Reading, a vibrant town nestled in the heart of Berkshire, offers an array of exciting activities for families with children. Whether you're exploring nature, learning about history, or enjoying interactive experiences, there’s something for every child and parent to enjoy. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Reading right now, look no further! Here’s a list of some of the best family-friendly activities happening in Reading at the moment.
1. Forbury Gardens
Located right in the heart of Reading, Forbury Gardens is an ideal place for families to enjoy a relaxing day out. The gardens are beautifully maintained with plenty of open space for children to run around, picnic, and explore. The park is home to a large playground featuring swings, slides, and climbing frames, perfect for children of all ages. It's a lovely spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon, and the historic Forbury Tower nearby adds a touch of charm to the area.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Playtime in the playground, family walks, and picnics.
2. Reading Museum
A trip to Reading Museum is a great way to introduce children to the area’s rich history and culture. The museum offers an exciting mix of exhibitions, including art, local history, and interactive displays designed to engage young minds. Right now, families can explore the museum’s fascinating exhibits on prehistoric life, medieval artifacts, and even the famous Stanley Spencer Gallery, which showcases works by the renowned painter. The museum often hosts family workshops and events that make learning fun and hands-on.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Free (some exhibitions may have a charge)
- What’s on Right Now: Interactive exhibits, children’s workshops, and art galleries.
3. Prospect Park
Prospect Park is one of Reading's largest parks and an excellent place for families to enjoy outdoor fun. The park boasts wide-open spaces, beautiful walking paths, and a playground for kids. Right now, you can enjoy a relaxing walk, let the kids play in the adventure playground, or even visit the Café in the Park for a treat. The park also offers sports facilities, including tennis courts and a bowling green, making it perfect for families with children of all ages who want to stay active.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Playground fun, family walks, and outdoor games.
4. The Look Out Discovery Centre (Wokingham)
Just a short drive from Reading, The Look Out Discovery Centre is an amazing place for children to explore science, nature, and hands-on activities. This interactive museum offers a wide variety of exhibits, including a huge array of science-based activities for kids to enjoy. The Outdoor Play Area is a highlight, with large jungle gyms, climbing walls, and slides that children will love. It's a fantastic destination for families looking to inspire their children's curiosity and creativity.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £10, Children £7.50 (under 3s free)
- What’s on Right Now: Science experiments, hands-on exhibits, and outdoor play.
5. Reading’s Kennet and Avon Canal
For a peaceful family outing, explore Reading’s Kennet and Avon Canal. The canal offers scenic walking paths, bike trails, and plenty of green space to enjoy. You can take a family walk along the canal, or hire a bike and cycle along the well-maintained paths. Children will love spotting the boats that pass through and may even spot some wildlife along the way. It’s a lovely outdoor activity for a relaxed day with the family.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting along the canal.
6. Beale Park
For an animal-themed day out, Beale Park in Lower Basildon is an excellent choice. Located just a short drive from Reading, the park offers families the chance to see a wide range of animals, including flamingos, meerkats, and wallabies. The park also features an adventure playground, boat rides, and beautiful gardens, making it a great spot for children to run around, explore, and enjoy nature. With interactive animal exhibits and scenic walking areas, Beale Park is perfect for animal lovers.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £13, Children (3-16) £9
- What’s on Right Now: Animal viewing, playground fun, and boat rides.
7. Coral Reef Waterworld (Bracknell)
If your family loves swimming and water fun, Coral Reef Waterworld in nearby Bracknell is a fantastic destination. This indoor water park is home to an exciting array of water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Right now, families can enjoy all the exciting water attractions and even take part in swimming lessons or splash sessions for younger children. It’s the perfect place for a day full of water-filled fun, especially on a rainy day.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £15, Children (3-15) £10
- What’s on Right Now: Water slides, wave pool, and swimming sessions.
8. Adventure Play Reading
For a fun-filled indoor adventure, head to Adventure Play Reading, an indoor soft play centre that’s perfect for younger children. Right now, the centre offers a range of soft play areas designed to keep little ones entertained for hours. There are climbing frames, slides, ball pits, and interactive areas for children to explore. Parents can relax in the café while the kids burn off some energy in a safe, fun environment.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Ticket Price: £5-£8 per child (depending on age)
- What’s on Right Now: Soft play, climbing frames, and interactive play areas.
9. Thames Valley Park
For families who love the outdoors, Thames Valley Park offers stunning natural scenery along the River Thames. This large park area is great for cycling, walking, and having a family picnic. Children will love exploring the trails and watching the boats pass by on the river. You can bring a picnic or visit one of the nearby cafés for a break after a morning of outdoor fun.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Riverside walks, cycling, and picnic spots.
10. Reading Abbey Ruins
A visit to the Reading Abbey Ruins is a fun and educational way to explore the area’s history. Located near Forbury Gardens, the Abbey is one of the most historically significant sites in Reading. Families can learn about the rich history of the Abbey, explore the ruins, and take part in family-friendly trails. It’s a wonderful way to introduce children to local history in a hands-on and engaging way.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Exploring the ruins, family trails, and learning about local history.
11. Ultimate Activity Camps at Crosfields School and Reading Blue Coat School
Are you looking for exciting and caring school holiday childcare in Reading? Ultimate Activity Camps provide outstanding, inspiring, and Ofsted-regulated activity day camps with the primary function of delivering a very high level of care and welfare for 4-14-year-olds during the Easter and Summer school holidays. We deliver this childcare through a fantastic range of exciting activities whether these be in the art room, the sports hall, playing fields or in the woods. We use our many years of experience and enthusiastic staff to create a programme that changes each day and delivers the outstanding levels of care you would expect whilst ensuring that the children of all ages are thoroughly engaged and inspired to try new activities and make new friends.
- Opening Hours: Easter and Summer School Holidays 8am to 6pm
- Ticket Price: Prices vary and early bird discounts available
- Suitable for: Children aged 4-14 years
- Book here: https://www.ultimateactivity.co.uk/berkshire-camps
Reading is a fantastic destination for families looking for a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and interactive activities. Whether you’re visiting the beautiful parks like Forbury Gardens and Prospect Park, exploring the interactive exhibits at the Look Out Discovery Centre, or having a splash at Coral Reef Waterworld, there’s no shortage of fun things to do. With a wide range of family-friendly attractions, Reading offers plenty of opportunities for quality family time.