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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Urban Fun

Address

Units 49, 50/52 Broad Street Mall, Reading, -RG1 7QE

info@urban-fun.co.uk

Reading

Urban Fun is where excitement meets adventure! Dive into a vibrant world of games, from classic favourites to the latest high-tech experiences. Whether you’re challenging friends in competitive games or enjoying a solo quest, Urban Fun has something…
Malmaison Reading

Address

18-20 Station Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1JX

Telephone
0118 334 1331

reading@malmaison.com

READING

Next stop Malmaison Reading. Located directly opposite the station and only 30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of London, the former home to Great Western Rail is now a first class business venue. When it comes to event space and meeting rooms in…
Nirvana Spa

Address

Mole Road, Sindlesham, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG41 5DJ

Telephone
0118 9897500

WOKINGHAM

Let tensions melt away and indulge your senses in our beautiful, uplifting spa facilities. Surrounded by palm trees and Roman statues you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean. Unquestionably, our spacious facilities are…
Keeley's Picture Framing

Address

14 Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3AA

Telephone
0118 959 6961

keith.keeleys@hotmail.com

Reading

Framing specialist providing custom and pre-made frames for everything from single photographs up to multiple photo's, posters and more.
Warhammer

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QA

READING

Building, painting and playing with the best fantasy miniatures in the world. A Warhammer store is the gateway to a range of exciting hobby activities that can provide hours of fun, whether enjoying Warhammer alone, with friends and family, or…
Holiday Inn Reading South - M4 Jcn 11

Address

500 Basingstoke Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0SL

Telephone
0871 942 9067

reservations@hireadingsouth.com

READING

Situated near Reading city centre, Holiday Inn Reading South M4 Jct 11 is in easy reach of the M4. Our hotel has a range of comfortable bedrooms, delicious dining, and on-site car parking for cars and coaches. We’ve got 202 bedrooms and a choice of…
Sweeney and Todd

Address

10 Castle Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7RD

Telephone
0118 958 6466

Reading

Restaurant with acclaimed pies and deli selling pasties, sausage rolls and free range scotch eggs.
Museum of Berkshire Aviation

Address

Mohawk Way, Woodley, READING, Berkshire, RG5 4UE

Telephone
0118 944 8089

READING

Berkshire's dynamic contribution to aviation history is graphically recaptured at the museum. Run as a charitable trust, the museum is at the historic site of Woodley Airfield, near Reading, U.K. - once the centre of a thriving aircraft industry.…
Palmer Park Leisure Centre

Address

Wokingham Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 1LF

Telephone
0118 937 5080

Reading

Palmer Park Leisure Centre and Stadium is a brand new development providing first class leisure facilities. The centre is located in the heart of Palmer Park. Operated by Better in partnership with Reading Borough Council, the new facilities include…
Caprice Restaurant - Crowne Plaza Reading

Address

Wharfedale Road, Winnersh Traingle, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG41 5TS

Telephone
0118 944 0444

reservations@cpreading.co.uk

WOKINGHAM

Looking for an authentic British Restaurant in the Reading, Wokingham or Bracknell area? Look no further, our Caprice Restaurant boasts 2 AA Rosettes sat within our 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza Reading East easily accessed from the M4 Jct10. We are…
Dune

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
0118 958 0568

Reading

On-trend shoe chain catering for men and women.
Penta Hotel

Address

Oxford Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7RH

Telephone
0118 958 6222

info.reading@pentahotels.com

READING

Looking for a Penta perfect venue with function rooms in Reading, then we’re here to help. We boast 206 bedrooms and 11 meeting and event spaces, kitted out with all the tech you need and to make the day run smoothly and a passionate Penta team on…
easyHotel Reading

Address

132 Caversham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8AY

Telephone
0114 349 8450

reading@easyhotel.com

READING

Convenient and centrally located, easyHotel Reading welcomes visitors to explore the local sights with ease and lay their heads down in clean, comfortable rooms. Whether you’re looking for a short stay or planning a weekend visit, you couldn’t be in…
Primark

Address

116-117 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BD

Telephone
0118 950 4023

Reading

Discount fashion chain offering clothes and accessories for all ages, plus homewares.
Lakeland

Address

97 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AX

Telephone
0118 939 1708

Reading

Kitchenware chain with innovative gadgets and cooking utensils, plus homewares and garden products.
Creams

Address

14-16 Oxford Rd, Reading, RG1 7LA

Telephone
0118 956 1649

Reading

Located oppositie Broad Street Mall is Creams, the American styled parlour that specialises in Italian Gelato & desserts. Sundaes at Creams mostly cost between..
Burley Lodge Equestrian

Address

Hyde End Road, Shinfield, READING, Berkshire, RG2 9EP

Telephone
01189 886 936

READING

Burley Lodge Equestrian Centre is a family run riding centre set in 180 acres of land in Shinfield, just south of Reading, Berkshire. We are a 'BHS Approved Centre' and are very proud to have gained the Highly Commended status from our inspection…
Co-space

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
020 80661761

hello@co-space.co.uk

READING

Co-Space boasts 16 spacious,fully furnished office suites available to rent, ranging from between 2 person, up to 50+ person spaces, available with a range of flexible level membership options suit individual needs and changing requirements.
Premier Inn Winnersh

Address

Reading Road, Winnersh, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG41 5HQ

Telephone
0118 338 3730

WOKINGHAM

With so many handy transport links nearby, our Premier Inn Winnersh hotel is in a great location. You'll only be a five-minute walk away from the Winnersh Triangle train station, making it easy for you to explore Reading. Discover local parks like…
Angel Bar

Address

18 Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8JG

Reading

We’re a table-serviced cocktail bar serving a delicious range of drinks pizza & charcuterie boards. We are based in the heart of Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, we can help you plan private or corporate socials and help you with the smaller details…

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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