What's On in Newcastle, Gateshead & Northumberland

MEET AND MAKE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,...

LEAP THEN LOOK, PLAY, INTERACT, EXPLORE

Time: 10am-6pm

Venue: Baltic

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.baltic.art

This new exhibition explores play, collaboration & materials. Featuring large, tactile sculptural objects & colourful assemblages, everything in the space is interactive. Lively, exciting & curiosity-filled, Play...

QUEEN HEAVEN

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

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

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

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...

UNDERGROUND ADVENTURES WITH MURRAY THE MOLE

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...

EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Warkworth Castle, Northumberland,

Address: NE65 0UJ

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/warkworth-castle-and-hermitage/

Take part in a cracking adventure quest at Warkworth Castle this Easter holiday. Hunt for clues hidden around the grounds & enjoy a delicious chocolate reward! You can take on the quest every day of the...

EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens,

Address: NE20 0DX

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens/

Take part in a cracking adventure quest at Belsay Hall this Easter holiday. Hunt for clues hidden around the grounds & enjoy a delicious chocolate reward! You can take on the quest every day of the school...

EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Chesters Roman Fort & Museum,

Address: NE46 4EU

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/chesters-easter-adventure-quest/

Take part in a cracking adventure quest at Chesters Roman Fort & Museum this Easter holiday. Hunt for clues hidden around the grounds & enjoy a delicious chocolate reward! You can take on the quest every...

LLOYD OF THE FLIES WETLAND BUG HUNT

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...

HERITAGE TRAIN RIDES

Time: Sundays & Easter Monday

Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum,

Address: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX

Website: www.stephensonsteamrailway.org.uk

Take a four mile return trip (35-40 minutes) following the route of the coal trains from the collieries to the River Tyne behind a vintage locomotive in 1950s passenger carriages. Adults £8, Under 21...

EASTER EGG HUNT

Time: 10am-3pm

Venue: Gibside NT,

Address: NE16 6BG

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit

This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Gibside on an Easter trail. Make your way along the trail and find 10 activities for the whole family. Hop along the Avenue and through the...

EASTER EGG HUNT

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Seaton Delaval Hall NT,

Address: NE26 4QR

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit

This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Seaton Delaval Hall on an Easter trail. Make your way along the trail & find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. £3.50 per trail...

EGG-CITING EASTER AT LIFE

Time: Closed Easter Sunday)

Venue: Life Science Centre,

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.Life.org.uk 

Enjoy a cracking day out this Easter at Life! Make your own ‘egg’ catapult in the Making Studios using a range of materials you might find at home. Test your creation in the target practice area before...

POP-UP ASHINGTON GROUP HUT

Time: 12-3pm

Venue: Woodhorn Museum & Country Park,

Address: NE63 9YF

Website: www.museumsnorthumberland.org.uk/whats-on

Drop in & Get creative during the Easter holidays with a brand new, family friendly art activity daily 12noon to 3pm. At the centre of every miner’s home was the kitchen, & at the heart would have been...

THE BIG BRICK BUILD

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens,

Address: NE20 0DX

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens/

Get creative with our master builders & help bring history to life with LEGO® bricks. Book online & save 15%.

EASTER EGG HUNT

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: Wallington NT,

Address: NE61 4AR

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit

Make your way along the trail & find nature-inspired activities around the Courtyard & West Wood with lots of fun activities to do along the way for the whole family. Can you leap as far as a lamb, hop...

EASTER HOLIDAY CLUB

Time: (times vary)

Venue: South Tyneside,

Address: NE32-34.

Website: www.southtyneside.gov.uk/holidayclub

Fun, free activities & meals for children receiving benefit related FSM in South Tyneside. Activities include sports, music, arts, crafts, outdoor & indoor challenges, treasure trails & wellbeing & healthy...

FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL EASTER HOLIDAYS

Time: Tues & Thurs 10.30-11.45am & 1-2.15pm

Venue: Shipley Art Gallery,

Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB

Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk

During the School Easter holidays, every Tuesday & Thursday from 10.30-11.45am & 1-2.15pm,pop along & create some springtime crafts. £3 per participant (plus booking fee). Suitable for all ages, but activities...

EASTER BUNNY

Time: 11am-3pm

Venue: Woodhorn Museum & Country Park,

Address: NE63 9YF

Website: www.museumsnorthumberland.org.uk/whats-on

Look out for the Easter Bunny visiting Woodhorn Museum between 11am & 3pm each day. If you find the bunny during your visit they will reward you with a small sweet treat! The Easter Bunny is included with...

EASTER EGG HUNT

Time: 11am-3.30pm

Venue: Souter Lighthouse & The Leas NT,

Address: SR6 7NH

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit

This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Souter on an Easter trail along the sweeping coastline & find nature-inspired activities. The price of the trail is £3.50 per child which...

EASTER TRAIL

Time: 10am-3pm

Venue: Cragside NT,

Address: NE65 7PX

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit

Hop to Cragside for a cracking time along the Easter trail. There are ten activity stations to find.The kids can test out their balancing skills on the egg and spoon obstacle course, see who can jump the...

MINIATURE RAILWAY GRAND OPENING

Time: 11am-3pm

Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum,

Address: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX

Website: www.stephensonsteamrailway.org.uk

Experience the excitement of a brand-new 7 ¼" miniature railway, connecting the museum to ‘Engine House Halt’. Lovingly built by volunteers from the North Tyneside Steam Railway Association during...

BEAUTY & THE BEAST EASTER PANTO

Venue: Customs House

Address: South Shields, NE33 1ES

Website: www.customshouse.co.uk/theatre

A dazzling pantomime retelling of Beauty & the Beast, perfect for the whole family. When the kind-hearted Beauty finds herself in a mysterious castle, she discovers that its grumpy yet loveable Beast is...

NEWCASTLE PUPPETRY FESTIVAL

Venue: Newcastle

Address: NE1

Website: www.newcastlepuppetryfestival.co.uk

This year sees the 6th edition of the Newcastle Puppetry Festival taking place around the city. Find out more online about the wider programme including some free events.

THE WIZARD OF OZ - EASTER PANTO

Venue: Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Address: Westgate Road, NE1 4AG

Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

Next April school holidays, join Kansas farm-girl Dorothy & her pet dog Toto on this magical adventure suitable for all ages. Watch in amazement as they are picked up by a tornado & carried off to...

MARVELLOUS MONDAY - MAKE A FLOWER GARLAND

Time: 11am-3pm

Venue: Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum, Buddle Street, Wallsend NE28 6HR

Website: www.segedunumromanfort.org.uk

During Roman times, wreaths & garlands of flowers & greenery were worn by men & women on festive occasions. Try designing & making your own flower garland. Free activity. Free entry to young people aged...

PINOCCHIO

Venue: Whitley Bay Playhouse

Address: NE26 1LZ

Website: www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk

Anton Benson Productions presents an hilarious Easter Panto with no strings attached. Prepare yourselves for another all-singing, all-dancing, laugh-a-minute ride through the fun & frolics of panto land....

THE GRUFFALO

Venue: Northern Stage

Address: NE1 7RH

Website: www.northernstage.co.uk

Join Mouse on a draining adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories magical, musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler’s classic picture book, celebrating 25 years in 2024! Tickets...

TREMENDOUS TUESDAY - SHIP SHAPE

Time: 11am-1pm & 1:30pm-3pm

Venue: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery,

Address: Ocean Road, NE33 2JA

Website: www.southshieldsmuseum.org.uk

Drop-in & explore the exhibition Shields, On the River Tyne & discover the beautiful ships that sailed on the river Tyne. After you've looked around the exhibition, make your way to the Learning Room...

LEGO CODING WORKSHOP

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...

MEET THE EXPERT - ALL ABOUT ELECTRIC CARS & THEIR BATTERIES

Time: 10am-12pm & 1-3pm

Venue: Discovery Museum,

Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA

Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

Prof Colin Herron of the Faraday Institution, North East Battery Alliance & Newcastle University visits the museum to answer any questions you have about electric cars. Drop-in. Free Event.

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Time: 2pm

Venue: The Exchange Theatre

Address: Howard Street, North Shields, NE30 1SE

Website: www.theexchange1856.com

Enjoy a spellbinding journey with Sleeping Beauty, presented by Tom Rolfe Productions! Follow the tale of Princess Beauty, a kind-hearted royal destined for greatness. All is going well in preparation...

TIME QUEST: A MINI DIG

Time: 11am-3pm

Venue: Arbeia Roman Fort,

Address: Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB

Website: www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk

Take part in a mini archaeological dig in the Time Quest room. Time Quest is an hands-on experience where you can find out more about archaeology & excavations. Part of our Ways to Play programme of free...

ANGELA'S ARK

Time: 11am-12pm & 12.30-1.30pm

Venue: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery,

Address: Ocean Road, NE33 2JA

Website: www.southshieldsmuseum.org.uk

Experience an exciting animal handling & interaction session, where you can meet amazing creatures, learn fascinating facts & enjoy hands-on crafty fun! Perfect for little explorers aged 4+. £7pp + booking...

MAKE & TAKE THURSDAY - EASTER CROWN MAKING

Time: 11-3pm

Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum,

Address: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX

Website: www.stephensonsteamrailway.org.uk

Have a go at making & decorating your own Easter crown! Wear yours with pride & enter our Easter competition to be in with a chance of winning a season pass for your family! Simply tag us in your creation...

THREE LITTLE VIKINGS

Time: 11am & 2pm

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk

Three brave little Viking girls save the day in this bold & funny adventure story for little rebels. Once upon a time in a Viking village, everything seems to be going wrong. Chickens are disappearing,...

DISCOVERY BRICK SHOW 2025 - LEGO WEEKEND

Venue: Discovery Museum,

Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA

Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

See some of the newest LEGO models & displays from a hand-picked selection of the best LEGO builders in the UK. From LEGO cities to Ninjago, Friends and trains to spaceships & more, some of the UK’s...

MEET THE EXPERT - ALL ABOUT ELECTRIC CARS & THEIR BATTERIES

Time: 10am-12pm & 1-3pm

Venue: Discovery Museum,

Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA

Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

Prof Colin Herron of the Faraday Institution, North East Battery Alliance & Newcastle University visits the museum to answer any questions you have about electric cars. Drop-in. Free Event.

PIG HEART BOY

Venue: Newcastle Theatre Royal

Address: NE1 6BR

Website: www.theatreroyal.co.uk

For older children, the multi award-winning writer Malorie Blackman OBE’s, Pig Heart Boy asks is it better to have a pig’s heart that works … than a human heart that doesn’t? This heartfelt play...

MAY HOME EDUCATION DAY

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...

POP PRINCESSES - WORLD TOUR

Venue: Customs House

Address: South Shields, NE33 1ES

Website: www.customshouse.co.uk/theatre

This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference. The four fabulous Fairy tale Princesses are back, & this time they are on their first World Tour! Come & join a soundtrack of top pop hits from...

PIRATES LOVE UNDERPANTS

Venue: Customs House

Address: South Shields, NE33 1ES

Website: www.customshouse.co.uk/theatre

These pirates SO love underpants! Join a swashbuckling party of pirates on their quest to find the fabled Pants of Gold for the Captain’s Treasure chest! Dodge hungry crocs beneath Long-John...

HERE BE DRAGONS in GATESHEAD

Time: 10.30am & 1pm

Venue: Caedmon Hall, Gateshead

Address: Caedmon Hall, Gateshead, NE8 4LN

Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk/here-be-dragons

Here Be Dragons Written by Lindsay Rodden for Unfolding Theatre, and everyone  There’s a light in the tunnel. No – wait – two lights. A warm rush of breath, a mighty roar,...

FAMILY ART CLASS

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...

CHILDREN'S CANCER RUN

Venue: Newcastle Racecourse,

Address:  High Gosforth Park, NE3 5HP

Website: www.childrenscancernorth.org.uk

The 42nd Annual Cross Country Fun Run that raises money to help make life better for children with cancer. It's a great day out for all the family & there are three different runs to choose from. Each...

DINOSAUR ADVENTURE - BIG JURASSIC STORM

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...

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW

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.

MILKSHAKE LIVE ON HOLIDAY

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

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...

JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DEAMCOAT

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.

ROBYN HOOD

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...

ANDY & THE ODD SOCKS

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

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...

FIREMAN SAM LIVE

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,...