This handy roundup has loads of ideas for great places to visit with kids in the North East, along with useful info and links. You can browse below for inspiration, or skip straight to your favourite sections here:
🐷Animals, Farms & More
🎡Fairgrounds
🌷Gardens & Grounds
🖼Museums & Attractions
👶Play Cafes/Pubs, Craft Cafes & More
🧒Soft Play & Trampolines
⛳Sports & Games
If you have any recommendations to add let me know here🙂
You can also find more ideas for favourite family days out recommended by local parents in our ‘Top 10s’ Guides – including places perfect for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, activities for older kids and teens, and fun outdoors with top parks, playgrounds and easy walks for bikes/scooters/prams! Plus lots of lovely Playgroups & Baby to Pre-school Classes in Gateshead!
Details are subject to change, please check the latest updates, opening times & booking requirements directly with individual providers.
Adventure Valley, Durham
📌 Brasside, Durham, County Durham, DH1 5SG
🎫 Book here
▪ Soft play, undercover farmyard, creature corner and Wild West Saloon, plus outdoor attractions including new Train Ride.
Beamish Museum
📌 Beamish, County Durham, DH9 0RG
🎫 Book here
▪ Living museum with historical villages, farm and exhibits, bus and tram rides included in entry, plus fairground rides on selected dates.
Bill Quay Farm
📌 Hainingwood Terrace, Bill Quay, Gateshead, NE10 0UE
▪ Rare breeds farm with free entry and no booking required. Special events with animal handling and petting sessions (charges/booking may apply), plus Bill Quay Cafe on site.
Broom House Farm & Forest Adventure
📌 Near Witton Gilbert, Durham, DH7 6TR
🎫 Book here for Forest Adventure
▪ Organic working farm with sheep, geese, goats and cattle. Coffee shop and large play field with slide, swing, maze, dens, fort, sand pit and hay bales. Free, booking only required for Forest Adventure.
Castleside Alpacas
📌 Wesley Terrace, Castleside, Consett, Durham, DH89QB
🎫 Message here to book
▪ Meet the alpacas, Pygmy goats and poultry, admission limited to one group of visitors at a time and includes handling and feeding.
Down at the Farm
📌 Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland, DH5 8JG
🎫 Book here
▪ Animal handling and feeding sessions, outdoors play areas and tractor rides, barrel rides and quad bikes.
Hall Hill Farm
📌 Lanchester, Durham, DH7 0TA
🎫 Book here
▪ Soft play and outdoors play areas as well as animal handling/feeding, tractor rides, barrel rides and sheep racing.
Jarrow Hall Anglo-Saxon Farm
📌 Village and Bede Museum, Church Bank, Jarrow, South Tyneside, NE32 3DY
🎫 Book here.
▪ Farm , Anglo-Saxon village and museum.
Lanchester Garden Centre – Potters World
📌 Bargate Bank, Lanchester, Co Durham, DH7 0SS
🎫 No booking needed, check for updates here.
▪ Little Potter’s indoors play tunnel, plus free flying birds, Birds of Prey, reptiles, inveterate and fish. Aquatics centre with tropical fish within garden centre. No booking needed, check for updates here.
Moorhouse Farm
📌 Station Road, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 6DX
▪ Working farm with outdoor play area, no booking needed.
North East Falconry
📌 Heddon View, Ryton, Gateshead, NE40 3JB
🎫 Advance bookings only, contact info@northeastfalconry.co.uk or 07592 932 533
▪ Small group outdoors falconry experiences available, including new experience for 2021 here
Northumberland College Zoo (previously Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens)
📌 Kirkley Hall, Ponteland, Northumberland, NE20 0AQ
🎫 Book here
Northumberland Country Zoo
📌 Eshottheugh Farm, Eshottheugh in Felton, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 9QH
🎫 Book here
▪ Wide range of animals, as well as Bird of Prey flying display and Minibeast Talks.
Ouseburn Farm
📌 Ouseburn Road, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PA
🎫 Book here
Pets Corner
📌 Jesmond Dene, Jesmond, Newcastle, NE7 7DA
🎫 Free, no booking required. Open 11-2pm, check updates here.
Rising Sun Farm
📌 King’s Road North, Rising Sun Country Park, North Tyneside, NE28 9JL
🎫 Free, no booking required.
▪ Working farm with sheep, goats, pigs, horses and poultry, plus Earth & Fire Bakery on site.
Tweddle Farm
📌 Filipoke Lane, Blackhall Colliery, Co Durham, TS27 4BT
🎫 Book here or call 0191 586 3311
Farm with indoors and outdoors areas and animal handling, Play Barn with under 5s soft play, outdoor play areas, pedal go karts, indoor adventure golf, tractor trailer rides and barrel train rides and more.
Tynemouth Aquarium
📌 Grand Parade, Tynemouth, North Tyneside, NE3O 4JF
🎫 Book online here
▪Day tickets can be booked online and are valid for up to 6 months with no need to pre-book a specific date, annual passes also available.
Wheelbirks Parlour
📌 Wheelbirks Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7HY
▪ Working farm with cattle, donkeys and chickens offering ice cream, smoothies, milkshakes and desserts, with spacious orchard and play area. No booking required.
Whitehouse Farm Centre
📌 North Whitehouse Farm, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 6AW
🎫 Book here
▪ Farm and adventure play.
WWT Washington Wetland Centre
📌 Barmston Lane, Pattinson, Washington, NE38 8LE
🎫 Book here
Diggerland Durham
📌 Riverside Industrial Estate, Langley Park, Durham, County Durham, DH7 9TT
🎫 Book here
▪ Construction-themed rides and experiences for digger lovers of all ages.
Ocean Beach Pleasure Park & The Dunes Adventure Island
📌 Sea Road, South Shields, NE33 2LD
🎫 Book here for soft play and bowling. Fun Cards for fairground rides available online here or at pay points in fair.
The Alnwick Garden
📌 Greenwell Road, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1YU
🎫 Book here
Beamish Hall & Grounds
📌 Beamish Hall, Stanley, Durham, DH9 0YB
📆 Adventures in Wonderland woodland walk open March-June 2021
🎫 Book here
Beamish Museum
📌 Beamish, County Durham, DH9 0RG
🎫 Book here
▪ Living museum with historical villages, farm and exhibits, bus and tram rides included in entry, plus fairground rides on selected dates.
Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens
📌 Belsay, Northumberland, NE20 0DX (English Heritage site)
🎫 Book here
Birkheads Secret Gardens
📌 Birk Heads, Marley Hill, Gateshead, NE16 5EL
▪ Check here for updates or call 07778 447 920
The Bowes Museum
📌 Barnard Castle, Co Durham DL12 8NP
🎫 Book here
▪ Museum and grounds with woodland fairy trail and spring trails from 29th March 2021
Gibside
📌 Rowlands Gill, Burnopfield, Gateshead, NE16 6BG
🎫 Book here (National Trust)
Lambton Park
📌 Chester-le-Street, Co Durham, DH3 4PQ
▪ Seasonal permissive access routes open daily 9am-6pm (last access 5pm) from 29th May 2021 until 30th June 2021, after which open Sundays only until 30th Sep. Limited car parking in Bowes Business Park (£3 charge).
Tynemouth Priory and Castle
📌 Pier Road, Tynemouth, North Tyneside, NE30 4BZ
🎫 Book here (English Heritage)
Wallington
📌 Cambo, near Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 4AR
🎫 Book here (National Trust)
Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort
📌 Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB
🎫 Book free tickets here
▪ More info here to help plan your visit.
BALTIC
📌 Gateshead Quays, South Shore Road, Gateshead NE8 3BA
🎫 Book free tickets for gallery here, Learning Lounge here and Sensory Room here, or call 0191 261 3830.
▪ Booking recommended, visits on the day welcome depending on capacity.
Beamish Museum
📌 Beamish, County Durham, DH9 0RG
🎫 Book here
▪ Living museum with historical villages, farm and exhibits, bus and tram rides included in entry, plus fairground rides on selected dates.
The Bowes Museum
📌 Barnard Castle, Co Durham DL12 8NP
🎫 Book museum entry here
▪ Woodland fairy trail and spring trails to enjoy in the grounds from March 2021.
Discovery Museum
📌 Blandford Square, Newcastle, NE1 4JA
🎫 No booking needed
▪ Some areas will initially remain closed, including Play Tyne water play.
Great North Museum: Hancock
📌 Barras Bridge, Newcastle, NE2 4PT
🎫 No booking needed
▪ More info here to help plan your visit. Some areas will initially remain closed, including buggy parking, the under 5s’ gallery, planetarium.
Jarrow Hall Anglo-Saxon Farm
📌 Village and Bede Museum, Church Bank, Jarrow, South Tyneside, NE32 3DY
🎫 Book here.
▪ Farm, Anglo-Saxon village and museum.
Laing Art Gallery
📌 Newcastle, NE1 8AG
🎫 Book here for Challenging Convention exhibition.
▪ More info here to help plan your visit. No booking needed for free displays. Booking recommended for special exhibitions, although there are also some walk up tickets available. The Under 5s area will remain closed initially.
Locomotion
📌 Dale Road Industrial Estate, Shildon, Co Durham, DL4 2RE
🎫 Book free tickets here
▪More info here to help plan your visit.
Science at Life
📌 Times Square, Newcastle, NE1 4EP
🎫 Book here
▪ Science exhibitions, live shows, planetarium and speical events.
Shipley Art Gallery
📌 Prince Consort Road, Gateshead, NE8 4JB
🎫 No booking required.
▪ More info here to help plan your visit. The toddler toys and magic carpets aren’t available for use initially.
South Shields Museum & Art Gallery
📌 Ocean Road, South Shields, NE33 2JA
🎫 Book free tickets here
▪ More info here to help plan your visit. Creature Corner is open, where you can view snakes, spiders and lizards. Booking is recommended, although there will be some walk up tickets available.
Stephenson Steam Railway
📌 Middle Engine Lane, North Shields, NE29 8DX
🎫 Book tickets here
▪ More info here to help plan your visit. Tickets include a heritage train ride followed by entry to the museum. Open Sundays, Bank Holiday Mondays, and Thursdays during school holidays.
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
📌 Burdon Rd, Sunderland, SR1 1PP
▪ More info here to help plan your visit.
Tanfield Railway
📌 Old Marley Hill, Gateshead, NE16 5ET
🎫 Book here.
▪ Steam trains run on weekends and speical events, plus refreshments available at Tommy Armstrong Tea Rooms.
Victoria Tunnel
📌 Lime Street, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
🎫 Book here
▪ One-hour Victoria Tunnel tours for single households (or support bubbles) of 2-6 people.
Woodhorn Museum
📌 Woodhorn, QEII Country Park, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9YF
🎫 No booking required.
▪ Museum and Pit Yard Play Area. More info here to help plan your visit.
**Extra info & pics of some fab Play Cafes here**
BALTIC
📌 Gateshead Quays, South Shore Road, Gateshead NE8 3BA
🎫 Book free tickets for gallery here, Learning Lounge here and Sensory Room here, or call 0191 261 3830.
▪ Booking recommended, visits on the day welcome depending on capacity.
Gateshead Children’s Centres
📌 Multiple Gateshead locations here
🎫 Call 0191 433 6439 / 433 5100 to book, or email: CCSensoryRoomBookings@gateshead.gov.uk
/ gatesheadchildrenscentre@gateshead.gov.uk
▪ Sensory rooms available to book at Chowdene, Elgin Centre and Leam Lane, and a range of sessions across various centres, such as Baby Time, Massage, Toddler Time, Trike Time and pop up Soft Play & Bouncy Castle.
The Kiln Pottery Studio
📌 Durham Road, Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 6HU
🎫 Message here to book.
▪ Paint-your-own-pottery sessions
Lilyput Lane
📌 High Street, Felling, Gateshead, NE10 9LU
🎫 Book here for role play sessions, look out for special events here
▪ Role play village, ride on toys, dress up area and designated baby area, with special events and meet and greets.
The Nest Cafe
📌 Durham Rd, Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 5AN
🎫 Book here for Boob Club, Babba Club and Toddle Club
▪ No booking needed for cafe and play area with toys. Booking required for weekly social and support groups below. Look out here for updates on additional groups and events.
Boob Club – a social support group for breastfeeding women, Thursdays 9.30-11am.
Babba Club – babies up to 12 months, Mondays 10-11.30am & Tuesdays 1pm – 2.30pm.
Toddle Club – 12 months to pre-school age, Mondays 12.30pm – 2pm & Fridays 10.45am – 12.15pm.
Pineapple and Bears
📌 Spa well Road, Winlaton, Gateshead, NE21 6RT
🎫 Book here
▪ Under 7s soft play, sensory room and outdoor play area (separate bookings required), with classes and special events.
Raven Valley Gym Club
📌 Raven Valley Gym Club, Riverside Park, Gateshead, NE11 9DJ
🎫 Call 0191 447 1720 to book classes or to pre-book soft play
▪ Raven Rascals casual parent & toddler sessions available (and structured gymnastics classes for all ages). Pop up soft play available from 17th May.
Valley Farm, Farmhouse Inns
First Avenue, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0NU
🎫 No booking needed.
▪ Family friendly pub with indoor play zone, with daily carvery, ice cream, ‘cakeaway’ and pub favourites.
Canny Crafty
📌 Salters Road, Gosforth, Newcastle, NE3 1DU
🎫 Book here
▪ Baby print keepsakes and sit-in pottery painting sessions, plus Canny Crafty takeaway kits to paint at home.
Craft House
📌 Park View, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, NE26 3QL
🎫 Booking recommended, message here to book
▪ Craft & create sessions for children and adults using a range of materials.
Hotpotz Ceramic Painting Studio
📌 156 Park View, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, NE26 3QW
🎫 Call 0191 280 8181 to book or message here (or walk-ins usually welcome)
▪ Pottery painting and clay imprints/outprints of hand prints, footprints etc.
Littley Bay
📌 Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, NE26 1LY
🎫 Look out here for updates
▪Role play cafe, dress up and ride on toys.
North East Gymnastics Academy
📌 Newburn Activity Centre, Grange Rd, Newburn, Newcastle, NE15 8ND
🎫 Book here
▪ Pre-school gymnastics Mondays & Sundays, Stay & Play sessions Mondays and Fridays.
The Owl Tree Childrens Cafe
📌 Kingston Park Road, Gosforth, Newcastle, NE3 2HY
🎫 Book here
▪ Themed play and activities in indoor and outdoor play areas, with toys, crafts, messy play, sensory play, role play and a designated baby area.
The Pottery Experience
📌 81 Fern Avenue, Newcastle, NE2 2RA
🎫 Book here.
▪ Pottery painting and making experience. Paint a piece of pottery, or learn to make a pot on the potters wheel.
Tumble Gymnastics and Activity Centre
📌 North Tyneside Industrial Estate, Benton, Newcastle, NE12 9SZ
🎫 Book here
▪Tumble Fun Time play sessions for 1-5 years with pop up soft play and gymnastics equipment.
Well Bee-ing Hub & Cafe
📌 84 Park Road, Wallsend, NE28 6QY (previously Tots Tea Rooms)
▪ Brand new community space and cafe opening soon . Look out for updates here.
Wheatsheaf Farm, Farmhouse Inns
Callerton Lane End, Woolsington, Newcastle, NE13 8DF
🎫 No booking needed.
▪ Family friendly pub with indoor play zone and enclosed outdoor play area, with daily carvery, ice cream, ‘cakeaway’ and pub favourites.
Crafty Corner
📌 47 Baring Street, South Shields, South Tyneside, NE33 2DR
🎫 Call 0191 425 4425 / 07554 445 125 to book.
▪ Craft shop and ceramic painting studio with classes, workshops and regular Kids Club.
Hedworth Gymnastics Centre
📌 Hedworthfield Community Association, Jarrow, South Tyneside, NE32 4QD
🎫 Text 07388 331 873 to book.
▪ Parents and Tots pop-up soft play sessions with focussed activities Mon-Thurs AM and Thurs PM.
It’s A Small World
📌 Donkin Road, Washington, Sunderland, NE37 1PF
🎫 Book here for role play sessions, look out for special events here.
▪ Role play village, ride on toys, soft play shapes and designated baby room, with special events and character meet and greets.
Lexi Jane’s Craft Cafe
📌 Its A Small World, 12 Donkin Road, Armstrong Industrial Estate, Washington, NE37 1PF
🎫 Message here to book.
▪ Ceramic and wooden crafts, build your own bear, Princess Boutique and afternoon tea (Sunderland branch in process of relocating to new premises in Newcastle)
Oak Tree Farm, Farmhouse Inns
Camberwell Way, Bramhall Drive, Sunderland
🎫 No booking needed.
▪ Family friendly pub with indoor play zone and outdoor play area, with daily carvery, ice cream, ‘cakeaway’ and pub favourites.
The Play Café Sunderland
📌 9-10 Station Rd, Sunderland, SR69AA
🎫 Book here.
▪ Play area with toys, role play and soft play shapes. Free stay and play sessions (booking and deposit needed) along with a packed programme of weekly sessions and events.
Silly Billy’s
📌 Herrington Burn, Houghton le Spring, Sunderland, DH4 4JW
▪ Soft play, messy play and role play cafe for 0-6 years old. Opening date delayed slightly due to water damage, check here for updates.
South Tyneside Gymnastics & Wellbeing Centre
📌 John Reid Road, South Shields, NE34 8QN
🎫 Message here.
▪ To register for Play Tots sessions message Facebook page with your child’s name, contact number and any preferred days and times.
The Urban Factory
📌 Unit 6 Victoria Park Industrial Estate, Hebburn, South Tyneside, NE31 1UB
🎫 Message here for booking info.
▪ Under 5s TUF Time parent & toddler sessions available (and structured gymnastics classes for all ages).
Wearside Farm, Farmhouse Inns
Turbine Way, Sunderland, SR5 3NZ
🎫 No booking needed.
▪ Family friendly pub with indoor play zone and enclosed outdoor play area, with daily carvery, ice cream, ‘cakeaway’ and pub favourites.
Williby Roc’s CIC
📌 Bilton Hall Community Trust, South Shields, NE32 3RT
🎫 Message here.
▪ Little Buds outdoors playgroup with water play, mud kitchen, bird spotting, bug hunting and more.
Woodland Play Patch
📌 10 Morton Crescent, Houghton le Spring, Sunderland, DH4 6AD
🎫 Book here.
▪ Open plan all wooden play area for babies and toddlers with toys and climbing frame, with play sessions and social sessions.
Bee Happy Play Cafe
📌 Bracken Hill, South West Industrial Estate, Peterlee, Durham, SR8 2LS
🎫 Book here.
▪ Indoors and outdoors play facilities suitable from birth to 5 years, with a packed programme of weekly activities and special events.
Bertie’s Play Barn
📌 Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, High Street, Durham, DH1 3UJ
🎫 Updates here.
▪ Interactive play village with role play areas, ride on toys and table-top toys.
Clart About Sensory Cafe
📌 Consett Industrial Estate, Co Durham, DH8 6SZ
🎫 Book here.
▪ Multi-sensory room, soft-play shapes, baby play area and role play area, with classes and support sessions for children and parents.
The Craft Cabin Northeast CIC
📌 Front street, Chester-le-Street, Co Durham, DH3 3AY
🎫 Message here to book.
▪ Craft activities from toddlers to teens, including: pottery painting, slime making, sand art, wooden item painting & decorating, fabric bags and pencil case decorating, t shirts & more.
Create and Paint
📌 14 Grange Road, Darlington, Co Durham, DL1 5NG
🎫 Message here to book or call 07753 230 241
▪ Paint ceramics, decopatch, foam clay an object, or even create a teddy.
Dragonflies Durham
📌 Dragonville Industrial Park, Durham, DH1 2XW
🎫 Book here.
▪ Soft play for up to 8 years old, with trampoline, football pitch and role play area, plus baby sensory room and classes.
Dream Big Role Play Centre
📌 Grange Villa, Durham, DH2 3LN
🎫 Book here.
▪ Role play centre with large outdoor play area and indoor sensory snug, with packed programme of weekly classes and a breastfeeding support group.
Lanchester Garden Centre – Potters World
📌 Bargate Bank, Lanchester, Co Durham, DH7 0SS
🎫 No booking needed, check for updates here.
▪ Little Potter’s indoors play tunnel, plus free flying birds, Birds of Prey, reptiles, inveterate and fish. Aquatics centre with tropical fish within garden centre.
Little Land of Adventures
📌 Beveridge Way, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham, DL5 4DU
🎫 Book here.
▪ Role play centre for 0-7 years, also with classes and special events.
Moobears
📌 Edwards Square, Low Chare, Chester-le-Street, Co Durham, DH3 3QF
🎫 Call to book on 07517 258 494 / 0191 389 025
▪ Pre-school soft play area, role play, arts and crafts and sensory play, plus special events. Look out for new website here.
Oopsy Down Town
📌 Seaside Lane, Peterlee, Durham, SR8 3PF
🎫 Message here to book.
▪ Pre-school soft play area, role play village, crafts and sensory play, with classes special events.
Petite Street Playtown
📌 St Johns Road, Meadowfield Industrial Estate, Co Durham, DH7 8TZ
🎫 Book here.
▪ Role play town and outdoor play including sand pit and ride on ramp, with packed programme of weekly activities and special events.
Playdates Baby Lounge
📌 Church Street, Seaham Harbour, Co Durham, SR7 7HQ
🎫 Book here.
▪ Indoor play area and packed programme of activities, stay & play sessions and special events.
The Play Place
📌 Pease Road, North West Industrial Estate, Peterlee, Co Durham, SR8 2RD
🎫 Message here to book.
▪ Cafe with baby and toddler toys and role play areas, with weekly classes and special events.
Rosebud Ceramics
📌 Chipchase Court Seaham Grange, Seaham, SR7 0PP
🎫 Message here to book
▪ Pottery painting, baby prints, 3d castings and silver jewellery.
World of Make Believe Play Cafe
📌 203 Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL14 7
🎫 Message here.
▪ Play centre for 0-8 years, including sensory room and packed timetable of classes.
**Extra info & pics of some fab Play Cafes here**
@The Castle
📌 St Hildas Church, Stella Road, Blaydon, Gateshead, NE21 4NN
🎫 Booking required on 0191 413 2311
Derwent Crossing, Brewers Fayre
📌 Derwent Haugh Road, Swallwell, Gateshead, NE16 3BJ
🎫 Call 0191 414 6308 to book
▪ Maximum height restriction of 145cm. Kids under 90cm play for FREE!
Dunston Activity Centre Pop-Up Soft Play
📌 Ellison Road, Gateshead, NE11 9SS
🎫 Call 0191 425 2222 to book
▪ Weekly pop-up soft play on Saturdays 10am-1pm, with soft play shapes, air track, giant inflatables and cafe.
Funshack Gateshead
📌 Team Valley Trading Est, Gateshead, NE11 0TU (previously Giant’s Den soft play)
📆 Opening late July 2021, check for updates here
▪Brand new Funshack soft play coming soon!!! Including soft play, toddler soft play & toddler village, trampolines, go karts, football courts, cannonball arena, volcano slide and rubber dingy slide.
Jump Giants
📌 Forge Road, Dunston, Gateshead, NE8 2RB
🎫 Book here.
▪ Trampoline sessions and under 5s soft play area
Mister Twisters Jump Centre
📌 Unit 15E Follingsby Park, Wardley, Gateshead, NE10 8YG
🎫Book here.
▪ Soft play, trampolining and brand new laser tag. Toddler Time discounts on selected days & times.
Namco Funscape
📌 Garden Walk, Metrocentre, Gateshead, NE11 9XY
🎫 Book here.
▪ Soft play sessions, bowling, dodgems, arcade and pool tables.
Ace Playce
📌 Killingworth, North Tyneside, NE12 6YT
🎫 Book here.
▪ Soft play sessions, also playgroup sessions on Tuesday & Thursday mornings with toys, story-time, rhyme-time, crafts and soft play.
Acorn & Oak Soft Play
📌 Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, NE26 2HU
🎫 Book soft play here, sensory room here
▪ Soft play, toddler area and sensory areas, with a activity sessions for babies, toddlers and children of all ages, plus nursery childcare sessions.
Captain Ted’s
📌 Gosforth, Newcastle, NE3 4ES
🎫 Book here.
▪ Soft play sessions, also baby socials on Mondays and toddler group on Thursdays with games, Sticky Kids singing, dancing and soft play.
Funshack
📌 Benfield Business Park, Newcastle, NE6 4NQ
🎫 Book here.
▪Soft play sessions, also toddler time specials with discounted price Mon-Fri term times (last entry 2pm).
Inflata Nation Newcastle
📌Royal Quays, North Shields, North Tyneside, NE29 6DA
🎫 Book here.
InflateSpace Newcastle
📌 Benfield Business Park, Newcastle, NE6 4NQ
🎫 Book here.
Jump 360 Newcastle
📌 Benton Business Park, Newcastle, NE12 9SW
🎫 Book here.
Kiki’s Kabin
📌 Albion Road, North Shields, North Tyneside, NE30 2RQ
🎫 Book here.
▪ Soft play set in an old church, with new kitchen, sports cage, traversing wall, bouncy castle and toddler village.
New Adventurelands
📌 Benton Road, Newcastle, NE7 7DT
🎫 Book here.
▪ Every school day kids eat free day.
PaddlePod
📌 Killingworth, Newcastle, NE12 5AB
📌 New York Road, Shiremoor, North Tyneside, NE27 0NB
🎫 Book here
▪ ‘Swim Eat Play’ with family swim sessions or lessons, cafe and under 5s soft play area. No booking required for Shiremoor soft play (check for updates here)
Round The Twist
Benton, Newcastle, NE12 9SZ
Book here.
Soft play, new sensory areas and role play village for 4 years and under, plus brand new UV crazy golf area. Free activities included in admission Mon-Fri term times.
Royal Quays, Brewers Fayre
📌 North Shields, North Tyneside, NE29 6DL
🎫 Call 0191 258 0287 to book.
▪ Maximum height restriction of 145cm. Kids under 90cm play for FREE!
The Whitley Bay Treehouse
📌 Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, NE26 3HL
🎫 Book here.
▪ Soft play for up to 8 years old, with main playframe, toddler soft play and dedicated baby area.
The Dunes Adventure Island & Ocean Beach Pleasure Park
📌 Sea Road, South Shields, NE33 2LD
🎫 Book here for soft play and bowling. Fun Cards for fairground rides available online here or at pay points in fair.
The Fun Jungle
📌 Sulgrave Road, Washington, NE37 3AZ
🎫 Message here to book
Go Bananas
📌Whitburn Road, Seaburn, Sunderland, SR6 8AA
🎫 Book here
Jumbo Jims
📌 Garwood Street, South Shields, NE33 5AG
🎫 No booking needed (check for updates here).
▪ Soft play for 0-8 years, daily activities included Mon-Fri 11am & 2pm (term time only) such as: Snack Club, Musical Movement, Arts and Crafts, and Fun With Food.
Millie’s Magical Garden
📌 Washington Millennium Centre, Concord, Washington, NE372QD
🎫 Call 0191 561 3880
Tumbles
📌 Hylton Road, Sunderland, SR4 7XS
🎫 Book here
▪Soft play for 0-8 years with designated baby and toddler area.
Wacky Warehouse, Story Book
📌 Boldon Leisure Park, Abingdon Way, Boldon Colliery, Sunderland, NE35 9PB
🎫 No booking needed
▪ Soft play sessions with 1 hour play at peak times (excludes tots club)
The Wessington, Brewers Fayre
📌 Wessington Way, Castledown, Sunderland, SR5 3HR
🎫 Call 0191 548 9384 to book
▪ Maximum height restriction of 145cm. Kids under 90cm play for FREE!
Adventure Valley
📌 Brasside, Durham, County Durham, DH1 5SG
🎫 Book here.
▪ Soft play, undercover farmyard, creature corner and Wild West Saloon open, plus outdoor attractions including new Train Ride.
Dragonflies Durham
📌 35 Dragonville Industrial Park, Durham, DH1 2XW
🎫 Book here.
▪ Baby classes, Fireflies Baby Hub sensory room and soft play sessions for up to 8 years.
Dunelm Ridge, Brewers Fayre
📌 Arnison Retail Centre, Pity Me, Durham, DH1 5GB
🎫 Call 0191 383 9140 to book.
▪ Maximum height restriction of 145cm. Kids under 90cm play for FREE!
Hall Hill Farm
📌 Lanchester, Durham, DH7 0TA
🎫 Book here.
▪ Soft play and outdoors play areas open as well as animal handling/feeding, tractor rides, barrel rides and sheep racing.
Holmside Park
📌 Edmondsley, Chester le Street, Durham, DH7 6EY
🎫 Book here.
▪ 20+ activities outdoors and indoors, including soft play, roller skating, archery, inflatables & more, plus special events such as Dino Experience days.
Infinite Air
📌 New Ferens Park, Belmont Industrial Estate, Durham, DH1 1GG
🎫 Book here.
▪ Jump sessions for age 6+ and tots sessions with soft play and trampolines.
Jumbo Jungle & Ultimate Bounce Zone
📌 Unit 40, No 1 Industrial Estate, Consett, County Durham, DH8 6TW
🎫 Book on 01207 500 007 / 07709 770 458
▪ Soft play and trampoline zone must be booked separately.
Krazy Kingdom
📌 Greencroft Industrial Park, Annfield Plain, Durham, DH9 7YB
🎫 Book here.
▪ Book online for soft play, 30 minutes bowling sessions available to book on 01207 528 899.
Ruff ‘N’ Tumble Adventure World
📌 Millennium Way, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham, DL5 6AR
🎫 Book here.
▪ Soft play with dedicated areas for under 5s, bungee trampolines, climbing wall, ten pin bowling and sports courts.
Tweddle Farm
📌 Filipoke Lane, Blackhall Colliery, Co Durham, TS27 4BT
🎫 Book here or call 0191 586 3311
▪ Under 5s soft play, play barn, indoor go karts, indoor animal barns and crazy golf open.
Big Lick’s Soft Play (previously Diandjim’s Fun Station)
📌 Station Road, Prudhoe, Northumberland, NE42 6NP
🎫 Book here.
▪ Soft play and ice cream parlour open.
Clip ‘n Climb
📌 Gateshead: The Yellow Mall, intu Metrocentre, NE11 9XY
📌 Newcastle: Benfield Business Park, Benfield Road, NE6 4NQ
🎫 Book online: Metrocentre / Newcastle
▪ Opening date for Clip ‘n Climb at Gateshead Leisure Centre tbc.
Endless Adventure North East
Low Fell, Gateshead
Book here.
A range of adrenaline fuelled activities available, with specially adapted options suitable for families, including Gorge Walking, Abseiling, Rock Climbing, Paddle Boarding and Kayaking.
Go Ballistic Paintballing
4 Unit, King Street, Gateshead, NE8 2YP
Book here.
Play in an indoor tailor-made replica town including full size tube train with unlimited ammo using REBALL, special reusable rubber balls instead of paintballs. Age 11+.
Namco Funscape
📌 Garden Walk, Metrocentre, Gateshead, NE11 9XY
🎫 Book here.
▪ Retro arcade themed soft play, bowling, dodgems, arcade and pool tables
North East Retro Den NERD Arcade
📌 67 High Street, Felling, Gateshead, NE10 9LU
🎫 Message here to book (or walk ins usually welcome)
▪ Awesome retro arcade machines, plus merchandise shop by Gloriously Geek.
War Room Laser Arena
Rex Building, Harraton Terrace, Birtley, DH3 2QG
Book here
Brand new venue with retro arcade games, UV pool, UV ping pong, basketball machines, air hockey table and laser tag arena with UV lights, music, laser beams and smoke cannons.
Whickham Thorns Outdoor Activity Centre
Market Lane, Gateshead, NE11 9NX
Book here.
Adventure experiences including kick golf, climbing, bouldering, skiing, snow tubing, sledging, forest schools, mountain biking, orienteering, assault course and night-line.
Battlezone Paintball Newcastle
Bygate Plantation, Black Heddon, Belsay, Newcastle, NE20 0JR
Book here.
Outdoors paintball with large comfortable covered safe area and the latest paintball equipment. Mini Paintball for 8-11yrs, Laser Tag for 8yrs+, various packages for 12yrs+, and Airsoft for an authentic military experience.
Clip ‘n Climb
📌 Gateshead: The Yellow Mall, intu Metrocentre, NE11 9XY
📌 Newcastle: Benfield Business Park, Benfield Road, NE6 4NQ
🎫 Book online: Metrocentre / Newcastle
▪ Opening date for Clip ‘n Climb at Gateshead Leisure Centre tbc.
The CTRL Pad
📌 The Gate, Newcastle, NE1 5TG
🎫 No booking required
▪ Newcastle’s first Video-Gaming lounge offering retro classics to latest releases for all all ages and abilities, with drop-ins, tournaments, events and competitions.
The Escape Key
📌 60-62 Saint Andrew’s Street, Newcastle, NE1 5SF
🎫 Book here.
▪ Premium quality escape games located in an atmospheric warehouse overlooking the ancient graveyard of St. Andrew’s church, with both indoors and outdoors games, including witch, paranormal and spy games.
Escape Newcastle
📌 95-97 Grainger Street, Newcastle, NE1 5AE
📌 The Gate, Newgate Street, Newcastle, NE1 4XQ
🎫 Book here.
▪ Simple, fun, challenging escape room games including witchcraft and wizardry, malfunctioning robots and alien life.
Ghetto Golf
📌 Hoults Yard, Newcastle, NE6 2HL
🎫 Book here.
▪ Weird and wonderful golf course celebrating street art, plus theatre, cocktails, DJ’s and street food. Over 18s only, so great for grown-up families or for date nights!
Go Ape
Matfen Hall Hotel, Matfen, Newcastle, NE20 0RH
Book here.
Axe throwing and Treetop Challenge high ropes adventure course, with half trapeze, free-falling Tarzan swings and Skateboard Zip. Ages 10+, minimum height 1.4 metres tall.
Gutterball Alley
📌 Rotary Way, North Shields, North Tyneside, NE29 6DA
🎫 Book here.
▪ Mini golf, bowling lanes, pool, ping pong, batting cages and arcades. Look out for special events and kids workshops here.
Harrys Game Shack
📌 1 Fawcett Street, Sunderland, SR1 1SJ
📌 Percy Street, Newcastle, NE1 7RA
🎫 Book here.
▪ The biggest gaming lounge in the North East for retro gaming.
Meeple Perk
📌 89 Clayton Street, Newcastle, NE15PZ
🎫 Book here
▪ Newcastle’s first dedicated board games cafe, with a collection of more than 300 board games to choose from!
Mr Mulligans Space Golf
📌 117 Newgate Street, Newcastle, NE1 5RZ
🎫 Book here.
▪ Three space themed adventure golf courses, and electro-darts!
PaddlePod
📌 Silverbirch Drive, Killingworth, Newcastle, NE12 5AB
📌 New York Road, Shiremoor, North Tyneside, NE27 0NB
🎫 Book here
▪ ‘Swim Eat Play’ with family swim sessions or lessons, cafe and under 5s soft play area. No booking required for Shiremoor soft play (check for updates here)
Pirate Escape
📌 4A Park View, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, NE26 2TH
🎫 Book here.
▪ Family friendly pirate themed escape game, including mutiny, forbidden jungle, ancient artefacts and space pirate games.
TeamSport Karting
Scotswood Road, Newcastle, NE15 6UX
Book here.
Indoor Go Karting with two professionally designed, multilevel circuits (age 8+).
Turboventure
Standing Stone, Hope lane, Matfen, Newcastle, NE20 0RQ
Book here.
Outdoor activities including paintball, clay pigeon shooting, archery, quad bike jungle challenge, 4×4 driving, tank ride/drive, hovercraft and more. Minimum ages apply depending on activity.
Tynemouth Park
Tynemouth Park, Grande Parade, Tynemouth, North Tyneside, NE30 4JL
No booking required.
Outdoors attractions including dinosaur-themed mini golf, pirate quest maze, boating lake pedalos and Jungle Wipeout giant inflatables (book a timeslot for Wipeout on arrival at the park). Also playpark, cafe-bar-restaurant, and all adjacent to award winning Longsands beach. Some activities are weather dependant, check for updates here.
Waves Swimming Pool
📌 The Links, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, NE26 1TQ
🎫 Book on 0191 643 2600.
▪ Pirate ship area available for younger children, main slide and waves operating at select times. More info here.
Adventure Sunderland
Marine Walk, Roker, Sunderland, SR6 0PL
Book here.
All abilities, many different activities, including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, surfing or body boarding (subject to changeable weather), and indoor climbing, abseiling, archery, fencing and air rifle shooting. Ages 7+.
Battlefield Live
Scott’s House Farm, West Boldon, NE36 0BE
Book here.
Outdoors combat games with patented guns by Battlefield Sports based on infra-red technology, firing an invisible infra-red beam with great realistic sound effects. Age 7+.
BattleStorm Gaming
📌 Unit 7 Pennywell Business Centre, Portsmouth Road, Sunderland, SR49AR
🎫 Message here to book (selected sessions walk-ins welcome, check weekly schedule)
▪ Gaming arcade with a wide range of top of the range gaming monitors to suit all ages, with walk-ins, tournaments and competitions.
Galaxy Quest Mini Golf
📌 30 John Street, Sunderland, SR11JG
🎫 Book here or call 0191 565 2916
▪ Space themed adventure golf, full of unique obstacles and structures.
Harrys Game Shack
📌 1 Fawcett Street, Sunderland, SR1 1SJ
📌 Percy Street, Newcastle, NE1 7RA
🎫 Book here.
▪ The biggest gaming lounge in the North East for retro gaming.
Haven Point Swimming Pool
📌 Pier Parade, South Shields, NE33 2JS
🎫 Book on 0191 424 7800
▪ Water play area for younger children, and flume slide open at select times.
Hollywood Bowl
📌 Galleries Retail Park, Washington, NE38 7SB
🎫 Book here.
Karting North East
Warden Law Motorsports Centre, Sunderland, SR3 2PR
Book here.
Outdoor karting and multi activity centre from
paintball, off-road buggies, archery and tomahawk throwing (ages 8yrs+).
Laser Force
Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, Sea Road, South Shields, NE33 2LD
Book here.
Quasar Amusements Family Entertainment Center with arcade game machines and purpose built, multi level interactive laser tag arena.
Laser Quest
30-32 John, Sunderland, St SR1 1JG
Book here.
Laser zone with catwalks, mazes, swirling fog, music and lights. Ages 7+.
North East Adventures
South Shields, South Tyneside, NE31 2XE
Book here.
Family-friendly exhilarating outdoor adventures in Sunderland, Durham, Newcastle, and across the North East, including tubing, coasteering, ghyll scrambling, paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking and hydrospeeding. Ages 5+.
Ocean Beach Pleasure Park & The Dunes Adventure Island
📌 Sea Road, South Shields, NE33 2LD
🎫 Book here, or Fun Cards for fairground rides available here or at pay points in fair.
Fairground rides, soft play, bowling and arcade, adjacent to beaches and nearby play parks.
Silksworth Sports Complex and Ski Centre
Silksworth Lane, Sunderland, SR3 1PD
Call to book or use Everyone Active app
Skiing and snowboarding, with group and private lessons from beginners to advanced and recreational sessions for competent users. Age 4+.
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
Sea Road, South Shields, NE33 2LD
No booking required.
Pirate themed outdoor golf, adjacent to funfair Ocean Beach Pleasure Park & The Dunes Adventure Island.
Air Trail
Tees Barrage Way, Stockton-on-Tees, Co Durham, TS18 2QW
Book here.
Ultimate family adventure with the UK’s biggest outdoors high ropes course. No equipment or experience is required.
Battlezone Durham
Holmside Park, Edmondsley, Chester le Street, Co Durham, DH7 6EY
Book here.
Offering a variety of activities including quad biking, off road buggies, knife & axe throwing, pole jousting, archery, human table football and more.
Escape Rooms Durham
📌 41-42 Saddler Street, Durham, DH1 3NU
📌 Lumley Castle, Ropery Ln, Chester-le-Street, Durham, DH3 4NX
🎫 Book here.
▪ Escape room games, including a haunted castle, lab heist and the sinister Mr Borrowdale’s Study.
Holmside Park
📌 Edmondsley, Chester le Street, Durham, DH7 6EY
🎫 Book here
▪ 20+ activities outdoors and indoors, including soft play, roller skating, archery, inflatables & more, plus special events such as Dino Experience days.
Moorhouse Adventure Centre
Rainton Gate, Durham, DH46QY
Book here.
Abseiling, archery, canoeing, kayaking, cave bus, crossbows, frisbee golf, high ropes course, nature walks, orienteering, pistol/rifle shooting, pond dipping, tree climbing, tomahawk throwing, woodland crafts and more. From age 3+.
North East Outdoor Pursuits Centre
Castlewood Farm, Helme Park, Tow Law, Co Durham, DL13 4NN
Book here.
Family fun with clay pigeon shooting, archery, paintball and adventure weekends near Newcastle, Durham and Sunderland.
TopGear Karting
Rennys Lane Industrial Estate, Durham, DH1 2rs
Book here or call 0191 3860999
Indoor Go Karting, so no need to worry about the weather. Age 8+ (min height 4’2).
Dinosaur Encounter Mini Golf
📌 Heighley Gate Garden Centre, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 3DA
🎫 Call 07940 076 453 to book, more info here.
▪ 12 challenging holes are surrounded by life size dinosaur models and waterfall.
Closure Announcements
One of the many impacts of Covid-19 has been the unprecedented financial challenges faced by many businesses. Sadly several much loved venues across the North East closed down during the pandemic, with ongoing cost of living crisis continuing to impact local businesses. Details are given below for completeness and to help avoid confusion.
Angry Birds Adventure Golf
intu Metrocentre, 56 Garden Walk, Gateshead, NE11 9XZ
▪ Closed from 19th Feb 2023
The Ark @Crawcrook
📌 Main Road, Crawcrook, Gateshead, NE40 4UQ
▪ From 3rd April 2020 the soft play ceased to trade: ‘as a social enterprise the financial situation means the business is no longer viable in the present economic environment.’
Belong Tyneside Guardians
📌 Platinum Mall, intu Metrocentre, Gateshead, NE11 9YG
▪ Gaming arena closed on Sunday 4th July 2021, with plans to find a new home in the near future.
Cafe At The Corner
📌 169 Sunderland Road, South Shields, NE34 6AD
▪ Announced on 19th February 2021 that the play cafe will not reopen due to the financial impact of the pandemic.
The Coffee Hideout
📌 Chillingham Road, Heaton, Newcastle, NE6 5QU (previously the Oats & Eggs Pantry)
▪ Announced closure on 1st March 2022 (reopened Aug 2022 as The Whale’s Head coffee shop).
Crook Hall and Gardens
📌 Frankland Lane, Sidegate, Durham, DH1 5SZ
▪ Announced on 19th 2020 June 2020 that Crook Hall and Gardens will be permanently closed due to the financial impact of the pandemic. The business is going into liquidation with plans to sell.
Gigglewicks
📌 Network Centre, Colburn Avenue, Cramlington. NE23 1WD
Kiddies Play Cafe
📌 High Street, Felling, Gateshead, NE10 9LU
Little Bee’s Cafe
📌 25 Beach Road, South Shields, South Tyneside, NE33 2QA
▪ Announced on 13th August 2020 that Little Bee’s play cafe will not re-open.
Little Learners Playspace
📌 Cornmill Centre, Darlington, Co Durham, DL1 1LT
▪ Announced 10th May 2022 that the Playspace will close in May half term due to rising business costs. Happily, Little Learners messy play classes will continue to run at various venues in the community.
Little Legz
📌 Church Street, Coxhoe, Co Durham, DH6 4DD
▪ Announced 29th June 2022 that Little Legz will close at the end of July.
Miss Tina’s Cafe
📌 Barmston Village Centre, Washington, Sunderland, NE38 8JA
▪ Closed in spring 2021 and reopened on 28th June 2021 under new management as the Forage Community Project, who have maintained an indoor toddler play space and garden play equipment, with a focus on eco activities including upcycling, recycling and holistic therapies and workshops.
Never Give Up Newcastle
📌 58-60 Scotswood Road, Newcastle, NE4 7JE
▪ Escape room games closed indefinitely in summer 2021 due to the financial strain on the business from the pandemic.
Pirates Cove
📌2 Rolling Mill Rd, Jarrow, NE32 3DP
▪ Announced on 15th August 2020 that Pirates Cove soft play will not reopen.
Pots-and Pancakes
📌 North Shields, North Tyneside, NE29 0BL
▪ Announced 17th May 2021 that the cafe will not reopen for paint your own pottery sessions. However the good news is that the business will still be running as a takeaway service for crafts, including candle making, pottery wheel, mosaics, pottery packs and party packages.
Space to Play
📌 Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 7DQ
▪ Converted to day nursery without public soft play sessions
The Splat Centre
📌 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, NE26 2HU
▪ Closed 24th May 2023, taken over by Acorn & Oak to reopen as a newly refurbished Soft Play and Sensory Room 14th July 2023.
Thought Foundation
📌 Clarity House, Durham Road, Birtley, Gateshead, DH3 2TB
▪ Announced on 26th July 2020 that the play cafe will not be reopening, as a CIC the financial situation and distancing measures means the business is no longer economically viable.
TJ’s Jungle
📌 Bassington Industrial Estate, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 8AD
▪ Announced on 3rd September 2020 that TJ’s Jungle soft play will not reopen, as with restrictions it would be a struggle to cope both financially and with meeting guidance rules to keep customers and staff safe.
Tots Tea Rooms
📌 84 Park Road, Wallsend, NE28 6QY
▪Re-opening as Well Bee-ing Hub & Cafe.
There’s plenty on Gateshead Mumbler to help keep little ones (and big ones!) busy, check here for more ideas and info for playgroups, classes and fun days out from tots to teens!
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