By Cllr Jason Brock
The Easter Holidays are here. For many families, I know finding something to keep the kids occupied for two weeks becomes the Holy Grail of the break. Not that you don’t love every single minute in their company, of course.
Times remain tough, so if you are looking for things to keep the children entertained without breaking the bank, I’d recommend checking out all the great activities we have on offer at some of the brilliant venues across Reading. Many of them are completely free, or very low cost.
I’m a huge fan of our much-loved library services in Reading, all of which remain open, unlike in other parts of the country. Reading’s Libraries not only offer all the usual great selection of books, but often they have additional fun activities on offer.
On Saturday, April 15, craft sessions are on offer at Southcote Library over in my patch. The same applies to Palmer Park Library in east Reading.
There are also free Rhymetime sessions running across all of our library branches and, if you want toys to entertain without the expense, our toy library has now reopened at Central Library on a Thursday.
Reading Museum remains well worth a visit. I’m convinced not enough people know just how fantastic it is, and it’s completely free. The museum will also be hosting low-cost Easter themed trails and craft activities for the young ones.
For families looking to get out and about, there are so many beautiful parks and gardens in Reading which come with space for play and games. Our brand-new children’s play area at Prospect Park is now open, providing a range of exciting facilities to cater for children of all ages and abilities. I’ve strolled past it a few times since it opened, and I have been amazed at how incredibly popular it’s proving.
There is a real buzz of excitement at the playground which makes the Council’s significant investment all worthwhile.
Right next to the new playground, The Ranger Station activity centre offers an accessible locally themed nine-hole mini-golf, low ropes activity course for children under seven, and a climbing tree for older children.
If you happen to be in the town centre with young ones, you may be interested to know a brand-new Easter Trail has been launched. Find 12 hidden eggs in shop windows and receive a special Easter treat at the end. You can collect a free Easter Trail Map from The Oracle Customer Service Desk until Easter Mondat, or download your own to print at home from the Visit Reading website: www.visit-reading.com/whats-on/seasonal-events/reading-easter-trail.
Reading’s SEND Short Breaks for the Easter holiday include multi-sports camps, theatre workshops, gymnastics, easter egg trails, and more. Parent carers who need information can find out more at www.readingfis.org/childcare.
And Reading’s children’s centres, operated by our colleagues at Brighter Futures for Children, will again be running a fun-packed programme of activities throughout Easter to April 14, including Mini Athletics, Fluffy Chick Fun, Easter Fun Stay, and Play and Diddi Dance.
Importantly for many families in these challenging times, the Holiday Activity & Food (HAF) programme provides a wide variety of exciting holiday camps for children who are normally eligible for pupil premium free school meals. Activities range from football to fencing and from baking to board games, plus lots more in between. And a tasty, nutritious lunch is included. Visit the Brighter Futures for Children website at www.brighterfuturesforchildren.org/for-parents-carers/schools/haffor more info on this scheme. Don’t forget, families still need to register to access HAF activities every new holiday season, even if they have done so previously.
This Easter break in Reading there’s something to suit everyone. I hope you all have a great time and fingers crossed for some much-deserved spring sunshine. I, personally, will be spending time trying to limit my chocolate egg consumption (regrettably, I am addicted to Creme Eggs).
Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council and ward member for Southcote
