Water Rides
Wildlife on the move ...
Discover the world of Mr Toad, Ratty and Mole in their home surroundings with a wildlife cruise. Hobbs of Henley run a series of ‘Wildlife on the Move’ cruises and together with the Chilterns Conservation Board they will help you spot some of the river’s elusive wildlife between Henley and Hambleden. Bring binoculars if you have them!
Mad Hatter Tea Parties
Oxford River Cruises run a series of Mad Hatter Tea Parties along the very same stretch of river that inspired the first telling of the classic children’s tale, Alice in Wonderland. So if you have ever dreamt of taking a bite out of an ‘Eat me’ cake, or gulping down a bottle with ‘drink me’ on the side while gliding down the river looking out for that mysterious white rabbit, this trip could be for you and your family. Differing versions of the trip are available for children and adults.
Picnics afloat
Enjoy an escorted picnic trip along the river in a Katakanu (two canoes joined together) for up to six people. The Wokingham Waterside Centre run these unique trips! Book trips on 0118 926 8280. The centre is located on the Sustrans cycle route so bring your bikes and enjoy a scenic ride along the Thames after your trip.
Lazy day cruises
If you prefer to sit back and let someone else do all the hard work then why not take the family on a relaxing cruise? There are dozens of passenger boats running scheduled trips all along the river. Thames Rivercruise in Reading run trips to the Beale Park Wildlife Park in Pangbourne. You could leave the car at home and walk to the river from Reading train station before jumping aboard!
Hobbs of Henley run regular cruises along the famous Royal Regatta stretch and are located a few minutes walk away from the River and Rowing Museum where families will find plenty of galleries and exhibitions to amuse them. Check out the walk-through Wind in the Willows exhibition which is a hit with children and adults alike. For details of all river cruises along the river click here. 
Go canoeing!
For pure fun and excitement take a day out at the Adventure Dolphin Centre. The Centre in Pangbourne offers range of outdoor activities including a dedicated session on canoe and kayaking on the River Thames. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, eight-years-old or 80-years-old, there are various courses to meet your needs. For beginners the centre has an indoor pool to perfect the learning techniques before you step into water. There are day sessions to 6-week courses and annual courses for people who want to go for advance courses. For more information on activities they offer, fees and schedules see their website. The centre is within easy reach of Beale Park and the National Trust's Basildon Park so you could make a real day of it!
Be your own skipper
You could go your own way and hire a boat... the children will love negotiating the locks, waving at other passing boaters and having a go at the helm! All along the river you will find plenty of boats to hire to suit every budget. From punting in Oxford to hiring a motor boat in Windsor, you will find boat hire companies offering all sorts. Click here for more information.