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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MEET AND MAKE
1st November-31st December 2025
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 2025
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 2025
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 2025
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...
COWGATE YOUNG THEATRE MAKERS
1st July-31st December 2025
Time: Mondays 4-6pm
Venue: Cowgate Community Centre,
Address: NE5 3UT.
Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk
An exciting new drama group for children & young people during term-time that uses drama, theatre-making, movement & creative writing to create & share stories. For ages 8 -14 years old. Delivered...
EAST END STORY MAKERS
3rd July-31st December 2025
Time: Wednesdays 4-4.50pm
Venue: Byker Primary School,
Address: NE6 2AT.
Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk
A creative group for children and young people during term-time that uses drama, music, movement, creative writing & food to create & share stories. For children & young people aged 5 -14 and...
STEAM TO GREEN
20th-21st July 2026
Venue: Discovery Museum
Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA
Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk
Discovery Museum's new FREE exhibiton which tells the story of energy & the climate crisis in the North East by looking back to the industrial revolution, & forward to the pioneering contributions in green...
NORTH EAST DEAF YOUTH THEATRE
21st September-31st December 2025
Time: 9.30-11.30am
Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre,
Address: NE3 3HD
Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk
North East Deaf Theatre aims to support deaf children and young people to develop their creative skills, build confidence and form new friendships. Together with deaf arts organisation Turtléar,...
QUEEN HEAVEN
23rd January-31st December 2025
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Life Science Centre
Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP
Website: www.life.org.uk
Enjoy some of legendary rock band Queen’s greatest hits set to fun, exciting visuals in Life’s Planetarium (a 360° immersive dome). Approved by Queen & inspired by their music, &...
FEBRUARY REOPENING
1st February-31st December 2025
Venue: Life Science Centre
Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP
Website: www.life.org.uk
Life Science Centre reopens on Saturday 1 February, after a period of closure for exciting upgrades, essential maintenance & team training, ahead of Life’s 25th birthday in May. Among the exciting new...
NEWCASTLE CASTLE
1st February-31st December 2025
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Newcastle Castle
Address: Castle Garth, NE1 1RQ
Website: www.newcastlecastle.co.uk
The city's most historic building & attraction, Newcastle Castle & Keep is open 5 days a week 10am-5pm during winter hours & all week at Half Term. Enjoy a day out exploring the landmarks & discovering...
ARBEIA ROMAN FORT
31st March-28th September 2025
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...
LLOYD OF THE FLIES WETLAND BUG HUNT
5th April-1st June 2025
Time: 10am-5.30pm
Venue: WWT Washington Wetlands Centre,
Address: NE38 8LE
Website: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington
Dive into the wonderful world of wetland insects with Lloyd & his new friend Dart the dragonfly. Follow the trail to help them find Lloyd's friends & family & make their way to the bug hotel. Use the Lloyd...
UNDERGROUND ADVENTURES WITH MURRAY THE MOLE
1st May-24th October 2025
Venue: Great North Museum
Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT
Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk
This collection of free family trails invites you to explore the museum, engage with objects & collect prizes. You can use the trail up to four times across one, two, three, or four visits. Complete each...
NORTH EAST IN BLOSSOM
12th May-1st June 2025
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Seaton Delaval Hall NT
Address: NE26 4QR
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/seatondelavalhall
Fall in love with blossom at Seaton Delaval Hall & throughout the North East this year. Pick up a blossom map, take part in one of the events, or simply savour the uplifting impact of blossom. It’s time...
BIRDS OF PREY
24th-24th May 2025
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 permiting) with the team from Ridgeside Falconry.
BLOSSOM
24th May-1st June 2025
Venue: Great North Museum
Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT
Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk
Follow the dawn to dusk cycle of a Japanese cherry blossom tree in this immersive experience created by NOVAK, a Newcastle-based creative studio, and features a soundscape created by Digital Voices for...
FESTIVAL OF BLOSSOM
24th May-1st June 2025
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Gibside NT
Address: NE16 6BG
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside
Enjoy the Festival of Blossom this May Half Term. Learn more about blossom & gardening on this self-guided nature walk around Gibside. Free event but normal admission charges apply.
HALF TERM FUN & GAMES
24th May-1st June 2025
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens
Address: NE20 0DX
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens
Fun-filled outdoor adventures this May half-term! Challenge your family & friends to giant lawn games, bounce around on spacehoppers, & splash about in the sand & water pits. There's plenty of hands-on...
NEW LIGHTBOX
24th May-31st December 2025
Venue: Life Science Centre
Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP
Website: www.life.org.uk
Life celebrates its 25th birthday this month & to celebrate, Lightbox is opening on Saturday 24 May, an exciting NEW collection of hands-on exhibits to get stuck into. Step inside a 6-metre-high tornado,...
POP-UP ASHINGTON GROUP HUT
24th May-1st June 2025
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...
WHITLEY BAY CARNIVAL 2025
24th-25th May 2025
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
DINOSAUR ADVENTURE - BIG JURASSIC STORM
25th-25th May 2025
Time: 2pm
Venue: Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Address: Westgate Road, NE1 4AG
Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk
A brand new adventure with DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE? When a satellite tasked with controlling the island’s weather systems malfunctions, chaos erupts.The island’s tropical climate spirals leading to...
TEDDY BEAR PICNIC TRAIN RIDES
26th-26th May 2025
Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum
Address: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX
Website: www.stephensonrailwaymuseum.org.uk
Bring your favourite bear along for a heritage train ride! Plus The Mosstroopers will be bringing the magic of the woodland to life with their Woodland Animal Stories puppet shows! Join Reynard the Fox,...
ART CLUB
27th-29th May 2025
Time: 10am-3pm
Venue: Laing Art Gallery
Address: New Bridge Street, NE1 8AG
Website: www.laingartgallery.org.uk
Laing's popular three-day art academies for 7-10 year old. Over the course of 3 days work with a professional arts educator to experiment with a variety of materials to explore & create artwork.£35 pp...
FAMILY CRAFTING - MAY HALF TERM
27th-27th May 2025
Time: 10.30-11.45am & 1-2.15pm
Venue: Shipley Art Gallery
Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB
Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk
Get creative this May half term. Both sessions are themed around blossoms as we celebrate the season. £3 per participant (plus booking fee). Suitable for all ages, but activities best suited to age 3+...
BALTIC BIG DAYS OUT
28th May-1st June 2025
Venue: Baltic
Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA
Website: www.baltic.art
This May half term, uncover the wonders of re-using & re-cycling with five days of free & drop-in ecofriendly family activities. Explore artist-led workshops wher you can create colourful collages, fly...
BUILD THE WOODHORN BAND
28th-28th May 2025
Venue: Woodhorn Museum & Country Park
Address: NE63 9YF
Website: www.museumsnorthumberland.org.uk
During May half term, you are invited to join makers artists Lottie Smith & Molly Barrett for a hands-on, family friendly workshop. Make your own fun hat or musical instrument ready for the Northumberland...
FOSSIL FROLICS
28th-28th May 2025
Time: 10am-12pm
Venue: St Mary’s Lighthouse
Address: Whitley Bay, NE26 4RS
Website: www.bookwhen.com/ntc-lighthouse
Learn about the island's prehistoric past in the classroom & complete a fun challenge to match common fossils & rocks of the area, then put your new skills into practise, with a guided fossil hunt in St...
LEGO CODING WORKSHOP
28th-28th May 2025
Time: 10-11.30am
Venue: Shipley Art Gallery
Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB
Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk
Use Lego & plastic components to build a model, then programme it using an iPad. Using Scratch block coding, you’ll be able to make your model move, make noise, light up, play music, & more! Suitable...
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW
28th May-1st June 2025
Venue: Northern Stage
Address: NE1 7RH
Website: www.northernstage.co.uk
A vibrant celebration of Eric Carle’s adored classics featuring a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. The perfect introduction to live theatre. Tickets from £14.00.
FAMILY CRAFTING - MAY HALF TERM
29th-29th May 2025
Time: 10.30-11.45am & 1-2.15pm
Venue: Shipley Art Gallery
Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB
Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk
Get creative this May half term. Both sessions are themed around blossoms as we celebrate the season. £3 per participant (plus booking fee). Suitable for all ages, but activities best suited to age 3+...
ROCKPOOL RAMBLE
29th-29th May 2025
Time: 10am-12pm
Venue: St Mary’s Lighthouse
Address: Whitley Bay, NE26 4RS
Website: www.bookwhen.com/ntc-lighthouse
Suitable for all over 5, booking essential, includes a talk, guided rockpooling & loan of rockpool nets & buckets over 2hr sessions, outdoor clothing & shoes/wellies required. £5.00 per person. Book...
LEGO CODING WORKSHOP
30th-30th May 2025
Time: 10-11.30am
Venue: Shipley Art Gallery
Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB
Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk
Use Lego & plastic components to build a model, then programme it using an iPad. Using Scratch block coding, you’ll be able to make your model move, make noise, light up, play music, & more! Suitable...
MAY HALF TERM MAYPOLE DANCING
30th-30th May 2025
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Newcastle Castle
Address: Castle Garth, NE1 1RQ
Website: www.newcastlecastle.co.uk
Celebrate May half-term with some maypole dancing! Whether you want to watch a demonstration or learn a few moves, there will be FREE maypole dancing lessons & demonstrations throughout the day in the...
HOOVES & HISTORY
31st May-1st June 2025
Time: 11am-3pm
Venue: Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum
Address: Buddle Street, Wallsend NE28 6HR
Website: www.segedunumromanfort.org.uk
Hear the thunder of hooves as the historical re-enactment group, Equistry, brings the Roman cavalry to life at the 25th Anniversary celebrations of Segedunum's opening as a visitor attraction. Discover...
MILKSHAKE LIVE ON HOLIDAY
1st-1st June 2025
Venue: Customs House
Address: South Shields, NE33 1ES
Website: www.customshouse.co.uk/theatre
Join your favourite Milkshake! friends on Holiday with Dora, Pip & Posey, Blue from Blues Clues & You!, Milo, Milkshake! Monkey plus two of your Milkshake! presenters for an all-new adventure! It’s a...
JULIET
2nd-7th June 2025
Venue: Newcastle Theatre Royal
Address: NE1 6BR
Website: www.theatreroyal.co.uk
Break free of the balcony scene with a romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo! Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including Britney...
DISCOVER FESTIVAL
7th-7th June 2025
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Newcastle University Campus,
Address: NE1 7RU
Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/discover-fest
Newcastle University welcomes you to their free, one-day festival of interactive family-fun in the heart of the North East. Immerse yourself into a world of wonder & exploration with a day filled with...
SATURDAY ART CLASSES
7th-7th June 2025
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. £7 per child.Pre-booking essential at www.laingartgallery.org.uk.
JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DEAMCOAT
10th-15th June 2025
Venue: Newcastle Theatre Royal
Address: NE1 6BR
Website: www.theatreroyal.co.uk
X-Factor winner & Theatre Royal pantomime favourite Joe McElderry stars as the roof-raising Pharaoh, in this much-loved family musical. Tickets from £24.00.
CULLERCOATS FESTIVAL
14th-14th June 2025
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
14th-14th June 2025
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...
NORTHUMBERLAND MINER'S PICNIC
14th-14th June 2025
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 & they are delighted to welcome back Mr Wilson’s Second...
THE HOPPINGS FUNFAIR 2025
20th-29th June 2025
Venue: Newcastle Town Moor
Address: NE2 4PZ
Website: www.hoppingsfunfairs.com
Europe's Largest Funfair is back for 2025 daily from noon! The Hoppings hosts over 400 of the country's biggest & brightest attractions from traditional favourites to the latest jaw dropping thrill rides....
ROBYN HOOD
21st-21st June 2025
Time: 11am & 2pm
Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre,
Address: NE3 3HD
Website: www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk/family-pride-party-curious-arts
Robyn Hood tells the story of Robyn, a little girl who lives in a big city. Robyn likes to play outside & on a small patch of green land she builds a den; a magical space all of her own, where she dreams...
NORTHUMBERLAND PLATE FESTIVAL 2025
26th-28th June 2025
Venue: Newcastle Racecourse
Address: High Gosforth Park, NE3 5HP
Website: www.newcastleracecourse.co.uk
One of the most prestigious racing festivals in the North featuring The Northumberland Plate gallops back into High Gosforth Park for three days of thrilling racing, fashion & live music. Children 17 &...
ANDY & THE ODD SOCKS
28th-28th June 2025
Time: 4.30pm
Venue: Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Address: Westgate Road, NE1 4AG
Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk
Join the ‘Odd Socks’ as they bring their brilliant madcap mix of songs, slapstick comedy & silliness to life with a show to entertain families of all ages. It’s the show that everyone wants to see...
PAW PATROL LIVE! THE GREAT PIRATE ADVENTURE
28th-28th June 2025
Venue: Utilita Arena
Address: NE4 7NA
Website: www.utilitaarena.co.uk
In PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure,” Mayor Goodway is getting everything shipshape for a big Pirate Day celebration in Adventure Bay. When Cap’n Turbot falls into a dark & mysterious...
CHUF TODDLE & FAMILY FUN DAY
29th-29th June 2025
Time: 11am-3pm
Venue: Close House,
Address: NE41 8BL
Website: www.Chuf.org.uk
A 1 mile sponsored toddle to raise funds for the Childrens Heart Unit Fund at The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. Also enjoy an amazing family fun day with lots of rides for only £1.50 each!
FIREMAN SAM LIVE
29th-29th June 2025
Venue: Customs House
Address: South Shields, NE33 1ES
Website: www.customshouse.co.uk/theatre
Norman wants to go on an adventure to impress his friends, so when two famous animal explorers arrive in Pontypandy, he decides to follow them into the mountains. But when Norman discovers a rare red squirrel,...
WOODLAND WALK CELEBRATION DAY
29th-29th June 2025
Time: 10.30am-4pm
Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum
Address: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX
Website: www.stephensonrailwaymuseum.org.uk
Enjoy puppet shows, train rides & more as the Woodland Walk area is officially opened. Be amazed by larger-than-life walking butterflies on stilts, meet Marley the Pit Pony or take atri[ on board a heritage...
JULY HOME EDUCATION DAY
4th-4th July 2025
Time: 10am-3pm
Venue: Life Science Centre
Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP
Website: www.life.org.uk
Enjoy a fantastic day of learning with other home educators. Aimed at young learners aged 5-14, this day gives Home Educated children the opportunity to enjoy a day of exciting, exclusive learning activities...
SOUTH TYNESIDE SUMMER PARADE 2025
5th-5th July 2025
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...
ENTERTAINMENT BY THE SEA
6th-6th July 2025
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
6th-6th July 2025
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...
SUNDAY CONCERTS
13th July-3rd August 2025
Time: Every Sunday
Venue: Bents Park
Address: Sea Road, NE33 2LD
Website: www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk
Fabulous FREE Concerts every Sunday. No tickets required featuring The Next BIG! Thing(13th July), Shayne Ward (20th July), Nik Kershaw (27th July) & Bjorn Again (3rd August)www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk