That's a wrap on Reading Children's Festival 2026!
A big thank you to all the event organisers for creating such a wonderful mix of activities over the past three weeks!
If you attended any of the Children's Festival 2026 events, please share your favourite moments or feedback ⬇️
Join your child in developing outdoor skills in @TheMERL garden, with activities themed around the museum collections and the changing seasons.
📆 Sunday 31 May, 10am – 12noon
ℹ️ Suitable for children 5+. Free event, but booking is required at https://t.co/zlYqz0iCuV
ICHI, from Nagoya in Japan, redefines the one‑man band with quirky handmade instruments, toys & everyday objects. Playful, ritualistic, and totally unique — fun, danceable & exciting.
📆 Saturday 30 May, 2pm
📍 @southstreetarts
https://t.co/RHFdSSeUls
Little Chefs cooking class at @CiannasSmile! Children will enjoy a hands-on experience making ackee & saltfish and sweet coconut drops, while learning new skills and building confidence.
📆 Saturday 30 May, 11am – 2.30pm
📍 10 Eaton Place, RG1 7LP
https://t.co/Rf2tTlywVd
Learn the basics of fencing at introductory workshops run by VF Fencing Club. The sessions are suitable for ages 8-12.
📆 Friday 29 May, 10.30am, 1.30pm and 2.45pm
📍 Sports Hall, Highdown School, Surley Row, RG4 8LR
£2 per session, book at https://t.co/u6g7Qeeatr
Meadway’s Mayors Challenge offers kids the chance to try fun sports with local clubs & the leisure centre. Complete challenges, collect stickers, fill your book & earn a Mayor’s certificate!
📆 Thu 28 May, 10am - 2pm
📍 Meadway Sports Centre, RG30 4BZ
ℹ️ Free, no booking required
The Ranger Station is holding an open day on Wednesday 27 May!
Between 10am and 4:30pm the event includes:
🎫 low ropes course
🏌🏻 mini golf
🌴 climbing wall sessions
💡 imaginary play
🧩 under 5s soft play
Free, no pre booking required.
Come along to South Reading Leisure Centre for a Soft Play Party with music and refreshments.
📆 Wednesday 27 May, 9am – 11am
For children under 11. £3.40, book at https://t.co/P7cdqHsEPb
Join @Reading_CC to get a great chance to try a new sport!
📆 Wednesday 27 May, 10am-11.15am, 11.45am-1pm, 1.45pm-3pm
📍 Reading Canoe Club, The Warren, Caversham, RG4 7TH
For 9 to 17 year olds. £5 per person, booking is required at https://t.co/ygnLaHGiib
Enjoy a live interactive music session for under 5’s with singing, dancing and real musical instruments!
📆 Wednesday 27 May, 10am – 10.40am
📍 @berksmusictrust, 100 Stoneham Close, Cockney Hill, Tilehurst, RG30 4EZ
£5, book in advance at https://t.co/gOBeOC9IZZ
@thejellyReading is running a lot of art sessions during May half term next week - come along and let your imagination run wild.
For more information and to book your place, visit https://t.co/DNxCaxXgLr
Join West End performer and Vocal Coach, Jamie Read, to learn how to hit the high notes and smash out your favourite songs from hit musicals like Legally Blonde!
📆 Tuesday 26 May, 11am – 12.30pm
📍 @berksmusictrust
£10, book in advance at https://t.co/Qxj8HZoEaI
Join CultureMix Arts for their FREE steel band taster workshop, led by friendly tutors.
All abilities welcome. Equipment and instrument supplied.
📆 Tuesday 26 May, 5.15pm – 6.15pm
📍 CultureMix Arts & Music Centre, 7 Queens Walk, RG1 7QF
https://t.co/1JclQGymux
Join Thames Rivercruise this May half-term for their Explorer Activity Cruises along the Thames!
📆 Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May
🕓 11.00, 12.00, 14.00, 15.00 & 16.00
Special Offer: One child goes FREE with every full-fare paying adult
https://t.co/BAdo7Y2q7r
Join @readinglibrary for this year’s 'Reading Loves reading' scheme, launching on Saturday 23 May. They are also running craft activities throughout the half-term week – all events are FREE, drop-in, with donations welcome.
Contact your local library for more details 📞
@readingmuseum is offering plenty of activities during May Half Term.
Enjoy a range of arts and crafts sessions, a rhymetime event, explore the Forbury Gardens, and even get the chance to visit the Victorian schoolroom!
Find out more at https://t.co/ICOIMmvoZD
Reading Children’s Festival runs from 9–31 May, bringing three weeks of fun events for families across the borough! It kicked off with Forbury Fiesta last Saturday, packed with performances and activities for all ages.
Download the programme of events at https://t.co/MuA0morydL
A show for all without any heavy going science!
Astronomer and author Adrian West presents a glorious visual and thought provoking experience for everyone that looks up and wonders.
📆 Sunday 17 May, 6pm
📍 The Hexagon, Queens Walk, RG1 7QF
https://t.co/nNY1tmZqRW