Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
What's On in Newcastle, Gateshead & Northumberland
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SCRAN!
13th May-25th January 2025
Venue: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery
Address: Ocean Road, NE33 2JA
Website: www.southshieldsmuseum.org.uk
An exhibition which charts the history of Food & Drink in South Tyneside, from traditional home-cooked grub of yesteryear, to the origins of some of the Borough’s most iconic eateries, including Colmans...
MEET AND MAKE
1st November-31st December 2024
Time: Sundays 2-4pm
Venue: Baltic
Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA
Website: www.balticmill.com
Take part in free artist-led workshops perfect for families with children aged 5-12.
TODDLER TIME
1st November-31st December 2024
Time: Wednesdays 10am-6pm
Venue: Baltic
Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA
Website: www.balticmill.com
Toddler time explores the themes of colour, sound and touch, and is designed to support your toddler to play, make, think and do. Have fun and investigate new ways to play in these changing drop-in activities....
UNDER 5'S PLAY HIVE
1st November-31st December 2024
Time: 10am-6pm
Venue: Baltic
Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA
Website: www.balticmill.com
Drop in every Wednesday to Sunday to this area where under 5s celebrates Baltic's journey from a flour mill to our present day as an art gallery. Through play, we invite you to explore our past, present...
WONDER & WANDER TOUR
1st November-31st December 2024
Time: Wednesdays 10.30am
Venue: Baltic
Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA
Website: www.balticmill.com
Soak up some art with the barins and join a member of our Learning Team (alongside Kitty the Kittiwake) for a Wonder and Wander tour where you and your little one can discover our current exhibitions through...
SPIRIT OF INVENTION
16th March-23rd June 2024
Venue: Discovery Museum
Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA
Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk
This new FREE family friendly exhibition was inspired by some of the thousands of creative designs registered with the Board of Trade from 1839 onwards which are housed at The National Archives. See...
ARBEIA ROMAN FORT
25th March-29th September 2024
Venue: Arbeia Roman Fort
Address: Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB
Website: www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk
Arbeia Roman Fort once guarded the entrance to the River Tyne & was a key garrison & military supply base to other forts along Hadrians Wall. Step into the fort & immerse yourself in the world of the Romans...
FLORA : PLANTS IN ROMAN LIFE
25th March-29th September 2024
Venue: Arbeia Roman Fort
Address: Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB
Website: www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk
An exhibition exploring how the Romans used plants & flowers in everyday life.
ALNWICK CASTLE OPENS FOR 2024.
29th March-29th October 2024
Venue: Alnwick Castle
Address: Alnwick, NR66 1NQ
Website: www.alnwickcastle.com
There are many exciting things to do at Alnwick Castle every day. Take a guided tour & learn about the history of Alnwick Castle or its use as a filming location, have a go at archery & test your abilities...
SPACE INVESTIGATORS NORTH EAST
30th March-1st September 2024
Venue: Great North Museum
Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT
Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk
This immersive exhibition takes you on a multi-sensory journey into the hidden worlds of the Universe. There's so much to learn about how advances in technology are constantly unveiling new areas of the...
NEWCASTLE CASTLE
1st April-31st October 2024
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Castle Garth
Address: NE1 1RQ
Website: www.newcastlecastle.co.uk
The city's most historic building & attraction, Newcastle Castle & Keep is open 7 days a week 10am-5pm. Enjoy a day out exploring the landmarks & discovering more about the history of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne....
LOST LEGIONARIES TRAIL
13th May-1st September 2024
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum
Address: Buddle Street, Wallsend NE28 6HR
Website: www.segedunumromanfort.org.uk
Eight Roman soldiers have gone missing on the fort site. Can you find them all? Pick up a trail leaflet from reception & explore the fort site to find all the missing soldiers. Included in admission Adults...
FAMILY ART CLASS
18th-18th May 2024
Time: 10.30am - 12 noon & 1-2.30pm
Venue: Shipley Art Gallery
Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB
Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk
A monthly Saturday art class for 7 - 12 year olds. At each session you'll be guided by a professional artist to discover a different art technique, such as watercolours, ceramics, mixed media, drawing...
CHILDREN'S CANCER RUN
19th-19th May 2024
Venue: Newcastle Racecourse
Address: High Gosforth Park, NE3 5HP
Website: www.childrenscancernorth.org.uk
The 41st Annual Cross Country fun run that raises money to help make life better for children with cancer. It’s a great day out for all the family, & there are three different runs to choose from. Last...
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
25th May-2nd June 2024
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Wallington NT
Address: NE61 4AR
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington
There’s lots to keep the family entertained at Wallington, whatever the season. Zoom along the Dragon cycle trail, tick some activities off your ‘50 things’ list, look out for woodland art & go wild...
FESTIVAL OF BLOSSOM
25th May-2nd June 2024
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Gibside NT
Address: NE16 6BG
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside
Enjoy the Festival of Blossom this May Half Term. Flutter & fly your way around Gibside on a scavenger hunt to find butterflies & moths. Learn about some of our most important pollinators and why we need...
KIDS RULE!
25th May-2nd June 2024
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens
Address: NE20 0DX
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens
Take part in hands-on activities & fresh-air family fun in the grounds of Belsay Hall. This event is included in the standard entry price. Book online to get guaranteed entry & 15% off the ticket price.
KIDS RULE!
25th May-2nd June 2024
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Chesters Roman Fort & Museum
Address: NE46 4EU
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/chestersromanfort
Take part in hands-on activities & fresh-air family fun in the grounds of Chesters Roman Fort. This event is included in the standard entry price. Book online to get guaranteed entry & 15% off the ticket...
KIDS RULE!
25th May-2nd June 2024
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Tynemouth Priory
Address: NE30 4BZ
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tynemouth-priory-and-castle
Take part in hands-on activities & fresh-air family fun in the grounds of Tynemouth Priory. This event is included in the standard entry price. Book online to get guaranteed entry & 15% off the ticket...
KIDS RULE!
25th May-2nd June 2024
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Warkworth Castle
Address: Northumberland, NE65 0UJ
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/warkworth-castle-and-hermitage
Take part in hands-on activities & fresh-air family fun in the grounds of Warkworth Castle. This event is included in the standard entry price. Book online to get guaranteed entry & 15% off the ticket...
MAY HALF TERM
25th May-2nd June 2024
Venue: Life Science Centre
Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP
Website: www.life.org.uk
A great day out over May Half-Term! Enjoy thrilling live shows, exciting experiments, create & take home your own cardboard minibeast, interactive exhibits in the WOW Zone, including the 6-metre-tall...
POP-UP ASHINGTON GROUP HUT
25th May-2nd July 2024
Time: 12-3pm
Venue: Woodhorn Museum & Country Park
Address: NE63 9YF
Website: www.museumsnorthumberland.org.uk
The pop-up art hut will open its doors daily 12noon to 3pm during the Northumberland school holidays, offering a programme of family-friendly art activities for everyone to enjoy. Go along & take part...
ROME TRANSFORMED
25th May-1st September 2024
Venue: Great North Museum
Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT
Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk
Immerse yourself in a series of epic 3D visualisations & embark on a time-travelling journey alongside experts at Newcastle University. Follow the journey as archaeologists delved deep into the Ancient...
WHITLEY BAY CARNIVAL 2024
25th-26th May 2024
Time: 10am-8pm
Venue: Whitley Bay,
Address: NE26
Website: www.whitleybaycarnival.co.uk
Expect parade structures, carnival club promenaders, artists & musicians all joining the parade through Whitley Bay. Join the community celebration. 10am-8pm. www.whitleybaycarnival.co.uk
HERITAGE TRAIN RIDES
26th-27th May 2024
Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum
Address: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX
Website: www.stephensonrailwaymuseum.org.uk
Take a four mile return trip (35-40 minutes) following the route of the coal trains from the collieries to the River Tyne behind a vintage locomotive in 1950s passenger carriages. Adults £8, Under 21...
SEASHORE SAFARI
26th-26th May 2024
Time: 11am-1pm
Venue: Souter Lighthouse & The Leas NT
Address: SR6 7NH
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas
Join a ranger & members of the Coastal Conservation Group to search the rockpools along Souter's shore. Discover salty sea creatures galore. Learn how to tell your winkles from your whelks & lots more...
MARVELLOUS MONDAYS
27th-27th May 2024
Time: 11am-3pm
Venue: Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum
Address: Buddle Street, Wallsend NE28 6HR
Website: www.segedunumromanfort.org.uk
Drop in between 11am-3pm for some family-friendly craft activities inspired by the museum's Roman collections. Free activity but normal admission charges for adults apply. Check website for prices.
THE MINIBEAST SHOW
27th-31st May 2024
Venue: Life Science Centre
Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP
Website: www.life.org.uk
Discover the world of minibeasts with special guests Zoolab! Take a closer look at the wonderful lives of tiny creatures & be inspired by how they overcome challenges. Get face to face with creatures like...
BLUEY MEET & GREET
28th-28th May 2024
Venue: Manor Walks Shopping Centre
Address: Cramlington, NE23 6UT
Website: www.manorwalks.co.uk
Get the chance to meet with your favourite blue heeler Bluey this half term at Manor Walks Shopping Centre. Book your place now at www.manorwalks.co.uk!
FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL - MAY HALF TERM
28th-28th May 2024
Time: 10.30-11.30am & 1-2pm
Venue: Shipley Art Gallery
Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB
Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk
Get creative at these fun holiday sessions for all ages. Two sessions available 10.30-11.30am & 1-2pm.Learn about artists who've been inspired by aquatic nature & explore ceramics decorated with fish designs...
SOUTER SPORTS
28th-28th May 2024
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Souter Lighthouse & The Leas NT
Address: SR6 7NH
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas
Have a go at outdoor games & mini-sports activities for all the family including challenging a family member to a round of archery, a game of tennis, a kickabout or a race to get everyone involved! Then...
TREMENDOUS TUESDAY: CATCH OF THE DAY
28th-28th May 2024
Time: 11am-1pm & 1:30pm-3pm.
Venue: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery
Address: Ocean Road, NE33 2JA
Website: www.southshieldsmuseum.org.uk
Drop in from 11am-1pm & 1:30pm-3pm & join the Learning Team to create a moving fish using different coloured papers. No booking required
BALTIC BIG DAYS OUT - 5 DAYS OF BUILDING
29th May-2nd June 2024
Time: 10am-6pm
Venue: Baltic, Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA
Address: Baltic, Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA
Website: www.baltic.art
Drop-in over five days & develop your creative skills, create habitats for the Baltic's lovely rooftop residents (Baltic bees!), build new friendships & learn more about how we construct our...
BIRDS OF PREY
29th-29th May 2024
Time: 11am-3pm
Venue: Woodhorn Museum & Country Park
Address: NE63 9YF
Website: www.museumsnorthumberland.org.uk
Discover the fascinating world of birds of prey & see spectacular flying displays at 12noon & 2pm (weather permitting) alongside their static display from 11am-3pm with the team from Ridgeside Falconry.
CEREAL DISCO
29th May-2nd June 2024
Time: 9.30-11am
Venue: Baltic
Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA
Website: www.baltic.art
Fancy starting your day with a cereal disco in the school holidays? Pop along to the Baltic for breakfast & a boogie in the Front Room available every morning Wednesday - Sunday for the May half-term holidays...
CRAFTY ROMANS: SEED BOMBS
29th-29th May 2024
Time: 11am – 12.30pm & 1-3pm
Venue: Arbeia Roman Fort
Address: Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB
Website: www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk
Drop in between 11am – 12.30pm & 1-3pm to make wildflower seed bombs to take away & plant at home. Free activity, donations welcome.
HERITAGE TRAIN RIDES
30th May-2nd June 2024
Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum
Address: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX
Website: www.stephensonrailwaymuseum.org.uk
Take a four mile return trip (35-40 minutes) following the route of the coal trains from the collieries to the River Tyne behind a vintage locomotive in 1950s passenger carriages. Adults £8, Under 21...
ROCKPOOL RAMBLE
30th-30th May 2024
Time: 2-4pm
Venue: St Mary’s Lighthouse, Whitley Bay, NE26 4RS
Suitable for all over 5, booking essential, includes a talk, guided rockpooling & loan of rockpool nets &d buckets over 2hr sessions, outdoor clothing & shoes/wellies required. £4.50 per person. Book...
SATURDAY ART CLASSES
1st-1st June 2024
Time: 10:15 - 11:45am & 1.45-3.15pm
Venue: Laing Art Gallery
Address: New Bridge Street, NE1 8AG
Website: www.laingartgallery.org.uk
An inclusive art class held on the first Saturday of every month for 10-15 year olds. £5 per child.Book in advance at laingartgallery.org.uk.
DISCOVER FESTIVAL
8th-8th June 2024
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Newcastle University Campus,
Address: NE1 7RU
Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/discover-fest
Newcastle University welcomes you to their festival of interactive family-fun. Immerse yourself into a world of wonder & exploration. Enjoy a day filled with activities & events to inspire all ages & its...
NEWCASTLE CARD SHOW
8th-8th June 2024
Time: 11am-1.30pm & 1.30pm-4pm
Venue: Discovery Museum
Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA
Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk
Join the Newcastle Card Show 2024 in Discovery Museum's Great Hall, a collector's fair for adults & younger people alike. Trading card enthusiasts can gather & celebrate their hobby in the heart of...
NORTHUMBERLAND MINER'S PICNIC
8th-8th June 2024
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Woodhorn Museum & Country Park
Address: NE63 9YF
Website: www.museumsnorthumberland.org.uk
The Northumberland Miners’ Picnic, is a jam-packed day out for all the family, rooted in our local heritage re-imagined with a contemporary twist. FREE Entry. www.museumsnorthumberland.org.uk
SEASHORE SAFARI
9th-9th June 2024
Time: 11.30am-1.30pm
Venue: Souter Lighthouse & The Leas NT
Address: SR6 7NH
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas
Join a ranger & members of the Coastal Conservation Group to search the rockpools along Souter's shore. Discover salty sea creatures galore. Learn how to tell your winkles from your whelks & lots more...
CULLERCOATS FESTIVAL
15th-15th June 2024
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Cullercoats,
Address: NE30
A celebration of creativity & culture; bringing together artists, musicians, dancers, poets & writers. There will be food & drinks, activities & family fun. Seach Cullercoats Festival on Facebook.
FAMILY ART CLASS
15th-15th June 2024
Time: 10.30am - 12 noon & 1-2.30pm
Venue: Shipley Art Gallery
Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB
Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk
A monthly Saturday art class for 7 - 12 year olds. At each session you'll be guided by a professional artist to discover a different art technique, such as watercolours, ceramics, mixed media, drawing...
FATHER'S DAY FUN
15th-16th June 2024
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens
Address: NE20 0DX
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens
Creatures small & large will be at Belsay this Father’s Day Weekend. In this animal handling workshop, compare the young ones with the dads. You’ll also have the opportunity to get up close & personal...
THE HOPPINGS FUNFAIR 2024
21st-30th June 2024
Time: Daily from noon
Venue: Newcastle Town Moor
Address: NE2 4PZ
Website: www.hoppingsfunfairs.com
Europe's Largest Funfair is back for 2024! The Hoppings hosts over 400 of the country's biggest & brightest attractions from traditional favourites to the latest jaw dropping thrill rides. Established...
SEASHORE SAFARI
23rd-23rd June 2024
Time: 10.30am-12.30pm
Venue: Souter Lighthouse & The Leas NT
Address: SR6 7NH
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas
Join a ranger & members of the Coastal Conservation Group to search the rockpools along Souter's shore. Discover salty sea creatures galore. Learn how to tell your winkles from your whelks & lots more...
FARES PLEASE! PUBLIC TRANSPORT WEEKEND
29th-30th June 2024
Venue: Beamish Museum
Address: Beamish, DH9 0RG
Website: www.beamish.org.uk
Ding Ding! All aboard for a fantastic weekend celebrating public transport with some impressive visiting transpport plus the museum's own home fleet.
JLS SUMMER TOUR
30th-30th June 2024
Venue: Newcastle Racecourse
Address: High Gosforth Park, NE3 5HP
Website: www.jlsofficial.com
Catch JLS on tour at Gosforth Park with support Jax Jones starting from 4pm. Tickets cost Adult £50.65, Child £25.35. Further 10% OFF with discount code PRIMARY. Book online.
SATURDAY ART CLASSES
6th-6th July 2024
Time: 10:15 - 11:45am & 1.45-3.15pm
Venue: Laing Art Gallery
Address: New Bridge Street, NE1 8AG
Website: www.laingartgallery.org.uk
An inclusive art class held on the first Saturday of every month for 10-15 year olds. £5 per child.Book in advance at laingartgallery.org.uk.
SOUTH TYNESIDE SUMMER PARADE 2024
6th-6th July 2024
Time: 1-5pm
Venue: South Shields Town Hall,
Address: NE33 2RL
Website: www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk
An afternoon not be missed, & one of the highlights of the region's event calendar -the biggest carnival of its kind in the North East. The parade makes its way from South Shields Town Hall in the Town...
WALLSEND FESTIVAL 2024
6th-6th July 2024
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Wallsend,
Address: NE28
Website: www.visitnorthtyneside.com
The popular Wallsend Festival returns with a free & fun-packed programme. Now in its 23rd year, the community event will take place in Wallsend town centre between 10am & 5pm with fairground rides, live...
ENTERTAINMENT BY THE SEA
7th-7th July 2024
Time: 12-3pm
Venue: Sandhaven Promenade,
Address: NE33 2LD
Website: www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk
Pop along to Sandhaven Promenade at South Shields seafront for a free afternoon of family fun, entertainment, performances & live music as part of the Summer Parade weekend of events. Check online for...
PROMS IN THE PARK
7th-7th July 2024
Time: 3.30-5.30pm
Venue: Bents Park
Address: Sea Road, NE33 2LD
Website: www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk
Music lovers are invited to bring along their picnics & deck chairs to this open-air concert. Get ready to wave your flags & sing songs. Full details to be announced shortly at www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk...