One thing I appreciate about living in the UK is that family time doesn’t always have to be expensive.
When summer arrives, it’s easy to feel pressure to spend money on theme parks, expensive attractions, or weekend getaways. But after living in the UK for several years and raising two young children, I’ve learned that some of our best family memories came from simple and affordable days out.
If you’re looking for family activities that won’t break the budget, here are some of our favourite options, especially for families living around Reading and Berkshire.
Local Parks Are Underrated
Before having children, I never really paid much attention to parks. Now, they are one of our favourite weekend destinations.
One of our regular spots is Forbury Gardens in Reading town centre. It’s free, well maintained, and perfect for a short family walk. The children enjoy running around the open spaces while we enjoy a coffee nearby.
Another favourite is Prospect Park. It has a fantastic playground, plenty of green space, and enough room for children to burn off energy.
If you’re willing to drive a little further, Dinton Pastures Country Park offers lakes, walking trails, play areas, and picnic spots. Parking is usually the biggest expense.
Most weekends, our total spend is less than £10.
Pack a Picnic Instead of Eating Out
Eating out as a family of four can easily cost £40 to £60 or more.
We’ve found that packing sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and drinks saves a significant amount of money.
Some great picnic locations near Reading include:
• Basildon Park grounds
• Wellington Country Park picnic areas
• Henley-on-Thames Riverfront riverside areas
• Caversham Court Gardens
Sometimes the kids enjoy a simple picnic more than a restaurant meal.
Free Museums Are One of the UK’s Best Kept Secrets
One thing the UK does exceptionally well is museums.
Many museums are completely free.
Near Reading, we enjoy visiting Reading Museum. It’s educational, indoors for rainy days, and completely free.
If you’re planning a trip to London, you have even more options:
• Natural History Museum
• Science Museum
• British Museum
For families with young children, the dinosaur exhibits alone can keep them entertained for hours.
Take a Train Ride for the Experience
Sometimes the journey becomes the activity.
Young children often enjoy train rides far more than adults.
One of our favourite affordable day trips is taking a train from Reading to nearby towns such as:
• Henley-on-Thames
• Windsor
• Oxford
If booked in advance or using family rail discounts, the cost remains reasonable and the kids love the experience.
Explore Nearby Villages and Walking Trails
One thing I didn’t fully appreciate before moving to the UK is how many beautiful walking routes exist close to home.
Places like:
• The Thames Path
• Sulham Woods
• Loddon Nature Reserve
offer family friendly walks that cost nothing.
The children get fresh air, parents get exercise, and everyone spends less time looking at screens.
Summer Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
Social media often makes it seem like every family spends summer holidays abroad or visits expensive attractions every weekend.
The reality is that children often remember the simple experiences.
Running through a park.
Feeding ducks.
Eating sandwiches on a picnic blanket.
Watching trains.
Exploring somewhere new.
Those moments usually cost very little.
DadBuhay Reflection
One thing I’ve learned as a parent is that children don’t measure a great weekend by how much money you spend. They measure it by the time you spend together. Some of our daughters’ favourite memories came from simple days at the park, feeding ducks by the river, or sharing snacks on a picnic blanket.
As summer approaches, it’s a good reminder that family time doesn’t need a big budget. Living near Reading gives us access to parks, museums, riverside walks, and beautiful countryside without spending a fortune. Sometimes the best weekends are the simplest ones
-Until then, love you bye! And that’s #Dadbuhay.
DadBuhay 
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