12 Free Days Out and Things to Do With Kids in Tyne & Wear (Updated 2025)
Ahoy there money-savvy adventurers.
If you're looking for a fun and free day out then check out these things to do with the kids in Tyne and Wear. Whether it's enjoying the hands on learning at the Discovery Museum, or letting off steam at Herrington Country Park, there's options here to suit all ages, whatever the weather.
I've tried to make sure that all the details on here are up to date, but please do double check on the websites I've linked to before you travel in case anything has changed. Especially important: double check parking costs to avoid any nasty surprises on a day out that was supposed to be cheap, and obviously, be careful if you're visiting places with kids, especially where the terrain is dangerous (ruins, cliffs, beaches, slippy paths etc).
Happy adventuring!
Lucy
Discovery Museum
Newcastle
Learn local history with the museum's interactive displays, with lots on in the holidays to keep kids entertained. Check out their programme of events.
Sunderland's blue flag award winning twin beaches with golden sands and a seasonal lifeguard service. Take a stroll along Roker Pier, or play at Roker Park, with a playground, lake, and miniature railway.
An award winning museum in the middle of Newcastle. Check out Myth Quest, an interactive exibition, part immersive story and part live action game. Check out their programme of events.
Standing 20 metres tall, with a wingspan of 54 metres, it's quite something to behold in person. It's now one of the most viewed pieces of art in the world.
Seven Stories
Newcastle
The National Centre for Children's Books is a delightful place, with exhibitions including Judith Kerr's kitchen, the Wild Woods Gallery, and the Wombles pop up exhibition.
Located at the entrance to the River Tyne and the main sea route to Hadrian's wall. It's beautifully laid out, with Roman quaters reconstructed, and lots of interactive exhibits that kids will love.
Ouseburn Farm
Newcastle
A communitiy led farm with pigs, sheep, chickens, goats, rodents and reptils for you to help feed and pet. Check out their website for their programme of events.
Leazes Park
Newcastle
A Victorian Park in the centre of Newcastle, with a lake. a large playground in the woods, basketball courts and plenty of open space.
Saltwell Park
Gateshead
55 acres of open space, woodland, and gardens as well as a lake. Saltwell Towers houses a visitor centre, tearoom and toilets. There's also a large picnic area, 2 playgrounds, a pets corner, and a maze.
A blue flag award winning beach with golden sands. Popular with surfers, with a beautiful view. There is a seasonal lifeguard service.
Learn some local history, and stroll around the Winter Gardens, a tropical paradise. Check out their website to see what's on this month including lots of activities and events for kids.
Walking trails, cycle trails, sculptures, and a large open air concert site. There's also a playground themed around the local legend of the Lambton Worm.
Feeling a Little Frazzled?
Here's a few things I've made that'll hopefully make your life a little bit easier, a little bit more fulfilled, or simply a little bit more fun. Check out these bits along with loads of other parenting aids on the link below.
Make your little mermaid's party perfect with these personalised printables including invites, signs, bunting, crafts and games.
You know what the kids need? An epic activity pack! And it should be filled with easy activity ideas, and stickers, and personalised!
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