Schools out for the summer!
Spending the summer holidays in Newcastle offers a delightful blend of vibrant city life, rich history, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, a foodie, or an outdoor adventurer, Newcastle has something for everyone. From exploring the Quayside and historic castles to relaxing on pristine beaches and savoring delicious local cuisine, Newcastle promises an unforgettable summer experience.
Dive into its lively arts scene, enjoy picturesque walks in the city's parks, and discover the warmth and hospitality of the Geordie spirit as you make the most of your summer holidays in Newcastle with all the family.
Read on to discover things to do with kids in Newcastle during the school summer holidays.
Family Fun at BALTIC
Fancy starting your day with a cereal disco in the school holidays? Join BALTIC for breakfast and a boogie in Front Room available every morning Wednesday - Sunday for the Summer holidays (20 July - 1 Sept). The Cereal Discos are free to drop in and are on from 9:30am until 11am. After you have fueled up, head to one of the many activities that take place throughout the week. On Wednesdays you can take part in Wonder and Wander Tours around one of the current exhibitions or you can take part in Toddler Time where under 5's can explore the world around them through imaginative play. On Sundays you can take part in the Meet and Make sessions and be inspired by BALTIC's exhibitions. Alternatively, head on a Behind the Scenes Tour on Sunday's and discover the story behind the iconic venue that is BALTIC.
Enjoy a day out at the Life Science Centre
Head to the Life Science Centre for their Summer of Fun. Families can enjoy thrilling live shows, exciting experiments, interactive exhibits and hands-on making activities. Enjoy thrilling, interactive exhibits in Wow Zone, including the 6-metre-tall ‘Big Machine’! Other highlights include Space Zone, complete with a replica of part of the International Space Station and Play Zone for under-7s.
Highlights include:
- Join the Earth Defenders in this brilliant new Planetarium show, created by the in-house team.
- Journey into the past in a new live show as we explore local inventions that changed the world.
- Join the bridge building challenge in the Making Studios.
- Be a real scientist in the Experiment Zone! Power a fan with hydrogen, and make liquids fizz, float and change colour. (Age 7+)
- Discover the 6-metre tall ‘Big Machine’ and see what sound looks like with our amazing hands-on exhibits in Wow Zone.
- Feel what it’s like to be an astronaut in Space Zone – complete with a mock-up of the International Space Station.
- Nurture your young explorers in Play Zone, a fascinating world where little ones can take the lead and set their imaginations free.
- Be amazed by Gaia, the glowing replica of Earth. Grab an easel and create your own Earth-inspired artwork.
The Great North Museum: Hancock
Another family friendly day out is a visit to The Great North Museum: Hancock. This award-winning attraction in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne is free to enter and open daily for visitors who want to explore centuries of Northern history. The Living Planet gallery spans the ground and first floor of the museum and tells the story of wildlife and habitats alongside the Hadrian's Wall gallery which enables visitors to discover the detailed history of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Investigate the evolution of telescopes, examine historical instruments and other ground-breaking discoveries, and get hands-on with interactive activities in Space Investigators. From challenging ancient beliefs to the design of future giant telescopes, delve into the science of cutting-edge cosmic exploration originating in the region, all brought to life in the Great North Museum: Hancock.
The Angel of the North
For those visiting Newcastle and Gateshead in the summer holidays, one of the must see and famous attractions in the North East is the iconic Angel of the North. Visible from far and wide, this colossal piece of public art was created in 1998 by artist Antony Gormley and his since become one of the most recognisable landmarks in the UK. A symbol of home for many locals, the Angel rises 20 metres from the ground and has a wingspan of 54 metres. Making it even more impressive, is that visitors can get close to it by walking up to the site and snapping some impressive photographs at the feet of the monument – the perfect memento from your trip.
Ouseburn Farm
For the animal lovers out there, Ouseburn Farm is a community-led project located in trendy Ouseburn Valley, just a mile from Newcastle city centre. The purpose-built barn and the farm's compact fields and meadows provide the perfect home for all manner of critters from sheep, to goats, pigs and chickens. Visitors never tire of visiting Ouseburn Farm due to its regular event schedule which includes animal petting and feeding sessions and child- friendly activities to entertain and educate during school holidays. Ouseburn Farm is free and fully accessible for both pushchairs and wheelchairs, making it an inclusive and interactive day out.
Seven Stories
Seven Stories is The National Centre for Children's Books and can be found in the heart of Newcastle's cultural quarter, the Ouseburn. The book-lover's paradise is committed to preserving British literature heritage for children and future generations and is guaranteed to spark creativity and imagination in all ages. This free experience, includes work by over 250 authors and illustrators including Enid Blyton, Philip Pullman, Robert Westall and Judith Kerr. All situated in a beautiful grade listed building, over seven storeys, it is free to enter and a perfect place to bring children for a day out. Regular events and workshops are hosted throughout the year. This year you can take part in the Shakespeare Summer Club.
Beamish: The Living Museum of the North
One of the most unique experiences in the North East is Beamish: The Living Museum of the North. Discover what life was like in North East England during Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, war time and fifties Britain. Meet knowledgeable volunteers and staff who are decked out in exceptional, historical costume and who shine a light on the stories, facts and the goings on of everyday life at locations set throughout the expansive outdoor museum. Travel by tram or old-fashioned bus from the Edwardian Town and Pit Village, complete with original drift mine to Home Farm and Pockerley Old Hall. Experience first-hand how the Industrial revolution transformed agricultural life in the region, what life was like in a North East town and the trials and tribulations of a Victorian village school. Enjoy the Summer of Fun at Beamish and take part in a diverse range of activities designed to entertain and educate visitors of all ages. Marvel at den building & baking demonstrations, take part in 1950s fun and games and enjoy 1940s farm experiences.
NE1's Summer in the City
NE1 are putting on a whole summers worth of events for you to enjoy and they are completely free! Head to Screen on the Green and watch blockbuster films, live sport and entertainment until the 1st of September. Highlights include Coco (31st July), Encanto (18th August), Frozen 2 (21st August) and much more! Join them for Toddler Takeover every Tuesday at 10:30 am featuring Julia Donaldson’s adaptations. Enjoy films, juice cartons, and picnic rugs.
Tiny Toon has landed in Old Eldon Square and is home to tiny versions of local places and businesses where kids can pretend they’re cooks at a mini-My Delhi or Olive & Bean, play grocer at Grainger Market, take to the stage at a tiny Theatre Royal and play dress-up in a mini-Eldon Square. They can even pretend they’re a train driver on a mini-Metro! Tiny Toon is on until 1st September.
Travel for free!
Don't forget that when you are out and about exploring NewcastleGateshead, Bus, Metro, and the Shields Ferry will allow free travel for up to three children aged 11 and under, when travelling with an adult with a valid ticket or concessionary pass holder during school holidays over the next year. Kids Go Free will cover the area of the North East Combined Authority – County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, and Sunderland between Saturday 20 July until Sunday 1 September 2024.
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