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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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Harris Gardens

Address

University of Reading, Whiteknights campus, READING, Berkshire, RG6 6UR

READING

The Harris Garden provides an important amenity for all, giving pleasure to an increasing number of visitors, staff and students. It provides facilities for teaching, conservation and recreation.
Wellington Country Park camping

Address

Odiham Road, Riseley, READING, Berkshire, RG7 1SP

READING

urn your adventure into a mini break and stay on our campsite. Offering you access to the Park both during the day and ‘after hours’ and being the ideal base for exploring other areas of the Wellington Estate, the local area and beyond. Book your…
Costa Coffee The Oracle

Address

The Oracle, Town Mall Walk, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 957 5876

Reading

Hand-making a cup of coffee is an art. It takes time and skill to perfect. That's why every single barista, in every single Costa store is professionally trained in...
Terry's Reading Walkabouts

Address

READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
07505 351517

terry.dixon89@virginmedia.com

READING

Guided walks around Reading from local enthusiast Terry. There are 13 themed walks plus 3 New ones (2022) to choose from, including Town Centre, Architecture, Crime & Punishment, Photographic Heritage walks. Terry' s Walks are non-profit making and…
Cantley House Hotel

Address

Milton Road, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG40 1JY

Telephone
0118 989 5100

reservations@cantleyhotel.co.uk

WOKINGHAM

A charming and lush retreat located near Wokingham. Perfect for a relaxing escape to the gorgeous countryside Berkshire has to offer.
Premier Inn Reading Gateway

Address

Proctor End, Reading Gateway, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0GG

Telephone
0330 135 9038

READING

Close to Reading town centre and right on top of the nearest motorway, our Premier Inn Reading Gateway, M4/J11 hotel is ideal for short breaks in Berkshire. The Oracle shopping centre is a must-visit for bargain-hunters, while the Dinton Pastures…
YayLo

Address

26 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
01189 597 809

joy@yaylo.co

Reading

YayLo is situated in the heart of Reading city centre and is an easy walk from Reading Station. We are local, independent artisanal coffee brewers and specialist bakers. While we are completely gluten free one of the most common compliments we…
Gun Street Garden

Address

5-6 Gun Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2JR

READING

Looking for a nightclub in Reading? Gun Street Garden! With many VIP packages available making it an exclusive venue in Reading to party like a celeb!
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…
Spinners

Address

Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

READING

Crazy Golf, Ten Pin Bowling and Darts comes to Reading! An independent competitive socialising venue run by local people with an affinity for good times, fine cocktails, ice cold beers and stonebaked pizza. An intimate bowling experience with…
Three Mobile Store

Address

21-22 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2BH

Reading
Pure Gym Basingstoke Road

Address

350 Basingstoke Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0NT

Telephone
+44 3450133463

info.readingbasingstoke@puregym.com

READING

Whether you prefer to strength training, cardio, fitness classes, or a little bit of everything, we have all the kit and classes you need at PureGym. All of our gyms in Reading are open 24/7 and have over 50 classes each week included in your…
Boots - The Oracle

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 958 7529

Reading

Shop our extensive range of health and beauty products from leading brands, fragrances for her and him, gift sets and much more.
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.
Office

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Reading

OFFICE are the undisputed leaders in high street footwear fashion – consistently presenting new trends first; offering everything their customer needs, wants and more...Get ready for autumn and channel your military street style vibe in chunky boots…
Shave & Coster

Address

Harris Arcade, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DN

READING

Specialist tobaconist now owned by Havana House. The business dates back to the late 1800s.
Blagrave Rooms

Address

7 Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PJ

Telephone
07966 263 843

bookings@blagraverooms.co.uk

Reading
IRO Sushi

Address

155 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HE

Telephone
0118 2301923

Reading

Our sushi chefs bring priceless passion and professionalism to the IRO Sushi family, resulting in inspiring sushi dishes and Japanese classics for convenient collection in London.
Allied Arms

Address

57 St Marys Butts, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LG

Telephone
0118 958 3323

Reading

The Allied Arms is located in what was the area of Saxon Reading, and is almost certainly part of the original land on which the first church...
Jacobs the Jewellers

Address

25 King Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2HE

Telephone
0118 959 0790

connect@jacobsthejewellers.com

READING

Family owned trusted independent jewellery shop selling expertly made new jewellery, antique pieces with on site jewellery repairs, valuations and design.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

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