Summer of Free Family Fun Arrives at Eldon Square
Families looking for free ways to keep children entertained this summer can head to Eldon Square, where a packed programme of activities, character appearances, interactive experiences and giveaways will take place throughout the school holidays.
From July through to September, Newcastle's leading shopping and leisure destination will be transformed into a hub of family-friendly entertainment, with superhero and princess appearances, free face painting sessions, the Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne sculpture trail and prizes up for grabs. The centre is also proud to be one of the sponsors supporting the return of NE1's hugely popular Tiny Toon Play Village in Old Eldon Square.
Face Painting and Character Appearances
Families will be able to enjoy free face painting sessions in Eldon Square's Community Quarter on Saturday 25, Sunday 26, Thursday 30 and Friday 31 July, as well as Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August between 12pm and 3pm.
The summer programme of activities continues throughout August with roaming superheroes appearing across the centre on Saturday 8, Sunday 9 and Sunday 16 August, followed by magical princess appearances on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August. Families will be able to meet the characters, take photographs and enjoy surprise interactions as they explore the centre. There will also be the opportunity to support Newcastle United Foundation during the character appearances, with donation buckets available throughout the events.
Tiny Toon
Eldon Square is proud to sponsor NE1's Tiny Toon Play Village for the third year running. Returning to Old Eldon Square from Monday 20 July until Monday 31 August, the hugely popular immersive experience gives young visitors the chance to explore a miniature version of Newcastle, complete with iconic local landmarks and businesses.
This year's village sees the return of much-loved features including the Tyne and Wear Metro train, the Tyne Bridge and a mini Eldon Square, alongside new additions inspired by Newcastle Building Society, Tyneside Cinem, Dakwala, and Pink Lane Bakery. The attraction will be open from 10am to 5pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 9:30am to 5pm on Tuesdays, opening half an hour earlier for dedicated Toddler Takeover sessions, and from 9am to 4:30pm on Sundays, opening an hour earlier to host quieter sessions for visitors who prefer a more relaxed environment.
Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne Sculpture Trail
Adding even more excitement to the school holidays, Eldon Square is also proud to be part of the region-wide Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne sculpture trail. Running from Wednesday 15 July until Monday 14 September, the free public art trail will bring decorated Peter Rabbit™ sculptures to locations across Newcastle and North Tyneside, helping to raise awareness and funds for St Oswald's Hospice. The trail celebrates both the hospice's 40th anniversary and the 160th anniversary of Beatrix Potter's birth, creating a family-friendly adventure across the region.
Eldon Square will host its own Peter Rabbit™ sculpture, inviting visitors to discover the much-loved character during the summer period. Families can stop for photographs and take part in weekly prize draw competitions by scanning a QR code displayed alongside the sculpture. New prizes will be available throughout the summer, including a £50 Frankie & Benny's voucher, a pair of Clarks shoes worth up to £75, a Lush Pamper Party for five people, vouchers for John Lewis, Fenwick and Charles Clinkard, a MINISO goody bag and Eldon Square Gift Cards worth up to £100.
Summer Dining
Families making a day of it can also take advantage of Eldon Square's extensive food and drink offering, with options to suit every taste and budget. Visitors can refuel at recently opened Freight Island, which has brought its vibrant mix of street food, family-friendly dining and entertainment to the city centre. Alternatively, guests can choose from a wide range of popular restaurants and cafés including Frankie & Benny's, Wagamama, Nando's, Dave’s Hot Chicken, and Crepeaffaire. Whether stopping for a quick bite, a family lunch or an evening meal after a day of activities, Eldon Square offers plenty of opportunities to relax and dine throughout the summer holidays.
Helen Cowie, Centre Director at Eldon Square said: “We are looking forward to welcoming families to the centre this summer, with a line-up of fun filled free activities available for little ones, perfect for keeping them entertained during the summer holiday period. Alongside the centre's own programme of roaming superheroes, princess appearances and face painting, we're also proud to be part of the city-wide Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne sculpture trail and one of the sponsors supporting the return of the hugely popular Tiny Toon Play Village, giving families even more ways to enjoy Newcastle this summer."
With free immersive entertainment on site, exciting competitions and beloved children's characters all under one roof, Eldon Square is set to be one of the region's must-visit family destinations this summer, visit the website to find out more here.
