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-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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Hotel Chocolat

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
0118 959 1588

Reading

Hotel Chocolat is a British chocolatier and cocoa grower, with over seventy shops in the United Kingdom. Hotel Chocolat is the only company in the United Kingdom to grow cocoa on its own plantation.
The Mill at Sonning Theatre

Address

Sonning Eye, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TY

Telephone
0118 969 8000

boxoffice@millatsonning.com

READING

Award-winning theatre set majestically on the banks of the River Thames. The Mill at Sonning Theatre now celebrates more than 40 years of entertainment and hospitality. Uniquely, with a two course meal enjoyed before the show, The Mill has gained…
Pau Brasil

Address

89 Mount Pleasant, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2TF

Telephone
0118 975 2333

Reading

Brazilian Coffee House and Delicatessen, supplying Brazilian and Portuguese Delicatessen and Patisserie, Seafood and Meats.
Loddon Brewery

Address

Church Lane, Dunsden, READING, Berkshire, RG4 9QD

Telephone
0118 948 1111

READING

Our beers have been hailed for their quality and consistency since 2003 – winning awards all over the UK. Built on traditional foundations, we’ve continued to evolve and take our beers to the next level. From firkins of classic bitter to cans of New…
Caversham Court Gardens

Address

Church Road, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 7AD

READING

Come and enjoy the beauty and long history of Caversham's hidden gem, Caversham Court Gardens on the bank of the River Thames. Owned and cared for by Reading Borough Council with support from The Friends. Open and accessible to all every day except…
SWAG

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
01189 574454

READING

SWAG is an independent retailer selling the latest women's and children's fashionwear and accessories. They have been trading in Reading for many years.
To enable screen reader support, press Ctrl+Alt+Z To learn about keyboard shortcuts, press…
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…
Blacks

Address

3 Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HX

Telephone
0118 402 8736

Reading

Shop in-store with the UK's leading outdoor retailer. With over 70 stores nationwide, unrivalled expertise and a price match guarantee on everything.
Hugo Boss

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 956 5620

Reading

BOSS epitomises authentic, understated luxury. The men’s collection offers modern, refined business wear and premium leisurewear; fusing timeless design and precision craftsmanship.
Decathlon

Address

Forbury Retail Park, Reading, RG1 3HS

Telephone
0118 9569151

Reading

Decathlon is a family-owned company, founded in 1976, and inspired by the belief that the best sports products should be accessible to everyone. Ever-evolving and high performance design, the best quality at the lowest possible price, and expert…
You Me Sushi

Address

150 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HE

Reading

A comprehensive menu with the best sushi in Reading including vegan & vegetarian sushi options too. You can search on Deliveroo for sushi and we’re also in the Just Eat sushi & Uber Eats sushi sections too. Order direct with us online or on our app…
Pitcher and Piano

Address

18 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DB

Telephone
0118 958 8964

reading@pitcherandpiano.com

Reading

Pitcher & Piano Reading is an oasis in the bustle of central Reading. Located just a short walk from the train station, this is the ideal place for a quiet drink after work...
Playlist Live

Address

108 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1EP

Telephone
0118 212 0720

Bookings@playlistlive.co.uk

Reading

Located in the heart of Reading, based on Friar Street - Playlist Live is a non-stop live music venue where musicians play YOUR requests, all night long! Sing and dance the night away to live music of your choosing. Just write down your favourite…
Market House

Address

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

Telephone
0118 304 3400

info@markethousereading.com

READING

Retro industrial chic hotel with 24 uniquely decorated rooms in the heart of Reading centre. A few minute’s walk from Reading train station, a stone throw away from The Oracle shopping centre and all the other great amenities Reading town centre has…
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…
Three Guineas

Address

Station Approach, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LY

Telephone
0118 957 2743

Reading

Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself, The Three Guineas was built to serve… and whether you fancy cask ales, commuter coffees or cracking cuisine, we certainly live up to that. Right by Reading Station, we’ve served thousands of travellers…
3

Address

21 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0118 957 5514

Reading

Retail chain providing mobile phones, tablets & broadband services.
Shree Krishna Vada Pav

Address

97 Kings Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3DD

READING

Vegetarian delicacies from Mumbai from a young start up company with 7 restaurants in west London and the Thames Valley.
Penta Hotel

Address

Oxford Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7RH

Telephone
0118 958 6222

info.reading@pentahotels.com

READING

Looking for a Penta perfect venue with function rooms in Reading, then we’re here to help. We boast 206 bedrooms and 11 meeting and event spaces, kitted out with all the tech you need and to make the day run smoothly and a passionate Penta team on…
The Jazz Café

Address

Select Car Leasing Stadium, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0FL

Telephone
0118 968 1442

READING

Located at the Madejski Stadium, The Jazz Café is a modern, spacious venue ideal for any type of event from corporate lunches to birthday parties to wedding receptions. We pride ourselves in hosting an unforgettable party with delicious food, all…

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