COVID-19 UPDATE: Full info on weekly activities will be updated in due course as more classes re-start, so please do check back. In the meantime, you can find a quick overview of upcoming baby to pre-school classes, plus local virtual classes & summer holiday days out & events, and can like our Facebook page to keep up to date🙂
Always follow the latest Government guidelines on social distancing and protective measures, particularly if you or a member of your household is in a vulnerable group. Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms. Check the latest Government guidelines and updates here.
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Gateshead Children’s Centres provide support, advice and activities for families with children under the age of five years. They offer a wide range of weekly activities and Well child clinics, along with baby weaning sessions, holiday activities, toy library and more.
Children’s centre services are provided in the following areas:
Birtley🔸Blaydon Winlaton🔸Chopwell🔸Chowdene🔸Edberts House, Heworth🔸Felling🔸Greenside Primary School, Ryton🔸Highfield Communal Lounge, Rowlands Gill🔸Larkspur House, Beacon Lough🔸Leam Lane🔸Pattinson House🔸St Nicholas Church, Dunston🔸Swalwell primary school🔸The Elgin Centre🔸Tyne View Centre🔸Wrekenton Hub
Visit the website for more information and a timetable of activities.
Tuesdays 10.30 – 11.10am
Chowdene Children’s Centre, Waverley Road, Chowdene, NE9 7TU
Wednesday 11.15 – 11.55am
Shipley Art Gallery, Prince Consort Rd, NE8 4JB
Wednesdays 1.30 – 2.10pm
Pineapple and Bears, Spa Well Road, Noel Avenue, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon, NE21 6RU
Thursdays 10.30 – 11.10am
Andrews Church Hall, Lamesley, Gateshead NE11 0EU
Thursdays 11.30am – 12.10pm
& Fridays 1.30 – 2.10pm
The Nest Café, 417-419 Durham Rd, Low Fell, NE9 5AN
Fridays 10.30 – 11.10am
Whickham Community Centre, Front St, Whickham, NE16 4JL
All term-time only, from 24th Feb
Tel: 07794 363 780
Every class is a fun-filled adventure through Baby Land with wacky characters, lighting effects, cool props and parachutes. Set to a funky soundtrack of original baby songs, remixed nursery rhymes and lullabies.
£30-£35 for 6-7 weeks (booking required, may be waiting list).
Sitting to toddling.
Tuesdays 11.30am – 12.10pm
Chowdene Children’s Centre, Waverley Road, Chowdene, NE9 7TU
Wednesday 12.15 – 12.55pm
Shipley Art Gallery, Prince Consort Rd, NE8 4JB
Wednesdays 2.30 – 3.10pm
Pineapple and Bears, Spa Well Road, Noel Avenue, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon, NE21 6RU
Thursdays 11.30am – 12.10pm
Andrews Church Hall, Lamesley, Gateshead NE11 0EU
Thursdays 12.30 – 1.10pm
The Nest Café, 417-419 Durham Rd, Low Fell, NE9 5AN
Fridays 11.30am – 12.10pm
Whickham Community Centre, Front St, Whickham, NE16 4JL
All term-time only, from 24th Feb
Tel: 07794 363 780
Our lovely, gentle class focuses on bonding and confidence, with elements of yoga, massage and calming techniques. With a soundtrack of remixed nursery rhymes and lullabies, and friendly puppet characters, props and parachutes.
£30-£35 for 6-7 weeks (booking required, may be waiting list).
Newborn to sitting babies.
Tuesdays 11.15am
St Helen’s Church, Bell Vue Bank, Low Fell, NE9 6BQ
Tuesdays 1.30pm
Whickham Community Centre, Front Street, Whickham, NE16 4JL
Thursdays 11.15am
Heron House Scout Hut, Park Drive, Whickham, NE16 4SP
Term time only, from 24th Feb
Tel: 07414 906 834
These multi-sensory classes provide a perfect introduction to music and singing for your baby. Babies enjoy being held, rocked, swayed and soothed, with lots of new songs (plus old favourites) that you can enjoy together at home.
£5 (£2.50 siblings or free under 1s). Termly booking required.
Newborn – walking.
Tuesdays 11 – 12pm
Blaydon Winlaton Children’s Centre, Shibdon Bank, Blaydon, NE21 5EZ
Wednesday 11am – 12pm
Tyne View Children’s Centre, Rose Street, Teams, NE8 2LS
Thursdays 11 – 12pm
Chowdene Children’s Centre, Waverley Road, Chowdene, NE9 7TU
Thursdays 1 – 2pm
Deckham Children’s Centre, The Elgin Centre, Elgin Road, NE9 5PA
Term-time only, from 24th Feb
Promotes bonding, attachment and early communication and emotional wellbeing for both parent and infant. Massage is often said to help with relaxation, sleep, digestive issues, constipation, wind and colic.
£30 per five week course. Booking required.
Six weeks – one year old.
Mondays 1.30 – 2.30pm
5 week course, from 20th April
State of the Art@Dryden Centre, Evistones Road, Low Fell, Gateshead, NE9 5UR
Tel: 0191 433 8635
Baby massage course. Free to Gateshead parents and carers.
Free. Booking required.
Mondays 11.30am
Term time only, from 24th Feb
St Helens Church Hall, Belle Vue Bank, Low Fell, NE9 6BR
Tel: 07590 726707
Massage with a twist of development aiding techniques, and an introduction to yoga. Learn easy massage sequences including singing, playing, kissing and talking. It is a lovely bonding experience for parent and infant.
£6.75 per class, booked termly (or £7 for 1 trial session).
6 weeks to crawling.
Tuesdays 1.15 – 2pm
Clara Vale Village Hall, Ryton, NE40 3SY
Thursdays 2 – 2.45pm
Pineapple & Bears, Spa well Road, Blaydon, NE21 6RT
Term time only, from 24th Feb
Tel: 07581 359 585
Massage with a twist of development aiding techniques, and an introduction to yoga. Learn easy massage sequences including singing, playing, kissing and talking. It is a lovely bonding experience for parent and infant.
£6 per class, booked termly.
6 weeks to crawling.
Tuesdays 1.30pm
Term time only, from 3rd March
Whickham Community Centre, Whickham, Gateshead, NE16 4JL
Enjoy some precious time out with your little one learning techniques to help with bonding, sleeping patterns, colic and relaxation.
5 week course. Booking essential.
Mondays 11am
& Tuesdays 1.15pm
Pineapple and Bears, Spa well Road, Blaydon, Gateshead, NE21 6RT
Tuesdays 11.15 am
The Ark at Crawcrook. Main Road, Crawcrook, Ryton, NE40 3UG
Thursdays 11.15am
& Fridays 11am
Oak Tree Hub, 3 Main Street, Crawcrook, Ryton, NE40 4TX
Term time only, from 24th Feb
Tel: 0191 447 2050
A movement, music and sensory play class focusing on learning through play – with sing-a-long songs, props, activities and music. There will be bubbles, ribbons, sensory materials, mirrors, musical instruments, play parachutes and much more!
£30 for 6 weeks (sibling discounts). Booking required, may be waiting list.
6 weeks – 1 year.
Tuesdays 12.30pm
Term time only, from 10th March
Whickham Community Centre, Front Street, Whickham, NE16 4AD
Tel: 07739 811 716
Expect reggae, disco, jive, 80’s, soul, pop, musicals etc combined with upbeat Jittabugs action songs. We provide endless beautiful sensory equipment, which your child can explore and have fun with.
£4 per session, 5 week course. Booking required.
0-18 months.
Mondays 10.45 – 11.30am
Fridays 10.30 – 11.15am
Term-time only, from 24th Feb
Birtley Children’s Centre, Pembroke Avenue, Gateshead, DH3 2DJ
Tel: 07968 620 247
Introducing little ones to movement through the use of song, play and sensory props. A great way to meet other parents/carers.
£24 for 6 weeks. Booking required.
Birth – crawling.
Thursdays 9.30 – 10.15am
Term time only, from 24th Feb
The Elgin Centre, Elgin Road, NE9 5PA
Tel: 07984 617 162
Introducing little ones to movement through the use of song, play and sensory props. A great way to meet other parents/carers.
£24 for 6 weeks. Booking required, may be waiting list.
Birth – crawling.
Mondays 2.15 – 3.15pm
Wednesday 11am – 12pm
All year round, exc bank holidays
St Mary’s Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR
Tel: 0191 443 4666
Weekly 1 hour family music making sessions with fantastic and friendly live musicians. Songs, dances and games to help to gently support development.
£3.50 per person (discounts for siblings/full/half term bookings).
Booking recommended. 0-12 months.
Tues 10am – 11am (0-13 months)
Tues 11.30am – 12.30pm (6-13 Months)
Tues 1 – 2pm (0-6 months)
Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, The Crescent, 557 Durham Road, NE9 5EY
Wed 10 – 11am (0-13 months)
Wed 11.30am – 12.30pm (6-13 Months)
Wed 1 – 2pm (0-6 months)
Sunniside Social Club, Hollywell Lane, Sunniside, NE16 5NJ
Thurs 9.30 – 10.30am (0-13 months)
Thurs 11am – 12pm (0-13 months)
Mister Twisters, 15E Follingsby Avenue, NE10 8YG
Fridays 10.15 – 11.15am (0-13 months)
Mount Community Association, Thomas Street, Eighton Banks, NE9 7YA
All term time only, from 24th Feb
Tel: 07710 161 671
Classes are packed with an incredible variety of sounds, smells, sights, textures, music, dance, singing and more – plus you’ll never experience the same class twice.
£6 per class, termly booking, taster available (may be waiting list).
Newborn – 13 months.
Mondays 1.30 – 2.15pm
Pineapple and Bears, Spa well Road, Blaydon, NE21 6RT
Fridays 1.30 – 2.15pm
Oak Tree Hub, 3 Main Street, Crawcrook, Ryton, NE40 4ND
Term time only, from 24th Feb
Tel: 07796 697 065
An opportunity to learn, socialise and play. Each session focuses on new signs, with repetition of the core signs along with different themes throughout the year, all based on Makaton signs.
£6 per family (discount for block booking, £30 for 6 week term).
Booking required. 0-3 years.
Mondays 10.30 – 11.15am
Term time only, from 24th Feb
St Helens Church Hall, Belle Vue Bank, Low Fell, NE9 6BR
Tel: 07590 726707
A relaxed fun environment offering yoga inspired stretches to music, song and rhyme with lots of sensory props. Once sitting unaided the focus is on balance coordination and milestones. Also some stretches for parents and little ones to promote bonding.
£6 per class, booked termly (£6.50 for 1 trial session)
6 weeks – crawling.
Tuesdays 10 – 10.45am
Trinity Church, Lucy Street, Blaydon, NE21 5PU
Tuesdays 12 – 12.45pm
Clara Vale Village Hall, Ryton, NE40 3SY
Thursdays 1 – 1.45pm
Pineapple & Bears, Spa well Road, Blaydon, NE21 6RT
Term time only, from 24th Feb
Tel: 07581 359 585
A relaxed fun environment offering yoga inspired stretches to music, song and rhyme with lots of sensory props. Once sitting unaided the focus is on balance coordination and milestones. Also some stretches for parents and little ones to promote bonding.
£6 per class, booked termly.
6 weeks to crawling.
Wednesdays 10.30am
Thursdays 10.30am
Term time only, from 24th Feb
Valley Farm. First Avenue, Team Valley, NE11 0NU
Tel: 07939474475
Helps to attune to your baby’s needs and to calm or stimulate them as appropriate with a sense of security and wellbeing. Baby yoga offers quality physical stimulation that has become essential in an urban sedentary lifestyle.
£30 for 6 weeks (may be waiting list).
Approx 2 months – 1 year.
Wednesdays 9.30 – 10.15am
Term time only, from 2nd March
Spa well Road, Blaydon, Gateshead, NE21 6RT
Tel: 0191 447 2050
A sensory session introducing little one to lots of different textures, materials and new sensations. Each week is centred around a theme and is a great way to meet other mamas. Half price entry to the play hub is included.
£20 for 4 weeks. Booking required.
0 – 2 years.
Wednesdays 3pm – 3.45pm
All year round
Gateshead Central Library, Prince Consort Rd, Gateshead NE8 4LN
Tel: 0191 433 8420
For new and expectant parents. Share books and bonding with your bump or baby. Come along and meet other parents.
Free, drop-in.
0-2 years.
Mondays
10 – 10.45am: Busy Bees
11 – 11.45am: Caterpillar Class
Wrekenton Methodist Community Church, 2 Springwell Avenue, Gateshead, NE9 7JL
Wednesdays
10 – 10.45am: Busy Bees
11 – 11.45am: Caterpillar Class
Teams Life Centre, Askew Rd West, Gateshead, NE8 2PW
All term time only, from 24th Feb
Tel: 07710 231912
The Caterpillar Class is a fun creative session for younger babies, with gentle multi sensory, baby development and massage. Busy Bees is a highly interactive, musical class for older babies with a range of songs and activities, bright props and treasure baskets.
£36 for 6 weeks. Booking required.
Caterpillar Class: 6 weeks – 6 months.
Busy Bees: 6 months – mobile.
Thursdays 9.30 – 10.15am
All year round (selected dates in school hols), from 24th Feb
Spa well Road, Blaydon, Gateshead, NE21 6RT
Tel: 0191 447 2050
A sing song, movement and sensory class with a different theme each week. A great opportunity to meet other new mamas. Half price entry to the play hub is included.
£20 for 4 weeks. Booking required.
0 – 3 years.
Tuesdays 10 – 10.45am
& Wednesdays 1 – 1.45pm
Blaydon Winlaton Children’s Centre, Shibdon Bank, Blaydon, NE21 5EZ
Thursdays 10 – 10.45am
Chowdene Children’s Centre, Waverley Road, Chowdene, NE9 7TU
Thursdays 2.15 – 3pm
Deckham Children’s Centre, The Elgin Centre, Elgin Road, NE9 5PA
Term-time only, from 24th Feb
Using hand and footprints to create inexpensive gifts and keepsakes. This group is more suited to children that are happy to sit or lie. Old clothes and wipes are required.
£33 for 6 weeks. Booking required.
From 4 weeks old, suitable for all abilities.
Mondays 10 – 11am
Rowlands Gill Scout Hut, 2 Lilley Terrace, Rowlands Gill, NE39 2PD
Thursdays 10.30 – 11.30am
Chopwell Community Centre, Derwent St, Chopwell, NE17 7HS
Term time only, from 6th Jan
Tel: 01207 562 462
Sing and dance to popular children’s songs, play with balls, hoops, pom poms, bean bags and tunnels, plus balance beam and mini trampoline. Ending with singing and instruments, a fresh fruit snack and bubbles.
£3.
0 – 4 years.
Tuesdays 9.45am
Term time only, from 13th Jan
Birtley Boxing Gym, 12 Beaconsfield Terrace, DH3 1DN
Tel: 07946 161 415
There’s a real family feel to these classes as siblings, grandparents, childminders and friends come together to sing and share the music making experience. A wide range of sensory props and activities keeps everyone engaged.
£60 for 12 weeks. Booking required (£5 trail session available).
Mixed ages.
Tuesdays 10.15am
St Helen’s Church, Bell Vue Bank, Low Fell, NE9 6BQ
Thursdays 9.40am & 10.30am
Heron House Scout Hut, Park Drive, Whickham, NE16 4SP
Term time only, from 24th Feb
Tel: 07414 906 834
There’s a real family feel to these classes as siblings, grandparents, childminders and friends come together to sing and share the music making experience. A wide range of sensory props and activities keeps everyone engaged.
£5 (£2.50 siblings or free under 1s). Termly booking required.
Mixed ages.
Wednesdays 10.15 – 11.15am
Term time only, from 24th Feb
St Mary’s Centre, Church Chare, Whickham, NE16 4SH
Tel: 07768 373006
Oodles of singing, dancing, sensory and arty activities to ignite your little ones imagination and introduce them to art!
£30 for 5 weeks. Booking required (single sessions also available).
6 months – 5 years.
Mondays 10.30am – 12pm
Term time only, from 2nd March
Dukes Hagg Wood, Moor Road, Prudhoe, NE42 5PA
Tel: 07950 118 816
Activities include songs, stories, campfire, cooking, exploration, adventure, mud, water, swings, hammocks and nature crafts. Meet like-minded parents and carers.
£40 for 5 weeks (sibling & baby discounts available).
Booking required, may be waiting list.
0 – 5 years.
Mondays 11 – 11.45am
Chowdene Children’s Centre, Waverley Road, Chowdene, NE9 7TU
Mondays 2 – 2.45pm
Blaydon Winlaton Children’s Centre, Shibdon Bank, Blaydon, NE21 5EZ
Term-time only, from 24th Feb
Encourage early communication in children and reduce frustrations through the introduction of everyday signs in fun ways. Rhymes and songs along with the use of puppets, toys and bubbles.
£24 for 6 weeks. Booking required.
Birth to preschool children
Mondays 10 – 10.45am
Chowdene Children’s Centre, Waverley Road, Chowdene, NE9 7TU
Mondays 1 – 1.45pm
Blaydon Winlaton Children’s Centre, Shibdon Bank, Blaydon, NE21 5EZ
Term-time only, from 24th Feb
Supports bonding and confidence in handling infants and also to supports baby’s development whilst focusing on relaxation and stretching techniques for parents or carers. Comfy clothing is advisable.
£25.50 for 6 weeks. Booking required.
9 weeks – 9 months old.
Mondays 1 – 2pm
Tyne View Children’s Centre, Rose Street, Teams, Gateshead, NE8 2LS
Tuesdays 1 – 2pm
Chowdene Children’s Centre, Waverley Road, Chowdene, Gateshead, NE9 7TU
Term time only, from 24th Feb
Tel: 07452 815 444
Every week you can inspire your child’s imagination and nurture their creativity and potential with fun, hands-on arts and crafts. Plus, you will be able to create treasured keepsakes with your baby to take home.
£24 for 6 weeks (siblings 50% discount).
Booking required (single sessions available).
15 months – five years old.
Mondays 1 – 2pm
The Nest, 417-419 Durham Rd, Low Fell, NE9 5AN
Alternate Wednesdays 10.30 – 11.30am & 1 – 2pm
BALTIC, Gateshead Quays, South Shore Road, Gateshead NE8 3BA
Thursdays 1 – 2pm **NEW venue from 9th March**
Deckham Children’s Centre, Elgin Road, Gateshead, NE9 5PA
All year round, Feb term: 10th Feb, March term: 9th March
Tel: 07833 222 219
Join us for our hugely popular messy mark making class. We learn through messy play, paint, play dough and more.
£25 – 32.50 for 5 week term (£5 – £7 for trial session).
£14 for 2 sessions at BALTIC. Booking required.
Five months – five years old.
Mondays 1.30 – 2.30pm
Blaydon Youth Centre, Shibdon Road, Blaydon, NE21 5QE
Saturdays 10.30 – 11.30am
Dunston Community Centre, Collingwood Terrace, NE11 9EB
Term time only, from 24th Feb
Join us for our award-winning messy play & mark making class and let your child make their mark in paint, gloop, sand, play dough and much more.
£30 for 5 weeks (£6.50 for 1 trial session). Booking required.
Five months – five years old.
Mondays 10am
Pineapple and Bears, Spa well Road, Blaydon, NE21 6RT
Thursdays 10am
& Fridays 9.45am
Oak Tree Hub, 3 Main Street, Crawcrook, Ryton, NE40 4TX
Term time only, from 24th Feb
Tel: 0191 447 2050
A movement, music and sensory play class focusing on learning through play – with sing-a-long songs, props, activities and music. There will be bubbles, ribbons, sensory materials, mirrors, musical instruments, play parachutes and much more!
£30 for 6 weeks (sibling discounts). Booking required, may be waiting list.
Crawling – 3 years.
Tuesdays 1.15 – 2pm
Chowdene Children’s Centre, Waverley Road, Chowdene, NE9 7TU
Wednesdays 10 – 10.45pm
Tyne View Children’s Centre, Rose Street, Teams, NE8 2LS
Wednesdays 2 – 2.45pm
Blaydon Winlaton Children’s Centre, Shibdon Bank, Blaydon, Gateshead, NE21 5EZ
Term-time only, from 24th Feb
Music and movement from birth to preschool supports language, physical and social and emotional development through song and rhymes and resources. Comfy clothes are ideal for this session.
£18 for 6 weeks. Booking required.
Babies & infants all ages.
Tuesdays 10am
Term Time only
Free, drop in.
Wrekenton Hub: Mondays 9.30 – 10am
Leam Lane Library: Mondays 2.30 – 3pm
Blaydon Library: Tuesdays 2 – 2.30pm
Birtley Library: Wednesdays 10 – 10.30am & 11 – 11.30am
Central Library: Fridays 9.30–10am, 10.15 – 10.45am & 11.15 – 11.45am
Crawcrook Library: Fridays 10 – 10.30am
Pelaw Library: Fridays 10 – 10.30am
All year round, exc bank holidays
Reading, songs and rhymes.
£1 per child, drop-in (excluding Central, booking required).
Birth – 5 years old
Wednesdays 2.15 – 2.45pm
All year round
Gateshead Central Library, Prince Consort Rd, Gateshead NE8 4LN
Tel: 0191 433 8420
Join us for stories and activities.
£1 per child, drop-in.
Under 5 years.
Wednesdays 1 – 2pm
Term time only, from 24th Feb
The Nest Café, 417-419 Durham Rd, Low Fell, Gateshead, NE9 5AN
Tel: 07835 409 121
Interactive music classes for babies, pre-schoolers and their grownups, for educational and social development cloaked in fun.
Drop-in, £5 (£1.50 siblings).
0-5 years.
