Palmer Park community pool
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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do

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

Tow 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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Monks Retreat

Address

163-163A Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HE

Telephone
0118 950 7592

Reading

The name of this Stonegate pub, and the street it is in, recalls the Franciscan monks who came to Reading in the 13th century.
Vue Cinema

Address

Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0345 308 4620

Reading

All the latest mainstream movies are shown at this state-of-the-art chain cinema with family deals.
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…
Crowne Plaza Reading East

Address

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

Telephone
0118 944 0444

reservations@cpreading.co.uk

WOKINGHAM

Exceptional new, fully refurbished 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza Reading East offering 174 spacious luxurious bedrooms with King-size beds and 50” TV . New 2 AA Rosette Restaurant & Terrace and Bar/Lounge serving modern British and authentic Asian…
The Bap Reading

Address

Market Place, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2DE

Reading

The Bap is an independent Korean restaurant founded by people passionate about Korean Food. Leading our business with a passion for food and the belief that good food heals the body and mind; we have curated a menu that introduces you to the most…
Blagrave Rooms

Address

7 Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PJ

Telephone
07966 263 843

bookings@blagraverooms.co.uk

Reading
Tesco Express - Oxford Road

Address

28 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7LA

Telephone
0345 610 2847

Reading

UK's largest supermarket chain, with express stores to serve as a quick stop for your everyday grocery needs, or to grab dinner on the way home from work.
Poundland

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 958 1795

READING

Poundland’s retailing concept is extremely simple: a range of more than 3,000 items – representing AMAZING VALUE for money.
Whittard of Chelsea

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AT

Telephone
0118 958 5626

Reading

Enduring specialist supplier of tea, coffee beans and hot chocolate, plus brewing accessories.
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...
The Henley Distillery

Address

Hampstead Farm, Binfield Heath, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxfordshire, RG9 4LG

Telephone
07511 208490

shop@thehenleydistillery.co.uk

HENLEY-ON-THAMES

Located in an 18th century threshing barn just three miles outside out of Reading, The Henley Distillery, voted New Distillery of The Year 2022 by The Gin Guide, offers tours, gin tastings and fully-immersive gin-making experiences inviting people…
De Vere Wokefield Estate

Address

De Vere Wokefield Estate, Goodboys Lane, Mortimer, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 3AE

Telephone
0118 933 4000

wokefield.reservations@devere.com

Mortimer, Reading

There has been an estate at Wokefield since the first house was built in the 1560s for the wealthy Plowden family. Set in 250 acres of Berkshire countryside, it’s history is etched in the different architectural features that greet you throughout.
…
Subway - Broad Street Mall

Address

Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QG

Reading

Whatever you are in the mood for, our Subway store have a huge range of subs, salads, treats and drinks to choose from. And the best bit – every one of their Subs is made fresh in front of you, exactly the way you want it with the bread, salad and…
All Bar One

Address

13 The Riverside, The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 959 6749

Reading

All Bar One Reading is a vibrant city centre bar where you can eat, drink and escape the stresses of the day with laidback sophistication...
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.
Royal Tandoori

Address

4-8 Duke Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4RY

Telephone
0118 957 2717

Reading

Dining in luxury at the Royal Tandoori you will be served authentic Indian food, cooked in the traditional way using the freshest ingredients.
Starbucks The Oracle

Address

Upper Mall, The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 959 1463

ukinfo@starbucks.com

Reading

The layout and atmosphere of Starbucks stores are specifically designed to be cosy and intimate, while at the same time providing people with their own personal...
ITSU

Address

31 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, RG1 1SY

Telephone
0118 4020979

Reading

ITSU's eat beautiful menu celebrates the amazing flavours of the Far East; high in nutrients yet refreshingly low in calories and saturated fat. Protein packed low carb salads...
Bierhaus

Address

8 Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7QF

Telephone
0118 958 7171

Reading

Bierhaus is the first authentic independent German bar and restaurant experience in Reading. Serving an outstanding selection of German beers by the stein and traditional, home-cooked German food. We have a wine cellar function room available for…
Swiss Farm Touring and Camping

Address

Marlow Road, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxfordshire, RG9 2HY

Telephone
01491 573419

HENLEY-ON-THAMES

Our five star, landscaped Henley on Thames Touring & Camping park in the Oxfordshire countryside is perfectly placed for guests wishing to visit London, Reading, Windsor & Oxford. The park is a short walk from the beautiful town of Henley on Thames…

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things To Do

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