The Ultimate Guide to What's On in the North East for Kids | Summer Holidays 2018

Summer 2018 is going to be one to remember! As always, we have lots of plans but I've also planned lots of down time too. We're kicking things off with a trip to DeerShed Festival near Thirsk as official ambassadors before heading to France for the week. This Summer we're hoping to visit Derwent Reservoir, Alnwick Garden, Tanfield Railway, Seaton Delaval Hall, Tynemouth Boating Lake, Nethermined, Cirque Du Hilarious, take part in more of the Great Exhibition of the North and hopefully visit a theme park somewhere.

This guide has taken FOREVER to put together and I'd urge you to double check details with event organisers before setting off to any of these events as changes and cancellations can happen. I hope you find this guide useful and as always, I'll be posting lots of ideas in my North East Days Out Facebook group across the Summer. You can join below.

Join North East Days Out Facebook Group here.

Summer 2018 -  Family Theatre

Clive Webb and Danny Adams

• 24 - 26 July - Arbuthnot & Puddles Pirate Adventure at the Customs House - Buy tickets here 
• 1 - 4 August - The Wizard of Oz at Whitley Bay Playhouse - Buy tickets here (affiliate)
• 4 August - Arbuthnot's Super Silly Game Show at the Customs House - Buy tickets here
• 16 August - Black Magic - The Little Mix Show at Whitley Bay Playhouse - Buy tickets here (affiliate)
• 16 - 18 August - Stomp at Newcastle Theatre Royal - Buy tickets here
• 22 - 23 August - Peppa Pig at Newcastle Theatre Royal - Buy tickets here
• 28 - 31 August - Once Upon A Story Time at the Customs House - Buy tickets here
• 28 August - 1 September - Madagascar the Musical at Sunderland Empire - Buy tickets here (affiliate)

There are lots of dance classes at Dance City Sunderland and Newcastle - See here for details

There are also two fabulous not-to-be missed shows taking place in the North East for families this summer - first up is Cirque Du Hilarious. Danny Adam's (star of the Theatre Royal's panto) & Co are bringing their Magical Mischief Tour to the Laughter Dome Big Top in Tynemouth from 14 - 24 August. Find out more and buy tickets here. The epic Kynren is also taking place in Bishop Auckland this summer. I'd recommend the show to children aged 6+, teens and grown-ups. Read more here.

Alnwick Garden is showcasing a lot of pop-up theatre throughout the summer (there are too many to list) - visit their website for details and Beamish is hosting lots of bands and concerts across the summer too (find out more here). There's also going to be FREE pop-up street theatre on Gateshead Quays every weekend as part of the Great Exhibition of the North. Check out this post for exact listings and timings. 

Great Northumberland and the Exhibition of the North 

We're super lucky that there's LOADS going on in North East England thanks to the Great Exhibition of the North (see here) and Great Northumberland (see here).  So far I'd recommend Cheeseburn Open Days, checking out over 200 Northern objects at Great North Museum (including lots of toddler-friendly exhibits from the likes of In the Night Garden) and the Laing Art Gallery. I'll be visiting a lot more in the coming weeks and sharing in my North East Days Out Facebook group. 

Summer 2018 - National Trust

We love our National Trust membership and have been members for around 10 years now. We pay monthly and it has more than paid for itself. As well as the extra activities during school holidays (which are normally included at no additional cost), there are lots of fabulous family walks and play areas to enjoy. Here's a quick overview of what's on this summer.

Seaton Delaval Hall

Make & Do Crafts every Wednesday and Sunday during School Holidays (see here for details) then there's a huge FREE carnival as part of Carnival Capers with Great Northumberland on 28 July. The event is FREE but tickets must be pre-booked (see here for details).

Souter Lighthouse

There are loads going on at Souter Lighthouse this summer including 'a summer of sport' with free outdoor games and sporting activities for all ages and abilities across the summer. Souter is also hosting a family camping evening (28 July), rock pooling events and there's a selection of outdoor theatre too. Find out more about Souter Lighthouse's events here.

Wallington Hall 

Families can Go Wild at Wallington this Summer with a range of self-led activities happening every day throughout the holidays and volunteer/staff-led activities running every Tuesday and Thursday. There are summer bike rides planned on some days day. Find out more about Wallkington's events here. 

Cragside

Explore Women and Power with a range of events and exhibitions at Cragside this summer or how about trying your hand at Kayaking or Paddle Boarding with Cullercoats Bike & Kayak? (various dates across the summer). Find out more about Cragside's events here. 

Gibside

Enjoy later opening hours across weekends this summer as well as the popular Gibside pub and beer and a bite nights. There's also regular live music on the avenue, a summer holiday trail to explore, outdoor theatre and pon dipping. Find out more about Gibside's events here. 

Cherryburn 

Cherryburn is running a series of special summer holiday events this year - all included with admission. Themes will be based around Wildlife Monday, Wild Art Tuesday, 50 Things Wednesday, Printing Fun Thursday and Fable Friday. Find out more about Cherryburn's events here. 

Washington Old Hall 

There will be a different event running each day at Washington Old Hall including wild art and garden games - all included with admission. Find out more about Washington Old Hall's events here. 

Lindisfarne Castle 

Check out a rock pool ramble at Lindisfarne Castle on 31 August - details here.

Ongoing Events and Days Out Ideas  | Summer 2018 

• North Tyneside Summer Holiday Guide - see here for details
• Seven Stories Summer Holiday Guide - see here for details
• Mischief Makers Minecraft - Various Dates & Venues. FREE EVENT. Book in advance here
• Screen on the Green is a FREE outdoor cinema in Old Eldon Square, Newcastle. There are generally 2 film screenings every day throughout the summer, check out this article for exact listings and timings.

Blog post ideas:

• The best picnic spots in Northumberland
• The best picnic spots in Newcastle
• 100+ North East days out reviewed
• The Ultimate Bucket List for Children in Northumberland
• 20 Places to visit in the North East when it rains (accessible via public transport)
• 20 FREE and discounted days out by bus
• 20 Family-friendly beer gardens to try this summer
• Newcastle's Quayside Seaside 
• 10 of the best ice cream parlours in Northumberland
• Rising Sun Country Park
• 10 of the best Northumberland beaches to visit with kids

What's On For Kids | 21 July - 27 July

21 July - The Remarkable Dr McCavity and his Travelling Surgery (Morpeth) FREE EVENT. Find out more here
21 July - Mischief Makers at Birtley Library - Find out more here
21 - 22 July - Adventures with Robin Hood at Belsay Hall. Find out more here
21 - 22 July - Clash of the Romans at Birdoswald - Find out more here
21 - 22 July - Emergency Services Weekend at Whitehouse Farm - Find out more here
21 - 22 July - Sandcastle building at Warkworth Castle - Find out more here
22 July - Scouting for Girls at Bents Park. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
22 July - Classic Car Rally at Locomotion, Shildon. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
22 July - Invasion IX at Woodhorn. FREE EVENT (£5 parking per car). Find out more here
22 July - Northumbrian Music and Dance at Alnwick Garden. Find out more here
23 - 27 July - Great War Week at Alnwick Castle. Find out more here
24 July - Alternative Inventors at Discovery Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
24 - 25 July - Stories and Sword School at Lindisfarne Priory. Find out more here
25 July - Meet the characters from Hotel Transylvania 3 at intu Metrocentre. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
25 July - Animal Stories at The Word - Find out more here
26 July - Family Bushcraft at Kielder - Find out more here
26 July - Fossil Frolics at St Mary's Lighthouse. Find out more here
27 July - Viking Tales at Queen's Hall Hexham. Find out more here
27 July - Gruffalo Woodland Adventures at Hardwick Park. Find out more here

What's On For Kids | 28 July - 3 August 

28 July - Carnival Capers at Seaton Delaval Hall. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
28 July - Meet Pete the Dinosaur at Kirkley Hall Zoo. Find out more here
28 July - Destination Arbeia at Arbeia Roman Fort. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
28 July - Northumberland Live at Bedlington. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
28 July - Meet the Genetic Scientists at Great North Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
28 July- Dinosaur Day at Baliffgate Museum. Find out more here
28 & 29 July - Teddy Bear's Picnic at Tanfield Railway - Find out more here
28 & 29 July - Proper Food & Drink Festival (Cramlington) FREE EVENT. Find out more here
29 July - Heather Small, Atomic Kitten and Lemar at Bent's Park. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
29 July - 2 August - Fool's Week at Alnwick Castle. Find out more here
29 July - Kirkley Hall Family Fun Day. Find out more here
31 July - Equine Day at Great North Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
31 July - Explore Energy at Discovery Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
31 July - 1 August - Falconry at Warkworth Castle. Find out more here
31 July - 2 August - The Story of Lindisfarne at Lindisfarne Priory. Find out more here
1 August - Cooking Up Some Mischief at The Word. Find out more here
1 August - Rock Climbing at Crag Lough. Find out more here
1 August -  Fossil Frolics at St Mary's Lighthouse. Find out more here
2 August -  Family Bushcraft at Kielder - Find out more here
2 August - Explore Energy at the Discovery Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
3 August - Family Fun Day at Richardson Dees Park. FREE EVENT. Find out more here

What's On For Kids | 4 August - 10 August 

4 August - Hadria Festival at Segedunum. Find out more here
4 August - Roman Women, Women Today at Vindolanda and The Sill. Find out more here
4 - 5 August - NE1 Motorshow in Newcastle. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
4 - 5 August - Eskine Regiment at Bamburgh Castle. Find out more here
5 August - The Geordie Job Mini Show at Woodhorn. Find out more here
5 August - Seal Sundays at St Mary's Lighthouse. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
6 August - Family Bushcraft Survival Challenge at Kielder. Find out more here
6 August - Toga Teddies at Segedunum. Find out more here
6 August - Alice in Wonderland at Warkworth Castle. Find out more here
8 August - Rockpool Ramble and Beach Day at Seahouses. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
4 - 10 August - Knight's Week at Alnwick Castle. Find out more here
6 - 10 August - Delavals' Delight: Illusion Week. Find out more here
7 August - Meet the Polar Researchers at Great North Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
7 August - Pulleys, levers and Linkages at Discovery Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
7 - 8 August - Fool School at Warkworth Castle. Find out more here
7 - 9 August - Roman Falconry at Chester's Roman Fort. Find out more here
8 August - Chess Club at The Word. FREE EVENT - Find out more here
8 & 9 August - Wallace and Gromit Film Screenings at Great North Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
9 August - Pulleys, levers and Linkages at Discovery Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
9 August -  Family Bushcraft at Kielder - Find out more here

What's On For Kids | 11 August - 17 August 

11 August - Ouseburn Steet Food Saturday. FREE ENTRY. Find out more here
11 August - Playground Games at Baliffgate Museum. Find out more here
11 August - Arbeia Roman Festival. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
11 - 12 August - Music at Lindisfarne Priory. Find out more here
11 - 19 August - Medieval Week at Alnwick Castle. Find out more here
11 - 12 August - Nethermined in Tynemouth. Find out more here
11 - 12 August - Archaeology Discovery at Birdoswald - Find out more here
11 - 12 August - Proper Food & Drink Festival (Blyth) FREE EVENT. Find out more here
12 August - Alnwick Alive. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
12 August - Teddy Bear's Picnic at Preston Park and Museum. Find out more here
12 - 17 August - Delaval Delights Drama Week at Seaton Delaval Hall. Find out more here
13 August - Kielder Night Safari. Find out more here
13 August - Swords and Shields at Segedunum. Find out more here
14 - 15 August - Fighting Knights at Warkworth Castle. Find out more here
15 August - So You Want to be a Pirate? at Great North Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
15 August - Night at the Site Sleepover at Warkworth Castle. Find out more here
16 August - Drop-in Green Screen at Great North Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
16 August - Fossil Frolics at St Mary's Lighthouse. Find out more here
16 August - Family Bushcraft at Kielder - Find out more here

What's On For Kids | 18 August - 24 August 

18 August - Hawks and Horses at Arbeia Roman Fort. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
18 - 19 August - Mining Weekend at Tanfield Railway - Find out more here
18 - 19 August - Hail Hadrian at Birdoswald - Find out more here
18 - 19 August - Baltic Square Eats Street Food Market. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
18 - 19 August - Gladiators at Chester's Roman Fort. Find out more here
18 - 19 August - Clash of the Knights at Tynemouth Priory. Find out more here
19 August - Punknic at Preston Park - Find out more here
20 - 21 August - Myths and Legends at Warkworth Castle. Find out more here
20 - 24 August - Storytelling Week at Alnwick Castle. Find out more here
20 - 24 August - Delaval Delights Circus Skills at Seaton Delaval Hall. Find out more here
21 August - Solids, Liquids and Gases at Discovery Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
21 August - Code Club at The Word. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
21 - 22 August - Stories and Sword School at Lindisfarne Priory. Find out more here
22 August - Pacific Explorer's Day at Great North Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
22 August - Little Red Riding Hood and Friends at The Word. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
23 August - Solids, Liquids and Gases at Discovery Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
23 August -  Family Bushcraft at Kielder - Find out more here
24 August - Meet the Neuroscientist at Great North Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
24 August - Fossil Frolics at St Mary's Lighthouse. Find out more here

What's On For Kids | 25 August - 31 August 

25 August - Bellingham Show. Find out more here
25 August - Flights of Fancy at Great North Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
25 - 27 August - Knight's Tournament at Belsay Hall. Find out more here
25 - 27 August - Kite Flying at Birdoswald. Find out more here
25 - 27 August - Cheeseburn Open Weekend. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
26 August - Teddy Bear's Picnic at Bailiffgate Museum. Find out more here
27 August - Characters around the fort at Segedunum. Find out more here
27 August - Dig a little deeper Science at South Shields Museum. Find out more here
28 August - Turn Back Time at the Discovery Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
28 August - Fossil Frolics at St Mary's Lighthouse. Find out more here
28 - 29 August - Fighting Knights at Warkworth Castle. Find out more here 
28 - 30 August - The Story of Lindisfarne. Find out more here
29 August - Great North Nature at Great North Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
30 August - Turn Back Time at the Discovery Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here
30 August -  Family Bushcraft at Kielder - Find out more here
31 August - Newcastle University Animal Welfare at Great North Museum. FREE EVENT. Find out more here

Look out for a guide to what's on in September towards the end of August. If you know of any events that aren't listed, I publish a sharing post every Friday in my North East Days Out group. Feel free to post your events there.