- Play Hard
- 16th Jul 2025
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Kids Go Free is back: 14 fun family itineraries via bus for the summer holidays
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Psst, mums and dads, did you know that from Saturday 19th July to Thursday 31st August 2025, you can explore the North East via bus with free travel for kids?
Yes, that’s right – up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on the bus this summer with any fare-paying adult or concessionary pass holder. They can also travel free on the Metro and Shields Ferry, all day, every day, all year round.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, learning something new or just after an affordable day out when it rains, public transport connects you to all these amazing adventures.
Here are 14 family-friendly destinations with bus stops close by and enjoy your kids travelling free over the summer holidays – saving your pennies for memory-making.
SILKSWORTH SPORTS COMPLEX AND SKI SLOPE, SUNDERLAND
Bus route: X24 and 33 Silver and Stagecoach 13
How about cooling off on the slopes this summer (minus the snow)? Ski, snowboard, or try tubing on dry slopes, whatever the weather. Plus, there’s a skate park and an indoor sports centre. Lessons are for all abilities and it’s great for the little ones to try something new while staying active this summer.
P.S. You can make the most out of your day ticket on this route.
GO APE MATFEN, NORTHUMBERLAND
Bus route: 74 Tynedale Links
Climb high, zip through trees and tackle rope bridges in the ultimate outdoor adventure. Book ahead and wear comfy shoes – perfect for confident climbers. A direct bus from Newcastle takes you near the estate with a short countryside walk to warm up those legs.
HLN TOP TIP: Due to the little ones travelling free, why not treat yourself to lunch at The Keepers inside Matfen Hall? Plus, don’t miss the family-friendly golf simulator while you’re there.
HARDWICK PARK ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND, SEDGEFIELD
Bus route: X21 X-lines and X12
Wander through woodland trails, play by the lakeside and enjoy themed sculpture walks. Be the first to experience the park’s new play tower nearly 15 meters tall (second of its kind in Europe) alongside the new zip line, basket swing, hammocks, accessible roundabout and outdoor musical instruments.
BATTLEKART, GATESHEAD
Bus route: 10, 10A or 10B
Mix electric kart racing with a video game twist – think real-life Mario Kart. Projected tracks and laser obstacles make every lap unique. If you’re a big kid at heart, you’ll love the competitive thrill. You can get a direct bus (that comes every 10 mins – perfect for impatient kids) and with little ones travelling free, why not treat yourself to a cheeky extra game? Pre-booking is essential – don’t miss out. Here’s more info.
JARROW HALL, SOUTH TYNESIDE
Bus route: X12 and 27 Crusader
Hop on the bus every 15 minutes (perfect for impatient little ones) and step back in time. Walk through reconstructed Anglo-Saxon dwellings and meet traditional farm animals. The museum adds context to hands-on fun, with crafts and workshops running regularly. Ideal for history lovers and young adventurers who want to see what life was like in early England.
ALNWICK CASTLE, NORTHUMBERLAND
Bus route: X15
Enjoy a beautiful scenic bus route to Alnwick with your little ones. Channel your inner wizard or knight with dramatic towers, broomstick lessons and medieval crafts. A living, breathing castle with loads of family-friendly activities. The stunning grounds are perfect for picnics and playtime, with seasonal events bringing magic to life each summer.
NATIONAL GLASS CENTRE, SUNDERLAND
Bus route: X1 X-lines and 56 Cityrider
Watch molten glass turn into amazing art. With regular demos and hands-on workshops to get involved with, it’s a perfect mix of science and creativity. Perfect for curious minds, and right by the River Wear for a relaxing walk after your visit. Make sure you buy a day saver ticket on the bus for extra savings.
OCEAN BEACH PLEASURE PARK, SOUTH SHIELDS
Bus route: X12 and 247 Crusader
Classic fairground rides, amusements and plenty of candy floss await. From roller coasters to go-karts and seaside arcades, there’s something for all ages. Take a break with fish and chips and enjoy a fun-packed day by the coast. Why not hop on the ferry to North Shields, included in your day saver ticket and kids travel free too.
OUSEBURN FARM, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Bus route: 62, 39, 40 or 63
Hop on the bus – kids travel free – and enjoy free entry to the farm. Just a short 20-minute ride from the city, it’s the perfect escape for little ones to meet friendly pigs, goats and chickens up close. With hands-on activities, interactive areas and plenty of space to explore, it’s a great way to relax, play and learn about nature together.
TYNEMOUTH AQUARIUM, NORTH SHIELDS
Bus route: 306
Dive into marine life with sharks, seahorses and seals. Interactive tanks and daily feeding shows add excitement. It’s perfect for a rainy-day option and the bus stops right around the corner. Don’t forget to explore the rockpool exhibit and learn about ocean conservation efforts.
BEAMISH MUSEUM, COUNTY DURHAM
Bus route: 28
Get the bus directly to the entrance of Beamish, saving you on parking charges and giving to time to enjoy the journey with the little ones. Step into the past and ride trams through different historic villages. From a 1900s schoolhouse to old-fashioned sweet shops, it’s hands-on history at its best.
ROUND THE TWIST, BENTON
Bus route: 351 North Tyne Rockets
We all know what the UK summer weather can be like. That’s why you should have one of the North East’s biggest soft play centres with mega slides, climbing zones and sensory areas on your list. Perfect for kids under 12, and there’s a café for you to relax and treat your kids to a sweet treat with savings from their free bus tickets.
LIFE SCIENCE CENTRE, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Bus route: 12, 22 or X22
Another perfect rainy-day option. Explore the human body, space travel and cutting-edge tech through interactive exhibits and shows. There’s even a planetarium. This is an ideal indoor destination for kids who love experiments, robots and hands-on discovery.
TREETOP GOLF, GATESHEAD
Bus route: X45 X-Lines
Hop on a direct bus to the Metrocentre and enjoy this jungle-themed mini golf across two courses with fun sound effects and glowing obstacles. Quirky, loud and lots of laughs guaranteed. Perfect for all ages and making special family memories. All that golfing works up an appetite, so why not enjoy tropical-themed snacks in the café?
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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