Are you looking for some indoor fun this January but you're not sure where to visit? This list is for you. I have checked all of the attractions below and they are open in January but do check direct before visiting as some are open on reduced hours / days over the winter months.
All of these venues are accessible by public transport - click on their website links for more information.
Do check my full guide to rainy day ideas in North East England and if you're looking for specific events, you can read my guide to what's on in January across North East England.
Great North Museum (Newcastle)
Read this: Our Guide to Visiting Great North Museum
Great North Museum is open daily and a fantastic FREE attraction to spend a few hours. Highlights include Dinosaur fossils, Hadrian's Wall, a Mummy, the Mouse House and a Planetarium. Find out more and check their opening hours here.
The Sill (Northumberland)
The Sill is open daily and another brilliant FREE attraction. Enjoy the new Dark Skies exhibition and have lots of hands on fun in their permanent exhibition where you can learn more about glaciers, volcanoes and landscapes. Find out more and check their opening hours here.
Locomotion Shildon (Durham)
Read this: Locomotion Shildon Review
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This large free museum is a must-visit for anyone who loves trains. Explore trains and carriages from history, climb aboard some of the cabs and enjoy some hands on fun. Find out more and check their opening hours here.
The Word (South Tyneside)
The Word is free to visit and open daily. They are hosting a free LEGO exhibition at the moment. Find out more and check opening hours here
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens (Sunderland)
Read this: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens Review
Another free attraction with lots to see and do from Dinosaurs in the Winter Garden to fossils and a walk back in time via their permanent galleries. Find out more and check opening hours here.
Seven Stories (Newcastle)
Read this: Seven Stories Review
A fantastic FREE place to visit with lots to see and do based around children's literature. Expect engaging galleries, lots of opportunities for storytelling, dress up and more. Find out more and check opening hours here.
Bailiffgate Museum (Northumberland)
Bailiffgate Museum in Alnwick is award-winning and includes two floors of interactive exhibitions sharing the history of Alnwick and surrounding areas. Find out more and check opening hours here.
BALTIC (Gateshead)
There's lots of FREE fun to enjoy at BALTIC including sensory play, galleries, an under 5s play hive and more. You can also enjoy FREE coffee, tea and juice in the Front Room. Find out more and check opening hours here.
Discovery Museum (Newcastle)
Read this: Discovery Museum Review
Discovery Museum is open daily and a lovely free entry venue where you can spend a good few hours. Highlights include the interactive science maze, Newcastle story, Turbina and museum trails. Find out more and check opening hours here.
Oriental Museum (Durham)
Read this: Oriental Museum Review
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This is a brilliant free museum with galleries focusing on Ancient Egypt, China, Japan, Korea and more. There are lots of child-friendly activities including LEGO and crafts. Find out more and check opening hours here.
Theatre Hullabaloo (Darlington)
It's FREE to visit Theatre Hullabaloo and in January little ones can enjoy interactive snow play and creative play spance. Find out more and check opening hours here.
Newbiggin Maritime Centre (Northumberland)
Read this: Newbiggin Maritime Centre Review
A lovely museum by the beach with interactive exhibitions and games based around the region's maritime history. Find out more and check opening hours here.
The Farrel Centre (Newcastle)
The Farrel Centre is just next door to the Great North Museum and ideal to combine a visit. Expect free exhibitions based around Newcastle City and free hands on activities including LEGO, crafts and a mini soft play. Find out more and check opening hours here.
Victoria Tunnel Tour (Ouseburn)
Read this: Victoria Tunnel Review
Victoria Tunnel Tours are running across January and perfect for ages 8+. A unique way to discover some of Newcastle's history and really interesting! You do need to pre-book. Find out more and book here.
Newcastle Castle (Newcastle)
Read this: Newcastle Castle Review
Newcastle Castle is a real gem in the city with exhibition areas where you can learn about the castle's history and lots of rooms to explore (including dungeons). Find out more and check opening hours here.
National Museum of Royal Navy (Hartlepool)
This museum is open daily and somewhere you can experience life in an 18th century seaport. Find out more and check opening hours here.
Kirkleatham Museum (Teesside)
Read this: 5 things to do in Kirkleatham
Kirkleatham Museum reopens on 15 Jan and is free to visit. Explore galleries around local heritage including the region's maritime and social history. Find out more and check opening hours here.
Preston Park Museum (Teesside)
Read this: Preston Park Review
Preston Park Museum is really interesting and showcases toys and household appliances from the past 200 years (you might spot something from your own childhood) as well as exhibitions around the families who lived in the hall and it's people. Find out more and check opening hours here.
Tynemouth Aquarium (North Tyneside)
Read this: Tynemouth Aquarium Review
Tynemouth Aquarium is fairly small and expensive however it's open daily and kids will love it. You can feed fish, watch rays and the seals will steal your heart. Find out more and check opening hours here.
Segedunum Roman Fort (North Tyneside)
Read this: Segedunum Roman Fort & Museum Review
Segedunum is a fab museum where you can learn all about Roman history and view the fort from a fantastic purpose built living area. Lots of hands on fun for kids including dress up and activities such as bridge building. Find out more and check opening hours here.
Bowes Museum (Durham)
The Bowes Museum is open daily and it's a big place with varied exhibitions focused around art, fashion and design. Find out more and check opening hours here.
Other ideas:
- Cinema
- Bowling
- Theatre
- Soft Play
- Axe Throwing
- Escape Room
- Arcades
- Virtual Darts
- Ice Skating at Billingham Forum / Whitley Bay
- Pottery Painting / Craft Workshops
- Trampoline Park
- Indoor Mini Golf
- Clip n Climb / Climbing Walls
- Cat Cafe
- Indoor Karting
- Play Cafe
- Dessert Cafe
- Swimming Pools / Indoor Sports Courts
- Shopping
- Petting Farms with Indoor Play & Animal Barns
- Your Local Library
- Hot Chocolate / Ice Cream Parlour / Afternoon Tea
Other posts you may like:
- Where to go when it Rains in North East England
- Rainy Day Ideas in Consett, Country Durham
- Dog Friendly Atrractions with Indoor/Covered Areas
- Rainy Day Ideas in Northumberland
- A Guide to North East Soft Plays and Role Play Cafes
- Pubs with Indoor Play Areas in North East England
- A Guide to North East Gaming Cafes
You can download a FREE map with all of the locations and postcodes pinned here: Download a FREE Rainy Day Ideas Map
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