- Play Hard
- 20th Feb 2026
- 0
- 0 minute
Low cost ways to keep little ones entertained in the North East
The North East is full of family-friendly gems that make getting out of the house exciting, for everyone.
Whether you’ve got a full day to fill or just a couple of hours here and there, we’ve rounded up the best things to do together across the region.
From hands-on creative sessions, outdoor adventures to entirely free plans, we guarantee the kids (and you) will be thoroughly entertained.
GETTING CREATIVE
Canny Crafty
147-149 Salters Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE3 1DU
Canny Crafty is an independent, family-run business in the heart of Gosforth. They specialise in pottery painting sessions from Tuesday to Sunday with prices ranging from £16 to £45, depending on the item you select to paint. Firing and art supplies are included in the price. Children of all ages, as well as adults, can let their creativity run wild while creating something that will last a lifetime. make sure to book if you plan to head down over weekends and school holidays to avoid disappointment.
Seven Stories
30 Lime Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ
As the UK’s only national centre dedicated entirely to children’s literature, Seven Stories hosts interactive exhibitions, storytelling sessions and creative workshops throughout the year. You can explore original illustrations and author archives (including Judith Kerr), enjoy reading corners for free or take part in paid events like themed afternoon teas during the holidays. Perfect for those book-loving families and educational days out.
Baltic
South Shore Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, NE8 3BA
The Baltic is one of the North East’s most recognisable cultural spaces and an amazing way to introduce children to art in a relaxed, accessible way. The gallery spans multiple floors of ever-changing exhibitions, from large-scale installations to colourful, interactive works that the little ones will love. During school holidays, the Baltic often runs family-focused workshops and themed activities designed to get kids creating and exploring. The building itself is pushchair-friendly, with lifts to every floor, accessible and educational for the whole family.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Plessey Woods
35 Shields Road, Bedlington, NE22 6AN
Looking for a woodland day out? Plessey Woods is the perfect pick. The park offers wide, well-maintained paths for scooters, bikes and pushchairs, plus a large play area and plenty of open space for picnics. Short circular walks along the river make it manageable for little legs, while the café provides an easy pit stop for hot drinks and snacks. Free entry and plenty of parking make it a simple, low-cost option for a wander as a family.
Whitehouse Farm
Whitehouse Farm Centre, Morpeth, NE61 6AW
A visit to the farm is a classic, and Whitehouse Farm has got everything you could ask for. It offers hands-on animal encounters alongside outdoor play areas and tractor rides. Children can meet everything from goats and alpacas to reptiles and small animals, with regular feeding sessions and demonstrations throughout the day. Indoor soft play areas and covered picnic spaces make it a good all-weather option. Check ahead for seasonal events, which often run during school holidays.
Washington Wetland Centre
Barmston Lane, Washington, NE38 8LE
For a day out that mixes fresh air with plenty to discover, Washington Wetland Centre is hard to beat. Set across peaceful lakes, wetlands and woodland, it’s a chance for children to get closer to nature while burning off energy outdoors. Families can follow scenic trails, spot ducks, geese and flamingos, and explore hides to watch wildlife up close. There are also adventure play areas, pond-dipping sessions and seasonal activities during school holidays. With cosy indoor spaces, cafés and lots to explore at your own pace, it’s a great all-weather option.
RAINY DAYS
Everyman Cinema
75-85 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6EF
When the weather inevitably turns, Everyman is a family-friendly option for a cosy afternoon out. With comfy sofas, blankets and a wide selection of snacks, it feels more like a treat than a standard cinema trip. They regularly show family films, so don’t let the weather stop you from making the most of these moments together.
Catpawcino
77 Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DE
Part café, part animal experience, Catpawcino on the Quayside allows families to enjoy drinks and light bites while spending time with resident rescue cats. Sessions must be booked in advance, with timed entry to ensure a calm environment for both cats and visitors. It’s best suited to slightly older children who are happy to sit and interact gently, making it a cosy and unique indoor activity on a rainy afternoon.
Inflate Space
Benfield Business Park, Unit A4-A5, Benfield Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4NQ
If energy levels are high and the weather isn’t cooperating, Inflate Space is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This large indoor inflatable park features obstacle courses, slides and bounce zones suitable for a range of ages. Sessions are booked in time slots, and there’s a café area for parents to relax while children burn off some energy.
TREAT SPOTS
Friez & Burgz
164 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2LX
Friez & Burgz has quickly become a North East staple, founded in South Shields and now sporting 5 different locations. Their Whitley Bay shop offers an abundance of comfy seating, the perfect place to enjoy a treat after a busy day along the coast. With burgers, chicken tenders and milkshakes on offer, we guarantee this Friday night treat will go down well with all of the family.
Wildfire City
104 High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 1TX
Who doesn’t love a slice of pizza? The team behind Wildfire have transformed the High Street West gem, formally known as The Sofia, into a lunchtime must-try spot. Same amazing coffee and location with a fresh italian twist. Enjoy in-house made cakes and a variety of pizza slices – approved by adults and children alike, lunch time, sorted.
Love Lily
Herrington County Park, Penshaw, New Herrington, Houghton le Spring, DH4 7EL
After a busy day of feeding ducks, climbing and sliding, pop into Love Lily for one of their specialty milkshakes, loaded cookies or slices of cake. After you and your little ones have worked up an appetite in the park a sugar fix is very much needed and well deserved.
FREE DAYS OUT
Sunderland Winter Gardens
Winter Gardens, Burdon Road, Sunderland, SR1 1PP
A warm, indoor escape that’s completely free, the Winter Gardens is a great option for all ages. Wander through tropical plants, spot koi carp and explore the adjoining museum spaces. It’s relaxed, educational and perfect for filling a couple of hours without spending a penny.
Saltwell Park
East Park Road, Low Fell, Gateshead, NE9 5AX
One of the North East’s most loved green spaces, Saltwell Park is completely free to visit, making it an easy go-to for a full day out on a budget. The Victorian park is packed with family-friendly features, including a large adventure playground, boating lake, wide walking paths for pushchairs and plenty of space for a picnic. Not every plan has to be costly, sometimes the simple days out are the best ones.
National Glass Centre
Liberty Way, Roker, Sunderland, SR6 0GL
The Glass Centre hosts a wide variety of activities, both creative and educational, for a range of different ages and many of them completely free. Keep an eye out for themed trails and events, including interactive challenges and craft sessions. It’s a great blend of educational and fun, guaranteed to get the little ones thinking.
Molly Ferry
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.