Palmer Park community pool
Thames River Cruise

You are here: Ideas & Inspiration > Top 10 Highlights > Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do

Searching for something...

Accommodation
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Accommodation Search

Things to Do Search

Food & Drink Search

Shopping Search

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!

Number of results: 552

, currently showing 401 to 420.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Rivermead Leisure Centre

Address

Richfield Avenue, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ

Telephone
0118 937 5000

READING

Rivermead Leisure Complex is a brand-new flagship development which provides first class leisure facilities as part of the £40m reinvestment into upgrading sport & leisure centres in Reading. Facilities include a 120 station gym which offers…
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…
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…
Beale Wildlife Park

Address

Lower Basildon, READING, Berkshire, RG8 9NW

Telephone
0118 976 7480

admin@bealepark.org.uk

READING

Beale Park is an outdoor wildlife park within 40 acres set against the River Thames in Berkshire. A home to an exciting mix of animals and attractions.
Perrys Caribbean Cuisine

Address

7 High Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2EA

Telephone
0118 959 4001

muranje@aol.com

Reading

Perry’s is a fantastic Caribbean restaurant in the centre of Reading! It has a varied menu and the option to take away....
The Botanist

Address

1-5 King St, Reading, RG1 2HD

Telephone
07393 546112

Reading

A concept like no other, offering a soon to be world-famous selection of botanical cocktails, craft beers and ales, Champagne and wine...
Zizzi Oracle

Address

Oracle, Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 996 2111

Reading

Popular chain specialising in Italian dishes including pizza, calzone, pasta and salads. Second branch in Reading town centre, situated on the Oracle Riverside.
Walk Works

Address

RG4 7QX

Telephone
07979 758330

Walk Works is a friendly, mixed walking group run by experienced walk guides Liz and Caroline.
They walk every other Friday morning in Berks, Bucks and South Oxfordshire. Join them to learn lots of woodland routes and trails, often with a coffee /…
The Pantry Cafe & Kitchen

Address

Blagrave Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

READING

A vibrant and contemporary space providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle for a coffee or taking time over lunch, you’ll find a great big welcome in comfy surroundings.
Offering a delicious…
Gordon Ramsay Street Food Burger

Address

The Oracle Centre, Riverside, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

Join us by the Riverside at The Oracle Shopping Centre and enjoy our signature burgers, seasoned fries and a bottomless soft drink for £16.
Argos

Address

Unit A2 Forbury Retail Park, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3HS

Telephone
0345 165 7790

Reading

Catalogue retailer selling massive range of products.
Sonning Golf Club

Address

Duffield Road, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6GJ

Telephone
0118 969 3332

READING

Sonning’s original layout was designed by JH Taylor with later input from Harry Colt. The course measures 6,329 yards and has a par of 70 and a SSS of 71. It generally plays longer than its yardage due to the elevation of several greens and fairways…
Hobbs

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
0118 958 2451

Reading

Women's clothing store selling self-designed, stylish and luxurious fashion with new selections every season.
Serdio Ibericos Spanish Delicatessen

Address

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

Reading

Spanish delicatessen serving fresh Spanish food and tapas, along with a special dessert selection including the sought-after ‘Blue Cheesecake’. All made fresh, to order and takeaway.
Jolibee

Address

21 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AP

Reading

Jollibee is famous across the world for delicious crispy fried chicken and fast-food classics with a tropical twist. Founded in 1978 by Tony Tan Caktiong in the Philippines, Jollibee serves up the crispiest, juiciest and tastiest fried chicken…
Thames River Cruise

Address

Bridge Street, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8AH

Telephone
01189 481088

bookings@thamesrivercruise.co.uk

READING

We are based at the heart of the Upper Thames and cruise through some of the most stunning reaches of the Thames from Henley and Sonning up to Going and Streatley. Dearting from Caversham Pier in Reading, we sail up to Mapledurham on 45 mnutes, 60…
Blue Collar Street Food

Address

Market Place, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2EG

READING

Our oldest market and your twice a week fix of Blue Collar in Reading town centre. 8+ food traders including jerk chicken wraps, Peruvian street food, dry aged, pasture fed burgers and inventive vegan options. Check our social media pages for…
Grosvenor G Casino Reading

Address

Rose Kiln Lane, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0SN

Telephone
0118 402 7800

READING

Grosvenor Casino Reading is the perfect leisure destination with a fantastic restaurant, amazing bar, live Show Bar, and Games Lounge.
Reading Museum

Address

Blagrave Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

Telephone
0118 937 3400

READING

Situated in Reading’s Victorian Town Hall, the Museum tells the story of Reading from its Saxon beginnings to the high-tech town it is today. Explore ten galleries of historic and artistic objects. Discover archaeology from Roman Silchester and…
Fidget and Bob

Address

The Piazza, Kennet Island, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0GX

Telephone
0118 931 0271

hello@fidgetandbob.co.uk

Reading

Fidget & Bob is the new all-day café bar in Kennet Island, Reading.

My Planner

Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do in Reading

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss