What's On in the North East for Kids & Teens - July 2023

AD - This post contains adverts and affiliate links and I have recently worked with some of the businesses and attractions mentioned in this post. As always, please check info with venues direct before heading out as info may change. 

I'm pleased to share a bumper guide of events taking place this July in the run up to the kids breaking up from school.


As always, this guide has been written in advance and it is super important to click the links to the official websites and check for the most up-to-date information from venues themselves as the information provided in this post may have changed. 

This Month's Highlights 

AD - Mouth of the Tyne Festival 

The Mouth of the Tyne Festival takes place in Tynemouth from 6 - 9 July. There are still a few tickets available to see The Proclaimers plus plenty of FREE drop in activities across the weekend. In fact there are over 100 FREE performances, activities and workshops to enjoy from street theatre and circus skills to community choirs and parades - you can check out the full line-up here. 


AD -The Fairey Band : The Wrong Trousers 

WFEL Fairey Band has teamed up with Aardman to exclusively bring this film with soundtrack performed live by a brass band to audiences across the UK. You can catch this fantastic performance at Gala Theatre Durham on 15 July as part of Durham Brass Festival. Book your tickets here. 

AD - FREE Durham Brass Festival Events 

Durham Brass Festival takes place from 9 - 16 July and one of the unique aspects of the festival is that they reach out to communities and provide many FREE performances and events across the Durham region over the week. All of the following events are FREE outdoor performances with no need to book - just turn up. Here are some highlights: 

• 15 & 16 July - Streets of Brass : A weekend of FREE music in Durham City 
• 15 July - FREE Party in the Park at Wharton Park 

FREE Big Brass Bash & Mini Brass Bash Events: 

• 11 July - Hackworth Park, Shildon 
• 12 July - Glenholme Park, Crook 
• 13 July - Spennymoor Marketplace 
• 13 July - Trimdon Community College, Trimdon 
• 14 July - Newton Aycliffe Town Centre 

You can find out more and check out the timings and line-up here: Durham Big Brass Outdoor Events 

AD - FREE Hullabaloo in the Park 

This FREE ENTRY Family Festival takes place in South Park Darlington from 26 - 30 July. There are lots of FREE drop in activities as well as bookable events with a small charge. Some of the free activities include a Giant's Picnic Play Area, Bugtastic Crafts, Beastie Boogie with the Baghdaddies and Storytelling Sessions. 

Bookable activities include Messy Play with Little Learners, the Tortoise and the Hare (with integrated sign language), Egg & Spoon Interactive Performance and Various Art/Craft Workshops. 

Find out more here: Hullabaloo in the Park Website 

AD - Demon Dentist at Sunderland Empire 

Catch David Walliams' Demon Dentist live on stage at Sunderland Empire from 13 - 15 July. Suitable for ages 5+ with tickets available from £13. 

Join Alfie and Gabz as they investigate some strange goings on in their home town - children are leaving teeth for the tooth fairy but finding the strangest things being left for them under their pillow.

Follow the duo on their adventure as they get to the bottom of this very strange mystery. Find out more and buy tickets here: Demon Dentist at Sunderland Empire Tickets

AD - Sunderland Triathlon 

Fancy taking part in your first triathlon or getting the kids involved in a family challenge? The Big Swim Bike Run events are taking place at Roker in celebration of the World Triathlon Series taking place in Sunderland. 

SWIM BIKE RUN MINI - Sat 29 July 

Swim 50m and run 1km. Suitable for adults and children aged 4+. Entry is £30 for up to a family of 6. (There is no cycling is the mini event).

THE BIG SWIM BIKE RUN - Sat 29 July 

Swim 200m, Bike 10km, Run 2.5km. Suitable for young people aged 15+ and adults. Entry is £30pp.

Wetsuits and hemets are available to borrow free of charge. Sign up here before 14 July : Swim Bike Run Event Sign Up

AD - Save the Date - BIG Summer Event at PaddlePod 

PaddlePod (Killingworth) is hosting a FREE Summer Event for families with children aged 0-5 years on Friday 4 August. It is FREE to attend but there may be a small charge for some attractions. Here's a little look at what to expect: 

• Taster Sessions 
• Open Swims 
• Fun & Games 
• Soft Play 
• Character Visits 
• Stalls 
• Raffles 
• Face Painting & More 

Sign up here for FREE entry: BIG Summer Event Sign Up 

Below are some of the exhibitors who will be in attendance: 

What's On in the North East for Kids & Teens - July 2023

Dog-friendly events - dogs will need to be kept on a lead at these events and be aware that some events will be busy and noisy / not suitable for all dogs. Dogs may not be permitted in all areas. 

• Daily - Quentin Blake at WWT Washington 
• Visit Lilidorei - Read our Lilidore review here 
  
  
• Until 3 September - FREE Myth Quest at Great North Museum 
• Until 3 September - Titanic Exhibition at Dorman Museum 
  
  
• Sun Shining? Read our Guide to North East Splash Pads 
• Or how about our Guide to Outdoor Swimming Pools 
  
  
• Rainy Day? Here is our Ultimate List of Rainy Day Ideas 
• Here is our guide to 25 of the Best Playgrounds in North East England 
  
  
• Looking for an Accessible Day Out? Here are our Top Days Out for Wheelchair Users 
• Things to do with Teens? This Guide to the Best Days Out for Teens has you covered 
• Little Ones? Here are some of the Best Days Out for Toddlers 
  
  
• Heading out with a dog? Check out this list of 50 Dog Friendly Days Out in the North East 
• If you're on a budget, this post includes 50 FREE Days Out across North East England 

10 July - 10 September - AD FREE ENTRY Drop In Gaia at Durham Cathedral 

13 - 22 July - AD  The Ocean at the End of the Lane at Theatre Royal Newcastle (fab for teens) 

13 - 15 July - AD Demon Dentist at Sunderland Empire 

13 - 16 July - FREE Entry Blyth Summer Fair 

14 - 16 July - Steam Gala at Stephenson Railway


15 July - AD The Fairey Band : The Wrong Trousers at Gala Theatre Durham 

15 July - Medieval Re-enactment Day at Heugh Battery (dog friendly) 

15 July - Wild Intrigue at Kielder - Bat Safari, Wildlife Safari and Osprey Cruise 

15 July - Heritage Skills Demonstrations at Jarrow Hall (dog friendly)

15 July - AD FREE Durham Brass Festival Party in the Park at Wharton Park (dog friendly)

15 July - Super Saturday Crafts at Shipley Art Gallery 


15 & 16 July - FREE Entry Drop In Ouseburn Festival (partially dog friendly) 

15 & 15 July - AD  FREE Streets of Brass Music Event in Durham 

15 & 16 July -Pacer Trains at Aln Valley Railway (dog friendly - 1 dog per adult, 10 dogs per train)

15 & 16 July - In the Night Garden at Darlington Hippodrome

15 & 16 July - Meccano Exhibition 2023 & Georgian Weekend at Beamish  (partially dog friendly) 

15 & 16 July - FREE ENTRY Drop In Summer Sizzler Weekend at BALTIC 

15 & 16 July - FREE ENTRY Drop In Seaham Carnival 


16 July - The Planets 360 Planetarium Show at Great North Museum 

16 July - FREE ENTRY Jason Donovan at Bents Park (dog friendly)

16 July - Make & Mend Festival at Ormesby Hall 

16 July - Heritage Steam Rides at Tanfield Railway (dog friendly)

16 July - FREE Meet & Make Artist Led Workshop at BALTIC 

Looking for ideas for the rest of July and the Summer Holidays? Our Summer Holiday What's On Guide here: The Ultimate Summer Holidays What's On Guide.