Family Things To Do In Reading

Looking for family things to do in Reading that work on an ordinary weekend, a wet Tuesday or a last-minute school day off? Reading isn’t always labelled as a ‘family day out’ town, but once you know where to go, it becomes very easy to plan a half or full day.

This guide focuses on practical, parent-friendly options, including free parks, hands-on museums, indoor places to burn energy and easy trips just outside town.

If you want a day where everything is in one place, The Oracle covers films, bowling, dining, a free play area and family facilities across one riverside complex. It is around five minutes on foot from Reading station, so you can arrive by train and avoid parking entirely if that suits you.

Vue Cinema

Vue Cinema runs Mini Mornings every Saturday and during school holidays, with reduced ticket prices for family-friendly screenings. 

Hollywood Bowl

Hollywood Bowl sits on the upper level and has lane bumpers and lighter balls for younger children, so it covers ages 3 upwards. Between the two, you can fill a morning or afternoon without leaving the building.

Play 9

For younger children, Play 9 is a free interactive play area on the Lower Mall near Fuel Juice Bar. It has educational games designed for toddlers and early primary ages, so it gives you a screen-free break while older siblings are browsing shops.

Las Iguanas

Highchairs are available at all of the centre’s restaurants, and most venues offer baby changing and bottle warming. For a sit-down meal, Las Iguanas has a kids menu, halal options and free organic baby food on request. 

Wagamama

Wagamama offers kids’ katsu and noodle bowls at a counter-style setup that suits children who struggle to sit still for long. Zizzi has wood-fired pizzas by the riverside with a children’s menu and colouring activities to keep younger ones busy while you eat.

Five Guys

Five Guys is a straightforward option for customisable burgers and quick service. The kids meal deal makes it easy to manage costs while keeping everyone fed without a long wait

Nandos

Nando’s works particularly well for slightly older children, who can choose their own spice level. It’s informal, predictable and quick, making it a reliable stop during a busy day. 

Not every day needs to involve tickets. Mixing paid and free activities keeps the week and your budget manageable.

Forbury Gardens Playground

Located beside the Abbey Quarter, this central playground has climbing frames, swings and open lawns. It suits younger children well and its central location makes it easy to combine with museum visits or riverside walks. Visit before 11am during half term to avoid peak crowds.

Best for: Ages 3 to 10

Cost: Free

Time needed: 1 to 2 hours

Prospect Park

Prospect Park is one of Reading’s larger green spaces, with a playground, open lawns and a themed 9-hole mini-golf course featuring Reading-inspired landmarks. The mini-golf costs around £5.50 per person or £22 for a family group of up to five, and children aged 2 and under go free.

Best for: Ages 3 to 12

Cost: Park and playground free. Mini golf around £5.50 per person

Time needed: 90 minutes to 3 hours

Practical: Mini golf is pay on arrival, check opening hours in advance. Parking available near entrance. Good for picnics

Thames Path Riverside Walk

The Thames Path between The Oracle and Caversham Bridge offers flat, pushchair-friendly walking and space for scooters. It pairs naturally with town centre activities and helps break up indoor-heavy days.

Best for: All ages

Cost: Free

Time needed: 30 to 90 minutes

Palmer Park Playground And Paddling Pool

If you want an easy ‘yes’ for ages 3 to 10, start with Palmer Park. The play area is one of the most recommended in town, and there is plenty of open space for scooters and bikes. In warmer months, the paddling pool is the obvious draw, so bring a change of clothes and a towel. If the weather turns, the on-site leisure centre gives you a quick indoor fallback with a pool, café and bookable soft play sessions.

Best for: Ages 3 to 10, plus siblings on scooters

Cost: Free for the park. Soft play and swimming are paid

Time needed: 60 to 120 minutes

Practical: Good for picnics. Soft play is bookable on Better

Sol Joel Park SEND Play Area And Sensory Trail

For a playground that is a bit different, Sol Joel Park in Earley has an inclusive play area with sensory features and wheelchair accessible equipment. A good choice if you are planning around additional needs, or if you simply want somewhere with an interesting kit for mixed ages. There is also space to kick a ball about, plus a skate park for older children who bring scooters.

Best for: Ages 3 to 14, inclusive play

Cost: Free

Time needed: 60 to 90 minutes

Practical: Car park on site. Take snacks and water

Harris Garden And Whiteknights Lake Stroll

If you want something calmer, Harris Garden on the University of Reading campus is open daily from 8am to dusk. It is pram friendly, easy to do in short loops and lovely for a slow wander with older children who like spotting unusual plants. You can pair it with a lap around Whiteknights Lake for a simple nature break that still feels like you have done something.

Best for: Ages 4 to 14, calmer pace

Cost: Free entry

Time needed: 45 to 90 minutes

Practical: Easy by bus from town, check campus travel notes

Rainy Day Plans That Actually Work

Reading Central Library Children’s Area

Reading Central Library has a well-designed children’s section that works well for quieter indoor time. There are dedicated reading spaces, colourful seating and a steady rotation of children’s books suitable for different ages.

Best for: Ages 3 to 12

Cost: Free

Time needed: 45 to 90 minutes

Practical: Located near the town centre. Check ahead for rhyme time or storytelling sessions

The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL)

MERL is one of Reading’s best free indoor options, combining interactive exhibits with open, easy-to-navigate spaces. It focuses on countryside life, with objects, machinery and hands-on displays that keep children engaged.

Best for: Ages 5 to 14

Cost: Free

Time needed: 60 to 120 minutes

Practical: Café and outdoor garden space available. Pushchair friendly

Christchurch Meadows Open Space And Play

Christchurch Meadows offers a large, open riverside space where children can run, kick a ball or bring scooters. The nearby play area gives younger children something more structured while older ones use the wider green space.

Best for: Ages 4 to 14

Cost: Free

Time needed: 60 to 120 minutes

Practical: Good for picnics. Close to town centre, with riverside paths

Thames Path Walk And Feeding Ducks

A simple but effective option is walking part of the Thames Path, which runs close to central Reading. Children can walk, scoot or cycle short sections, with regular spots to stop along the river.

Best for: Ages 4 to 14

Cost: Free

Time needed: 45 to 90 minutes

Practical: Flat paths suitable for buggies. Bring snacks and water

Forbury Gardens And Abbey Ruins Walk

Forbury Gardens combines green space with a short historical walk around the Abbey Ruins. It’s compact but varied, making it a good stop if you are already in the town centre

Best for: Ages 4 to 12

Cost: Free

Time needed: 30 to 60 minutes

Practical: Very central. Good as part of a wider day out

The Family Room is on the Riverside Level, just to the left of the customer toilets. Inside there is a private feeding area, clean changing spaces and an interactive play and reading zone for younger children. If you need to regroup mid-visit, this is the place to do it.

More information: Family Friendly

Pushchair hire is free from Shopmobility, covering newborn to age 4. The centre also has a Changing Places facility on the Riverside Level with a height-adjustable bench, tracking hoist and space for two carers.

More information: Accessibility

Parking And Getting Here

The Oracle has two car parks: Riverside (1,611 spaces, open 24 hours) and Holy Brook (595 spaces). Both charge £3 for the first hour, rising to £6 for two to three hours and £9 for four to five hours. Over 70 dedicated family spaces give you extra room for car seats and buggies.

If you are coming by train, Reading station is around five minutes’ walk. Bus routes 1, 3 and 10 also stop nearby.

If you're visiting Reading and want everything in one place, The Oracle brings together dining, entertainment, and shopping right on the river.

The beauty of The Oracle is how easily these combine. Bowling, then lunch. A film, then dinner. An afternoon browsing the shops, then drinks on the terrace as the sun goes down. It's where Reading comes together and where a visit to town turns into a proper day out.