calcothotel.co.uk

Reading

A home away from home near Reading. Whatever your reason for staying at the Best Western Calcot Hotel, you're guaranteed a comfortable place to lay your head, let the Calcot Hotel be your home away from home during your trip. Best Western Calcot…
Blacks

Address

3 Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HX

Telephone
0118 402 8736

Reading

Shop in-store with the UK's leading outdoor retailer. With over 70 stores nationwide, unrivalled expertise and a price match guarantee on everything.
Millies Cookies

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AT

Telephone
0118 956 6144

Reading

Millie's Cookies creates hand-iced, personalised, giant cookies and mini biscuits ideal for birthday gifts and special occasions.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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