Family-Friendly Things to Do at Easter

Spring has returned and the Easter holidays are on the horizon! There are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep children busy in NewcastleGateshead, from hands-on workshops and craft sessions to fun Easter egg hunts, indoor sculpture trails, creative markets and even tasty foodie events. Families looking for things to do during the school holidays will also be pleased to hear that there's a great range of free events taking place too.

Read on for our full roundup of the best events and plenty of ideas to keep your kids busy and happy this Easter in NewcastleGateshead…

Life Science Centre

Mini scientists can enjoy a day out at Life this Easter where there are many 'egg-cellent' events taking place. Find out what a real dinosaur might have sounded like in The Dino Show, follow the trail around the centre and hunt down the dinosaur escapees and even discover how fossils help us learn about life in the prehistoric times and so much more. Plus, get hands-on with multi-sensory exhibits including light play, dramatic demonstrations controlled by you and the ‘Big Machine’ which stands over six metres tall! Other highlights include the Play Zone for the little ones where you can cross bridges over the River Tyne and spot the famous landmarks, including the Angel of the North. Find out more here.

Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art

Have an art filled day out this Easter and explore Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. Get creative with the little ones and take part in a number of free family friendly events. On 3rd April you can join in with Pedal & Play and navigate a cone course, practise your skills, and enjoy activities designed for the whole family. On 11th April there will be a free artist-led workshop with Megan Randall as part of the Spring Welcome programme, perfect for families with children ages 5-12. On Wednesday 15th April join in the TimbaTime Storytime sessions, A joyful, accessible storytime by TimbaDash Theatre for children and young people with learning disabilities. Find out more here.

Beamish Museum

With its authentic period buildings, working farms, vintage trams, and costumed characters, Beamish provides an immersive experience that allows visitors to take a step back in time. From wandering through the cobbled streets of the Edwardian town to exploring the bustling shops of the 1940s, Beamish offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of people in the past. There will be traditional Easter themed events taking place from Friday 3rd - Sunday 19th April. Beamish is hosting a whole weekend of Easter celebrations, travel back in time and discover how this event was celebrated in the 1820's and throughout the 1900's. Enjoy delicious Easter treats fresh from the past, such as traditional fish and chips from Davy's or Middleton's chip shops or treat yourself to baked goods from Joseph Herron's Bakery and the vintage tea rooms. Find out more here.

Shipley Art Gallery

Take part in Easter family crafts at Shipley Art Gallery, this Easter holiday as families can get creative with two spring-inspired craft workshops designed to celebrate the season in style. On Tuesday 7th April, families can make their own beautiful vase of flowers using cardboard and paper. On Tuesday 14th April, you can design a super springtime hat or Easter bonnet, using paper, card and a variety of stick-on decorations the little ones can create a unique and eye-catching masterpiece. Find out more here.

Gibside 

Celebrate the joys of spring with a family adventure at Gibside. Wander along the scenic Avenue, explore the beautiful Walled Garden, and follow the Easter Egg Hunt trail as it leads you to ten fun activity stations designed for all ages. The trail runs from Saturday 28th March to Tuesday 7th April, between 10am and 3pm and for £3.50 per trail, little explorers will receive an Easter trail sheet, a pair of adorable bunny ears, and a chocolate egg to take home, a nice sweet treat to round off a day of adventure. Find out more here.

Stephenson Steam Railway

Climb aboard for a magical Easter adventure and join the Easter Bunny for a special ride on the Easter Eggspress. On Sunday 5th and Monday 6th April, families can follow a fun Easter trail around the museum, searching for clues and completing the route to earn a tasty chocolate egg waiting at the end. The train departs at: 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm. Alongside the trail, little visitors can get creative with free craft activities, including the chance to design and make their own Easter mask. Prices start at £9 per adult, or family tickets are available for £23. Find out more here.

Belsay Castle, Hall and Gardens

Head to Belsay Castle, Hall and Gardens a family-friendly adventure quest for little explorers. On Saturday 28th March - Sunday 19th April at 10am, take part in the fantastic Easter Quest where you can follow the Easter trail together, hunt for hidden eggs, and answer fun questions along the way, all leading to a well-earned chocolate treat at the finish line. Priced at £2 per child, there’s no need to book ahead, simply arrive, pay on the day, and set off on your Easter adventure. Find out more here.

Great North Museum: Hancock

Big Beasts, Little Beasts at Great North Museum: Hancock, invites families to explore the museum in a fun and interactive way. Until 2nd April, follow the trail through the galleries, discover fascinating exhibits, and take part in engaging activities along the way, with the chance to win a prize or two. Be sure to pick up your free trail sheet from the welcome desk before you start your adventure. It’s a great way for little explorers to learn, play, and discover together as they make their way around the museum. Find out more here.

Bamburgh Castle

A whole menagerie of creatures have taken up residence inside Bamburgh Castle for Tails & Tales. Until November you can experience new indoor sculpture trail inspired by familiar sayings, hidden throughout the Castle’s rooms. Wander through Bamburgh Castle and discover a trail of surprising, theatrical installations inspired by well-known idioms and phrases. From a tiger leaping through flaming hoops and a proud peacock in full display, to curious woodland creatures, balancing acts and playful puppetry, each room reveals a new scene packed with character, craft and humour. Find out more here.

Wylam Brewery

Wylam Brewery host a series of exciting events celebrating all things food and it's everything from plant-based perfection to spice-filled street food. With free entry and a fantastic atmosphere, get ready for a weekend of food, fun, and fierce competition. On 3rd and 4th April, over Easter weekend head over for the Battle of the Burger event and find out who makes the best burger as local vendors bring their A-game to this juicy competition. From classic patties to creative twists, Battle of the Burger is a great event for burger lovers. Find out more here.

Raby Castle 

Celebrate Easter at Raby Castle from 3rd - 6th April at the Easter Food and Craft Market. Enjoy delicious food stalls, explore handmade crafts from local artisans, and shop for unique gifts at The Coach House Shop. Family-friendly activities include an Easter Trail in the Plotters’ Forest and Deer Park Trail, Garden workshops and talks. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Raby Castle and its gardens. Find out more here.

Gateshead International Stadium

Head to Gateshead International Stadium for a fun-filled Easter Extravaganza Market. On Sunday 29th March from 11am - 3pm, stroll through rows of beautiful handmade crafts, unique gifts, and seasonal goodies, perfect for treating yourself or finding something special at this free market. Grab tasty food and some drinks while you explore, and enjoy the market atmosphere. Find out more here.

You’ll never tire of visiting Ouseburn Farm thanks to its regular schedule of events, including animal petting and feeding sessions, as well as plenty of child-friendly activities during school holidays. Entry to the farm is free, although donations are always welcome. The purpose-built barn, along with the farm’s fields and meadows, provides a perfect home for a variety of animals including sheep, goats, pigs and chickens. A trip to the farm is always a great day out for families, and while you’re there, why not explore the rest of Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle’s creative quarter, and turn your visit into a full day of adventure? Find out more here.

Tyne Theatre & Opera House

On Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th April. take a deep dive under the sea as Enchanted Entertainment present a fin-tastic Easter pantomime version of The Little Mermaid at Tyne Theatre & Opera House. Boo the wicked Sea Witch as she rocks the boat with King Neptune, Ariel the mermaid and all their fishy friends in this magical family adventure. Packed with brilliant dance routines, well known pop songs, lots of audience participation and plenty of laughter for all the family! Book tickets here.

The Customs House

This Easter, the magic returns with Pinocchio Easter Panto at The Customs House, running from 3rd to 12th April. The show follows Pinocchio on a magical adventure filled with laughter, mischief and heart. Guided by the Blue Fairy, Jiminy Cricket and his creator Geppetto, he must outsmart the wicked Stromboli and his troublesome sidekicks. Packed with music, magic and plenty of laughs, it’s a fun-filled Easter treat for the whole family. Book tickets here.

Embark on an adventure in a brand-new experience, Peppa Pig: Surprise Party that brings Peppa’s world to life at Metrocentre. Explore beloved locations, take on fun missions, and uncover hidden surprises along the way, all to help Peppa’s friends plan the best party ever! With hands-on fun and live puppetry, this 1 hour 45-minute immersive adventure invites children to step inside Peppa’s world. Stop by The Aquarium to find the perfect party gift with the ever-talented Miss Rabbit, help Granny Pig decorate the cake, then head over to Peppa’s House to meet Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, George, Evie, and Peppa herself for plenty of giggles at the ultimate surprise celebration. And of course, no Peppa party would be complete without a (virtual!) muddy puddle or two to jump in. Book your spot here.

Moving Parts Puppet Film Fest brings the best of puppets on film to Tyneside Cinema from 3rd April - 16th. The festival line-up celebrates live action puppet films and stop-motion puppet animation from around the world, and includes feature films, talks, networking events, and a short film competition. Whether you like the warm fuzzy feeling of a Muppets movie; or to be thrown into the wild, fantastical worlds of marionettes on screen, there's so much to enjoy. Find out more here.

On 4th April, get ready as The Wiggles are coming to Newcastle for their biggest and brightest show yet, bringing their sell-out live show to Utilita Arena. Packed with surprises, this high-energy concert is guaranteed to have the whole family singing, dancing and wiggling from start to finish. Sing along to beloved hits like Rock-A-Bye Your Bear, Fruit Salad (Yummy Yummy) and Hot Potato, alongside newer favourites including Big Red Ute and Bin Night. Grab your tickets here.

From 25th - 29th April, Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli are heading to Sunderland Empire for Bluey’s Big Play. Featuring brilliantly created puppets, this theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children’s television series is packed with music, laughter, and fun for the whole family. Join the Heelers in this live fun theatre show, featuring brilliantly created puppets. This is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life. Book tickets here.