What's On in the North East for Kids & Teens (May 2026)

Always check with venues direct for the most up to date information before heading out as changes are possible.

Morpeth Paddling Pool opens on the last weekend in May (weather permitting)

Welcome to our guide to what's on across the North East for kids & teens this May (including half term). I'm looking forward to a full and busy month!

If you're looking for more ideas, do check out these posts:

(ad) Festival of Transport at Beamish Museum : May Half Term

The popular Festival of Transport returns to Beamish Museum this May Half Term

❌ No need to pre-book, simply drop in during normal opening hours and show or purchase your Beamish Unlimited Pass
✅ All activities are included with the Beamish Unlimited Pass

You can expect:
🚍 23-25 May will focus on buses with a range of visiting buses travelling around the museum (and you can hop aboard too) plus many static buses to admire
🚗 During the week, the museum will be celebrating all things transport related - activity information will be released soon
♨29-31 May will celebrate road and road steam vehicles with an incredible display of vehicles travelling around the museum

Find out more: https://www.beamish.org.uk/events/festival-of-transport-2026/

(ad) Discovery Museum Newcastle : Important Opening Information

As you may be aware, the Discovery Museum is currently undergoing important roof restoration work. Unfortunately, this does mean that the museum is going to have to close on selected dates across May. These are subject to change and the advice is to check direct with the museum (via their website) before heading out.

1-3 May - open
4 May - closed Bank Holiday
5-10 May - open
11-17 May - closed
18-24 May - open (subject to change)
25 May - closed Bank Holiday
26 May onwards - open as usual

May Half Term is unaffected and I will be sharing some of the fun free and low-cost activities the museum has planned soon.

(ad) What's On at Life Science Centre : May 2026

The Great Dinosaur Escape continues at Life Science Centre in Newcastle this May and is perfect for families with children of all ages looking for a full day out. There are SO many activities included with admission and as it's all indoors, you don't have to worry about and Spring showers.

Activities include:
🦕 Experience the largest collection of moving Dinosaurs in the North for a limited time only
🦕 Complete a Dino Trail around the centre and solve Dinosaur clues to crack the code
🦕 There are 25 Dinosaurs to find in total
🦕 Take your seat in The Fossil Show - a live Science Show where we learn how we can figure out how Dinosaurs sounded using fossils
🦕 Enjoy Giant Dome Shows and discover the origins of life on Earth
🦕 Create your very own Chomping Dinosaur to take home in the Making Studio

Plus explore LightBox, the Brain Zone, Experiment Zone (7+), Play Zone (under 7s) & more!

Find out more and book: https://www.life.org.uk/

(ad) The Minecraft Movie at Gosforth Civic Theatre

If you're looking for a relaxed few hours out that's easy to get to by bus, metro or car, Gosforth Civic Theatre has you covered. They're hosting a relaxed and accessible screening of The Minecraft Movie on Tuesday 26 May at 1pm and 5pm.

This is a perfect option for a get together with friends over May Half Term.

Tickets are just £6pp and can be booked here: https://www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk/whats-on/film-screening-a-minecraft-movie

I highly recommend popping into the theatre cafe before your screening for lunch / early dinner. They serve THE best toasties and are super family-friendly with kids options and a toy corner.

(ad) What's On at Woodhorn Museum & Hexham Old Gaol : May 2026

Woodhorn Museum

✅ Under 18s GO FREE
✅ An Adult Annual Pass costs £9-£11 and covers a full year of visits and activities (can be purchased on arrival)
✅ Facilities include a Pitman Playground, Cafe, Sensory Garden, Mining Museum & Heritage Buildings, Craft Hut & Galleries
🐶 Pet Dogs on leads welcome in the grounds, outbuildings and outdoor area of the cafe

May Half Term Activities (no additional cost) include visiting Birds of Prey on 27 May and drop-in Whippet themed crafts (23-31 May).

Find out more: https://www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/woodhorn/visit

Hexham Old Gaol

✅ Under 18s GO FREE
✅ An Adult Annual Pass costs £6-£8 and covers a full year of visits and activities (can be purchased on arrival)
✅ I love visiting Hexham Old Gaol! Said to be England's Oldest Gaol (dating back to 1333), you can learn more about Crime and Punishment in Northumberland from 1333 to the Victorian era. You can descend to the Dungeons, take to the stocks, try interactive quizzes, dress up and learn more about local families who liked to cause trouble!
🐶 Pet Dogs on leads welcome in all areas.

Hexham Gaol is in the heart of Hexham Town Centre so easy to combine with Tyne Green Park, Hexham Abbey, Queen's Hall Arts or the lovely independent shops and cafes nearby (the cafe next door serves up viral toasties).

May Half Term Activities (no additional cost) include notebook making on 23/24 May and 27-31 May.

Find out more: https://www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/hexhamoldgaol/visit

(ad) Top Theatre Pick for May Half Term : Tales from Acorn Wood at Northern Stage

🌳Tales from Acorn Wood - Book now for May Half Term 🌳

🌳 Expect catchy songs & charming puppetry as this adorable show (from the team behind Dear Zoo and Dear Santa) is brough to life on stage for the first time

Based on four enchanting 'lift the flap' stories by Julia Donaldson & Axel Schiffler:

🐰Rabbit's Nap

🦊Fox's Socks

🐷Hide-and-Seek Pig

🐻Postman Bear

📍 Northern Stage Newcastle - a lovely, accessible and relaxed theatre with a cafe attached (just across from Haymarket)

📆 28 - 31 May

🕛 55 minutes. All ages welcome!

Tickets available from £15.50 here: https://northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/tales-from-acorn-wood/

Make a day of it and combine with a trip to Great North Museum or the Farrell Centre which are both within easy reach.

(ad) Whitehouse Farm : Early May Bank Holiday

There's SOOOOO much fun to be had at Whitehouse Farm Centre this May Bank Holiday Weekend. The following is ALL included with admission:

Character dates:

* May 2nd 2026 – Meet the famous Mousey pair

* May 3rd 2026 – Meet the life-size toy trio!!

* May 4th 2026 – Meet Taylor Swift and Spidey inspired characters

What’s on?

* Magic Shows

* Character Meet and greets

* Bottle feed and stroke lambs

* Small animal handling

* Critter Encounters

* Groom a goat

* Meerkat talk and feeds

* Tractor rides

* Meet the Coatimundi’s

Plus – Adventure playground, softplay, go-carts, toboggan slide, bouncy pillows, pedal tractors and trampolines.

Pre-book your tickets today!

https://whitehousefarmcentre.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

(ad) Skate Island Roller Disco : Discounted Tickets

90 Minute Skating at Skate Island Newcastle Racecourse with Skate Hire, Live DJs, Dancers, Food & Drinks Stalls. Book discounted tickets available on selected dates across May (from £5.60pp) here: https://tidd.ly/4dOh2xC