United by seven bridges, Newcastle is a diverse and vibrant destination for a family day out or short break. With so many different areas – each offering its own sights, sounds and experiences – you’ll be amazed at how much there is on offer. Whatever your family enjoys, these unique and exciting things to do in Newcastle with kids will help you make some brilliant memories together.
World-class culture, award-winning dining, inspiring heritage, fantastic shopping and acclaimed architecture all come together here, tied together by the famous Geordie welcome.
In this guide:
- Iconic landmarks and free-to-visit sights
- Hands-on museums and science centres
- Animal encounters and green spaces
- Active adventures and city trails
- A day at the seaside
Angel of the North
One of the most recognisable sights in Newcastle and its twinned city Gateshead is artist Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North. This must-see is believed to be the largest angel sculpture in the world.
Installed in 1998, the Angel of the North is made from 200 tonnes of steel, can withstand winds of up to 100mph, and stands 20 metres high – taller than four double-decker buses, with a wingspan as wide as a jumbo jet. This awe-inspiring piece of public art is one of the UK’s most famous sculptures and well worth the visit – your family are sure to remember it.
Ouseburn Farm
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This special place is a not-for-profit charity based right in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne. Bring the family to visit their award-winning, environmentally-friendly site, spend time with (and feed) an array of pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, lizards, tortoises, and enjoy the meadows, ponds and woodlands.
The environmental and heritage centre helps youngsters learn about environmental issues relevant to their lives, and also teaches them about life in the Ouseburn Valley in days gone by.
Tynemouth Aquarium
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You don’t need to worry about the rain spoiling your fun at the aquarium in Tynemouth. This underwater adventure takes you on a journey from local waters to the more exotic across more than 40 different displays, where you can marvel at tropical sharks, octopus, seahorses, giant crabs and piranhas.
Gaze in wonder at the black tip reef shark and watch colourful fish swim above your head as you walk through the ocean tunnel. Over on the native sandy sea beds, see native sharks, rays and dogfish circle one another, or check out the resident otters. Spot the reef fish that speed around the coral, and watch out for the claws of the crabs, lobsters and shrimps.
Jesmond Dene Park
Jesmond Dene is an oasis of calm close to the busy city centre, and an excellent place to spend the day with the kids. Visit Pet’s Corner, take a lovely walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery – there are plenty of little trails off the beaten track for your junior explorers.
This narrow wooded valley follows the River Ouseburn between South Gosforth and Jesmond Vale, with a spectacular mix of native and exotic trees. The Dene is home to plenty of wildlife, including kingfishers, red squirrels and many woodland birds.
Near the entrance to Jesmond Dene, just off the Coast Road, is Millfield House. This part of the Dene has a large picnic area and a Pet’s Corner, with mature trees and bushes, a family-friendly walk beside the small river that runs through, plenty of opportunity for bike riding and dog walking, and grassed areas for family picnics.
The Discovery Museum
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Discover Newcastle and Tyneside’s rich history at the Discovery Museum – from the area’s renowned maritime past and world-changing science and technology, through to fashion through the eras and military history.
One of the favourite exhibits, Turbinia, stands proudly at the entrance to the museum. Invented on Tyneside, it was the first ship to be powered by a steam turbine, and the 35-metre vessel was once the fastest ship in the world – her history is brought to life in the Turbinia Story display. The museum is free to enter and is bursting with interactive displays, making it a great place for the whole family to learn and have fun.
The Great North Museum
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If you’re looking for somewhere to while away the hours, the Great North Museum is well worth a visit, and it’s free to enter. Explore 350 million years of evolution, complete with a life-size dinosaur skeleton.
This wonderful cultural space has loads to see and do for all the family, thanks to an eclectic mix that includes an astronaut suit, artefacts from Greek mythology, Egyptian mummies, pieces from Hadrian’s Wall, dinosaurs, crystals from around the world, and a planetarium. The Living Planet display gives you the chance to investigate hundreds of fascinating creatures using hands-on displays and interactive touch screens, along with live animal tanks, a virtual aquarium, and full-sized models of an elephant and a great white shark.
Seven Stories: The National Centre for Children’s Books
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With seven floors of exhibitions, storytelling and learning spaces, Seven Stories is the perfect place to let your imagination run wild. With exhibitions showcasing children’s favourite authors and stories, a visit here will be a real page turner.
This museum and bookshop is home to some of the most cherished pieces of UK children’s literature, including original artwork from beloved picture books and archive material from much-loved children’s authors. Seven Stories is a hit with parents and grandparents too – you’ll love spotting titles from your own childhood, and passing those memories on to your children.
Spy Mission Treasure Trail
Take the story of Newcastle into your own hands with a Spy Mission Trail from Treasure Trails, a guidebook that takes you on a self-guided tour of Newcastle, cracking clues along the way.
The route covers around 2 miles and includes a series of clues, so you’ll need eagle eyes and sharp problem-solving skills. Begin the trail at the north end of the iconic Millennium Bridge and, if you’re lucky, see it being tilted. From here you’ll cross several lesser-known bridges and discover hidden historic sites, keeping an eye out for leads on signs, plaques and buildings across the city.
This family-friendly trail can be done at your own pace, with help available if you get stuck on a clue, and a fun reward on offer for those who complete it and answer correctly.
St James’ Park
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Located in the heart of the city, St James’ Park is an iconic Newcastle attraction and has been home to Newcastle United since 1892.
Football fans will enjoy a stadium tour, which captures the rich history of this magnificent ground. From the executive boxes to the changing rooms, you’ll get a real insight into Newcastle United’s heritage. Enjoy the view from one of the stadium’s highest vantage points, see where the manager delivers post-match interviews, walk down the tunnel, or sit in your favourite player’s seat in the home dressing room.
Life Science Centre
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A dry, lifeless museum experience is a thing of the past – a trip to the Life Science Centre will have your children imagining themselves as the next inventor, researcher or scientist.
The Life Science Centre combines hands-on and display exhibits designed to educate while having fun. There are also opportunities to speak with industry experts, from game designers to scientists, giving visitors a better understanding of the exhibits on show.
Newcastle Climbing Centre
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If the weather threatens to spoil your fun and you need somewhere to let off steam, why not head to Newcastle Climbing Centre? Set in the former church of St Mark’s, this striking listed building provides a truly unique climbing environment.
With a gigantic internal height of 15 metres and more than 1,200sqm of climbing walls for roped climbing, lead wall and all kinds of bouldering, there’s something for every ability. Children aged 5 and upwards may climb at the centre under the supervision of a registered adult climber, and those aged 7 to 14 can join the Junior Rock Club under the supervision of qualified staff. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Parklands Mini Golf
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Tee off for a family activity that will have everyone swinging happily. Parklands Golf Club is set on the grounds of the beautiful High Gosforth Park, and offers a range of golfing facilities catering for golfers of any age and ability.
There’s a driving range, an 18-hole golf course, and an 18-hole mini-golf course. The mini golf is suitable for anyone from age 3 upwards, and offers a challenging course in a fun environment. The Astroturf course is open all year round and is floodlit, so you can play into the evening on sunnier days. Clubs, balls and scorecards are provided, ideal if your family enjoys a little friendly competition.
Victoria Tunnel
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At first glance this may look like any old tunnel, but the Victoria Tunnel holds a fascinating story beneath the city. This piece of Victorian engineering showcases a great slice of history, with a few ghoulish tales thrown in for good measure.
First used as a waggon-way in the 19th century to transport coal under the city, the tunnel was converted into an air raid shelter for the Newcastle community during the Second World War. On a tour of the Victoria Tunnel, you’ll learn about its history and find out which Newcastle landmarks you’re walking beneath, including the unique chance to walk underneath Hadrian’s Wall. Tours are suitable for children over seven years of age.
A Trip to the Seaside
If the weather’s good, why not take a trip to the beach? Getting there isn’t a problem thanks to the Metro, which can take you from the city centre to the coast in well under half an hour.
Newcastle is also close to some of the best beaches in the country. North Tyneside’s beaches at Whitley Bay, Long Sands Tynemouth, and King Edward’s Bay have all been recognised for their high water quality. So grab those buckets and spades and make a day of it, with sandcastles, ice creams, paddling and wave jumping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newcastle a good destination for a family day out?
Yes. Newcastle packs a huge range of family-friendly attractions into a compact city centre, from free museums and green spaces to hands-on science centres, plus easy access to the coast by Metro – making it easy to fill a day or a longer break without a car.
Are any of these Newcastle attractions free to visit?
Several of the attractions in this list, including the Angel of the North, the Discovery Museum and the Great North Museum, are free to enter, which makes them a great starting point for budget-friendly family days out.
What’s the best way to get to the beach from Newcastle city centre?
The Tyne and Wear Metro connects the city centre to the North Tyneside coast, including Whitley Bay and Tynemouth, in well under 30 minutes, making a seaside trip an easy add-on to a day in the city.
Is the Victoria Tunnel suitable for young children?
The Victoria Tunnel tour is recommended for children over seven years of age, so it’s best suited to families with older children who’ll enjoy the history and can manage a guided underground walk.
What age is Newcastle Climbing Centre suitable for?
Children aged 5 and up can climb with a registered adult climber, and those aged 7 to 14 can join supervised junior sessions. Under-14s must always be accompanied by an adult.
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