Fun Free Family Activities to Keep Everyone Entertained
Fun FREE Family Days out - North East
I started writing this at the beginning of the summer holidays, but didn't manage to publish it in time. So here it is, a fun list of loads of cool places for all the family and the best bit is they are all FREE!
The aim of this little list is to help any parents losing their shizzle and running out of headspace and ideas for how to keep the tiny humans entertained and happy! I've got your back me lovelies!
Free fun here we come! Tried and tested we go back to all of these place on a regular basis.
Hainingwood Terrace, Bill Quay, Gateshead NE10 0UE
A hidden gem for all you animal lovers, this community run farm is just lush, with woodland walks, horses, pigs and loads more. Plenty of space to run around and you can pay a few quid to get some feed to give the pigs a little treat.
We took a picnic and ate on the grass overlooking the horses and the boys found sticks and ran around chopping everything.
Loads of space to run around and there's a little cafe serving food and drinks. Definitely worth a visit. Free and so much fun.
For those who love to be outdoors head to Bolam Lake this beautiful lake is not far from Ponteland, easy parking (you do need to pay for this). There's wheelchair access all the way round so this made it really easy with the buggy.
This is somewhere we can bring the dog as well, I feel like he gets a bit of a rubbish deal sometimes so it's nice that we can bring him along. He did think that a corner of the lake was dry land though and ended up with some very muddy paws
Lots to explore in the woods, my little one is always on the look out for a good stick and any opportunity to find a den to hide in so Bolam Lake is perfect for this. If you're lucky the swans might come to say hello.
Lots of little places to have a picnic and there is a little cafe and toilet facilities
For the days when you want to soak up a little culture as well as maintaining your sanity.
Multiple floors full of amazing art to soak up and also entertainment for the little ones. Win win!
There's a sensory room with loads of gorgeous sensory lights, bubble tubes and more.
Within the learning lounge there's plenty of family fun, books and games
And a new addition is the under fives play hive
Perfect for a rainy day, free cuppas and snack on offer and there's a place you can eat your own picnic.
Oh you're in for a treat! It's an absolute gem nestled in the heart of the city. The museum is named after its founder the remarkable John Hancock who had a real passion for natural history.
From the moment you step foot inside you'll be captivated by the sheer variety of exhibits. From the fascinating world of dinosaurs to the stunning wonders of the animal kingdom they've got it all covered.
Loads to do for all the family, I particularly like the Egyptian exhibit and the mummy (she is soooo old)
And let's not forget the cafe, loads of tasty treats in there when you need a little rest and they do a tasty hot chocolate!
Oh let me tell you about Cullercoats Bay! It's an absolute gem when it comes to family-friendly destinations. We absolutely love this beach, it's close to the metro station so easy to get to without a car. This beach is perfect for little ones, easy access and enclosed. My three year old likes to run, so the fact that it's an enclosed bay is good for me as he can't run a million miles away. Also there's some really cool little caves which we like hiding out and playing in. He loves climbing on the rocks as well 😅
One great thing is the bay is sheltered so even on windier days you can still enjoy a lush day out. Added bonus is you're not too far away from the chippy and delicious ice cream 😍
St Mary's Lighthouse
Rockpools and seal watch at St Mary's Lighthouse, take your buckets and get exploring! I love it up here, it really takes me back to my childhood and it's so lovely to share with my little ones. Plus its so cool when you spot the seals hanging out on the rocks.
I maybe got too excited though as we were all set for a good old dig around the rockpools but I totally forgot about checking the tide, so this ended up as a big fail as the tide was in, and it started pouring with rain.
So check the weather forecast and the tide before you go for a visit.
We shall return another day soon!
Rising Sun Country Park is a beaut little trip out. Little entrance near the big Asda in Benton, you wouldn't even think anything would be there.
400 acres of nature trails, a big lake to walk round and plenty of opportunity to spot some wildlife around the many different nature trails. We had fun feeding the ducks, swans and geese.
Plenty for the kids to run around and explore.
There's a cafe and a woodland play park at the visitors centre as well as picnic benchs so you could take a packed lunch. Also free parking so that's an added bonus.
Everyone loves a good story, so you really need to make sure you plan a visit to the Seven Stories. Bringing books well and truly to lofe. There's always interactive themed exhibitions to get involved with, playing dress up as your favourite characters, drawing and writing. Corey really liked the 'Mog the Forgetful Cat' floor. We spent a good hour in there as he ran around exploring and hiding everywhere.
Throughout the day there's storytime as well, which is a really lovely way to sit down and recharge and listen to a lush story.
If you're already at the Seven Stories then you might as well pop on over to the Ouseburn Farm as it's only a stone's throw away.
Another gorgeous community run farm
