May 2024 : What's On for Kids & Teens across North East England (+ Half Term)

ADVERT. This post contains adverts & affiliate links. Please always check with venues direct for the most up-to-date information before setting off, especially regarding dates/times, age guidance and whether booking is required. This info is subject to change.

What's On for Kids & Teens across North East England : May 2024 (+ Half Term)

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Hello and welcome to our guide to what's on in the North East for kids and teens this May. Before we jump in, I'd like to invite you to sign up to our weekly 'what's on' newsletter.

It's sent out every Thursday evening and packed with ideas for things to do across the North East for the weekend ahead. I send a bonus version out for school holidays too.

As it's in your inbox, it's handy as you can always easily access it.

To sign up, look out for the form that says 'Sign up to our FREE what's on Newsletter' as you read this post and pop your email address into the box OR you can sign up here.

Thank you xxx

(ad) Dinosaur and Dragon Bank Holiday Weekend at Whitehouse Farm

Visit Whitehouse Farm this Bank Holiday Weekend (Sat, Sun and Mon) and you'll be able to meet Bowzer the Dragon and Chomp the Dinosaur as they take over the farm.

Expect a bumper weekend with themed activities including:

🦖 A Dino and Dragon Show starring special guests Bowser and Chomp

🦖 Dino and Dragon Games

🦖 Challenges and Training

🦖 Meet & Greets & Photo Ops

This is alongside the usual Bank Holiday activities including:

⚡️ Magic Shows

🐐 Groom a Goat

🐑 Bottle Feeding Lambs

🦅 Bird of Prey Meet & Greet

🐛 Critter Encounter

🐰 Small Animal Handling

🦦 Interactive Meerkat Feed & Talk (erm why is there no Meerkat emoji!)

With a newly refurburbished indoor soft play, fantastic outdoor playgrounds and a huge range of indoor and outdoor activities to choose from, you're guaranteed a fantastic day out whatever the weather decides to do 🌧☀️🌨🌬

Whitehouse Farm is one of my favourite days out and brilliant for all ages (including grown ups - we used to actually go on little dates here before the kids were born and loved it).

Find out more, check activity timings and book here: https://www.whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk/events/dinosaur-and-dragon-bank-holiday-weekend/

(ad) Minibeasts at Science at Life plus EXCLUSIVE discount code

🌧This is a perfect rainy day idea for all ages, easily accessible by public transport too (Metro/Bus/Train to Central Station)

🪱From Mon 27th - Fri 31st May, visitors to the centre can enjoy a fantastic Minibeast Show which takes place at regular intervals across the day.

🐛Each 40 minute show is included with admission and is a chance to get face to face with creatures like Tarantulas and Scorpions and discover why crawlies don’t have to be creepy.

🕷The show is packed with fascinating facts as you discover the wonderful world of tiny creatures and the challenges they overcome.

😍EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT - Use code FAMILYFUN when booking online for 10% off admission.

👉Find out more and book here: https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/may-holidays/

🐛As well as the Minibeast Show, there’s always lots of fun to be had at Life and it's all included with admission.

🪐From Planetarium Shows and Live Science Shows to a Replica International Space Station, Experiment Zones and Under 7s Play Zone PLUS pushchair access throughout, a cafe and indoor packed lunch space, Life is easily the kind of place you can spend a full day.

(ad) Ridley Park Kids Fun Zone - 25th May - 2 June

FREE Entry | Open Daily from 11am | Just Drop In |

Best for ages 2-10 years | Cash & Card accepted

Postcode NE24 3HF (free car park on site or a short walk from Blyth Bus Station)

Ridley Park is hosting a Kids Fun Zone across May Half Term. Expect funfair rides, face painting, giant bouncy castles, soft play, games and much more. PLUS look out for character appearances:

25 & 27 May - Transformers and Dinosaurs
28 & 29 May - Bubble Man
30 May, 1 & 2 June - Bluey, Bingo, Stutch and Angel

Check for updates here: https://www.facebook.com/carnivaridesuk

Ridley Park is one of our favourites in the North East (read our full guide here) and as long as everything goes to plan, their free splash pad should be switched on daily across half term too so make sure you bring the kids a change of clothes.

(ad) Cluedo 2 - The Next Chapter at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Cluedo was one of favourite family board games growing up. I was always Miss Scarlett and although my family always accused me of cheating, I promise I didn't and I just had a natural knack for it and I would absolutely love to see the game played out on stage.

Following the success of Cluedo, the hilarious whodunit is back on stage with a brand new storyline. West End and TV star Jason Durr (who played David in Casualty) is playing Colonol Mustard (I think he'll really shine in this role) alongside Strictly Champion Ellie Leach as Miss Scarlett.

Recommended for ages 8+ and playing at Newcastle Theatre Royal from 28 May - 1 June and with tickets from £15, this will be a brilliant half-term treat for families with older kids / teens or just a fun alternative night out for grown ups.

Find out more and book: Book Tickets Here

(ad) Princess and Superhero Week at Whitehouse Farm (28 May - 2 June)

Some of your favourite characters are visiting Whitehouse Farm this week and would love for you to join them. You're all invited to special meet & greet sessions where you can take lots of photos and maybe sing-a-long to a few of their favourite songs.

Tues 28 May - Aurora, Rapunzel and Spider-Man
Wed 29 May - Cinderella and Belle
Thurs 30 May - Tinkerbell, Rapunzel and Spider-Man
Fri 31 May - Spider-Man and Belle
Sat 1 & Sun 2 June - Elsa and Spider-Man

This is alongside all of the usual Whitehouse Farm fun including small animal handling, critter encounters, bottle feeding, tractor rides, soft play, magic shows, pony grooming, bird of prey meet & greet and more.

If the weather takes a turn for the worse, Whitehouse Farm has lots of indoor areas including petting barns, an event barn and newly refurbished soft play area so you don't need to worry about the forecast.

Find out more and book: https://www.whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk/events/princesses-and-superheros-half-term-week/

(ad) What's On at North East National Trust this May

Keep an eye on Seaton Delaval Hall's social media for the best time to see their beautiful Laburnum Arch

1 May - Dawn Chorus Safari at Wallington
4 May - Tours to the Top at Penshaw Monument
4 May - Time Bandits at Washington Old Hall
4 & 11 May - Meet the Beekeepers at Gibside
10 May - Delaval Dusk Bat Night at Seaton Delaval Hall
11 May - Blossom Origami Art at Gibside
11 & 12 May - Blossom Picnic Weekend at Crook Hall Gardens
12 & 14 May - Moth Mornings at Wallington
12 & 26 May - Seashore Safari at Souter Lighthouse
15 May - Beaver Ecology Talk at Wallington
23 May - Blossom Walk - Crook Hall to Durham Botanic Gardens
1 - 31 May - Moth and Butterfly Trail at Gibside
25, 27, 29, 31 May - Pond Dipping at Ormesby Hall
25 May - 2 June - Musical Mayhem Half Term at Ormesby Hall
25 May - 2 June - Half Term Incredible Insects Trail in the Walled Garden at Wallington
25 May - 2 June - Incredible Insects in the House at Wallington
27 & 28 May - Wallington Duck Races
29 & 30 May - Storytelling and Crafts in the Walled Garden at Wallington
28 May - FREE Souter Sports at Souter Lighthouse
30 May - Half Term Sports at Crook Hall Gardens
Various Dates in May - Beaver Enclosure Safari at Wallington
Fridays - FREE Tots Play at Seaton Delval Hall (membership is not required)
Saturdays - FREE Park Play at Souter Lighthouse
From 15 May - North East Emerging Artist at Seaton Delaval Hall

Additional May Half Term events will be added soon.....

(ad) May Highlights at Beamish

As always, daytime events at Beamish are included with the Beamish Unlimited pass. Pay once, and visit for a full year for FREE! Find out more here: https://www.beamish.org.uk/plan-your-visit/

(ad) Timeless Toys Week at Beamish (May Half Term)

Taking place daily from 25 May - 2 June and all included with the Beamish Unlimited Pass, this week Beamish is celebrating nostalgic, vintage and traditional toys from across the decades with lots of opportunities to play and take a trip down memory lane.

Highlights include:

Try Georgian games at Pockerley Old Hall (including stack dominos)
Experience an Edwardian childhood in the 1900s Pit Village and play with wooden toys such as Jacob's Ladder and playground games in the school playground
Learn Circus Skills in the 1900s Town Park
Play board games in the Masonic Hall and have a go at creating your own
Enjoy traditional toys from the 1940s at the farm
In the 1950s town you can play with skipping ropes, hula hoops and try out a replica playground from the 1950s
Head to the Welfare Hall and view 'toys through time'. From Blow Football to E.T and Astro Invader, will you spot your favourite childhood toy?
Over weekends and Bank Holiday Monday you can also visit Spain's Field Farm and try Hobby Horses

All events are drop in and with so much to see and do, Beamish is easily a place you can spend the full day. Find out more: https://www.beamish.org.uk/events/timeless-toys-may-half-term/

(ad) What's On at Raby Castle this May

The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle

5 May - The Great British Dog Walk (with free doggy bandana) at Raby Castle Deer Park. Raising funds for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. 3km & 8km routes.
11 & 12 May - Guided Blubell Walk at Raby Castle in their private woodland
12 May - The Raby Races with Teesdale Atheletics at Raby Castle

May Half Term at Raby Castle, Deer Park & Plotters' Forest and High Force Waterfall

Farmyard Fun Trail in The Plotters' Forest | On this adventure, help Farmer Charlie match the baby animals to their families. Find the animals nestled in The Plotters’ Forest and see if you can unscramble his favourite word along with so much more! If you purchase a Plotters' Forest ticket, it includes admission to the Mini Mindfulness Trail and Deer Park too. If you're visiting with kids aged 4-12 years, I'd say this is the best option to go for.

Mini Mindfulness Trail in The Deer Park | From wonderful wildlife to breathtaking nature, there is plenty for families to discover on this enchanting trail within Raby Castle’s parkland. On this adventure, children will take a moment to stop and explore their senses while discovering the sounds, sights and smells nature has to offer.

Don't forget Kids go FREE into Raby Castle with a valid Plotters' Forest ticket
Find out more and book: https://www.raby.co.uk/whats-on/

Tiny Creatures Trail | High Force Waterfall | This May Half Term

Enjoy a family woodland waterfall walk. Keep your eyes peeled for the tiny creatures along the way. Find the boards, read the poems aloud and learn some interesting facts on your nature adventure!

The trail is included in standard waterfall admission.

(ad) FREE Redcar Kite Festival : Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 May (11am-5pm - just drop in)

Taking place on Majuba Beach in Redcar, this FREE festival will welcome some of the most spectacular kites in the world. There will be LOADS going on across the weekend including:

Kite flying displays to music
Stunt kites
Chinese dragon
Kite ballet
Inflatable kites
Rainbow deltas (children can have a go at flying)
FREE drop-in workshops including kite making, windmill making and beach art
Walkabout performances including giant lobsters and jellyfish
Local streetfood and drink stalls
Live music across the weekend
Yorkshire fossil festival with exhibits, workshops and performances

A big thanks to organisers Redcar and Cleveland Council for providing the FREE & accessible event.

Find out more: https://redcarcleveland.co.uk/enjoy/event/redcar-kite-festival/

What's On 1 - 3 May

(ad) 1 - 3 May - The Boy at the Back of the Class at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Told from a child's perspective and balancing heart with humour, this adaptation of the best-selling book by Onjali Q Rauf highlights the power of kindness in a world that doesn't always make sense. Suitable for young people aged 7+, teens and adults with tickets available from just £10.
1 May - Tiny Sparks! at Discovery Museum

(ad) 2 - 4 May - Beaver Enclosure Safari at Wallington
(ad) 3 May - FREE Tots Play at Seaton Delval Hall (membership is not required)
1 May - Korean Skincare Workshop at R Place North Shields
1 & 2 May - Frankenstein at Northern Stage
1-3 May - Oliver Jnr at Seaham Town Hall
2 May - Aromatherapy Roller Oil Workshop at R Place North Shields
3 May - Embroidery Workshop at R Place North Shields
3 May - (ad) Bingo, Bluey, Stitch and Lilo at Kids Fun Zone, Brocksbushes
3 May - Museum Mice Under the Sea at Great North Museum
3 May - Slice Wars at Wylam Brewery

What's On 4 - 6 May

(ad) 4-6 May - Kids Fun Zone at Brocksbushes for ages 2-10 years with UNLIMITED rides, trampolines and inflatables for 2 hours. PLUS appearances by Bluey, Bingo, Stitch, Lilo and The Bubble Man
(ad) 4 May - The Boy at the Back of the Class at Newcastle Theatre Royal
(ad) 4 May - Beaver Enclosure Safari at Wallington
(ad) 4 May - Tours to the Top at Penshaw Monument
(ad) 4 May - FREE Park Play at Souter Lighthouse
(ad) 4 May - Time Bandits at Washington Old Hall
(ad) 4 May - Meet the Beekeepers at Gibside
4 May - Slice Wars at Wylam Brewery
4 May - Darlington Star Wars Day
4 May - FREE Minecraft Club at The Farrell Centre

4 May - Oliver Jnr at Seaham Town Hall
4 May - Yo Ho Ho Pirate Day at Heugh Battery
4 May - FREE Japanese Children's Day at Oriental Museum Durham
4 May - Small and Mighty Family Crafts at Washington Arts Centre
4 & 5 May - FREE Build a LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader and Princess Leia to take home at LEGO Store Metrocentre
4 & 5 May - LEGO Weekend at Discovery Museum
4 & 5 May - FREE Bookmark Making at The Farrell Centre
4-6 May - Princess and Superhero Weekend at Whitehouse Farm
4 - 6 May - Dino Breakout at Lightwater Valley
4 - 6 May - Ugly Bug Safari at Belsay Hall
4 - 6 May - Whippet Whippet Crafts at Woodhorn
4 - 6 May - Monster Truck Show at Newcastle Racecourse
4 - 6 May - Newcastle Food Festival
4 - 6 May - Mini Beast Mask Making at Science at Life
5 May - Nature Watercolour Painting at Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre
(ad) 5 & 6 May - May Day Celebrations at Beamish
5 & 6 May - Roman Pottery Demos at Vinodlanda
(ad) 5 May - The Great British Dog Walk (with free doggy bandana) at Raby Castle Deer Park. Raising funds for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. 3km & 8km routes.
6 May - Marley the Mini Pony at Bamburgh Castle

What's On 7 - 10 May

7 & 8 May - Strictly Come Dancing the Professionals at Sunderland Empire
8 May - Dried Flower Workshop at R Place North Shields
8 May - Tiny Sparks! at Discovery Museum
8 May - The Very Hungry Caterpillar Story, Craft and Trail at Harwick Park
7 - 10 May - FREE Spirit of Invention at Discovery Museum
9 May - FREE Little Builders at The Farrell Centre
(ad) 9 -11 May - Beaver Enclosure Safari at Wallington
9 - 13 May - Ashington Funfair
(ad) 10 May - FREE Tots Play at Seaton Delval Hall (membership is not required)
(ad) 10 May - Delaval Dusk Bat Night at Seaton Delaval Hall

What's On 11 - 17 May

(ad) 11 & 12 May - Tynemouth Food Festival

Taking place at the spectacular Tynemouth Priory, you can expect live music, entertainment, kids activities, local and regional food produce and stalls and more across the weekend. Kids go free too.

9 - 13 May - Ashington Funfair
(ad) 11 May - Beaver Enclosure Safari at Wallington
(ad) 11 May - Meet the Beekeepers at Gibside
(ad) 11 May - Blossom Origami Art at Gibside
11 May - Tees Regatta
11 May - Furniture Making Workshop at The Farrell Centre
(ad) 11 May - FREE Park Play at Souter Lighthouse
11 May - Nature Journalling with Steve Pardue at Queen's Hall Hexham
11 May - Small and Mighty Family Crafts at Washington Arts Centre
11 May - FREE Froggy Friends Puppet Making at Oriental Museum Durham
11 May - Darlington Dance Festival
11 - 17 May - FREE Spirit of Invention at Discovery Museum
(ad) 11 & 12 May - Blossom Picnic Weekend at Crook Hall Gardens
(ad) 11 & 12 May - Guided Blubell Walk at Raby Castle in their private woodland
11 & 12 May - Bluey & Bingo at Lightwater Valley
11 & 12 May - FREE Badge Making Workshop at The Farrell Centre
11 & 12 May - Walker Park Festival (cancelled)
11 & 12 May - Bing and Flop Meet & Greet + Trail at WWT Washington
(ad) 12 May - Seashore Safari at Souter Lighthouse
(ad) 12 May - The Raby Races with Teesdale Atheletics at Raby Castle
(ad) 12 May - Moth Mornings at Wallington
(ad) 13 May - Dance the Afternoon Away 1950s Tea Dance at Beamish as part of Dementia Action Week
13 May - Community Clothes Swap at Gosforth Civic Theatre
(ad) 14 May - Moth Mornings at Wallington
14 May - Crafty Kids at Shipley Art Gallery
14 May - Pre-school day at Science at Life
14 & 15 May - There's a Monster in your Show at Tyne Theatre
(ad) 15 May - Beaver Ecology Talk at Wallington
15 May - Tiny Sparks! at Discovery Museum
16 May - FREE Autism Friendly Activity Night at Oriental Museum Durham
(ad) 16 May - Beaver Enclosure Safari at Wallington
17 May - Mini Science Club at Sunderland Museum
17 May - FREE The Late Shows
17 May - Toddler Takeover at Great North Museum
(ad) 17 May - Forget Me Not After Hours 1.5 Walk with Entertainment & Refreshments at Beamish. Raising money for the Alzheimers Society as part of Dementia Action Week
(ad) 17 May - FREE Tots Play at Seaton Delval Hall (membership is not required)

What's On 18 - 24 May

(ad) 19 May - Children's Cancer Run at Gosforth Racecourse

Take part in a cross-country run for everyone with a choice of 1, 3 or 5 miles (the Mini Mile is wheelchair and pushchair accessible).

All registered runners will receive a Medal, Greggs Snack Pack & Race T-shirt (under 16s) plus there will be lots of pre and post-race entertainment including a Metro Radio Roadshow, Storytelling from Seven Stories & Kids Fairground.

Find out more and sign up here; https://childrenscancernorth.org.uk/event/childrens-cancer-run-2024/
(ad) 18 May - FREE Park Play at Souter Lighthouse
18 May - Family Art Class at Shipley Art Gallery
18 May - FREE The Late Shows
18 May - FREE Minecraft Club at The Farrell Centre
18 May - Small and Mighty Family Crafts at Washington Arts Centre
18 May - FREE Buddha's Birthday Activities at Oriental Museum Durham
(ad) 18 & 19 May - Flag Weekend at Beamish
18 & 19 May - Dog Walk at Belsay Hall
18 & 19 May - FREE Entry Blyth Battery Goes to War
18 & 19 May - FREE Bookmark Making at The Farrell Centre
18 & 19 May - Bing and Flop Meet & Greet + Trail at WWT Washington
18 - 24 May - FREE Spirit of Invention at Discovery Museum
19 May - Johannes Radebe at Theatre Royal Newcastle
19 May - Free Mini Train Rides at Exhibition Park
19 May - Witchy Bay Alternative Market at Masonic Hall
21 - 23 May - Moby Dick at Northern Stage
21 - 25 May - 2:22 A Ghost Story at Sunderland Empire
22 May - Tiny Sparks! at Discovery Museum
(ad) 23 May - Beaver Enclosure Safari at Wallington
23 May - Blossom Walk - Crook Hall to Durham Botanic Gardens
24 May - Beaded Necklace Workshop at R Place North Shields
24 May - Messy Mice at Great North Museum
24 May - FREE Brand New Hall opens at Locomotion Shildon
(ad) 24 May - FREE Tots Play at Seaton Delval Hall (membership is not required)
24 May - Mexican Stand Off at Wylam Brewery
24 May - The Tiger Who Came to Tea at Northern Stage

What's On 25 - 27 May

Please double check opening hours with venue direct before heading out as Bank Hol hours can differ/may have changed after this post was published.

Great British Tribute Fest 25 & 26 May (Kids Welcome)