It can be a challenge finding fun and interesting things to do with your kids over a half-term break, especially if the weather happens to be against you. But never fear, because Newcastle is full of splendid kid-friendly venues and happenings, so here are a few suggestions of excellent activities and destinations to keep them occupied and entertained.
Eldon Soft Play & Bowling, Eldon Square
Spread across two storeys in the Eldon Square shopping centre, the Soft Play & Bowling area really is a one-stop shop for a family looking to have fun. Jungle Jack's Adventure Soft Play Area is aimed at under eights and is packed with ball pools, swings and tunnels. For older kids there’s tenpin bowling and bar sports and the Gorilla Bar has soft drinks, snacks and alcohol for the parents. Check the website for times and bookings.
Mr Mulligans, Newgate Street
Another fun destination that will keep the whole family happy is Mr Mulligans, an adventure golf centre that’s a lot more besides. As well as the three golf courses, there’s electro-darts, pool and ping pong, and a bar serving food and drinks. The only age restriction is that you need to be able to handle a golf club (they have a range of sizes). It gets busy so booking is recommended.
Dance City, Temple Street
Dance City is a hive of activity, with professionals and amateurs training, rehearsing, creating and learning. There’s always plenty going on for kids to get involved in, with classes in everything from Bollywood to ballet, hip-hop to street dance. Check the website to see what’s happening.
Life Science Centre, Times Square
Life Science Centre gets the balance between education and entertainment just right, so kids can learn while they’re having fun. As well as permanent exhibitions and activities, there’s always something special happening. Right now, it’s hosting Buzzing About Bees, an exhibition that shows us how important bees are to the planet and how humans are putting them in danger. The centre is open from 10am to 5pm every day, with a range of ticket options for families.
Discovery Museum, Blandford Square
Just a few minutes from the Life Science Centre is the Discovery Museum, another brilliant Newcastle institution aiming to make learning fun. On top of the permanent exhibitions – with their focus on local history and innovation – there’s a packed half-term schedule. Try the Transport Trail that leads you through a history of human transport, or Discover A Story on February 22nd, a craft and storytelling event for pre-schoolers. Check the website for booking details (the museum is always free but you’ll need to buy tickets for some events).
Seven Stories, Lime Street
Newcastle is justly proud of Seven Stories, aka the National Centre for Children's Books – there’s literally nothing else like it in the UK and there’s lots going on during half term. Acclaimed author-illustrator Nick Sharratt will be appearing on Sunday February 26th to talk about his new book Unicorn Moonicorn, alongside local schoolgirl Phoebe Tinkler who suggested the idea behind the book. Tickets are £7.50 per child (adults are free). The books of Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson are the inspiration behind two events – a puppet workshop and an interactive retelling of her stories – with both running on various dates throughout February. They’re priced at £6 and £9.50 per child respectively (again, adults go free). Seven Stories is open every day in school holidays, from 10am-5pm.
Newcastle City Library, New Bridge Street
It’s never too early to instil a love of books and reading in your kids, and as well as Seven Stories, don’t forget that Newcastle has the City Library - a huge and brilliantly stocked library that also houses a café, exhibitions, multi-media resources and more. There are lots of things aimed at kids, like the under-5s story time every Monday at 10.30am or regular craft events and author visits. The library’s Reading For Pleasure programme has all sorts of resources to turn your kids into avid bookworms.
Exit Newcastle, Westgate Road
Escape rooms have become incredibly popular in the last few years and Exit Newcastle is just the place to take the whole family to do battle with the fiendish challenges and puzzles. Most of the rooms are suitable for all ages (under 16s need adult accompaniment) and are designed for teams of two to six or eight. Check the website to find the most suitable room and package and book yourself in for some brain-taxing fun.
The Gate, Newgate Street
The Gate is a whole world of entertainment in one vast complex, with everything you need for a fun-filled day under one roof. You could take the kids to see the latest family blockbuster in the Cineworld multiplex or immerse yourself in the hundreds of video games in Ctrl Pad – from vintage classics to the latest in VR gaming. Or there’s YuMe World with its stunning, state-of-the-art gaming facilties, axe throwing at Game Of Throwing and escape rooms at Escape Newcastle. There's also an array of options for food and drink, from Nandos to Wetherspoons.
Exhibition Park is one of the city’s most popular green spaces and a perfect destination for a family day out. On the north-western edge of the city centre, the park hosts all sorts of events throughout the year, from sports to festivals, but there’s always plenty for kids to do. There’s a play area, a skatepark, an outdoor gym and tennis courts, but there’s also just lots of lovely green spaces for kids to run amok. They can even feed the ducks and swans on the lake and there’s the Urban Green café for snacks and refreshments.
Whatever the weather and whatever your kids enjoy, there’s a host of options to keep them occupied during half term, from reading and golfing to dancing and crafting. So, try out some of these suggestions and make half term fun for your kids and you!
