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Thames River Cruise
© Reading UK/Great West Way
Palmer Park community pool
Thames River Cruise
© Reading UK/Great West Way
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-...Read More

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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Market House

Address

1-2 Market Place, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2EG

Telephone
0118 304 3400

info@markethousereading.com

READING

The Market House, historically Lloyds bank which has been restored and transformed into a unique, urban and unforgettable space. At The Market House you’ll find fantastic food, a great crowd, brilliant bars and music festival vibes. The Market House…
Pappadams

Address

74 Kings Road, Reading, RG1 3BJ

info@pappadamsreading.co.uk

Reading

Pappadams is an aunthentic indian curry gourment, with an experience of over twenty years in the indian curry industry.
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…
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..
The Ale House

Address

2 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0118 950 8119

Reading

Tucked on the corner of Broad Street amid the coffee shops, The Ale House is a back-street locals pub right in the centre of town. There is said to have been a pub on...
Tasty Greek Souvlaki

Address

20 Market Place, Reading, RG1 2EG

Reading

Relaxed restaurant featuring souvlaki, gyros & other Greek classics, plus grilled options & drinks.
Thames Valley Wine School

Address

Corn Stores, Forbury Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1SB

READING

Thames Valley Wine School in Reading offers a host of in-person wine tastings from introductory evening sessions to eight-week courses and WSET training aimed at both beginners and more experienced wine drinkers. Food pairing and themed and events…
Victoria's Secret

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 956 1951

Reading

Victoria's Secret is one of the most powerful, sexy and glamorous stores in the world, where you'll find a dazzling assortment of intimate apparel, beauty products, sleepwear, hosiery and more.
Nag's Head

Address

5 Russell Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7XD

Telephone
0118 957 4659

Reading

The Nag's Head is a CAMRA award-winning pub situated near Reading town centre. Specialising in Keg and Craft Cask, we have 12 hand pumps featuring a constantly changing variety of Craft Casks from predominantly local breweries as well as a selection…
Wendy's

Address

Station Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1LG

READING

Fast-food burger chain serving sides such as chili & baked potatoes.
Foot Locker

Address

83 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 958 5379

Reading

Retail chain with brand-name athletic shoes, clothing & related accessories for men, women & kids.
Reiss

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 959 4845

Reading

Fashion brand known for its modern takes on classic, casual & formal designs for men & women.
Malmaison Reading

Address

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

Telephone
0118 334 1331

reading@malmaison.com

READING

This former train-house turned hotel has an abundance of style and decadence. Moody lighting, roll-top baths and gigantic soft beds are just a few of the incredible features that gives the Malmaison such character. Located less than a minutes walk…
Miller and Carter

Address

The Oracle Riverside, Reading, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 950 9961

Reading

Miller & Carter know a thing or two about steak. In fact, you could say that they are one of the best steakhouses in West Berkshire. But they'd rather leave...
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…
Vision Express

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 950 4504

Reading

Opticians offering eye examinations, prescription lenses, designer and own-brand glasses, sunglasses and more.
Harris Arcade

Address

Harris Arcade, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DN

READING

Harris Shopping Arcade is an original Art Deco gem hidden away near the town center in Reading.
Full of Unique & Independent shops, take a slow wander through and see what we have to offer !
Stanlake Park Wine Estate

Address

Stanlake Park, Twyford, READING, Berkshire, RG10 0BN

Telephone
0118 934 0176

tours@stanlakepark.com

READING

Stanlake Park in Twyford, Berkshire is one of the oldest vineyards and wine producers in England. Our Italian winemaker’s modern and international approach is reflected in award-winning wines that are enjoyable, very drinkable and the perfect…
Wokingham Waterside Centre

Address

Thames Valley Park Drive, READING, Berkshire, RG6 1PQ

Telephone
0118 926 8280

READING

Wokingham Waterside Centre is a unique riverside, water sports and conference venue set on a picturesque stretch of the river Thames in Berkshire. Water sports include canoeing, kayaking, katakanuing, bellboating, dragon boating, stand up…
Pret A Manger - Broad Street

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
020 7932 5317

Reading

Pret opened in London in 1986. College friends, Sinclair and Julian, made proper sandwiches avoiding the obscure chemicals, additives and preservatives common...

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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