There are loads of fantastic events for Easter 2023 in the North East for families to enjoy, without breaking the bank! The free & low cost activities below donβt need to be pre-booked so are perfect for those last minute plans, with something for all ages – from egg hunts to the Easter Bunny, funfairs to family fun days, puppets and parades and lots more!
You can browse the A-Z below or check our quick guide inΒ date order here.Β This list will continue to be updated so do check back. If you have any recommendations to add, please get in touchΒ hereπ
Details are subject to change, please check directly with organisers using the purple links below. Facebook links are provided to check for the latest updates, followed by extra links with event info where available (along with additional bookable events which are available at some venues).
NERD Arcade – NERD Fest 2023 [AD]
π The Boiler Shop, Newcastle, NE1 3PE
π Mon 10th April 2023, 10am-4pm
A jaw dropping line up, all in aid of raising essential funds for Cash for Kids North East, including…
πΉ A dedicated gaming room, retro arcade machines and VR gaming all free to play, with competitions, tournaments & prizes.
π More geeky merch and retro video games from local traders than ever before.
π· Photo ops with movie props, cars and characters including Sonic, Bumblebee, Johnny 5, the DeLorean & more.
π© Mister Twister the magician, performing close up magic and balloon modelling with a nerd twist to keep little ones amazed!
βοΈ Q+As with special guests – known from Star Wars & Harry Potter, Vera, Transformers & Viz Comic!
π More info and a chance to win FREE tickets here.
Arbeia Roman Fort – Crafty Romans
π Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB
π Wed 5th & 12th April 2023, drop-in 11am – 4pm
π£ Week 1: Beautiful Birds – make your own collage bird picture to take home.
π£ Week 2: Wild Arbeia – a small handling collection of animal artefacts will be available to look at, then you can make an animal picture to take away.
π Free (donations welcome). More info here.
Bill Quay Farm – Easter Egg Hunt
π Bill Quay, Gateshead, NE10 0UE
π Sun 9th April 2023
π£ Bill Quay Farm’s first farm wide Easter egg hunt, find the most eggs and win a prize. 11am-12pm (arrival 10.30a.m), with face painting 10am – 12pm (Β£2).
π Β£2 pp
Blyth Beach – Easter Funfair
π Blyth Beach, Northumberland, NE24 3PL
π 6th – 16th April 2023
π£ Favourite family funfair rides, such as dodgems, waltzers, Miami and much more.
π Free entry, more info here.
Blyth Town Council – Easter Family Fun Day
π Ridley Park, Northumberland, NE24 3HF
π Sat 8th April 2023
π£ A day filled with fun, games and treasure hunts, with carnival rides, face painting, crafts, Easter Bonnet Competition, Decorated Egg Competition and local craft stalls. 11am-3pm.
π Free entry, more info here.
The Burton House Pub – Easter Sunday Funday
π Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 2EE
π Sun 9th April 2023
π£ Egg hunt, Easter crafts, Easter hat competition, bouncy castles, each child gets an Easter egg.
π Β£2 per child.
Coach & Horses Pub – Easter Party
π Birtley, Gateshead, DH3 1QF
π
Sun 9th April, 2023
π£ Party games, fancy dress, disco, prizes to be won, slushes and mix ups available.
π Free entry.
The Dairy Barn – Lamb Days
π Crook, Co Durham, DL15 8AN
π
Mon 3rd – Thurs 6th April 2023
π£ Meet Valais Blacknose lambs, get up close and personal with the lambs and feed and cuddle them. There is no need to book – people will need to queue. The cafΓ© will be open serving hot food, cakes and ice creams. 12-4pm.
π Free (donations welcome, raising funds for The Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust)
Dalton Park – Easter Trail & Crafts
π Murton, Co Durham, SR7 9HU
π Fri 7th – Sat 8th April 2023
π£ Self-led trail to find the eggs hidden around the centre for the chance to win a Β£50 gift card. Make and take home Easter crafts, including magnets and gift bags, in the craft space next to the central entrance. Plus, live music on Sat 8th April.
π Free. More info here.
Derwent Waterside Park – Easter Events
π Consett, Co Durham, DH8 9TT
π
5th – 10th April 2023
π£ Family fun with the free Pawfect Games agility obstacle course for furry friends (5th April), free Family Sports Days (7th & 10th April), and Egg Hunt and Easter Crafts (9th April).
π Egg hunt: Β£1. Crafts: free-Β£1.50. More info here.
Discovery Museum β Springtime Bird Trail
π Blandford Square, Newcastle, NE1 4JA
π 1st – 16th April 2023
π£ A self-led museum trail for families of all ages, find all the springtime birds to enter a prize draw to win a chocolate hamper. Trail sheet available from gift shop.
π 50p. More info here
Dunston Activity Centre – Pop-Up Soft Play
π Dunston, Gateshead, NE11 9SS
π
3rd-5th | 11th-12th | 14th April 2023
π£ Giant pop-up soft play and inflatables for primary aged children with free kids lunch provided. 10am-1pm.
π Free, first come first served basis.
Durham Botanic Garden – Easter Trails
π Durham, DH1 3TN
π
9th-10th April 2023
π£ Self-led trails around the garden, with Easter Chick Hunt and Signs of Spring (available throughout April). Spotter sheets available from the Visitor Centre.
π Included in entry fee, Β£5 per adult (16 & under free). More info here.
Durham Castle & Cathedral – World Heritage Day
π Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3RW
π Mon 10th April 2023
π£ A World Heritage Day celebration, with live music, medieval re-enactments, quidditch, craft workshops, storytelling, free castle tours and more. 12 – 4pm.
π Free. More info here.
Suitable for all ages.
Durham Cathedral – Easter Activities
π Durham, DH1 3EH
π Sat 1st Apr 2023
π£ Indie Flea Market: creative and sustainable items from traders around the UK, including stationary, plants, textiles, art prints and fashion.
π Mon 10th Apr 2023
π£ World Heritage Day: family-friendly exhibits and activities on Palace Green, and the cathedral will open doors to rarely seen spaces, plus celebrations of Shakespeare’s First Folio at Palace Green Library.
π 10th – 16th Apr 2023
π£ Crafts & Trail: create your own Easter craft to take home, then follow the Bede the Bear and Friends trail around the cathedral.
π Free. No booking required. More info here.
Exhibition Park – Miniature Train Rides
π Exhibition Park, Newcastle (behind Wylam Brewery)
π
Sun 2nd April 2023
π£ The first train rides of the season with the Tyneside Society of Model & Experimental Engineers, returning to a regular schedule on the 1st Sunday of every month. 11am-3pm.
π More info here.
Felling Volunteer Library – Easter Fair
π Felling Hub, Gateshead, NE10 9LT
π Sat 1st April 2023
π£ Meet the Easter Bunny, games and crafts, sellers tables including toys and gifts, tombola, raffle and refreshments. 11am-1pm.
π Free entry.
Gateshead Childrenβs Centres β Play Sessions
π Centres across Gateshead
π 3rd-6th April & 11th-14th April 2023
π£ Themed play sessions – Baby Bunnies sessions for babies aged under 1 year, and People Who Help Us and Hop into Spring sessions for under 5s (older siblings welcome).
π Β£1 per child. No booking required but places may be limited. Full schedules here.
Gateshead Libraries – Half Term Events
π Thurs 6th Apr 2023
π£ Dino Crafts @Chopwell Library, NE17 7HS
π Thurs 13th Apr 2023
π£ Scrabble Day @Crawcrook Library, NE40 4NB (ages 8+)
π Fri 14th Apr 2023
π£ MakerPlace – Augmented Reality Books @Gateshead Central Library, NE8 4LN
π Free. More info here
Gosforth Central Park – Magician & Easter Egg Trail
π Gosforth Central Park, Newcastle
π
Sat 8th April 2023
π£ Free family entertainment with Professor Parker the award winning magician, and an Easter Egg Trail. Refreshments available to buy.Β 11am β 1pm.
πΒ Egg trail: Β£1. More info here.
Great North Museum: Hancock β Moss Troopers Myth Maker Days
π Barras Bridge, Newcastle, NE2 4PT
π Wed 5th & 12th April 2023
π£ The Moss Troopers roving trio will bring to life elements of the NEW Myth Quest exhibition, where families can complete three adventure quests and be inducted into the Hall of Heroes.
π Free, donations welcome. More info here.
Hardwick Park – The Ugly Duckling Easter Trail
π Sedgefield, Co Durham, TS21 2DN
π 1st – 15th Apr 2023
π£ Self-led trail to follow the ugly ducklings around the park grounds to find the graceful swan, discovering some facts along the way. Trail sheet available from the cafΓ© and gift shop during opening hours.
π Β£1 per trail sheet. More info here.
Hatton Gallery – Art Workshops
π Newcastle, NE1 8QB
π 5th-6th & 12th-14th April 2023
π£ A range of art workshops, including: spring collage, printmaking, abstract printmaking, mixed media drawing, and spring artwork. Sessions for 4-11 years & 12-18 years, with drop-in style activities or longer workshops.
π Free. More info here.
High Force Waterfall – Easter Egg Trail
π Barnard Castle, Co Durham, DL12 0XH
π 1st – 16th April 2023
π£ Self-led Easter egg trail throughout the woodlands en route to the impressive High Force Waterfall. Spot the lost eggs around the circular route, with refreshments available at the High Force Hotel.
π Included with waterfall admission, Β£7 per family. More info here.
Hirst Park – Easter Fair
π Hirst Park, Ashington, Northumberland
π Sun 9th April 2023
π£ Funfair rides and attractions, market and craft stalls, games, hot food and more. 10am-3pm.
π Free entry.
IKEA Gateshead – Easter Events
π Swalwell, Gateshead, NE11 9XS
π
1st – 16th April 2023
π£ Easter Egg Hunt to find the eggs hidden amongst the store to win a prize, along with Easter dEGGorating (11th April) and Pin the Tummy on the Bunny game with an Easter bunny mask to take home (12th April).
π Free, more info here.
The Keel Row Pub – Fun Day
π Seaton Delaval, Northumberland, NE25 0QG
π Mon 10th April 2023
π£ Bouncy castles, face painting, mini disco & games with prizes, free candy floss, visits from Peter Rabbit, from 12-4pm. Then live music 3-7pm.
π Free.
Kingston Park – Easter Egg Hunt & Messy Church
π Kingston Park, Newcastle
π Mon 10th April 2023
π£ A free treasure hunt style Easter Egg Hunt hosted by St John’s Church on Kingston Park Green, 12-1pm. Followed by Messy Church activities inside St Johnβs 1-3pm, with messy craft activity tables, drinks and cakes and story time.Β Welcome for anyone to join in.
π Free. More info here.
Land of Oak and Iron – Spring Wreath Trail
π Winlaton Mill, Blaydon, Gateshead, NE21 6RU
π 3rd-16th April 2023
π£ Self-led trail to find Easter wreaths displayed in the Heritage Centre windows and complete the activities on the trail page to receive a small creative prize – then from that there could be a chance to win 2 tickets to the Spring Bird Walk.
π Β£3 per child/trail page.
Locomotion – Easter Fun with Rocket
π Dale Road Industrial Estate, Shildon, Co Durham, DL4 2RE
π 1st – 16th April 2023
π£ Free, fun activities celebrating the new exhibition Friends and Rivals, featuring Stephenson’s Rocket. There’s a packed schedule including train rides, crafting, Lego workshops, story telling, and science experiments. The outdoor play area is also newly refurbished.
π Free. More info here.
No pre-booking although some activities require a sign up at the Welcome Desk on arrival, and places may be limited.
Metrocentre β Easter Maze
π Metrocentre, Gateshead (Lower Exhibition Square, near Primark)
π 3rd – 16th April 2023 (closed Easter Sunday)
π£ A one-of-a-kind Easter Maze – explore the labyrinth of twists and turns with plenty of surprises and challenges and an incredible prize bundle up for grabs too.
π Β£2 suggested donation, raising funds forΒ Feeding Families. More info here.
National Glass Centre – Glass Making Demonstrations
π Roker, Sunderland, SR6 0GL
π
Throughout the 2 weeks during Easter
π£ Experience the heat of the 1000 degree furnace and watch the expert glass making team in one of their free daily demonstrations,Β including Flame Working, Glass Blowing and Glass Lathe.
π Free, more info here.
National Trust – Blossom Together
π Parks across Newcastle
π£ Three days of free family nature based activities:
π Wed 5th April @Walker Park: Easter Crafts, seed bomb making and nature-themed games with Northumberland Wildlife Trust. 10:30am β 3:00pm.
π Fri 14th April @Elswick Park: nature crafts with Urban Green Newcastle, 10:30 β 3pm.
π Free. More info here.
Newcastle Puppetry Festival 2023 – Family Puppet Weekend
π Newcastle
π
Sat 8th – Sun 9th April 2023
π£ To open the Puppetry Festival there will be street performances and ‘Beasts on the Streets’ with giant dinosaurs & sea creatures from 11am on Northumberland Street followed by a 2pm parade (8th April). Then a Free Family Puppet Day (9th April) across Ouseburn Farm, Seven Stories and The Cluny with music, magic, bubbles, free shows and more. Plus a packed programme of drop-in & bookable shows, installations and Q+As from 8th-16th April.
π More info here.
Newcastle Urban Green – Springbank Pavilion Open Day
π Leazes Park, Newcastle
π Sat 1st April 2023
π£ Free art taster sessions delivered by Chilli Studios (10:30am β 12pm) GemArts (12:30 β 2pm) and Curious Arts (2:30 β 4pm), with live music from the Tenth Avenue Band.
π Free, drop-in. Find out more here.
Northumberlandia – Easter Trail & Market
π Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 8AU
π Sun 2nd April 2023
π£ Food & Craft Market: high-end craft items, locally sourced food and drink, Northumberland Wildlife Trust merchandise and more! 10am-3pm.
π Fri 7th – Mon 10th April 2023
π£ Easter Trail: Self-led downloadable trail to find hidden numbered eggs in the woodland and learn fascinating facts about nature. Complete the trail and collect a chocolate treat. Ages 3+.
π Trail: Β£3 per child, download here. Craft Market: Β£3 suggested donation for parking, info here.
Paddy Freemans Park – Fun Easter Fete
π Paddy Freeman Park, Newcastle
π
Sat 8th April 2023
π£ A fun Easter Fete for the family, with crafts, games, picture hunt, raffle, bake sale and more. Also doggy fun fancy dress competition. 10am-1pm.
π Β£2 per child, more info here.
Rising Sun Countryside Park – Easter Hunt
π Benton, North Tyneside, NE12 9SS
π
Throughout Easter half term
π£ Self-led trail, pick up a trail sheet from the cafΓ© and look around the grounds for clues to receive an award.
π Β£1 pp.
Shiremoor Adventure Playground – Easter Funday
π Shiremoor, Newcastle, NE27 0PR
π
Thurs 6th April 2023
π£ Bouncy castles, raffle, egg competitions, crafts, scavenger hunts, a visit from the Easter bunny and more. CafΓ© selling snacks and drinks is cash only, loose change appreciated instead of notes. 11-4pm.
π Free.
Souter Lighthouse β Easter Events
π South Shields, South Tyneside, SR6 7NH
π 3rd & 12th April 2023
π£ Souter Sports: free outdoor games and mini-sports activities for all the family, including archery, football, tennis and basketball. 11am-3.30pm.
π Wed 5th April 2023
π£ Make a sock Easter Bunny: fill a sock with rice and decorate to create an Easter Bunny with a character all of its own. 11am-4pm. Β£2.
π Fri 7th – Mon 10th April 2023
π£ Easter Trail: self-led trail exploring the outdoors and finding nature-inspired activities for the whole family. Includes a trail map, pencil and chocolate egg. 11am-4pm. Β£3.
π More info here.
South Shields Museum & Art Gallery – Tremendous Tuesday
π South Shields, NE33 2JA
π Tues 4th & 11th April 2023, drop-in 11am-3pm
π£ Week 1: Design a Beetle Suncatcher, then visit the family of critters in Creature Corner.
π£ Week 2: Fabulous Field Collage.
π Free, donations welcome. More info here.
South Tyneside Libraries – Easter Events
π£ Easter arts and crafts: a fun drop-in session with Easter-themed crafts (small charge per craft). 10-11am.
π Cleadon Park Library: Tues 4th April
π£ Lego Time: free drop-in sessions where children can get creative. 10am-4pm.
π The Word: 3rd, 5th & 12th April 2023
π Jarrow Focus: 5th, 6th, 12th & 14th April
π Cleadon Park Library: 6th, 11th & 13th April
π Hebburn Central: 6th & 13th April
π More info here.
Spanish City Funfair – Easter Family Funfair
π The Links, Whitley Bay, NE26 1PS
π 7th – 13th April 2023
π£ Pop-up funfair with rides, stalls, giant bungee trampolines and more. Special entertainment on Easter Sunday (9th April) and free Easter eggs and free face painting.
π Free entry. More info hereΒ & free discount vouchers here
Stephenson Steam Railway β Make & Take Thursdays
π North Shields, NE29 8DX
π Thurs 6th & 13th April 2023, 11am-3pm
π£ Week 1 – make your own Easter mask, choose from a bunny mask or a chick mask.
π£ Week 2 – create your own springtime inspired collage.
π Free, donations welcome. More info here (along with Heritage train rides on selected dates, booking recommended).
St Mary’s LighthouseΒ – Easter Trail
π St.Mary’s Island, Whitley Bay, NE26 4RS
π 2nd – 15th April 2023
π£ Complete the ‘run around the island’ trail to collect a prize. Climb the 137 steps to the top of the lighthouse, watch the seals and birds.
π Trail: Β£1 per child. Lighthouse: Β£9 per family (under 5s free). More info here.
Active Sunderland – Easter Family Fun Day
π Herrington Country Park, Houghton-Le-Spring, Sunderland, DH4 7EL
π Thurs 6th April 2023
π£ An afternoon of family friendly activities including led walks, family games, Easter egg roll, and cycling and running challenges. 11am-4pm.
π Activities are free. Free registration required for Egg Roll here
Sunderland BID – Easter in the City Trail
π Sunderland City Centre
π 1st – 16th April 2023
π£ Find the giant colourful eggs around the city centre, along with interactive AR characters. Download the Sunderland Experience app on your smartphone.
π Free. More info here.
Sunderland Bridges β Hop Into Easter
π Sunderland, SR1 3DR
π 1st – 16th April 2023
π£ Free Easter activities suitable for all ages, including egg hunt (1stβ7th April),
Easter crafts & Easter Egg photo display (1st β 16th April), Kids Club Easter crafts (5th April), Lush Bath Bomb workshop (7th & 14th April) and Kids Club Lion King crafts (12th April).
π Free, more info here.
Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens – Half Term Events
π Sunderland, SR1 1PP
π 1st – 14th April 2023
π£ Baby Dino Egg Hunt: Β Self-led trail around the Museum galleries and Winter Gardens to find the 8 hidden dinos and claim a themed prize. Β£2.50 per trail.
π Β 3rd – 12th April 2023
π£ Arts & Crafts: Free, drop-in sessions on selected dates, including: Bronze Age Detectives (Mon 3rd April), Super Sun Pendants (Wed 5th April) and A Really Wild Draw (Wed 12th April)
π Fri 14th April 2023
π£ Ways of Looking Adventure: free interactive walk around the Museum and Mowbray Park to explore different ways of looking at the world through creative games and activities. Meet in the Learning Space at 11am and 1pm. Suitable for ages 4+.
π More info here.
Trinity Square – Easter Family Funday
π Ellison Walk, Gateshead, NE8 1AG
π Fri 7th April 2023
π£ Annual Good Friday Family Fun Day, with family entertainment including magic shows, meet the Easter bunny, face painting, Easter arts & crafts and more. 11am-2pm.
π Free, no booking required. More info here.
Ward Jackson Park – Family Funday
π Hartlepool, Co Durham, TS26 0QL
π Sun 9th April 2023, 11am-6pm
π£ Funfair rides and inflatables (charges apply). Everyone welcome.
πΒ Free entry, more info here.
Weetslade Country Park – Spring Trail & Wagtastic Egg Hunt
π Wide Open, Newcastle, NE23 7LZ
π 1st – 16th April 2023
π£ Spring Trail: Self-led trail with downloadable instructions and find out some fascinating springtime facts. The walk takes approximately 40 minutes.
π Fri 7 April 2023
π£ Wagtastic Egg Hunt: Bring you four legged friend, Easter bonnets optional! Stroll around the site looking for hidden eggs along the way.
π Trail: Β£3. Egg hunt free (registration required). More info here.
Wharton Park β Spring Bunny Trail
π Wharton Park, Durham City, DH1 4FJ
π 1st – 16th April 2023
π£ Self-led trail to find the Easter Bunnies hidden around the park. Trail purchased from the cafΓ© during opening hours (cash only, correct change required).
π Trail sheet Β£1. More info here.
Whitley Bay – Easter Egg Trail
π North Tyneside
π 1st – 16th April 2023
π£ Self-led trail to find 40 decorated eggs in businesses’ windows in and around Whitley Bay, Whitley Lodge, Monkseaton and Cullercoats.
π Free trail map here, or collect from designated stores. More info here.
Thereβs plenty on Gateshead Mumbler to help keep little ones (and big ones!) busy, checkΒ hereΒ for more ideas and info for playgroups, classes and fun days out from tots to teens!
If youβd like to keep up to date when new resources are added, please click here and like theΒ Gateshead Mumbler Facebook page