What's On in the North East for Kids & Teens : August Daily Planner

Ad  - This post was published in July 2026 and contains adverts. As always, please check details with venues direct before heading out as info can change and cancellations are possible. You can do that by clicking the links in this post. 





Here are some posts you may find useful over the coming months: 


FREE Trails for August


Kids Eat Free / For £1 Deals 


Let me know if you spot any other independent restaurants / cafes / pubs offering deals this summer. Please check t&cs with each venue - especially regarding the times / dates these offers are valid. 



Sat 1 August - North of Tyne

(ad) TOP PICK - Gosforth Civic Theatre Beer Festival (31 July - 2 August) 


Gosforth Civic Theatre Beer Festival is BACK this Weekend (31 July - 2 August). Here's all you need to know: 
- £8 entry on the door for over 18s (includes a wristband for weekend entry and reusable branded glass you can keep) 
- Under 18s go free 
- Dog friendly 
- Loads of beer, not-beer and low/no alcohol drinks to try 
- Saturday features live music, family crafts & Meat:Stack 
- Sunday includes chilled vibes, a gaming pop up and food from the GCT kitchen 

Sat 1 August - South of Tyne 

(ad) TOP PICK - Bounce Extreme at Hardwick Hall Grounds (1 & 2 August) 


🙌 Enjoy 2 Hours of UNLIMITED Inflatables & Kids Rides
📆 Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd August
☀️This has the be the ULTIMATE Summer Holiday Activity for Kids Under 14
📍 Hardwick Hall Grounds (TS21 2EH)
🎟️ £15 per child for an UNLIMITED 2 hour fun session (under 14s)
❌ No tickets are required for adults - adults are not permitted to use attractions unless assisting
⌚ Three sessions per day - 10am, 12noon and 2pm
Brought to you by Dunes Event Group. Book your tickets here: www.duneseventgroup.com

Sun 2 August - North of Tyne 

(ad) NEW Things That Go at Discovery Museum (1 Aug - 28 Feb 2027) 


A BRAND NEW exhibition for little ones opens at Discovery Museum on 1 August. It's FREE and you don't need to book ahead. Expect an interactive exhibition with plenty of transport themed fun including a full size Lumo play train, a magnetic transport play wall, a transport play table and story corner. Fantastic! This runs alongside the already popular Tiny Tyneside play area and Science Maze. 

(ad) TOP PICK: Ridley Park Fun Zone in Blyth is BACK 



Ridley park Fun Zone is BACK in Blyth. It's FREE entry with FREE daily entertainment plus pay as you go children's rides, stalls and inflatables. Check out Carnival Ride's FB page for discount vouchers and the entertainment line up. 

Sun 2 August  - South of Tyne 

(ad) TOP PICK - Bents Park Live (Judge Jules, Ultrabeat & Phats and Smalls) 


The final Bents Park Live of the summer is not to be missed! Join Judge Jules live on the decks with a 10 piece band playing the very best Ibiza anthems. The Judge is supported by Phats & Smalls, Ultrabeat and Sweet Female Attitude. Tickets are a BARGAIN and priced between £2.50 and £5.50 each. Under 11s go free. 


(ad) TOP PICK - Teddy Bear's Picnic at Preston Park Museum 

The annual Teddy Bear's picnic returns to Preston Park & there's LOADS of fun planned across the day - all included with admission / annual pass. Activities include: 
- A Teddy Bear Hospital 
- Bear Crafts 
- A Teddy Bear Silent Disco 
- Library Bus 
- Teddy Bear Dress Up 
- Bring a Picnic to enjoy in the Orchard (or the cafe will be open)

Mon 3 August - North of Tyne 

(ad) TOP PICK - Summer of Play at Alnwick Garden (daily until 30 August) 


Did you know, up to 4 children go FREE with every adult ticket at Alwnick Garden? They have lots of fun planned this summer with plenty to fill a full day. Expect giant water pistol battles, outdoor games on the lawn, tractor races and more. 


Mon 3 August - South of Tyne 

(ad) SPOTLIGHT EVENT - Happy Rooms (27 July - 30 August) 



Happy Rooms return to Middlesbrough this Summer. Expect 12 immersive rooms / experiences which will leave you feeling happy! Suitable for all ages, there will be all sorts from rooms filled with confetti to a silent disco, a mini golf experience, giant light installations, creative activities and a few surprises along the way too. It's lovely and chilled with no pressure and you can take part in as much (or little) as you like. Tickets are available from just £4.50. 


Tues 4 August - North of Tyne 

(ad) TOP PICK : Make & Muse Family Craft Tour at Laing Art Gallery (4/6/11/13/18 August)



Make & Muse Family Crafting Tours at Laing Art Gallery are the perfect way to explore and engage with a gallery with children. Taking place on selected Tuesdays and Thursdays in August, tickets are £7 per child (and include one free adult).

Each session has a different theme and in each 2 hour sessions, families will learn more about the gallery's collection and then get hands on with a themed craft inspired by the gallery. A lovely way to spend a few hours together Best suited to families with 7-12 year olds. 

(ad) TOP PICK : Annie at Newcastle Theatre Royal 


The Smash West-End Hit Production of Annie is playing at Newcastle Theatre Royal from 4-8 August. Starring Claire Sweeney as Miss Hannigan, you can expect an award-winning score including It's The Hard Knock Life, Tomorrow and Easy Street. Tickets are available to book now from £23. 

Tues 4 August - South of Tyne 

(ad) TOP PICK: Family Crafting at Shipley Art Gallery (4/18/25 August)


Shipley Art Gallery is hosting relaxed family crafts on Tuesdays across the summer holidays. There's a different theme each week and tickets are £3 per child. There's also a free-to-use chill out / sensory room if you need somewhere to relax. Themes include: 

4 August - Moving Cardboard Puppet Making 
18 August - Patterned Pinch Pot Making 
25 August - Artstraw Sculptures 


Wed 5 August - North of Tyne

(ad) SPOTLIGHT EVENT - Kids Go Free & Wild Wednesdays at Woodhorn Museum 



Wild Wednesdays take place at Woodhorn every Wednesday across the Summer Holidays. No booking required and FREE for under 18s (adult admission charge applies). Visitors are invited to join in with a range of wild activities including bug hunts, bug themed crafts, sensory garden walks and Woodhorn's Wild Trail. Pet dogs are welcome on leads in the grounds and outbuildings. 

Wed 5 August - South of Tyne 

TOP PICK (ad) Step Into Stories at Beamish Museum



I absolutely LOVE this idea!
This summer, Beamish has planned 6 mini adventures around their museum. Choose your own adventure, pick up a trail and get started. The trail will allow you to journey through Beamish from the perspective of a person from the past.
Adventures include:
⏳ TIME TRAVELLING TRANPORT
⏳ SCHOOL'S OUT IN THE 1900s PIT VILLAGE
⏳ DEAR EVACUEE AT THE 1940s FARM
⏳ DIARY OF A 50s KID
⏳ THE SINGING HINNY AND THE LOST RECIPE
⏳ 1820s POCKERLEY
You can complete all adventures on one visit (if you're keen!), complete one adventure and then explore the rest of the museum at your leisure or visit a few times and try a different adventure on each visit.
Included with admission / Beamish Unlimited Pass between 18 July & 31 August - simply ask for your adventure trail sheet on arrival


Thurs 6 August - North of Tyne 


(ad) TOP PICK - GCT Gaming Summer Slam at Gosforth Civic Theatre 

These drop off sessions are £35 per day and perfect for kids who love gaming. There will be all sorts of consoles on offer from NES and PS5 to Switch and VRs. They'll be popping Smash Bros up on the screen for a mini tournament too. 

Thursday is for 6-11 year olds and Friday is for 12-18 year olds. 

Thurs 6 August - South of Tyne 


Fri 7 August - North of Tyne 

(ad) TOP PICK : FREE Novum Festival (7-9 August) 


NOVUM is taking over Newcastle City Centre this weekend with loads of FREE (and low cost) family fun taking place. Expect a giant domino run through the city, a bird rave, silent discos, magic portals, free festival face painting, walkabout entertainers, music, comedy, dance, storytelling and more. It's going to be EPIC! You can check the full programme & plan your weekend here: https://novumnewcastle.com/whats-on/

Fri 7 August - South of Tyne 


Sat 8 August - North of Tyne 

(ad) TOP PICK : Teach Rex Live at Gosforth Civic Theatre 


Teach Rex Live is a super popular interactive show with dinosaurs (receiving over 4000 5* reviews). Audiences young and old will learn more about dinos alongside effects, music and realistic dinosaurs (including dino babies). The 1 hour show will be followed by a Dino Dance experience where the audience can dance alongside the dinosaurs and have their photo taken too. Tickets are £12. 


Sat 8 August - South of Tyne 

(ad) TOP PICK : FREE Entry Kids Fest at Baltic (8 & 9 August) 


FREE ENTRY KIDS FEST at BALTIC SQUARE, GATESHEAD
🗓️ Sat 8th & Sun 9th August 12noon - 4pm
💕 FREE Entertainment Tributes including K-Pop Demon Hunters, Ms Rachel, Bluey, Stitch, Ms Rachel, Superheroes & Princesses
📷 Meet & Greet Opportunites
📍 Baltic Square is just outside BALTIC / across the Millenium Bridge. Parking is available on Gateshead Quays / at Baltic.
Book your FREE tickets here: www.duneseventgroup.com
+ Enjoy Food Stalls, Local Coffee & Kids Rides on a pay-as-you-go basis

Sun 9 August - North of Tyne 


(ad) TOP PICK :   Wild West / Toy Story Inspired Long Weekend at Whitehouse Farm with Character Meet & Greets, Gold Rush Scavenger Hunt, Sherrif Training Course, Wild West Bingo, Western Themed Dance Party & Foam Party Finale (bring a change of clothes) plus all of the usual farm fun. 

Sun 9 August - South of Tyne 

(ad) SPOTLIGHT EVENT - The Storied Lands (18 July - 12 Sept, closed Mondays) 



The Storied Lands is a brand new daytime live action day park in Bishop Auckland featuring a journey through time via a series of immersive performances and experiences.

It is honeslty INCREDIBLE and a fantastic day out for children, teens and adults. Find out more and read our full review here: https://www.northeastfamilyfun.co.uk/2026/07/the-storied-lands-review-tips.html


(ad) TOP PICK : FREE Game On at The Glasshouse 


Drop into the concourse at The Glasshouse and join in with a FREE Game On Day for families. There's lots to get involved with including arcade games, lego stations and board games and it's all set to a lively playlist. Drop in between 10am and 3pm - all ages welcome. This is PERFECT to combine with a trip to the Quayside Market. 


Mon 10 August - North of Tyne 

(ad) TOP PICK : Little Artists + at Laing Art Gallery (7 & 10 August) 


Little Artist+ sessions take place across school holidays at Laing Art Gallery. Aimed at children aged 1-5 years (with accompanying siblings up to age 7 welcome), each session begins with movement and motion, gallery exploration and fun activities and is followed with an age-appropriate art activity with all materials supplied.

Your session concludes with a snack and storytime which is included in the price (£6 per child with one accompanying adult). 


Mon 10 August - South of Tyne 

(ad) TOP PICK : Half Price Flamingo Land Tickets 


(ad) Book HALF PRICE tickets to Flamingo Land using this exclusive link. Passes can be used for any park opening date in 2026.

Make sure you sign up to the Great Days Out website first to receive a code for an additional 10% discount: https://www.great-days-out.co.uk/flamingo-land-north-yorkshire/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=blog&utm_term=&utm_content=nefamilyfun



Tues 11 August - North of Tyne 

(ad) TOP PICK : Paper Aeroplane Family Challenge at Discovery Museum 

Discovery Museum is hosting 1 hour sessions today where you can get together with friends and family and work as a team to build the best paper aeroplane. Once your build is complete, challenge other families to see which will go the furthest.

You can also build and decorate your own glider to take home. Tickets are low cost at just £2.50 per child and there are three sessions to choose from across the day. 


Tues 11 August - South of Tyne 

(ad) TOP PICK: FREE Explore & Draw at Shipley Art Gallery (11/18/25 August) 


These sessions are designed to be enjoyed at your own pace and are perfect for families with children who prefer freeflow activities. Pick up a special drawing card and explore the gallery following the prompts and then pick a spot to get comfy and create your own drawing. There's a dedicated sensory space / quiet room if you'd prefer to relax in here. 

Wed 12 August - North of Tyne

(ad) A Summer of Play at Wallington 


A Summer of Play returns to Wallington and there's a different activity to try each day - all included with National Trust membership or admission. There's something for everyone from soft archery and table top games to sound baths and creative art. Why not plan a couple of visits over the summer? 


Wed 12 August - South of Tyne

(ad) SPOTLIGHT EXHIBITION - Matisse: Drawing with Scissors at Preston Park Museum (until 15 October) 


This brand new colourful exhibition is available to enjoy daily at Preston Park Museum and is included with your museum pass or admission. Expect over 30 striking prints of Matisse's works, an interactive museum trail (£1) and drop in craft activities which have been inspired by the exhibition. 


(ad) TOP PICK : Little Groovers Summer Shakedown at The Glasshouse 


Think raving, but at a sensible hour and with your kids. Little Groovers Summer Shakedown takes place on The Glasshouse Concourse and features live DJs, Bubbles, Glow Sticks and lots of chances to throw some shapes, burn off some energy, release your silly side and have fun making memories together. Best suited to families with children under 9 years old. Tickets start at £5. 

Thurs 13 August - North of Tyne

(ad) TOP PICK - Lililympics at Lilidorei (daily until 31 August) 


The third annual Lililympics are taking place at Lilidorei this summer. Select a clan to represent and take on challenges in four categories - throwing / balance / performance / everyone can join in. You can try some of your favourite games including spoon races and axe throwing. All abilities and ages are welcome. 

Thurs 13 August - South of Tyne

(ad) TOP PICK - £31 Family Water Park Ticket 



Fancy a day at a waterpark? The Great Days Out website is currently running a deal for 50% off entry to Alpamare Water Park in Scarborough. Valid for any date before 1 September. With both indoor and outdoor pools, it's the perfect all-weather attraction for summer.

A half price family ticket is just £31 using this link but if and sign up to the Great Days Out newsletter, you will receive a code for an additional 10% discount. Bargain! Sign up and get the deal here: https://www.great-days-out.co.uk/alpamare-water-park-in-scarborough/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_term=&utm_content=nefamilyfun



Fri 14 August - North of Tyne


(ad) TOP PICK : Out of this World Weekend at Whitehouse Farm (14 - 17 August). Meet Angel & Stitch, Fancy Dress Alien Parade, Dinosaur Dance Party & Foam Party Finale (bring a change of clothes) plus all of the usual farmyard fun. 

 

Fri 14 August - South of Tyne



Sat 15 August - North of Tyne 

(ad) TOP PICK: Alnwick Garden Show Weekend 15 & 16 August 


This weekend sounds absolutely fantastic with welly wanging and traditional fete games on the lawn, rides, inflatables and community performers. 

On Saturday you can enter all sorts of competitions - best single rose in a vase, the scariest looking plant, best bouquet including weeds, heaviest potato, best victoria sandwich cake and kids competitions too including the best decorated biscuit celebrating 25 years of Alnwick Garden. 

And on Sunday, there's a dog show with lots of different categories. 

Remember, up to 4 children go free with every adult ticket. 


Sat 15 August - South of Tyne

(ad) SPOTLIGHT EVENT - Kynren (selected Friday & Saturday evenings)


Taking place on selected Friday and Saturday evenings this summer, Kynren is a spectacle that will not disappoint. This 90 minute spectacular journey through history features everything from Winston Churchill to Vikings and Bouddica and to modern day Britain. Expect epic stunts, incredible pyrotechnics and immersive story telling like you've never seen before. Standard tickets start at £20 child /£30 adult. 

Sun 16 August - North of Tyne

(ad) Spotlight Event - Summer of Play at Seaton Delaval Hall (daily until 31 August) 


Seaton Delaval Hall is the place to be this summer. There is SO much going on and with different activities each week, you can really make the most of your membership and visit more than once. No less than 7 play zones are open daily with fun activities including lawn games, hobby horse racing and music making with the junk orchestra.

This is complimented by an ever changing schedule of additional activities including storytelling, circus performances, bubble play, family comedy, puppets, crafts, gardening activities, theatre and more. If you're looking for somewhere to curb summer holiday boredom, this is the place. 


Sun 16 August - South of Tyne

(ad) TOP PICK: Tropical Bird Show 

Mon 17 August - North of Tyne


(ad) TOP PICK : FREE LEGO and K'Next Building at Discovery Museum 

Drop into these FREE sessions at Discovery Museum across the day. Today's theme is 'Build a Better Future'. Can you use Lego or K'Next to create and invention which helps our environment? 


Mon 17 August - South of Tyne


Tues 18 August - North of Tyne

(ad) TOP PICK : Get Creative Summer School at Gosforth Civic Theatre (18 - 21 August) 


Gosforth Civic Theate is hosting creative dance workshops for 7- 16 year olds this week. It's a drop off activity and there's a different theme each day. Tickets are £42 for one day or £140 for a 4 day block booking. 
  • Tuesday - Street Dance Day 
  • Wednesday - Musical Theatre Day 
  • Thursday - Pop Day 
  • Friday - Get Creative Day 

Tues 18 August - South of Tyne


Wed 19 August - North of Tyne


(ad) TOP PICK : Discover a Story (Clean Up) Storytime & Crafts for 3-5 year olds at Discovery Museum 

Discover a Story is a regular event taking place at Discovery Museum with a different storytime followed by simple play activities and a craft each week. Tickets are just £3.50 per child (accompanying adults and babies go free) and you can explore the other areas in the museum for little ones afterwards including the new Things That Go area, Tiny Tyneside and the Under 5s Science Maze. 


Wed 19 August - South of Tyne


Thurs 20 August - North of Tyne


(ad) TOP PICK : FREE Time Travel Club at Discovery Museum (20 & 27 August) 

Join in with FREE crafts and activities inspired by The National Archives. Today's theme (20 August) is from Steam Power to Green Power and next Thursday (27 August) it's Crack the Code. 

There are 7 sessions across the day to choose from and it's most suitable for ages 6+. 


Thurs 20 August - South of Tyne


Fri 21 August - North of Tyne 


(ad) TOP PICK - Super Mario Inspired Weekend Adventure at Whitehouse Farm (21 - 24 August). Character Meet & Greets, Dinosaur Dance Party & Foam Party Finale (bring a change of clothes) plus all of the usual farmyard fun  


Fri 21 August - South of Tyne


Sat 22 August - North of Tyne

(ad) TOP PICK : KIDS GO FREE Hexham Gaol Break & Mannacle Making at Hexham Old Gaol 



Hexham Gaol is a fab place to visit. You can learn all about crime and punishment through the years using interactive displays (including a guess the punishment for the crime game) and there's a lovely chilled play room for younger kids with dress up, games and books. 

Under 18s always go free and activities are all included. Over the summer you can make your own mannacles and try the Escape the Gaol quest. Dogs are welcome throughout the museum (please keep on a lead) and you can combine with a visit to Sele and/or Tyne Green Park which are both fab. 


Sat 22 August - South of Tyne

(ad) TOP PICK : FREE Between the Tides Festival (22 & 23 August) 



Between the TIdes is a fun and immersive FREE family festival taking place at Kirkleatham this weekend. Expect LOADS of fun included from a giant foam party and interactive chalk walk to live music, walkabout acts and theatrical circus! Check out the full programme here: https://redcarcleveland.co.uk/enjoy/between-the-tides-festival/

Sun 23 August - North of Tyne

(ad) SPOTLIGHT EVENT : Dinosaur Escape at Science at Life (daily) 




Sun 23 August - South of Tyne


Mon 24 August - North of Tyne

Mon 24 August - South of Tyne


Tues 25 August - North of Tyne


(ad) TOP PICK - Wild 2 Life at Great North Museum (25/26/27/28 August)

Some of the world's most amazing animals are stepping out of the galleries and onto the stage at Great North Museum this August. Meet a playful baby elephant, a curious orangutan and a mighty brown bear during a 30 minute interactive Wild 2 Life Show.

You can meet & greet the animals and have your photo taken after the show. Recommended for ages 2-10 years but all are welcome. A relaxed performance is available. Tickets are £11/£12


Tues 25 August - South of Tyne

Wed 26 August - North of Tyne


Wed 26 August - South of Tyne


Thurs 27 August - North of Tyne

Thurs 27 August - South of Tyne


Fri 28 August - North of Tyne


(ad) TOP PICK- Wild West / Toy Story Inspired Long Weekend at Whitehouse Farm (28-31 August) with Character Meet & Greets, Gold Rush Scavenger Hunt, Sherrif Training Course, Wild West Bingo, Western Themed Dance Party & Foam Party Finale (bring a change of clothes) plus all of the usual farm fun. 



Fri 28 August - South of Tyne


Sat 29 August - North of Tyne

(ad) TOP PICK: Alnwick Garden Fun Weekend (29-31 August)
 


Alnwick Garden is hosting a big family fun weekend this Bank Holiday and there's loads going on including rides, inflatables, water pistols battles, outdoor games and more. Pet dogs on leads are welcome to join you on Sunday AND up to four children go free with every adult ticket. 





Sat 29 August - South of Tyne

(ad) TOP PICK : Slient Disco Little Groovers at The Glasshouse 


End Summer in Style with this epic family silent disco at The Glasshouse. Featuring panoramic floor to ceiling windows with cracking views of the Tyne, bubbles, glow sticks and three channels to choose from (including 90s classics and family favourites), this event is perfect for families with children under 9 years old. Tickets start at £10 and under 1s go free. 


Sun 30 August - North of Tyne


(ad) TOP PICK : Aardman in Concert at Newcastle City Hall 


Celebrate 50 years of Aardman with this super special concert at Newcastle City Hall. Sit back and enjoy much-loved moments from Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Timmy Time alongside a full screening of The Wrong Trousers accompanied by a live orchestra. Iconic! You can even meet Wallace & Gromit and have your photo taken after the show. The musicians will be happy to chat too. Recommended for ages 3 - 103. 

Sun 30 August - South of Tyne

Mon 31 August - North of Tyne 


(ad) TOP PICK - Bubble Play at Seaton Delaval Hall 

See the summer holidays out in style with a day dedicated to Bubble Play at Seaton Delaval Hall. Expect lots of giant bubbles to fill the sky. Some of them will even dance! You'll also find 7 play zones, a lush Brewhouse Cafe and the epic Upside Down Room to explore. Included with NT membership / admission and under 5s go free. No booking required. 


Mon 31 August - South of Tyne 





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