Child-friendly ideas for a weekend in Newcastle

After a week of work and school, you and your family will be ready for the weekend. You check your calendar, and the Saturday and Sunday is empty. Not wanting to have the children bored over the weekend, you need to fill it with lots of fun activities to do with the kids.

With so much to do in Newcastle you might not know what is open on the weekend. Here is our helpful guide with eight child-friendly ideas for a weekend in Newcastle.

Upon your free entry to Discovery Museum, you will come face to face with Turbinia - a 34 metre steam powered ship that was once the fastest ship in the world and an iconic part of the history of Tyneside. From there you will sail away on a journey into the history of Newcastle’s maritime, scientific and technological importance.

Get your teeth into the words and pictures of the collections of books that Seven Stories hold. They are the National Centre for Children’s Books – the only place in Britain dedicated to celebrating, sharing, and protecting our rich literary heritage for children. You can now enjoy the bookshop and immerse yourself in their free exhibition on Level 4 which explores the seven story plots and showcases some amazing items from their Collection including Enid Blyton's typewriter, Gruffalo illustrations and Mog the Forgetful Cat stories.

There is so much to see and do at the Life Science Centre, with exhibitions and interactive activities for all the family. There are a variety of hands-on activities, live shows, and first-hand experiences. Be wowed by Gaia – a great, glowing replica of planet Earth and explore the Play Zone for under-sevens.

Dust off your helmet and refuel your rocket as your blast off to Mr Mulligan’s Space Golf. Located on Newgate Street, there are three epic space-themed adventure golf courses to test astronauts of all ages.

Get a behind the scenes tour of The Toon as Newcastle United open up St James’ Park. Book the classic tour that captures the rich history of the club. Feel like part of the team as you walk down the tunnel and sit in your favourite player’s seat in the home dressing room. You will also be taken to one of the highest points of the stadium where you will hear the roar of the crowd as you are led out to the Magpie’s view of St. James’ Park.

You can find Canny Crafty on Salters Road, Gosforth. Open all day, every day -parents and children can visit the pottery studio and select mugs, plates, and fun figurines. All you need to do is pick up a brush and start painting your pottery. Once you have finished your craft, it will be glazed and fired onside in the creative studio, ready to collect or post within 10 days.

Find your next adventure in the North East with IIes Tours. The expert tour guide takes you on a journey into the fascinating stories that have shaped England's unique history, people, and culture for over 2,000 years and are still unfolding today. You'll have fun, learn new things and come away with a great story to tell after you have experienced a guided tour by Iles Tours.