I have seen this question come up a number of times, being asked on the Reading subreddit so I decided to answer it here.
By “small children” I am taking that as primary school age, so about ten and under. I am basing my knowledge on places I have taken my grandchildren who, at the time of writing, are six and four.
I have looked at places that are either free or very cheap by which I mean under five pounds.
All photos have been taken by myself and are free to use under the terms of the CC BY-ND 4.0 licence, basically you are free to use the pictures even commercially but you must attribute.
This is very much a work in progress, and I will add more as and when I come to them, so check back. Feel I’ve missed something? Get in touch!
Reading’s Places for Kids
Look for this marker on the map to find the places.
Places Featured on the Map
Christchurch Meadows, featuring the Christchurch Bridge
On the Caversham side of the Reading Bridge and to the west is Christchurch Meadows. Here you will find a large playarea along with a paddle pool (open in the summer). This area is prone to flooding and if you want to see how bad it can get take a look here.
Apart from the obvious draw of the books the Reading libraries also run regular Rhymetimes sessions for toddlers and babies. Wokingham libraries run similar sessions too.
Stick with me here! The annoyance of the strange route through an IKEA store turns it into an adventure playground for small children as they follow the arrows on the floor and explore the rooms.
Buses & Trains
Small children love simple things such as sitting at the front on the top deck of a double decker bus. Fancy a longer adventure? Take the train the short journey to Basingstoke or Oxford.
Also, once a year there is the Reading Buses Open day.
Prospect Park, including the Prospect Park Miniature Railway
A huge open space with a recently installed children’s playarea. Prospect Park plays host to a number of events including the Berkshire Motor Show. Lot’s of space for kids to explore.
As well as the exhibits themselves the museum provide lots for kids to do. They have explorer backpacks and trails that you can follow around the museum and during the holidays there are lots of activities including some very good “make & take” sessions.
The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL)
MERL offers a self-guided “rat trail” as well as other events. There is also a lovely garden with a wooden tractor for kids. MERL is about 15 minutes walk from the centre of town. Slightly older children (and adults!) might enjoy the Ladybird books display.
Just off the Wokingham Road is Palmer Park. It also has two play areas which are great for small children. There’s also a library there too.
Forbury Gardens
Right in the heart of the town, this is a beautiful spot for lunch or a picnic on a fine day. It is also the gateway to Reading’s Abbey Quarter and the Abbey Gateway. Children will enjoy the lion, bandstand and the wind-up music player in the abbey.