Top Places to Visit with Children in Reading and Surrounding Areas

Reading is a fantastic place for family days out, offering a variety of child-friendly attractions that cater to all interests. Whether your little ones love outdoor adventures, hands-on learning or creative play, Reading has something for everyone. From beautiful parks and historical sites to engaging museums and fun-filled activity centres, there are plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories with your children. Why not check out ‘The Mum Club’, it’s a great community that covers the Reading area and it’s a lovely place for mums to make friends and connect with other families.

If you're looking for a nurturing environment for your child in Reading, why not choose Fennies Reading? Our brand-new nursery on Rose Kiln Lane offers exceptional early years education in a warm and welcoming setting. Join us on the 16th of May at our Coffee Morning at Carluccio’s to find out more about Fennies Reading!

1. Beale Wildlife Park - A Nature Lover’s Paradise

📍 Location: Lower Basildon, Reading

Why It’s Great For Children:

Beale Wildlife Park is a wonderful destination for children who love animals and the great outdoors. Set on 350 acres of scenic countryside, the park is home to a variety of exotic and native animals, including meerkats, lemurs and otters. Children can get up close to these fascinating creatures, learning about their habitats and behaviours in a fun and interactive way. The park also features beautiful gardens, an adventure playground and a miniature railway, ensuring there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained. With open spaces to run around and dedicated picnic spots, it's an ideal location for a full day of exploration.

Must-Do Activities:

• Visit the meerkat enclosure and watch them play.
• Enjoy the adventure playground with climbing frames, swings and slides.
• Take a ride on the park’s miniature train for a scenic tour.
• Explore the gardens and spot butterflies and birds.

Best for: All ages

2. The Look Out Discovery Centre - Hands-On Science Fun

📍 Location: Bracknell, a short drive from Reading

Why It’s Great For Children:

This interactive science centre is perfect for curious minds who love to explore and experiment. With over 90 hands-on exhibits covering everything from forces and motion to light and colour, children can engage in playful learning experiences that bring science to life. The water zone, giant bubble maker and build-a-bridge challenge encourage creativity and problem-solving skills, making learning exciting and dynamic. Outside, the centre offers an adventure play area and access to Swinley Forest, where families can take part in nature trails, bike rides and woodland walks, ensuring a fun-filled day of both indoor and outdoor activities.

Must-Do Activities:

• Experiment with the water zone and giant bubble maker.
• Try the interactive science exhibits, including the build-a-bridge challenge.
• Explore Swinley Forest with a nature trail or bike ride.

Best for: Children aged 3+

3. Forbury Gardens & Abbey Ruins - A Historic Outdoor Escape

📍 Location: Central Reading

Why It’s Great For Children:

Forbury Gardens is a beautiful Victorian park in the heart of Reading, offering a peaceful green space where children can run and play freely. The well-maintained lawns and flowerbeds make it a great place for a relaxing family picnic, while the nearby playground ensures active fun for little ones. Just a short walk away, the historic Reading Abbey Ruins provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. Children can let their imaginations run wild as they explore the ancient stone walls and learn about the site’s medieval history. It’s the perfect mix of nature, history and play, making it an engaging destination for families.

Must-Do Activities:

• Have a picnic on the lush green lawns.
• Explore the Abbey Ruins and learn about Reading’s medieval past.
• Let the children enjoy the playground near the gardens.

Best for: All ages

4. Dinton Pastures Country Park - Outdoor Adventures For All

📍 Location: Wokingham, a short journey from Reading

Why It’s Great For Children:

Dinton Pastures is a haven for families who love outdoor adventures, offering everything from scenic lakeside walks to thrilling play areas and exciting water sports. The park’s adventure playground is a dream come true for children, featuring climbing frames, slides and a huge sandpit where they can dig and build to their heart’s content. Older children can even try paddleboarding, canoeing or kayaking on the lake, making it an excellent spot for developing water confidence and coordination. The nature trails provide a fantastic opportunity for wildlife spotting, with ducks, swans and even kingfishers making regular appearances.

Must-Do Activities:

• Let little ones explore the adventure playground.
• Try a family-friendly nature trail or spot local wildlife.
• Enjoy a relaxing paddle on the lake with boat hire available.

Best for: Babies, Toddlers and Young Children

5. Reading Museum - A Journey Through Time

📍 Location: Reading Town Centre

Why It’s Great For Children:

For a mix of fun and learning, Reading Museum is an excellent family destination that brings history and culture to life. The museum’s exhibits include everything from Roman artefacts to a full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry, allowing children to explore different time periods in an engaging way. The interactive displays and hands-on activities make learning exciting, and there are often family-friendly workshops available during school holidays. Best of all, admission is free, making it a budget-friendly way to enjoy an educational and inspiring day out with the children.

Must-Do Activities:

• Take part in interactive exhibits about Reading’s past.
• Follow a family trail to uncover hidden treasures in the museum.
• Check out the replica Bayeux Tapestry for a unique history lesson.

Best for: Curious children aged 3+

6. Wellington Country Park - The Ultimate Family Adventure

📍 Location: Riseley, near Reading

Why It’s Great For Children:

Wellington Country Park is a must-visit for families with young children, offering a wide range of outdoor activities designed for fun and adventure. The park features giant jumping pillows, woodland nature trails and adventure playgrounds suitable for all ages. There’s also a petting zoo where children can meet and feed friendly farm animals, making it an excellent experience for animal lovers. During the summer, the splash zone provides a refreshing way to cool off, while the seasonal events, such as pumpkin picking in autumn, ensure that every visit is a new and exciting experience.

Must-Do Activities:

• Explore the adventure playgrounds, designed for different age groups.
• Visit the farmyard and meet friendly animals.
• Hop on the miniature railway for a scenic ride around the park.

Best for: All ages

Final Thoughts

Reading and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of exciting, family-friendly attractions that cater to every child’s interests. Whether your little ones love exploring the great outdoors, discovering history or getting hands-on with science, there’s plenty to keep them entertained.