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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

What can we do today? Reading/Berkshire day out suggestions?

37 replies

BootyShake · 14/04/2009 09:22

I am looking for something for dd (17 months) and I to do today, pref. outdoors.

Yesterday we went to child beale and she loved it.

I'd be grateful for any suggestions

OP posts:
MarlaSinger · 14/04/2009 09:28

This reply has been deleted

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Original poster
BootyShake · 14/04/2009 09:36

Hi Marla, We have been to wellington country park with her when she was smaller and its a nice day out.

Bucklebury farm looks perfect for today. DH is at work so I'm just looking for somewhere to potter around with her today

Do you have any other suggestions that we could do on other days, I'm getting bored of just walking around town and the forbury

OP posts:
MarlaSinger · 14/04/2009 09:46

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Original poster
BootyShake · 14/04/2009 10:19

I go to Rhymetime on a Wednesday at Reading Libary. I'm quite nervous about meeting new people so I find something structured like Rhymetime easier than say toddler groups. You're very brave for trying all those groups!

I start work at 3.30 each day (apart from today, I have the day off as its my birthday!) so normally I am trying to find things to do in the mornings/early afternoon.

I'm thinking of buying an annual pass for child beale and then we can go there once a week. They have a little tykes play area which dd really enjoyed.

I must confess, I've never been to a soft play centre but that one in mortimer looks lovely so I must be brave and give it a try.

How old is your DS Marla?

OP posts:
MarlaSinger · 14/04/2009 11:01

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Milliways · 14/04/2009 20:41

If you ever fancy a drive out a bit further, I would thoroughly recommend Odds Farm as you can feed the animals, pet the rabbits etc and there is a fantastic playground.

In the Summer you can paddle in the pool at Kings Meadows.

Also, don't forget the Reading Children's Festival in May when the town has lots of extra activities.

disillusionedmum · 14/04/2009 20:49

Marlasinger we just moved to Reading and I have 2 boys my older DS is 3+ and my other soon to be 12 months could you tell me what : Singing with Marjorie at Battle on a Thurs " is? Also since we don't have a car yet but live conveniently -or so I thought- near the centre, is there anyhting here I can get to without a car?
and Bootyshaky: I have been to the library but not yet for Rhymetime would you recommend it? i used to go to one in london.
pleeese anybody recommend some good places! i am looking forard to the festival yes Milliways!

MrsJamin · 16/04/2009 08:42

Hey I go to Singalong with Marjorie too, although normally on a Friday (it's 10.30 on Thurs and Fri). It's half an hour of singing with a lovely lady called Marjorie, she has puppets and instruments and it's just a nice time of singing together with children generally between 0-3. It normally takes place at Battle Library on the Oxford Road but as the library is being renovated, the singalong is currently at Emmanuel Methodist Church next door. There's sometimes 60-70 mums plus children, but it is friendly - you start recognising the same faces if you go regularly. You could take the No 17 bus to it from town.

NoBiggy · 16/04/2009 08:52

OI!

Active Tots is secret and it's mine!

IwantPeace · 16/04/2009 09:03

Any more suggestions for things to do around Reading with a toddler?

disillusionedmum · 16/04/2009 09:47

Hmmmmm hey Nobiggy Now I know it is no longer yours I should give it a try actually it is a short walk

Picante · 16/04/2009 09:49

Rivermead do toddler bounce Tues-Thurs am at 9.15 and 10.30 - bouncy castles and loads of soft play equipment. It's usually on throughout holidays and term times.

IwantPeace · 16/04/2009 10:23

Is it good Picante?

HensMum · 16/04/2009 10:36

Was coming on here to recommend Odds Farm but saw that Millyways beat me to it. We went last summer and DS loved it, they have lots of animals that you can feed and stroke and there are lots of playgrounds and a tractor to ride.

We go to Singlong with Marjorie on a Friday most weeks and love it. We've been going since DS was tiny and he can now do the actions and even tries to sing too. Very friendly atmosphere and Marjorie is lovely so I'd recommend it to people who are a bit shy of groups.

Picante · 16/04/2009 11:44

Yes Toddler Bounce is v good - the 10.30 session is usually busier than 9.15. The centre is going through some refurbishment so the cafe's not as good as usual!

It's £2.10 which is pretty reasonable.

Bettymum · 16/04/2009 11:51

If it's raining, go to the Living Rainforest at Hermitage. It is all jungly and there are little green partridge things wandering about, and lizards, and monkeys, and ducks on the pond, and a crocodile that doesn't do much. It's all indoors and it's lovely and warm. There is also a cafe, and a playpark bit outside although haven't checked that bit out as DD only 15 months. The best thing is your ticket is valid for a year! I have told DD that she can go whenever she wants
www.livingrainforest.org/

Bettymum · 16/04/2009 11:53

ps dress your DCs head to foot in black if you do go, as if they don't start out that way they will certainly end up that way. The floor is rather damp and has lots of enticing bits of mud and puddles to explore.

MrsJamin · 16/04/2009 12:52

I created this for a similar thread, may have extra ideas!

plug · 16/04/2009 12:58

This is great with an indoor section and great outdoor playpark

Original poster
BootyShake · 16/04/2009 13:00

The maps not linking to anything MrsJamin.

I really appreciate all these ideas and welcome any more.

Great tip about the living rainforest annual pass bettymum

OP posts:
MrsJamin · 16/04/2009 13:02

Not sure what the problem is about the link, it works fine for me.

Interesting that there's a few singalong MNers, we should wear t-shirts or a carnation one day to see if we can spot each other!

LadyOfWaffle · 16/04/2009 13:09

Putting this on my 'threads I'm on' list - DH is off for 4 1/2 days soon

Odds Farm (Near Slough) is great, we go there alot.

Original poster
BootyShake · 16/04/2009 13:11

We need more sugggestions ladies

OP posts:
LadyOfWaffle · 16/04/2009 13:12

Has someone suggested The Look Out yet..?

Need to re-scan thread

Picante · 16/04/2009 13:13

Oh yes the Lookout is fabulous. Can get pretty hectic in school holidays but there is still loads to do. It's right by Coral Reef as well - massive indoor pool.