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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STEAM TO GREEN
1st January-6th September 2026
Venue: Discovery Museum
Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA
Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk
Discovery Museum's FREE exhibition 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 technologies...
NORTH EAST DEAF YOUTH THEATRE
21st February-31st December 2026
Time: Third Sat
Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre
Address: NE3 3HD
Website: www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk
Third Saturday every month, 9.30-11.30am, FREE monthly workshops for deaf children and young people aged 5 - 12 years. North East Deaf Youth Theatre explores all aspects of theatre-making including, creative...
GOZZLE
20th March-31st May 2026
Time: 10am-5.30pm
Venue: WWT Washington Wetlands Centre,
Address: NE38 8LE
Website: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington
Discover a season of firsts this spring, on a fun-filled wetland adventure with Gozzle the gosling. Explore the wonderful world of wetlands with Gozzle the gosling, from Julia Donaldson & Sara Ogilvie’s...
ALNWICK CASTLE OPENS FOR 2026
27th March-25th October 2026
Time: 10am-5pm
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...
THE GREAT DINOSAUR ESCAPE
28th March-27th September 2026
Venue: Life Science Centre
Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP
Website: www.life.org.uk
Dinosaurs have taken over Life Science Centre this Easter with the North’s biggest collection of animatronic dinosaurs. Follow the trail around the centre to hunt them down, from towering four-metre-high...
TREASURE : HIDDEN, LOST, FOUND
28th March-20th September 2026
Venue: Great North Museum
Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT
Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk
Your chance to see why buried history matters. Step into the fascinating world of treasure & see some amazing archaeological finds from across the North of England. Roman coins, Viking Age silver, & a...
ROGUES & VAGABONDS
3rd April-1st June 2026
Venue: Newcastle Castle
Address: Castle Garth, NE1 1RQ
Website: www.newcastlecastle.co.uk
This Spring, visit Newcastle Castle to see all about Rogues & Vagabonds with pop-up exhibitions, crafts activities & workshops, castle trails & other activities - all included within your annual pass price.
CREATIVE ACTIVITY:WHIPPETS
23rd-31st May 2026
Time: 12-3pm
Venue: Woodhorn Museum & Country Park
Address: NE63 9YF
Website: www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/woodhorn
Create your own colourful take on one of the North East’s most loved dog breeds - the whippet. Take inspiration from the iconic painting “Whippets” by George Blessed, on display in the Ashington...
MYSTERY MISSION
23rd-31st May 2026
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens
Address: NE20 0DX
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens
A top-secret message has gone missing at Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens – & we need you to find it before it falls into the wrong hands! Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to follow the trail,...
HALF TERM FAMILY CRAFTING
26th-26th May 2026
Time: 10.30-11.45am & 1-2.15pm
Venue: Shipley Art Gallery
Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB
Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk
This May half term make some cardboard people. Decorate a paper plate face, & add paper or wool for hair. Create the body using cardboard & create on an outfit for your person. Your person can sit on a...
MAKE & MUSE:FAMILY CRAFTING TOUR
26th-26th May 2026
Time: 10am-12pm & 1-3pm
Venue: Laing Art Gallery
Address: New Bridge Street, NE1 8AG
Website: www.laingartgallery.org.uk
Families (7-12 year olds) will take a tour of the collections & do some hands-on crafting. Each two-hour session begins with a friendly & engaging tour led by one of the Laing’s expert learning facilitators,...
NATIIONAL GARDEN WILDLIFE WEEK TRAIL
26th-30th May 2026
Time: 9am
Venue: Gateshead Central Library
Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4LN
Celebrate wildlife week by joining this FREE trail. How many creatures can you find around the library & can you name them all? Trail available during opening hours. Suitable for families. Just turn up....
TIME ODYSSEY: A FAMILY ADVENTURE
26th-26th May 2026
Venue: Great North Museum
Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT
Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk
Time Odyssey is an exciting new interactive learning experience which takes families on a quest through their local museum physically & virtually. Played on a tablet it uses gaming techniques & impressive...
WIND IN THE WILLOWS
26th-28th May 2026
Time: 2pm & 7pm
Venue: Peoples Theatre,
Address: Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 5QF
Website: www.peoplestheatre.co.uk/whats-on/sa-productions-the-wind-in-the-willows
A family-friendly show which brings this timeless story to life in a rollicking, adventurous musical based on Kenneth Grahame’s beloved novel. Containing humour, wit, heart warming lessons of friendship...
ART CAMP
27th-27th May 2026
Time: 10am-3pm
Venue: Laing Art Gallery
Address: New Bridge Street, NE1 8AG
Website: www.laingartgallery.org.uk
Young people aged 7-10 years are welcome to explore the galleries, talk about art, & create their own work in sessions led by a professional arts educator. Experiment with materials, learn new skills,...
BALTIC BIG DAYS OUT:MAKE YOUR MARK
27th-31st May 2026
Time: 10am-6pm
Venue: Baltic
Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA
Website: www.baltic.art
This May half-term, bring the whole family along to Baltic to Make Your Mark - a playful, hands-on exploration of drawing & mark-making inspired by current exhibition Foundation Press: Starting Lines. An...
BIRDS OF PREY
27th-27th May 2026
Time: 11am-3pm
Venue: Woodhorn Museum & Country Park
Address: NE63 9YF
Website: www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/woodhorn
Discover the fascinating world of birds of prey & see spectacular flying displays at 12noon & 2pm (weather permiting) with the team from Ridgeside Falconry. Price included in Annual Pass.
GARDENING THEMED CRAFT ACTIVITIES
28th-28th May 2026
Time: 2.15-3.45pm
Venue: The Word
Address: National Centre for the Written Word, Market Place, South Shields, NE33 1JF
Website: www.theworduk.org.
Drop-in between 2.15pm & 3.45pm to have fun making gardening themed crafts this May half term. Free event, suitable for over 5's. Spaces are available on a first come basis.
HALF TERM HOLIDAY ART CLASS
28th-28th May 2026
Time: 10.30am - 12 noon & 1-2.30pm
Venue: Shipley Art Gallery
Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB
Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk
A fun art class for half term for 7-12 year olds & their grown ups. At each session you'll be guided by a professional artist to discover a different art technique, such as watercolours, ceramics, mixed...
MAKE & MUSE:FAMILY CRAFTING TOUR
28th-28th May 2026
Time: 10am-12pm & 1-3pm
Venue: Laing Art Gallery
Address: New Bridge Street, NE1 8AG
Website: www.laingartgallery.org.uk
Families (7-12 year olds) will take a tour of the collections & do some hands-on crafting. Each two-hour session begins with a friendly & engaging tour led by one of the Laing’s expert learning facilitators,...
PLANTING ACTIVITY
28th-28th May 2026
Time: 11am-3pm
Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum, Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX
Address: Stephenson Railway Museum
Website: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX
Outdoor Events
MOSS TROOPERS STORY TIME
29th-29th May 2026
Time: 10.30am-2.30pm
Venue: Great North Museum
Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT
Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk
The Moss Troopers return to the museum to bring history into the present day. During this event you’ll find out about the Anglo Saxons, learn about Anglo Saxon food, music, & culture & hear some stories...
JUNE HOME EDUCATION DAY
4th-4th June 2026
Time: 10am-3pm
Venue: Life Science Centre
Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP
Website: www.life.org.uk
Enjoy a fantastic day (10am-3pm) of learning with other home educators. Home Education Days give home educated children the chance to take part in curriculum-linked workshops inspired by current STEM...
STEAM GALA
5th-7th June 2026
Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum, Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX
Address: Stephenson Railway Museum
Website: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX
Outdoor Events
DRAWN TOGETHER:CREATIVITY FOR ALL
6th-6th June 2026
Time: 11am-3pm
Venue: Shipley Art Gallery
Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB
Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk
This event is all about coming together to draw & be creative, in fun & surprising ways! Drop into the gallery to get creative with artist educators. Try different artist-led activities at your own pace,...
SATURDAY ART CLASSES
6th-6th June 2026
Time: 10.15-11.45am & 2.30pm
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.
DISCOVER FESTIVAL
13th-13th June 2026
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Newcastle University City Centre Campus,
Address: NE1 7RU
Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/discover-fest
Fun for all the family, Discover Festival on Newcastle University’s City Centre campus is preparing to inspire everyone – young & old minds alike – to try out new things, experiment with experts,...
DISCOVER FESTIVAL RETURNS TO HATTON GALLERY
13th-13th June 2026
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Hatton Gallery
Address: The Quadrangle, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU
Website: www.hattongallery.org.uk
Drop-in to this free one-day festival where you can take part in art workshops , try stamp & block printing, watercolour & ink art, copperplate writing, & discover how books were made 300 years ago.
FAMILY ART CLASS
13th-13th June 2026
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 & their grown ups. At each session you'll be guided by a professional artist to discover a different art technique, such as watercolours, ceramics, mixed...
NORTHUMBERLAND MINER'S PICNIC
13th-13th June 2026
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Woodhorn Museum & Country Park
Address: NE63 9YF
Website: www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/woodhorn
The Northumberland Miners’ Picnic from 10am-5pm, is a jam-packed day out for all the family, rooted in our local heritage re-imagined with a contemporary twist. Enjoy live music, street theatre, children’s...
SWING BRIDGE 150
13th June-20th December 2026
Venue: Discovery Museum
Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA
Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk
A small display in the Turbinia Atrium charting 150 years of the iconic Swing Bridge that connects Newcastle & Gateshead, with historical objects, images & archival material. Unveiled in 1876, Lord...
THE HOPPINGS FUNFAIR 2026
19th-28th June 2026
Time: 1-11pm
Venue: Newcastle Town Moor,
Address: NE2 4PZ
Website: www.hoppingsfunfairs.com
Europe's Largest Funfair is back for 2026 daily from 1pm! The Hoppings hosts over 400 of the country's biggest & brightest atttractions from traditional favourites to the latest jaw dropping thrill rides...
NORTHUMBERLAND PLATE FESTIVAL 2026
25th-27th June 2026
Venue: Newcastle Racecourse,
Address: High Gosforth Park, NE3 5HP
Website: www.newcastle-racecourse.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 &...
CHUF TODDLE & FAMILY FUN DAY
28th-28th June 2026
Time: 11am-3pm
Venue: Close House
Address: NE41 8BL
Website: www.chuf.org.uk
A 1-mile sponsored toddle to raise funds for the Children's Heart Unit Fund at The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. Also enjoy an amazing family fun day from 11am-3pm with lots of rides from only £1.50.
CLASSIC CAR SHOW
28th-28th June 2026
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens
Address: NE20 0DX
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens
A Classic Car show in the grounds of Belsay Hall from 10am - 5pm with a a range of cars from various eras & models to see. Book online & save 15%.
SOUTH TYNESIDE SUMMER PARADE 2026
11th-11th July 2026
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...
BEYOND VAN GOGH
12th July-9th August 2026
Venue: Utilita Arena
Address: NE4 7NA
Website: www.utilitaarena.co.uk
Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience comes to Utilita Arena Newcastle transforming the arena floor into a 10,000 sq ft world of colour, light & sound. This spectacular event will bring more than 300...