You’ll find Newcastle’s perfect for families with kids, from exploring medieval battlements at Newcastle Castle to watching dinosaurs come alive at the Great North Museum. Don’t miss the interactive science experiments at Centre for Life, letting little ones feed farm animals at Beamish Museum, or catching a behind-the-scenes glimpse at St. James’ Park Stadium. The Angel of the North makes for incredible family photos, while Town Moor offers endless space for picnics and games. Each attraction offers unique experiences that’ll keep your children engaged and curious about what other adventures await.
Beamish Museum
Beamish Museum transforms history into an adventure your kids will actually remember. This open-air museum brings the North East’s past to life through four different time periods, letting your children experience everything from 1820s Georgian life to 1950s town culture.
Your kids can ride authentic trams, explore pit cottages with outside toilets, and watch costumed staff demonstrate period crafts. The 1940s farm offers hands-on animal encounters with pigs, hens, and horses, while the fairground features mini-trains and traditional rides.
Don’t miss the underground mine tour or the steam train at Rowley Station. The museum’s annual tickets provide excellent value since you can return throughout the year to discover new exhibits and seasonal activities. At £20 per child, it’s excellent value for a full day out.
Located 30 minutes south of Newcastle, you’ll find free parking and regular bus connections from Eldon Square.
Great North Museum
While Beamish takes you back in time outdoors, the Great North Museum brings ancient worlds indoors where your kids can meet Big Mike, a towering T-Rex skeleton that’ll have them craning their necks in wonder.
Your children will love exploring Hadrian’s Wall exhibits and discovering Ice Age artifacts, including the UK’s largest collection of Neolithic cup-and-ring stones.
The museum’s free admission makes it perfect for repeat visits, especially during quieter Sunday afternoons or after 2:30pm on weekdays.
Don’t miss the planetarium shows starting at £2.95 – they run up to eleven times daily and offer brilliant value for budding astronomers.
From Egyptian mummies to Sparkie the talking budgie, this place packs dinosaurs, archaeology, and natural history under one roof for the ultimate family adventure. Located in the beautifully restored Grade II listed Hancock Museum, the venue combines historic architecture with modern exhibition spaces that make learning engaging for visitors of all ages.
Centre for Life / Life Science Centre
The Centre for Life transforms science into pure magic for kids, with everything from a toddler-friendly Play Zone to the North of England’s biggest planetarium packed under one roof.
Your little ones will lose themselves in the soft play areas and mini kitchen, while older kids gravitate toward the thrilling 4D Motion Ride and interactive Space Zone experiments.
Don’t miss the live Science Theatre shows – they’ll have your children gasping at explosive demonstrations.
The Body Worlds exhibitions captivate curious minds, though younger kids might prefer the hands-on Making Studios for crafts and seasonal activities. Located in Times Square, this family-friendly attraction makes science interactive and engaging for children of all ages.
Book Pre-School Days if you’ve got under-4s, or try Relaxed Sunday Sessions for children with sensory needs.
Everything’s included in your ticket price, making this a stress-free day out.
Discovery Museum
Four floors of free entertainment await at Discovery Museum, where your kids can climb aboard the world’s first steam turbine ship without leaving Newcastle city center. The magnificent Turbinia dominates the entrance, instantly captivating young visitors with its impressive scale and fascinating story panels.
Your toddlers will love Play Tyne‘s soft play area with water features, while pre-schoolers can explore Tiny Tyneside‘s mini Tyne Bridge and ride-on transport. Older kids gravitate toward the Science Maze and FX Simulator‘s thrilling 3-minute rides.
The shadow wall creates endless giggles as children capture their silhouettes. The museum also hosts seasonal themed activities and story times throughout the year.
Don’t miss Circuit Challenges where kids build working circuits and create take-home torches. With pushchair-friendly access, baby-changing facilities, and a child-friendly café, you’ll easily spend half a day here without spending a penny.
Seven Stories
Seven floors of literary magic await your family at Seven Stories, the UK’s only museum dedicated to British children’s books. Located in a beautifully restored Victorian mill in Ouseburn Valley, this treasure trove houses original manuscripts and artwork from beloved authors like Jacqueline Wilson and Philip Pullman.
Your toddlers through seven-year-olds will absolutely love the interactive elements – there’s a stage with costumes, hidden spaces to explore, and enthralling puppet shows. The fox character during storytime sessions becomes an instant hit with little ones.
Older kids enjoy the themed galleries on upper floors, though engagement typically drops after age ten. The museum opened in August 2005 and has since become a cornerstone of children’s literary culture in the region.
With free entry, specialist bookshop, and café on-site, you’ll easily spend 1-2 hours here. The hands-on approach makes literature come alive through spinning wheels, touchable objects, and energetic parachute games.
Namco Funscape / YuMe World
Eighteen bowling lanes, over 100 arcade games, and Europe’s fastest dodgems create an entertainment paradise at Namco Funscape in Gateshead’s Metrocentre. Your kids will race between activities in this vibrant venue that’s perfectly designed for sensory overload.
Book the Pacman Play soft play area online to secure your spot, especially during weekends. The colorful climbing frames keep younger children entertained while older kids gravitate toward the arcade machines and prize games. You’ll need tokens or play cards for most games, budgeting around £1 per token.
The six VIP bowling lanes offer a quieter experience if you’re seeking calmer moments. For an even more peaceful atmosphere, request lanes with higher numbers as these tend to feel less crowded during busy periods. Plan 2-3 hours here, expecting to spend £15-25 per child. The on-site food outlet serves convenient pizzas and burgers when energy levels crash.
Newcastle Castle
Nine hundred years of history await your family at Newcastle Castle, where kids can climb medieval battlements and explore ancient passageways that once protected England’s northern border.
Your children will love ascending the stone Keep’s multiple floors, discovering the Great Hall and royal chambers where medieval lords once lived. The rooftop battlements offer spectacular views across the city – perfect for family photos with Grey’s Monument in the background.
The interactive exhibits in the Black Gate bring castle life to fascinating reality through audio-visual displays and archaeological finds. Kids can walk through the vaulted guardrooms and imagine defending against Scottish invaders. The castle’s strategic position once guarded the River Tyne crossing, making it a crucial defensive stronghold for centuries.
With your ticket valid for an entire year, you’ll want to return multiple times. The recent refurbishment makes this historical gem both accessible and engaging for young explorers.
Jesmond Dene Park
Three kilometres of natural wonderland await your family at Jesmond Dene Park, where kids can scramble along woodland paths beside the babbling River Ouseburn and discover hidden waterfalls around every bend.
Your children will love Pets Corner’s farm animals and Paddy Freeman’s boating lake with its adjacent playground. Pack a picnic and claim your spot near the cascading waterfall – it’s Instagram-worthy and kids adore the rushing water.
The Victorian Armstrong Bridge offers perfect photo opportunities while little ones peer down at the river below.
Don’t miss the 14th-century Old Mill ruins where kids can play explorer. Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s famous Red Squirrels darting between the native trees.
With 24-hour access and free entry, you’ll find well-maintained trails perfect for pushchairs, plus clean toilets at both entrances.
Sage Gateshead
Your family will discover musical magic at Sage Gateshead, where over 11,000 classes and workshops happen yearly for everyone from tambourine-shaking toddlers to aspiring teenage musicians. You’ll find everything from ukulele and steel pan lessons to clog dancing sessions across all ages and abilities.
The stunning Foster & Partners building welcomes you with no entry fee from 9am daily. Your kids will love spotting celebrities like Sting in the café while you enjoy River Tyne views.
With 35 accessible toilets, hearing loops, and level access throughout, it’s brilliantly family-friendly.
You can catch over 400 concerts annually spanning classical to pop genres. The world-class acoustics mean even fidgety children will be mesmerized. The venue also serves as home to the Royal Northern Sinfonia orchestra, giving your family the chance to experience professional classical performances.
Plus, free building access lets you explore this architectural wonder without breaking the budget.
Angel of the North
Standing majestically 20 metres tall with wings stretching wider than a jumbo jet, the Angel of the North will absolutely captivate your children from the moment they spot it towering over the A1.
You’ll find free parking with disabled bays, making it accessible for all families. Kids love running around the base while gazing up at this massive steel sculpture – it’s taller than four double-decker buses stacked together!
The short walk from your car gives little legs perfect exercise, and you can easily combine this with nearby Sage Gateshead for a full day out. Built on the site of a former Team Colliery, this incredible sculpture carries fascinating local history that older children will find intriguing.
Pack a picnic and let your children explore the memorial garden while you capture Instagram-worthy family photos beneath those iconic wings.
Quayside Market
After capturing those perfect family photos with Gateshead’s iconic angel, head down to Newcastle Quayside every Sunday where the bustling market transforms the riverside into a treasure hunt paradise for kids.
Your little ones will love wandering the pedestrianized streets from 9:30am to 4:00pm, hunting for handmade toys, sweets, and quirky crafts. The wheelchair-friendly layout means everyone can explore comfortably.
Kids gravitate toward the colorful stalls selling ice cream and treats, while you’ll appreciate the £5-£10 street food options that actually fill them up. Browse through local artwork and handmade jewellery from talented traders who showcase their creations weekly.
Bring cash since many vendors prefer it, and arrive early to avoid queues at popular spots like Cheese Grill.
The riverside setting provides stunning views, and there’s something magical about browsing unique finds while boats drift past on the Tyne.
Exhibition Park
Where else can you find sprawling green lawns, wildlife spotting, and adventure playgrounds all wrapped into one perfect family day out? Exhibition Park’s multiple playground areas will keep your little ones busy for hours with rustic wooden structures, metal tube slides, and climbing frames suited for various ages.
The large pond becomes an instant hit with families – your kids will love spotting swans, cygnets, and ducks along the lakeside paths.
Don’t miss the free Park Run every Saturday morning, perfect for active families. The park offers a peaceful escape from the busy city surroundings, providing mental health benefits through exposure to nature.
The skate park offers smooth progressions and street sections for older kids.
When hunger strikes, Urban Green Cafe serves everything from sandwiches to pizza, while Wylam Brewery provides Sunday roasts.
Free mini train rides on summer Sundays add extra magic to your visit.
St. James’ Park Stadium Tour
Even if your kids aren’t die-hard football fans, they’ll get swept up in the electric atmosphere during St. James’ Park Stadium Tour. This 1.5-hour guided experience takes you behind the scenes at Newcastle United’s historic ground, letting kids walk through the players’ tunnel and sit in their favorite player’s seat in the home dressing room.
The highlight for most children is standing pitchside where their heroes play, followed by exploring the media suite. If you’re feeling adventurous, book the Roof Top Tour – the 150ft walkway offers breathtaking panoramic views across Tyneside that’ll have your kids snapping photos.
Tours run weekdays 12:30-2:30pm and weekends with additional 11:30am slots. The tours are designed to be suitable for all ages, making them perfect family entertainment whether you have toddlers or teenagers in tow. At £20, it’s educational entertainment that brings football history to life.
Grainger Market
Step into Grainger Market and you’ll discover one of Newcastle’s best-kept secrets for families – a bustling Victorian marketplace that’s been delighting visitors since 1835. Your kids will love exploring the maze of over 100 independent stalls selling everything from fresh fish to handmade crafts.
The market’s real magic happens at lunchtime when families gather around street food vendors serving cuisine from around the world. Let your children choose from Mexican tacos, Asian noodles, or traditional British pies while you grab coffee from one of the cozy cafés. The market recently underwent a spectacular £5.15 million refurbishment completed in Spring 2023, making it even more appealing for family visits.
Don’t miss the world’s smallest Marks & Spencer – a genuine piece of retail history that’ll fascinate older kids. The Grade I listed building‘s beautiful iron gates and Victorian architecture create an atmospheric backdrop for your family adventure through this living piece of Newcastle’s heritage.
Town Moor
After exploring the covered stalls of Grainger Market, your family will find a completely different kind of adventure awaits at Town Moor – one of England’s largest urban commons that’s been delighting Newcastle families for over 700 years.
Your kids will love the vast 1,000 acres of open space, perfect for kite flying, impromptu football games, and picnics. The moor has hosted traditional sports and games for centuries, creating a rich heritage of recreational activities that continues today.
From April to October, they’ll be fascinated watching the Freemen’s grazing cows – it’s like a free farm experience right in the city center.
Don’t miss the annual Hoppings fair if you’re visiting during summer holidays. The rides and games create magical memories, and the timing couldn’t be better for entertaining excited children during school breaks.
The Sum Up
You’ll find Newcastle’s surprisingly kid-friendly once you plunge in. I’ve watched my own children’s eyes light up at Beamish’s steam trains and get completely absorbed in Life Science Centre’s experiments. Don’t try cramming everything into one weekend – you’ll exhaust everyone. Pick two or three spots that match your kids’ interests and energy levels. The city’s compact size means you’re never far from your next adventure, and there’s always something to spark their curiosity.
