We’ve rounded up some popular recommendations for water play in the North East, with splash pads, outdoor swimming pools, the best family-friendly indoor pools & more in our A-Z below – along with a handy map to help plan your days out.
Details are subject to change and some facilities may become unavailable – particularly outdoor areas in poor weather conditions or during maintenance and repairs. Please check the latest updates and booking requirements directly with providers before travelling to avoid disappointment.
The Alnwick Garden
π Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1YU
π Open daily
π¦ Landscaped gardens with interactive water features in the Serpent Garden, and the stunning Grand Cascade fountains.
ποΈ Day ticket from Β£16.50Β / Annual pass from Β£22 (kids 0-16 years FREE).
π Book hereΒ (Adventure Golf, Treehouse Restaurant and NEW Lilidorei play village also available to book separately).
Carlisle Park Outdoor Paddling Pool
π Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 1YD
π Typically open from last weekend in May to first weekend in Sep (tbc)
π¦ Outdoor paddling pool and playground.
ποΈ Free, no booking required.
π Check for updates with Morpeth Town Council.
Haltwhistle Outdoor Swimming Pool
π Haltwhistle Swimming & Leisure Centre, Northumberland, NE49 9DP
π Open from 15th April 2023 – early Sep.
π¦ 3 heated open air swimming pools (paddler pool, learner pool and big pool), with giant flume slide and pop-up inflatable obstacle course. Outdoor adventure play area included in entry, plus indoors soft play available.
ποΈ From Β£4 pp – Β£34.50 per family, 2 or 3 hour sessions available.
π More info here.
Haven Point Indoor Swimming Pool
π Pier Parade, South Shields, NE33 2JS
π Open daily
π¦ 3 indoor swimming pools and twisty flume slides. As well as a main pool and learner pool, the Leisure Waters section has slides, sprays, bubble spa and water play perfect for younger children. During school holidays, times may be limited to 1 hour slots.
ποΈ From Β£1.25-Β£5.75pp / Family Β£20 (discounts available for members)
π View pool timetables here.
Hirst Park Splash Park
π Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9BA
π Typically open from the end of May (tbc)
π¦ Outdoor splash park and playground. OpenΒ daily approx 10am-5pm.
ποΈ Free, no booking required.
π Check for updates with Friends of Hirst Park or Northumberland County Council.
Ridley Park Splash Pad
π Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 3HF
π Typically open from mid April (tbc)
π¦ Outdoor splash pad and playground. Open daily, approx 11am-6pm.
ποΈ Free, no booking required.
π Check for updates with Friends of Ridley Park or Northumberland County Council.
Riverside Park Splash Pad
π Chester-le-Street, Co Durham, DH3 3PL
π Open selected dates 27th May-10th Sep 2023
π¦ Outdoor splash pad and playground. Open Mondays and Fridays 11am-3pm (5th June-14th July), and 10am-6pm weekends and school holidays (29th May-2nd June and 15th July-10th Sep),
ποΈ Free, no booking required.
π Check for updates with Friends of Riverside Park or Durham County Council.
Waves Indoor Swimming Pool
π The Links, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, NE26 1TQ
π Open daily.
π¦ Main pool and small pool, plus slides, wave machine and aquatic play area for younger children with pirate ship, mini slides and water play. Also compact soft play on site.
ποΈ From Β£1.60-Β£6.90 pp / Family Β£23.20 (discounts available for members)
π View pool timetables here.
Playgrounds with a Water Play Element
πChase Park, Whickham, Gateshead, NE16 4EE
πDerwent Park, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, NE39 1LG
πGibside (National Trust), Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, NE16 6BG
πWoodgate Community Park, Stonehills, Gateshead, NE10 0HW
πRising Sun Country Park, Benton, North Tyneside, NE12 9SS
πRoker Park, Sunderland, SR6 9NB
*tbc whether playground water play areas are currently operating, more details will be added once confirmed or let me know here if you’ve visited recently!
Look out for updates on…
Stanhope Open Air Swimming Pool
π Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL13 2LU
π’ Closed for 2023 – the announcement was made on 17th May that due to major electrical faults requiring significant and time-consuming restoration, the pool is unable to open this season. In addition, the committee are in the process of securing the extension of the lease with the future in an uncertain position, as it cannot continue without a full committee and committed volunteers. If you feel you can help, please reach out via Facebook Messenger, or email info@stanhopepool.co.uk.
π Look out for updates here.
Whitley Bay Water Park
π The Links, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, NE26 1TQ
π’ Announcement 18th May 2022 advising closure of water park due to maintenance, 2023 opening tbc.
π¦ Splash pad and playground, just a few minutes walk from the beach.
ποΈ Free, no booking required.
π Look out for updates 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