Best Things to Do with Children in Reading

Hollywood Bowl

If your children have plenty of energy to burn, Hollywood Bowl is one of the easiest ways to keep everyone entertained, whatever the weather. Family bowling sessions suit a wide range of ages, with lighter balls and lane bumpers available for younger players, making it accessible even for first-time bowlers.

The arcade games add another layer of fun before or after your game, while the relaxed atmosphere means families can take things at their own pace. It's an excellent option during school holidays or on rainy days when outdoor plans aren't looking promising.

Vue Cinema

A trip to the cinema remains one of the most reliable family outings, especially when you need a quieter activity after a busy morning. Vue Cinema at The Oracle screens the latest family releases throughout the year, alongside regular family-friendly performances and selected screenings designed with younger audiences in mind.

Comfortable seating, a central location and plenty of nearby dining options make it easy to build the rest of your day around a film. If the British weather changes unexpectedly, it's also a dependable backup plan without needing to leave the centre.

Smiggle

For many children, a visit to Smiggle feels like an attraction in itself. Bright stationery, colourful backpacks, lunch boxes and creative school accessories encourage plenty of browsing, especially before a new school term begins.

It's also a practical stop if you're shopping for birthday gifts or looking to make back-to-school preparations a little more exciting.

MenKind

Older children, particularly those interested in gadgets, puzzles and quirky gifts, often enjoy exploring MenKind. Shelves are filled with novelty toys, science-inspired products, remote-controlled gadgets and games that invite curiosity.

If you're shopping for a birthday present or simply letting children discover something different, it's one of the more engaging stops within The Oracle.

TK Maxx

Family shopping often means everyone needs something different, and that's where TK Maxx comes into its own. Parents can browse clothing, footwear, toys and homeware while children enjoy spotting familiar brands among the ever-changing selection.

Because stock changes regularly, no two visits feel quite the same, making it worth popping in even if you've visited recently.

H&M

H&M is a dependable choice when children have outgrown another wardrobe or you need affordable clothing for the changing seasons. The children's collections cover everything from everyday basics to occasionwear, helping parents tick several items off their shopping list in one visit.

Its central location also makes it easy to combine with lunch or another activity inside The Oracle.

Next

Next offers another practical stop for families looking for quality children's clothing, shoes and accessories. The collections are well suited to everyday wear, school essentials and smarter outfits for special occasions.

If you're planning a longer shopping trip, Next complements the other family retailers at The Oracle, giving parents several options without needing to travel elsewhere.

Bella Italia

Bella Italia is a popular choice for families thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and menu that caters to both adults and children. Pasta dishes, pizzas and smaller portions make it easy to satisfy different tastes, while younger diners are well catered for.

It's an ideal place to recharge before continuing your day around Reading.

Nando's

When everyone wants something slightly different, Nando's offers flexibility. From milder options for younger diners to its famous peri-peri chicken for adults, the menu works well for families with varied appetites.

Quick service also helps when little ones are eager to get back to the day's activities.

PizzaExpress

PizzaExpress has long been a favourite for family meals. Children can enjoy creating their own combinations from the menu while adults have plenty of choice too, making it an easy crowd-pleaser after bowling or shopping.

The relaxed setting means there's no need to rush through lunch before heading to your next stop.

Wagamama

Families looking for something beyond the usual burgers and pizza will find plenty to enjoy at Wagamama. Fresh noodle dishes, rice bowls and smaller portions introduce children to new flavours while still offering familiar options for less adventurous eaters.

It's a good choice if you're planning a full afternoon exploring Reading and want a satisfying meal beforehand.

Ben's Cookies

The smell of freshly baked cookies is difficult to ignore, and Ben's Cookies has become something of a tradition for many visitors to The Oracle. Warm cookies filled with generous chunks of chocolate make an ideal reward after a busy day of shopping or sightseeing.

They're also easy to take away if you're heading home.

Bubble CiTea

For older children and teenagers, Bubble CiTea adds something a little different. The colourful drinks can be customised with different teas, fruit flavours and toppings, making each visit feel personalised.

It's a fun stop while exploring the centre, especially during warmer weather.

Krispy Kreme

Few treats are as instantly recognisable as a Krispy Kreme doughnut. With a wide choice of flavours and seasonal specials throughout the year, it's an easy way to finish a family shopping trip on a sweet note.

Yogoo

If you're after something lighter, Yogoo offers frozen yoghurt with a wide range of toppings, from fresh fruit to chocolate, sweets and sauces. Children often enjoy creating their own combinations, making the experience as enjoyable as eating the finished dessert.

Frozen yoghurt is especially appealing during the summer months, and the ability to personalise each serving means even larger family groups can choose something that suits their own tastes.

Museum of English Rural Life

Less than a 10-minute drive from The Oracle, the Museum of English Rural Life offers one of Reading's most rewarding free family attractions. Operated by the University of Reading, the museum explores the story of farming, food production and life in the countryside through engaging galleries designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.

Children are often drawn straight to the full-sized tractor and agricultural machinery, while the museum's famous Longhorn cow has become something of a local celebrity. Interactive displays encourage younger visitors to learn through play, helping them discover where food comes from and how farming has changed over time.

The museum also runs regular family activities during school holidays, including themed trails, craft sessions and seasonal events that give children a reason to return throughout the year. Admission is free, making it one of Reading's best-value family attractions.

Reading Museum

Just a short walk from Reading Station, Reading Museum is another excellent destination for families looking to combine learning with hands-on fun. The museum tells the story of Reading through archaeology, art and local history, while interactive displays help bring many of the collections to life.

Families can also enjoy a programme of regular events, including Rhymetime sessions for younger children and Object Handling activities that allow visitors to get closer to selected items from the museum's collection. During school holidays, creative workshops and themed family events add even more reasons to visit.

One of the museum's highlights is its full-sized replica of the Bayeux Tapestry, while the galleries dedicated to Reading's famous Huntley & Palmers biscuit company often spark conversations between generations. Because admission is free, it's easy to spend an hour or two exploring without needing to plan an entire day around the visit.

Caversham Court Gardens

When children need a chance to run around after spending time indoors, Caversham Court Gardens provides a welcome change of pace. Located on the opposite bank of the River Thames, the gardens are known for their peaceful atmosphere, colourful planting and beautiful riverside setting.

Wide lawns offer plenty of space for younger children to stretch their legs, while benches overlooking the river provide a relaxing place for parents to take a break. It's common to spot ducks, swans and passing boats, giving children plenty to watch as they explore.

The gardens are particularly enjoyable during spring and summer, but even in autumn the riverside setting makes for a pleasant family walk. It's an easy addition to a day centred around The Oracle and doesn’t require a significant detour.

Kennet & Avon Canal

The Kennet & Avon Canal offers one of Reading's most accessible outdoor walks for families. The towpaths are largely level, making them suitable for pushchairs and young children, while the constant movement of narrowboats keeps little ones entertained along the route.

Watching boats pass through the locks can be surprisingly fascinating, especially for children seeing the process for the first time. Along the way you'll often spot ducks, swans and other wildlife, creating plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the surroundings.

Because you can choose how far to walk before turning back, the canal is an easy activity to tailor to your family's energy levels. Even a short stroll provides a welcome contrast to the busy town centre.

Lockey Farm

If you have a little more time available, Lockey Farm is well worth the short drive from central Reading. The family-run farm combines seasonal Pick Your Own experiences and outdoor spaces where children can enjoy spending time in the countryside.

The Pick Your Own fields change throughout the growing season, giving families the opportunity to harvest strawberries, raspberries, pumpkins and other produce depending on the time of year. For many children, it's their first chance to see fruit growing before it reaches supermarket shelves.

Seasonal events throughout the year, particularly during the summer and autumn, make Lockey Farm a destination that rewards repeat visits.

Less than a 10-minute drive from The Oracle, the Museum of English Rural Life offers one of Reading's most rewarding free family attractions. Operated by the University of Reading, the museum explores the story of farming, food production and life in the countryside through engaging galleries designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.

Children are often drawn straight to the full-sized tractor and agricultural machinery, while the museum's famous Longhorn cow has become something of a local celebrity. Interactive displays encourage younger visitors to learn through play, helping them discover where food comes from and how farming has changed over time.

The museum also runs regular family activities during school holidays, including themed trails, craft sessions and seasonal events that give children a reason to return throughout the year. Admission is free, making it one of Reading's best-value family attractions.

Less than a 10-minute drive from The Oracle, the Museum of English Rural Life offers one of Reading's most rewarding free family attractions. Operated by the University of Reading, the museum explores the story of farming, food production and life in the countryside through engaging galleries designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.

Children are often drawn straight to the full-sized tractor and agricultural machinery, while the museum's famous Longhorn cow has become something of a local celebrity. Interactive displays encourage younger visitors to learn through play, helping them discover where food comes from and how farming has changed over time.

The museum also runs regular family activities during school holidays, including themed trails, craft sessions and seasonal events that give children a reason to return throughout the year. Admission is free, making it one of Reading's best-value family attractions.