Holiday Activity Fund (HAF) - Brighter Futures For Children for information on activities running over the school holidays for eligible families

Free or a small charge

There are various activities available for children in the Reading area. Some which are free of charge or ask for a small contribution, where you stay with your child. These can be baby and toddler groups that run throughout the week, usually term time only. Many of these groups are run by your local Children’s Centre others by voluntary groups, usually in a church or community hall. To find out more about the groups that run in your area please use the following link to the Parent & Toddler section of the Services Guide. Parent & Toddler search

Reading libraries currently run storytimes and rhymetimes, these are usually free of charge.  The amount of space in some of the venues can be quite small so booking is essential, where requested. Activities run throughout the school term, however during the school holidays art and craft activities are usually running, which may have a small charge. There are also other clubs and activities available for other age groups visit. Reading Borough Libraries

Reading museum forms part of the historical Old Town Hall in the Abbey Quarter. During the school holidays there are various activities for children of all ages, including an activity cart. Usually there is a charge attached for materials. Many activities are also available for adults, which are free or for a small charge. Reading Museum

There are various parks & gardens in the Reading Borough area, that are open throughout the year. Some have children’s play areas (Christchurch Meadows has a paddling pool) others have space to run around in and play games, to view the complete list please use the following link. Reading Parks & Outdoor Spaces

You can organise a Play Street or Street Party this involves closing the street where you live to traffic to “give children the chance to play safely in their street without danger from traffic”. This can be for a maximum of three hours, allowing children to play outside and set it up for any day of the week.  To find out more about how to go about organising a Play Street or street party please visit. Play Streets - Reading Borough Council  

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Clubs, activities and sessions (charged)

There are clubs, training courses and activities that do have a charge attached. Some of these are run by BETTER leisure services (run on behalf of RBC) and others by private or voluntary organisations. You can use the Reading Services Guide to search for activities however you must be aware that “the information we hold may be provided by third party organisations therefore FIS cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information, and we recommend parents, carers and professionals take appropriate steps in checking OFSTED registrations, availability and DBS (formerly CRB)”.

We have details for soft play, sport, drama, dance, music, arts & crafts, gymnastics, martial arts and much more…

RBC have a number of arts venues, where theatre productions, exhibitions and courses run this includes the Hexagon theatre. What's on Reading

Local sport and leisure centres (Meadway, South Reading, Rivermead & Palmer Park) which are now run by BETTER. Visit their website for more details. BETTER ~ Reading

Children's Activities Association ~ Gives parents a bench mark for all organised children's activities by establishing and improving consistent standards & accreditation. Visit their website for more information. www.childrensactivitiesassociation.org

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Places to Visit & Holiday Information

We also have information on places to visit on the RSG, for information on activities and events in the Berkshire Thames Valley area there is also Primary Times ~ Berkshire. 

For the major school holidays (Easter & Summer) we have a dedicated Holiday Activities page with information on what is available. Reading Borough offer holiday clubs and other activities for children throughout the year, visit Reading Play  on RBC website for more details.

Our neighbouring local authorities also hold information on things to do, what’s on and Ofsted registered childcare, please visit their websites for more information.

West Berkshire FIS  

Oxfordshire FIS

Wokingham Borough Council - Directory

There is a slo a publication Families - Thames Valley West Magazine

Next review date August 2024