Parents in Reading, Berkshire, can find plenty of local activities for their children this school half-term, with a series of workshops centred on the official half-term week, Monday 16 to Friday 20 February 2026. Many events begin earlier in the weekend, from Saturday 14 February, offering families additional options across the town.
The holiday lineup includes Chinese New Year dragon-making at Reading Museum (the “Chinese New Year Dragons or Bayeux Dragons” activity), alongside interactive storytelling sessions and scavenger hunts. Other options include ‘Adventures & Artefacts: A Dungeons and Dragons Trail’ and drop-in Activity Cart craft sessions, hosted at venues across Reading including the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), South Street Arts Centre and local community halls.
These events form part of Reading’s participation in the National Year of Reading 2026. The Reading Chronicle has reported concerns from Reading Rep Theatre — including warnings from its CEO, Nick Thompson — about how the council’s new theatre plans might affect existing local arts groups, but venues and organisers say they remain focused on delivering community sessions for families.
Work is under way to create a new Studio Theatre at The Hexagon, but council leaders — including Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture — have said half-term programmes will go ahead as planned. Many of the workshops are free or low-cost; parents can see the full list of events and booking details on the What’s On Reading website (whatsonreading.com).
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