What's On for Kids in North East England | Easter & April 2024

what's on for kids in north east england - Easter 2023


AD. - This post contains adverts & affiliate links. Please always double check informtion with venues direct before setting off as things can change.



This post covers April 2024. If you'd like to see what's on over March (including Good Friday and Easter Sunday), please check our our March What's On Guide below: 



(ad) The Boy at the Back of the Class 

Credit: Manuel Harlem 

There used to be an empty chair at the back of the class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it. He's nine year's old and very strange. He doesn't smile or talk much and he doesn't even like sweets! 

The class learn that Ahmet has fled a war-torn country and hatch the 'Greatest Idea in the World' to reunite Ahmet with his family. What follows is a heartwarming, unexpected and funny adventure all told from a child's perspective. 

Recommended for ages 7+ and showing at Newcastle Theatre Royal from 30 April - 4 May. Tickets are available from just £10.

Find out more and secure your seats here: Book The Boy at the Back of the Class 


(ad) Bishop Auckland Food Festival - FREE Entry (20 & 21 April) 




Bishop Auckland Food Festival returns on 20 & 21 April. This is a fantastic day out for the whole family. Here are some key points: 

Bishop Auckland Food Festival takes place in Bishop Auckland Town Centre from the Market Place to the Town Hall.  Town Centre Car Parks are likely to be busy however a park & ride is available, see here for more info: https://bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk/visiting/

(ad) Easter at Raby Castle & High Force 




🦌 Raby Castle Deer Park 🦌

An Easter Family Fun Trail will run across the 14th century estate’s parkland daily from 23 March - 14 April.

Discover farmyard animals including Ducks and Swans as well as Raby’s famous Fallow and Red Deer. Collect a trail sheet from the arrival kiosk - it’s included with admission. Dogs on leads are welcome to join you in the deer park and the paths are surfaced / accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. It’s a stunning walk and one of our favourites.

🪺 Plotters’ Forest 🪺

At the Plotters’ Forest, families will have the chance to seek out colourful Easter Eggs hidden in Raby’s wooden adventure playground as part of their ‘Eggcellent Eggs in the Plotters’ Forest’ event. From 23 March - 14 April, visitors can collect the clues to spell out the Easter Bunny’s new name. This trail is included with Plotters’ Forest admission.

🏰 Kids Go Free - Raby Castle 🏰

As an extra special treat, throughout the holiday period, kids can visit Raby Castle FOR FREE with a valid Plotters’ Forest and Deer Park ticket. This is a lovely opportunity to explore inside the castle walls - don’t forget to collect your Castle Quest sheet on arrival.

🐰High Force Waterfall & Hotel 🐰

Enjoy a fun and friendly ‘Bunny Hop Trail’ at the stunning High Force Waterfall from 23 March - 14 April. Follow the bunny footprints to find the High Force Easter Bunny. This trail is included with waterfall admission and dogs on leads are welcome. Why not pop to the High Force Hotel for lunch or drinks afterwards?

Pre-booking is recommended for all of the above, however walk-ins may be available subject to availability. It’s quick and easy to book ahead online, even on the same day, and I would recommend this to avoid disappointment.

Find out more and book: https://www.raby.co.uk/whats-on/


AD 🐥North East National Trust - What’s On : Easter Holidays 🐥





All events are available on a drop in basis with no pre-booking required unless stated otherwise. National Trust Membership / Admission fees also apply. Pet dogs on leads are permitted in most of the outdoor areas and cafes. See individual properties for exact info.

This year, National Trust sites are offering unique trails with their own activities - they'll all be a little different. So why not plan to make the most of your membership and visit a few different sites over the Easter break?

Where a chocolate egg is provided, dairy, free from and vegan options are available.

🐇Gibside 🐇

Join in with Gibside’s Easter Egg Hunt from 23 March - 2 April. There will be games for the whole family to enjoy along the way as you explore the Walled Garden and Stables. It’s £3 to join in and this includes a trail sheet, bunny ears and a chocolate egg at the end.

Then from 3 April - 14 April, return and enjoy Gibside’s seasonal Spring Nature Trail. This trail is included with admission / membership and takes you on a sensory journey around Gibside with nature facts along the way.

Find out more, check opening hours, access and more things to do: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/family-friendly


🐇Seaton Delaval Hall 🐇

An Easter Trail takes place at Seaton Delaval Hall between 23 March and 14 April. Expect to try lots of fun activities including wheelbarrow racing, seed planting and egg and spoon races plus learn how to monitor the weather using a weather station. It is £3 per trail and includes a trail sheet, bunny ears and a chocolate egg at the end.

Find out more, check opening hours, access and more things to do: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/family-friendly


🐇Cragside 🐇

Find the Easter Bunnies at Cragside. This self-led trail is included with membership / admission from 29 March - 14 April. See if you can spot them all during your visit.

Then over Easter weekend (29 March - 1 April), join in with Cragside’s Easter Trail with 10 activity stations to try. Some of the activities include an egg and spoon obstacle course, giant noughts and crosses, paper blossom and bird nest making. Once the trail is complete, you can collect a chocolate egg from the team. £3 per trail - collect from the visitor centre.

There will also be the chance to join the gardening team in the formal garden and plant your very own flower to take home. Suggested donation of £3.

Find out more, check opening hours, access and more things to do: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/family-friendly


🐇Wallington 🐇

An Easter Egg Hunt takes place at Wallington over Easter weekend (29 March - 1 April). The trail will take you around the courtyard and West Wood and includes a host of activities such as target practice, wild art, music making and hopscotch. It’s £3 per trail which includes a trail sheet, bunny ears and a chocolate egg at the end.

Cycle hire also re-opens on Easter weekend (additional charges apply) and there will be a lamb spotting trail around the house - can you spot them all hiding in the rooms?

Find out more, check opening hours, access and more things to do: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/family-friendly


🐇Crook Hall Gardens 🐇

Join Crook Hall for an Easter Trail throughout their gardens between 31 March and 1 April. Activities include finding the middle of the maze, blossom flower making and bird watching. Trails are £3 per child and include a map and chocolate egg.

Find out more, check opening hours, access and more things to do: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/family-friendly


🐇Washington Old Hall 🐇

An outdoor Easter Trail runs on 29 & 30 March. Expect a host of Spring activities to try with the family. Trails are £3 each and include a map and chocolate egg.

Find out more, check opening hours, access and more things to do: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/family-friendly



🐇Ormesby Hall🐇

The Easter Trail at Ormesby Hall takes place between 23 March and 7 April. Activities include welly throwing, seed planting and wheelbarrow racing. It’s £2.50 per trail including a map and pencil.

Find out more about all of the above events, check opening hours, access info and directions here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/family-friendly

As you can see, there are LOADS of activities to choose from! This is on top of the fantastic playgrounds, walking routes, cafes and houses to explore too.





(ad) Kids Fun Zone at Brocksbushes 



The popular Kids Fun Zone at Brocksbushes is BACK this Spring. Each session lasts for 2 hours and includes: 
  • UNLIMITED Rides 
  • UNLIMITED Inflatables 
  • UNLIMITED Trampolines 
  • UNLIMITED Garden Games 
  • UNLIMITED Mini Golf 

For just £10.99 per child / £1 per adult. Find out more and book: https://www.brocksbushes.co.uk/2024/03/05/easter-fun/


Dates:
  • Daily from 29 March - 15 April 
  • 20 & 21 April 
  • 27 & 28 April 
  • 4-6 May
Characters will be appearing at intervals on the following dates at NO ADDITIONAL COST: 
  • Transformers - Daily from Good Friday to Easter Monday 
  • The Bubble Man 4th/5th/11th/12th/13th/14th/20th/21st/27th/28th April and 4th/5th/6th May 
Plus there may be a few surprise guests too........

Dedicated toddler days for ages 2-5years are available on 28th March, 26th April and 3rd May although of course, toddlers are welcome at the main sessions too. 

Extend the day......... Brocksbuses will also be operating their own Easter activities on a drop in basis from 28 March-14 April. Expect eggs-cavation stations, Egghead relays and more. Additional charges may apply.

 OR you may remember we teamed a recent visit to Brocksbushes with a trip the The Museum of Classic Sci-Fi and Doctor Who. Why not do just that and make a day of it? 

(ad) Easter at Beamish 


Daytime events are included with your Beamish Unlimited Pass and there's no need to book - just drop in during museum opening hours and show your pass (or purchase on arrival). 

As well as the usual Beamish fun, these special events are planned for the holidays this year: 

(ad) Easter Holidays at Science at Life 



These activities are available DAILY from 27 March - 17 April (closed Easter Sunday) and included with centre admission.

🥚Get creative and try the egg-cellent Egg-Mobile Challenge
🌬Test your creations on Easter Egg Hill
👩‍🔬Discover the science behind egg rolling in the science lab & just how you can ensure you win an egg rolling race next time (7+)
🏗Check out the NEW additions to the Under 7s Playzone. You can now cross the bridges of the river Tyne and spot famous North East landmarks including the Angel of the North
💥Take a seat and enjoy a LIVE science show based around colour
🌟Visit the planetarium for 'Constellation Close Up' - a 20 min presenter-led show all about the night sky
🐾Or how about 'Little Bear' - a special Planetarium show designed for under 7s
🌦NEW Cloudy with a Chance of Diamonds is a new Sphere Show by ITV's very own weatherman Ross Hutchinson. Learn about red storms on Mars and where exactly it's been raining diamonds. Afterwards you can have a go at presenting the weather yourself in a NEW pop up weather studio
🧠Challenge your mind in the 'brain zone' - here you can try mind games, optical illusions and more
🎨Visit 'Hello World' and take some time out as you draw Gaia with your very own easel
🌙Explore the Space Zone where you can step into a replica space station and be the boss in mission control
😲In the WOW Zone you can try dramatic experiments which you control - check out the live body heat camera, challenge yourself to lift your own body weight and watch lightening bolts strike a replica Grey's monument
😁Plus lots of pop-up areas and surprises too

It's best to book ahead if you can, but walk-ins are accommodated as long as there is space. Find out more: https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/easter-holidays/

Life Science Centre is located just next to Newcastle Central Station so ideal for visiting by public transport. It's super accessible with a changing places toilet, wheelchair spaces in the planetarium and science theatre and sensory bags / ear defenders available to hire being just some of the facilities available (much more info on their website).

You can bring a packed lunch and enjoy in the dedicated packed lunch space (lockers available) or there is Times Square Cafe if you'd like to stop for a drink / bite to eat. They also stock sweet treats from the lush (& local) social enterprise Big River Bakery.

Life is somewhere I'd recommend to all ages, it's also perfect for visiting with mixed age children. My teens still enjoy it here too. It's the kind of place you can definitely spend a full day but you can also very easily combine a visit here with the Discovery Museum along the road.





(ad) Book Discounted Tickets to Alton Towers 



As a Merlin Partner, I've been provided with an exclusive link to book discounted tickets to Alton Towers this Spring. 

Tickets have been reduced by 30% and are available on selected dates for less than £25. This deal needs to be booked before 31 March and can be used to book visits between 24 March and 14 April 2024. 

Find out more and book here: https://prf.hn/l/lQqw0aY





(ad) Newcastle Puppetry Festival 


Newcastle Puppetry Festival takes place across several venues in the city from 30 March - 7 April. There are lots of FREE drop-in and low-cost ticketed events to choose from and there's something for all ages. In fact, there are over 100 events! 

You can see the full programme of events and plan your week here: https://www.movingpartsarts.com/whats-on (my top tip is to hit the 'running order' tab at the top so events are shown in date order). 

Here are some highlights from 1-6 April: 

(ad) Tortoise and the Hare at Northern Stage 

Credit : Sophie Beth Jones

Northern Ballet returns to Northern Stage this Easter with their interpretation of The Tortoise and the Hare (as seen on CBeebies). 

Can the steady tortoise beat the fast and cheeky hare? Come along and watch the race unfold with dazzling dance, colourful costumes and live music. 

Showing at Northern Stage on 11 & 12 April, this show is recommended for ages 3+ however all ages are welcome. A relaxed performance is available on 12 April at 11am. 

Book now: https://northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/tortoise-the-hare/

Activity sheets will be available in the CafeBar (or download your own to enjoy at home) and kids lunch boxes will be available from £4.50 from 12noon (book a table here). 

The perfect introduction to ballet, live music and theatre for little ones this Easter. 


(ad) Inevitable? by Mortal Fools 




Inevitable? by Mortal Fools is perfect for young people aged 11+ and adults. This funny, unfiltered and thought-provoking show explores life as a 17 year old on the cusp of adulthood. 

Expect original music and bold sets alongside insights from a group of talented young people in Northumberland. This show is a MUST watch for parents/carers of teenagers, anyone who works with young people and of course, young people themselves. 

Tickets are super affordable at just £4/£6. You can catch Inevitable? in the North East at YMCA Ashington on Saturday 23 March and Gosforth Civic Theatre on Wednesday 3 April. 

Find out more and buy tickets here: https://www.mortalfools.org.uk/inevitable.html


(ad) Go Safari at Lightwater Valley (Early Bird Tickets are £15) 





Running from 28th March – 14th April, you can expect heaps of jungle fun for the whole family, including…
🎤 Embark on a musical adventure at Ebor's Sing-a-long Safari Stage Show
🦴 Meet REX the Valleysaurus at Meet & EAT, but beware if he’s hungry, it may be a close encounter!
🪩 Get ready to stomp like an elephant at Jungle Jam Disco
🦁 Enjoy FREE Jungle Facepainting
🙋 Meet and Greet with the park’s mascot characters
🐒 Grab a trail sheet and locate our 12 missing animals in the Safari Egg Hunt
🐍 Get up close and personal with reptiles and other exotic animals at Jungle Animal Encounters (Available Easter Weekend only)
🚙 PLUS, jump aboard our NEW Jeep Safari ride and go on a wildlife expedition through the wilderness!
⭐ Plus, enjoy our HUGE Easter Early Bird offer and grab your park tickets for JUST £15pp by using code ‘EASTER24’ at checkout!

Book here: https://lightwatervalley.co.uk/


What's On in the North East : 1 April 2024 (Easter Monday) 

Please double check opening hours with venues direct before heading out as they regularly change on Bank Holidays. 

What's On in the North East : 2-7 April 2024


What's On in the North East : 8-14 April 2024










What's On in the North East : 15-21 April 2024 



What's On in the North East : 22-30 April 2024 





The following places have indoor / sheltered areas where dogs are welcome: 


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2 comments

  1. Anonymous28 March 2019 at 07:59

    Wow! As you rightly said that's quite a list. Now just hoping for dry weather to enjoy some of these events when we have our grandsons here.😊

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kim Carberry28 March 2019 at 12:41

    Oh wow! What an epic list of things to do and places to go. I hope the sun keeps shining! x

    ReplyDelete

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