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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Premier Inn Reading South (Grazeley Green)

Address

Goring Lane, Grazeley Green, READING, Berkshire, RG7 1LS

Telephone
0333 321 8346

readingsouth.pi@premierinn.com

READING

Premier Inn Reading South (Grazeley Green) ticks all the boxes. Close to the M4 and M3, just down the road from Reading and Basingstoke, and set in a quiet, rural location. Check, check and check. You're well placed for many local wedding venues.…
Goldsmiths

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
0118 951 3001

Reading

Chain retailer specialising in diamonds and designer watches, plus gold and silver jewellery.
Select Car Leasing Stadium (Reading FC)

Address

Junction 11, M4, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0FL

Telephone
0118 968 1100

READING

Home to Reading Football Club, the stadium (formerly known as the Madejski Stadium) holds 24,000 people. Reading FC play in the EFL Championship currently and celebrated their 150th anniversary in 2021/22.
St James ' Church

Address

Forbury Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3FD

READING

St James catholic Church is built within the ruins of the great Benedictine Abbey. Today we continue the practice of the monks to celebrate the Sacred Liturgy in Word and Sacrament. The church was built between 1837 and 1840, the architect was A W…
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…
Alpaca walking at Bozedown Farm

Address

Hardwick Road, Whitchurch On Thames, READING, Berkshire, RG8 7QY

Telephone
0118 984 3827

info@bozedown-alpacas.co.uk

READING

Come and enjoy a fascinating walk in the beautiful South Oxfordshire countryside. Lead an alpaca around our alpaca farm which nestles between the edge of the Chilterns and the River Thames. Learn more about these attractive, enigmatic creatures that…
Revolución De Cuba

Address

138-141 Friar St, Reading, RG1 1EX

Telephone
0118 207 7016

Reading

Revolucion de Cuba provides a private meeting room and terrace for up to 150 people. A full PA system and projector is available to use.
Delicious Day Delegate Packages are provided for guests to enjoy, which includes breakfast, lunch and beverages.
Tasty Greek Souvlaki

Address

20 Market Place, Reading, RG1 2EG

Reading

Relaxed restaurant featuring souvlaki, gyros & other Greek classics, plus grilled options & drinks.
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.
The Blagrave Arms

Address

35 Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PW

Telephone
0118 958 6775

theblablareading@gmail.com

Reading

Stylish gay-friendly bar with fantastic champagne and wine menu. Gorgeous decor, great atmosphere and regular live entertainment and events, including karaoke every Thursday, and just a stone's throw from the station...
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…
Ernest Jones

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

Diamond and watch specialist, Ernest Jones, has a stunning range of jewellery and accessories in contemporary and classic designs – the perfect gift for yourself, or someone close to you.
At the store you’ll find some of the world’s finest, most…
Meadow Farm Camping

Address

Whitchurch Road, Pangbourne, READING, Berkshire, RG8 7DA

Telephone
07912 068720

READING

Meadow Farm Camping is a pop-up campsite for tents only, alongside the River Thames, close to the village of Pangbourne, with 6 pubs within a mile. Pop up loos, Washing-Up Stations with USB charging and cold water on site. BBQs and campfires…
Genting Casino Reading

Address

18 Richfield Avenue, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8PA

Telephone
0118 939 1811

READING

Welcome to Genting Casino Reading where you'll find an extensive range of the best and most-popular casino games in both live-dealer and electronic formats.
Elegant Hair

Address

Union Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EU

Telephone
07472 884441

READING

Elegant Hair and Beauty Salon is the premier Afro Hair Salon in the Berkshire area.
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..
Flamingo's Vintage

Address

21 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SY

Reading

Flamingos Vintage UK is a Vintage clothing retailer, currently supplying hand-picked, one-off pieces in the UK’s south-west. At Flamingo’s, we operate a Kilo Sale identified by a traffic light color system, as well as priced-per-piece Exclusive items
Alpaca walking at Bozedown Farm

Address

Hardwick Road, Whitchurch On Thames, READING, Berkshire, RG8 7QY

Telephone
0118 984 3827

info@bozedown-alpacas.co.uk

READING

Come and enjoy a fascinating walk in the beautiful South Oxfordshire countryside. Lead an alpaca around our alpaca farm which nestles between the edge of the Chilterns and the River Thames. Learn more about these attractive, enigmatic creatures that…
The Body Shop

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0800 092 9090

Reading

Explore their cosmetic & beauty products, offering over 900 skincare, make-up, haircare and body products inspired by nature and ethically made from The Body Shop.
Castle Tap

Address

120 Castle Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7RJ

READING

A short walk from Reading town centre, we are specialists in Great Beer from cask, keg & bottle with an ever-changing range; expect craft beer favourites, Belgian bottles and local classics as well as rotating range of traditional ciders and artisan…

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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