Summer Holidays in North East England : Our Top Picks

 This is an advert for July 2025. Any amendments / reshares after this date have not been asked or paid for. As always, please double check information with venues direct before heading out as details can change and events can be cancelled. You can do this by clicking the links in the post. 



This post will share some ideas for the summer holidays to book now or save the date for. I will of course be sharing my daily 'what's on tomorrow' posts from my Facebook page every evening at 4pm too so do keep a look out for those if you're in need of last minute inspiration. 


Looking for our daily what's on listings? You can find our guide to what's in in July here: https://www.northeastfamilyfun.co.uk/2025/07/whats-on-in-north-east-for-kids-teens.html

August's what's on guide will be published at the end of July. 

Events to Book Now 


23 - 27 July : Durham Fringe Festival



Expect 5 days of theatre, comedy, magic and shows for kids with over 100 events to choose from across 10 venues in Durham. Top picks include a Beamish Takeover of Durham Castle and a Mini Seven Stories Snow White Panto on Palace Green.

There's something for all ages from tots to teens and you can easily combine with other Durham attractions including Oriental Museum Durham or The Story Durham (both free). Check what's on and get booking: https://durhamfringe.co.uk/events/?


FREE & Low Cost Summer Activities at Discovery Museum to Book Now 


As you'd expect, there's a whole host of free and low-cost bookable activities to enjoy at Discovery Museum in Newcastle this summer.

Some time slots have sold out already so if you spot something you fancy, make sure you book asap. 

Highlights include: 

  • 22 July : Racing Cars (£2.50 per child, recommended for ages 7+). Explore the power of potential energy and make your own elastic band racing car. 

  • 24 July : Paper Planes (FREE family event recommended for ages 6+, book a ticket). Make your own gliders, paper aeroplanes and twirling helicopters. 

  • 25 July : Discover a Story (£3.50 for children aged 3-5 years - accompanying younger siblings and adults go free). Storytime with themed crafts & play activities. This week's theme is The Cat, the Mouse and the Runaway Train

  • 29 July : Robot Cargo Ships (£2.50 per child, recommended for ages 7+). A fun family challenge using robots. Can you design a contraption that allows your robot to carry a boat full of pennies across water? 

  • 31 July : Shipshape (FREE family event for all ages - book a ticket). Explore ship themed objects, take part in sinking and floating experiments and build your own origami boat to take home. 

  • 1 Aug : Discover a Story (£3.50 for children aged 3-5 years - accompanying younger siblings and adults go free). Storytime with themed crafts & play activities. This week's theme is Ten Little Pirates. 

  • 5 Aug : Lemon Power (£2.50 per child, recommended for ages 7+). Have a go at making your own lemon-powered clock in this fun family challenge. 

  • 7 Aug : Going Green (FREE family event but book a ticket, recommended for ages 6+). Explore green energy with experiments. Explore solar energy, wind power and hydrogen. 

  • 8 Aug : Discover a Story (£3.50 for children aged 3-5 years - accompanying younger siblings and adults go free). Storytime with themed crafts & play activities. This week's theme is The Very Hungry Caterpillar 

  • 12 Aug : Clean it Up Robot Challenge (£2.50 per child, recommended for ages 7+). Can you turn a Sphero Robot into a Recycle Bot? Invent a contraption and use your robot to collect recycling and put it in the correct bin. 

  • 15 Aug : Discover a Story (£3.50 for children aged 3-5 years - accompanying younger siblings and adults go free). Storytime with themed crafts & play activities. This week's theme is The Story Machine.

  • 19 Aug : Circuit Challenges (£2.50 per child, recommended for ages 7+). Create circuits and your own torch to take home. 

  • 21 Aug : Super Circuits (FREE family event but book a ticket, recommended for ages 6+). Families can become little inventors using circuit kit to create prototype inventions. 

  • 26 Aug : Codes & Puzzles (£2.50 per child, recommended for ages 7+). Build your own morse code machine and explore binary code.
     
  • 28 Aug : LEGO Secret Coding (FREE family event but book a ticket). Can you send a secret message to your friend using LEGO?
Please note, adults and non-participating accompanying babies go free at all of these events. Age is for guidance only - with the exception of Discover a Story, all ages are welcome. 

Find out more and book these activities: https://www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/search/-/-/-/-/-/239

Summer Holiday Programme at Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle - Book Now

During the summer holidays, Laing Art Gallery has put together events for kids of all ages from tots to teens.
Many of the sessions are 'drop off' and if you're a freelancer like me, why not bring your laptop and get some work done while the kids are getting creative?

Here's a look at what's on offer:
🎨Little Artists Plus+ (for ages 1 - 5 years)
- These special Little Artists sessions are held during the summer holidays and welcome siblings up to the age of 7.
- Monday 28 July, 11 August, and 18 August
- 10.30-11.30 am and 1-2pm
- £6 plus booking fee per child

🎨 Art Camp: 7-10 year olds (drop off activity)
-7-10 year olds are welcome to explore the galleries, talk about art, and create their own work in sessions led by a professional arts educator.
-Wednesdays during the summer holidays
-10am-3pm, with additional charges for early drop off and late pick up
- £35 plus booking fee per child

🎨Make and Muse: Family Crafting Tour (7-12 year olds)
- Families will take a tour of the collections and do some hands-on crafting.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer holidays
- 10am – 12 noon and 1-3pm
- £7 plus booking fee per child (includes one accompanying adult)

🎨Make and Muse: Young People’s Creative Tour for 13-16 year olds (drop off activity)
- Young people aged 13–16 will explore art in depth, combining discussion and hands-on making in the gallery itself.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer holidays
- 1-3pm
- £7 plus booking fee per person

🎨Art Club: 11-16 year olds (drop off activity)
-11-16 year olds are welcome to explore the galleries, talk about art, and create their own work in sessions led by a professional arts educator.
- Thursdays during the summer holidays
- 10am-3pm, with additional charges for early drop off and late pick up
- £35 plus booking fee per person


Fun Little Foodies 


There are lots of popular Fun Little Foodies classes running throughout the 6 week holidays,  providing a fun, engaging and social environment in which your little chef can create and bake! 

There are classes running in Monkseaton, Morpeth, Gosforth, Blyth, Cramlington and Killingworth with themes including Bake the Rainbow, Travel the World, Minibeasts and Summer Fun!

Summer Holiday classes are 90 minute sessions and are suitable for children aged 2 ½ to 12 years (can drop off from 6+).  As well as all the ingredients & equipment needed to bake a delicious recipe, they include a related craft activity and a linked story if age appropriate.   

All of classes can be booked via https://www.dodays.co.uk

Their website www.funlittlefoodies.co.uk has further information about our classes and you can search for your nearest class.  Or email funlittlefoodies.co.uk with any questions. 



Kids Eat Free & Interactive Darts at WonderBar


 

Book 1 hour of interactive darts at the WonderBar in the Gate Newcastle (£20 for up to 8 players) Mon-Thurs between 10am & 7pm and receive up to two FREE kids meals per booking. Bargain! You must book this deal in advance. Find out more: https://wonderbar-newcastle.co.uk/offers/

Other Free / Low Cost Ideas 

16 August - FREE Entry Family Summer Shopping Event at Plants Plus Garden Centre 


FREE Entry Family Summer Shopping Day - 16th August, 9am-5pm at Plants Plus Garden Centre (postcode NE13 6BU - free car park on site). You can expect a day packed with activities for the whole family including: 

  • Live music
  • Free face painting – 11am-1pm
  • Meet our farm shop suppliers (aka lots of free tasty samples!)
  • Therapy Ponies of Scotland are making an appearance at 11am 
  • Old school games – coconut shy competition etc with all money going to their charity of the year, Great North Air Ambulance
  • A charity raffle with all takings going to the Great North Air Ambulance
  • Mini garden competition 
  • BBQ, with their onsite butcher Northumberland Family Butchers.
  • Discounts all throughout the garden centre.

Find out more: https://crabbiesgardencentres.co.uk/events-at-plantsplus-garden-centre/


Newcastle NE1 Summer in the City FREE Events including a Quayside Carnival 


Newcastle NE1 has planned a whole host of FREE Summer in the City activities this summer. There's something for everyone including: 


FREE Between the Tides Festival (Bank Holiday Weekend)



Save the date for the fabulous Between the Tides Festival which takes place on 23 & 24 August at Kirkleatham. Expect a whole host of outdoor activities including theatre, circus, puppetry, foam party, silent discos, dance, music, performance and creativity for children and their grown ups. 

Keep up to date with what's on here: https://www.facebook.com/betweenthetidesfestival


Summer at Woodhorn 



Did you know, under 18s go free at Woodhorn (and adult annual passes are available for just £10)?

The museum always plan lovely activities across school holidays and they're included at no additional cost.

This summer, visitors can enjoy the Woodhorn Wild Trail, Wild Wednesdays with a different craft each week, make & do activities in the Pop Up Ashington Hut alongside the museum, galleries and playground. 

Check what's on here: https://museumsnorthumberland.org.uk/woodhorn-museum/whats-on/


FREE Entry Bishop Auckland Family Festival 


Save the date for this year's FREE entry Bishop Auckland Family Festival which takes place at Jane Armstrong Park (opposite Aldi) on 16 & 17 August. No ticket required! 

Expect a huge range of activities on offer including creative workshops, music, entertainment, building competitions and imaginative activities for the whole family. 

Keep up to date with announcements and find out more: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyFestivalBA

Theatre, Shows & Music

Gosforth Civic Theatre Summer School  



Did you know, Gosforth Civic Theatre runs it's own Summer School? The venue is accessible and just next to Regent Centre Metro/Bus Station (and car park) so super easy to get to. 

Summer School is a unique opportunity to work with dedicated arts professionals, learn new skills, develop writing and filming techniques plus make friends and have lots of fun with like-minded people in a safe and secure environment.

If you're interested in working in film / theatre, this will be a brilliant experience to add to your C.V. / UCAS application too.  

  • Summer School for 7-16 year olds runs from 11-15 August (9:30am - 4:30pm) 
  • SEND Summer School for 14-26 year olds runs from 18-22 August (10am-3pm)

Find out more and book your place here: https://www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk/get-involved/activities-for-young-people/gct-summer-schools


Kynren 


Kynren is back with spectacular style and performing at Bishop Auckland every Saturday evening across the summer. Don't miss the Viking Village Walkthrough Experience before taking your seat in the tribune for the main show. 

New for 2025 you can expect a reimagined Jubilee Celebration for Queen Victoria complete with vintage fire engine, ice cream truck and prams, 29 scenes from key points in history, stunning horsemanship, some very cute geese, battles galore and a grand fireworks finale. 

I am pleased to share two exclusive Kynren discount codes for North East Family Fun readers. Discounts cannot be applied to existing bookings:
NEFF1STSHOW: £10 off opening night on 19/7/2025 (excludes VIP seating)
NEFF2025: 15% off all other shows (excludes VIP & 19/7/2025 show)


Cirque du Hilarious 


Cirque du Hilarious is back! The funniest show in the North East (and probably the world!) is pitching their laughter dome in South Shields from 22 July - 2 August and then Wallsend from 6-31 August. 

Audiences can expect plenty of slapstick and lots of belly laughs alongside world-class acts, spectacular magic and show-stopping stunts in a show that's not to be missed and will have the kids repeating ACCIDEEENT all summer. 

Find out more and book: https://www.dannyadamsofficial.co.uk/shows2024


🍻 Gosforth Theatre Beer Festival is Back 🍻

📆 1-3 August

🚇 Located just next to Regent Centre Metro station so very easy to get to by bus / Metro

🍻Over 20 kegs and 10 casks of beer from local and national breweries
🍕 A range of street food pop-ups
🎸Live music lineup will include 90s nostalgia, soothing soul, and Americana and blues
🍷 As well as beer, there will be a dedicated spirit and wine bar with a decent selection of no and low alcohol options available too
🎨Family friendly with crafts sessions for the whole family to enjoy

🍕 FRIDAY ⬇️
On Friday, the festival will open from 4pm, starting the weekend with delicious pints and pizza courtesy of Fire & Dough Pizza and Gosforth Civic Theatre’s own kitchen. A burst of 90s nostalgia from local legends Jamagotchi will entertain visitors into the night, playing the era’s biggest dance and indie hits from 8pm to 10pm.

🌮SATURDAY ⬇️
Saturday will feature a range of creative crafts for little ones from Mini Crafters, tasty taco offerings from Goodtimes Tacos, and more street food vendors to be announced. From 4.30pm, there will be live music from Hels Pattison, Georgia May and Soul'd Out's 7-piece band playing the best neo-soul, funk, RnB and hip-hop.

🎷SUNDAY ⬇️
On Sunday, alongside great food and crafts from the venue, visitors will be able to enjoy a lineup of live music from local up-and-coming artists from 1pm until 5pm, including Americana and blues musician Tommy Arch, rhythm and blues outfit The King Bees, and two singer songwriters from We Make Culture's Young Musician's Project.

🕜Friday 1 August, 4pm - 11pm
🕜Saturday 2 August, 12pm - 11pm
🕜Sunday 3 August, 11am - 5pm

£5 entry for over 18s - kids go free. Pay on the door.

Entry fee gets visitors repeat entry for the whole weekend with a wristband. Find out more: https://www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk/whats-on/gct-beer-festival

Big Summer Days Out 

Seaton Delaval Hall 


Seaton Delaval Hall is a lovely place to spend the day and make the most of your National Trust membership (or admssion). There's lots to keep you entertained for a full day both inside and out including a crazy upside down room, Delaval game of life and a lovely shaded playground.

There's a bus stop outside (Arriva X7 which also connects with Seaton Delaval Train Station / the Northumberland Line) making this an ideal day out by public transport 

There are no less than 5 play zones to choose from which are available to drop in daily across the summer holidays: 

🏃Delaval Dash Races, East Paddock
🎳Garden Games, Secret Garden
🏓Oval Play Zone, South East Garden
🛝Delaval Playdium Play Area, North West Woods
🥅Team Games and Haybale Scramble, South Lawn This is alongside a full programme of activities (all included with admission / membership) including circus skills on Fridays, storytelling, monster puppets, family comedy, bubble play and more. You can check the full programme of activities here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/seaton-delaval-hall/visiting-seaton-delaval-with-family
Whitehouse Farm



A day at Whitehouse Farm always puts a big smile on my face. There's LOADS to do both inside and out plus lots of extra activities across the holidays too including magic shows, character meet & greets, dinosaurs and themed weekends. Check their FB page to see what's on: https://www.facebook.com/whitehousefarm
Whitehouse Farm is super accessible - the staff in the cafe will happily blend food for peg feeding, there are three sensory rooms which are available to anyone who needs them no questions asked and there's a changing places bathroom on site (plus lots more!)

Everything below is included with admission.
Daily activities include:
🐰Small animal handling
🐍Critter encounters
🦉Bird of prey display
🐐Groom a goat
🪱Meerkat talk and feed
🚜Tractor rides
Play options include:
🐷Adventure Playground
🐷Tobbogan slide
🐷Bouncy Pillows
🐷Trampolines
🐷Pedal Tractors
🐷Go-carts
🐷HUGE softplay

Did you know, the 436 bus (Morpeth) stops outside the farm?

Find out more and book your ticket: https://www.whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk/


Kids Fun Zone at Ridley Park 



The popular Kids Fun Zone will be returning to Ridley Park, Blyth from 18 - 27 July. Open daily from 11am, it's easy to get to by bus or car (free car park onsite). 

No need to book ahead, there's a range of pay-as-you-go activities on offer including:
🎠 fun rides
🫶🏻 giant bouncy castles
🥥 game stalls
🍄 soft play
🎨 face painting

This runs alongside a whole host of FREE fun and surprises on selected dates including:
🦕 dinosaur visits
🫧 foam parties
🐶 character / mascot appearances and more

Keep an eye on the Carnival Rides Facebook page for timings: https://www.facebook.com/carnivaridesuk

And don't forget, Ridley Park is home to two lovely enclosed playgrounds, picnic tables, public toilets, a nice cafe and splash pad (don't forget a change of clothes!). Dogs on leads welcome in the park. 

National Trust North East 



With National Trust membership, it's easy to enjoy a different day out for every day of the summer holidays. There's lots of fun planned for all ages. Here's a little peek at what's on offer: 

🏃‍♀️A whole host of family walks (with cafes and playgrounds too)
🌞Big days out at Cragside, Gibside, Seaton Delaval Hall or Wallington
🏰A chance to go on a real adventure with a visit to Lindisfarne Castle (check tides) or Crook Hall Gardens
🦅Get back to nature and visit the Farne Islands
🏛Trace the steps of Romans with a walk along Hadrian's Wall
🌧Lots of rainy day options including Wallington House, the Upside Down Room at Seaton Delaval House, the Critter Trail at Cragside, Ormesby Hall Train Sets and Souter Lighthouse
🎳A Jam Packed Summer of Play with lots of activities planned for every day of the Summer Holidays across multiple sites
🍄Brilliant outdoor play areas including 4 play areas at Wallington and the Strawberry Castle Play Area at Gibside. Cragside, Ormesby Hall and Seaton Delaval Hall have their own playgrounds too
🚐Take a day trip and use your National Trust membership to visit somewhere elsewhere in the UK. How about Fountains Abbey or Belton House with it's HUGE play area?

Don't forget, you can use National Trust membership to access Dunstanburgh Castle and Housesteads Roman Fort too thanks to reciprical arrangements. 

Start planning your summer holidays & check what's on here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/family-friendly



Summer Holidays at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal 



Did you know, Fountains Abbey is less than a 90 minute drive from Newcastle? It's nice and easy too (straight down the A1). If you're a National Trust member, why not make the most of your membership and plan a day trip this summer? 

🎪 Circus Tents will be available on the games field every day and filled with activities and ball games (plus space hopper racing!) 
🎪 Every Tuesday you can take part in a 2 hour circus skills workshop and learn skills including plate spinning and juggling 
🧸 There's a Teddy Bear Zip Wire through the woods on 6 and 27 August (you need to book a free place for your teddy)
🍏 Environmental Craft Workshops take place from 28 July - 1 August 
🐝 Buzzy Bees and Stuggling Streams Theatre Performances (23 July / 20 Aug) 
🎷 Live Jazz Music on 30 Aug 
  
Plus family tours, a fab adventure playground, water garden, deer park and more to explore. 

Find out more and check out other family days out in Yorkshire with your National Trust membership here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/family-friendly


Tales from the Rails at Beamish Museum 

Credit : Beamish

Calling all railway and train fans........ 

This summer, Beamish is celebrating 200 years of railway and exploring the importance of railway throughout different time periods in history, with a focus on a different time period each week!

As always, activities are included with a Beamish Unlimited Pass or Friends of Beamish membership. Pay once and visit free for a year!


Here's a little peek at the time periods Beamish will be showcasing. Expect lots of themed activities relating to both our railways and these time periods across the summer. 

🚂 Week 1 – Early Development of Railways (19th – 27th July 2025)
🚂 Week 2 – Emigration (28th July – 3rd August 2025)
🚂 Week 3 – Suffragettes (4th – 10th August 2025)
🚂 Week 4 – The General Strike (11th – 17th August 2025)
🚂 Week 5 – Evacuees (18th – 24th August 2025)
🚂 Week 6 – Cup Finals (25th August – 1st September 2025)

Find out more: https://www.beamish.org.uk/events/tales-from-the-rails/

Farmyard Fun Zone at Brocksbushes Farm 


The Farmyard Fun Zone returns to Brocksbushes Farm in Northumberland this summer and is open daily from 1 - 17 August.

Sessions last 2 hours (10:30am/ 12:30pm/ 2:30pm) and include UNLIMITED rides, trampolines, garden games and inflatables across your session. 

A brilliant way for kids to let off steam. 

This event is aimed at children under the ages 2-10 years however all ages are welcome (just note that not all activities will be suitable). Prices are £5.99 per participating toddler & £11.99 per child. 

Find out more and book your session: https://www.brocksbushes.co.uk/pages/farmyard-fun-zone



Science at Life 



Visitors can enjoy a bumper day of Summer fun when they visit Life Science Centre. There is SO much included with your admission and you can come and go across the day as you please. 

Summer highlights: 
  • New Interactive Lightbox
  • Challenge your family with Sneaky Feet Corridor 
  • Enter a Tornado
  • NEW Dome Show Life: The Greatest Story (which asks, is there life elsewhere in the Universe?)
  • Live Science Shows featuring the best experiments from the past 25 years 
  • Be a Real Scientist in Experiment Zone (7+)
  • WOW Zone 
  • Enter the Space Zone and walk through a mock Space Station & Space Command Centre 
  • Under 7s Play Zone 
  • Get Creative under Gaia 
  • Test your Brain in the Brain Zone
  • Get Creative with the Giant LEGO Wall & Making Studios 
  • Pop Into the Infinity Room 
  • Planetarium Shows 

All included with your centre ticket! There's a cafe and an indoor packed lunch space. Facilities are excellent with lockers, changing places toilets, ear defenders and more available. 

Book your ticket: https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/summer-of-fun/ 




Half Price Flamingo Land Tickets 


🙌 Grab yours now before they sell out
🙌 Can be used this weekend, can be saved for later in the school school holidays as a treat or on any day that the park is open until 2 Nov
You can expect Parrot Shows, Pirate Shows, Peter Rabbit Meet & Greets, Over 10 Animal & Keeper Talks across the day (including Tigers, Baboons, Black Rhinos and the famous Flamingos), over 30 thrilling and fun rides for the whole family, Splish Splosh Water Play Area & more. There's loads going on!
You can find out more about this deal and get the offer here:
Need to know:
👏 Includes Summer holidays dates - it's super easy to book online. You can buy the half price tickets now and book at a later date if you don't know your plans or want to wait to see what the weather is like or you can use them straight away - the choice is yours!
✅Suitable for 4 people aged 4+, this deal is perfect to enjoy this weekend or save as an end of term / school holiday treat. Booking is nice and simple, just follow the instructions in the link.



Toon Tour 



Did you know there's an Open Top Bus Tour that takes you around Newcastle? It runs daily across the Summer Holidays and you can hop on and off across the day - ideal for travelling to Ouseburn (it stops outside Ouseburn Farm / Seven Stories) , BALTIC and more. You'll learn a thing or two and whizz both over and under the Tyne Bridge. 

Check out our video review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJrSiHFMSfb/

Timetables can be viewed here: https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/toontour

Other Ideas 

  • Check out ML7 next to Fenwick on Northumberland Street, Newcastle. Just drop in and buy a gaming card for £10 then use it to play unlimited arcades, games, pool, air hockey and duck pin bowling for an hour. Under 18s accompanied by an adult are welcome before 7pm. Open daily from 11am. 











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