What's On in the North East for Kids & Teens (May 2026)

Always check with venues direct for the most up to date information before heading out as changes are possible. 

What's On in the North East for Kids & Teens (May 2026)
Morpeth Paddling Pool opens on the last weekend in May (weather permitting)



Welcome to our guide to what's on across the North East for kids & teens this May (including half term). I'm looking forward to a full and busy month! 

If you're looking for more ideas, do check out these posts: 

(ad) My First Ballet : Cinderella at Newcastle Theatre Royal 




This new production by English National Ballet is the perfect introduction to ballet for children and their families. Book now for 30 & 31 May. 

Performed by students of the English National Ballet's graduate programme, it's a chance to be inspired and entertained by the next generation of dancers. 

Specifically created for a younger audience, you can expect a shortened version of Prokofiev's score (recorded rather than live) alongside gentle narration which helps a younger audience to easily follow the story along. 

We meet nature-loving Cinderella who lives on the outskirts of an enchanted woodland with her evil stepmother and stepsisters. Her long days are filled with boring chores but rather than dwelling on things, Cinderella always tries to make the best of a bad situation. 

Then out of the blue, a letter arrives and the sisters are all invited to a Garden Ball where Cinderella's fate could be changed forever! 

Need to know:

📆 30 & 31 May 2026 at Newcastle Theatre Royal with five performance times to choose from
⌚ 1 hour 40 mins including interval
⚡Triggers: Haze & Strobes
🎫Tickets available from £13. Discounted family tickets for groups of 4 available.
✅Recommended for families with children aged 3+ 🎟️Book: https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/my-first-ballet-cinderella/



(ad) Festival of Transport at Beamish Museum : May Half Term




The popular Festival of Transport returns to Beamish Museum this May Half Term 

❌ No need to pre-book, simply drop in during normal opening hours and show or purchase your Beamish Unlimited Pass 
✅ All activities are included with the Beamish Unlimited Pass 

You can expect: 
🚍 23-25 May will focus on buses with a range of visiting buses travelling around the museum (and you can hop aboard too) plus many static buses to admire 
🚗 During the week, the museum will be celebrating all things transport related - activity information will be released soon 
♨29-31 May will celebrate road and road steam vehicles with an incredible display of vehicles travelling around the museum 

Find out more: https://www.beamish.org.uk/events/festival-of-transport-2026/


(ad)  Discovery Museum Newcastle : Important Opening Information 


As you may be aware, the Discovery Museum is currently undergoing important roof restoration work. Unfortunately, this does mean that the museum is going to have to close on selected dates across May. These are subject to change and the advice is to check direct with the museum (via their website) before heading out. 

  • 1-3 May - open
  • 4 May - closed Bank Holiday 
  • 5-10 May - open
  • 11-17 May - closed 
  • 18-24 May - open (subject to change)
  • 25 May - closed Bank Holiday
  • 26 May onwards - open as usual

(ad) FREE & Low Cost Activities at Discovery Museum - May Half Term 




(ad) What's On at Life Science Centre : May 2026 




The Great Dinosaur Escape continues at Life Science Centre in Newcastle this May and is perfect for families with children of all ages looking for a full day out. There are SO many activities included with admission and as it's all indoors, you don't have to worry about and Spring showers. 

Activities include: 
🦕 Experience the largest collection of moving Dinosaurs in the North for a limited time only 
🦕 Complete a Dino Trail around the centre and solve Dinosaur clues to crack the code 
🦕 There are 25 Dinosaurs to find in total 
🦕 Take your seat in The Fossil Show - a live Science Show where we learn how we can figure out how Dinosaurs sounded using fossils 
🦕 Enjoy Giant Dome Shows and discover the origins of life on Earth 
🦕 Create your very own Chomping Dinosaur to take home in the Making Studio 

Plus explore LightBox, the Brain Zone, Experiment Zone (7+), Play Zone (under 7s) & more! 

Find out more and book: https://www.life.org.uk/


(ad) The Minecraft Movie at Gosforth Civic Theatre   



If you're looking for a relaxed few hours out that's easy to get to by bus, metro or car, Gosforth Civic Theatre has you covered. They're hosting a relaxed and accessible screening of The Minecraft Movie on Tuesday 26 May at 1pm and 5pm.

This is a perfect option for a get together with friends over May Half Term. 

Tickets are just £6pp and can be booked here: https://www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk/whats-on/film-screening-a-minecraft-movie

I highly recommend popping into the theatre cafe before your screening for lunch / early dinner. They serve THE best toasties and are super family-friendly with kids options and a toy corner. 


(ad) What's On at Woodhorn Museum & Hexham Old Gaol : May 2026 




Woodhorn Museum 

✅ Under 18s GO FREE 
✅ An Adult Annual Pass costs £9-£11 and covers a full year of visits and activities (can be purchased on arrival) 
✅ Facilities include a Pitman Playground, Cafe, Sensory Garden, Mining Museum & Heritage Buildings, Craft Hut & Galleries 
🐶 Pet Dogs on leads welcome in the grounds, outbuildings and outdoor area of the cafe 

May Half Term Activities (no additional cost) include visiting Birds of Prey on 27 May and drop-in Whippet themed crafts (23-31 May). 

Find out more:  https://www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/woodhorn/visit


Hexham Old Gaol 

✅ Under 18s GO FREE 
✅ An Adult Annual Pass costs £6-£8 and covers a full year of visits and activities (can be purchased on arrival) 
✅ I love visiting Hexham Old Gaol! Said to be England's Oldest Gaol (dating back to 1333), you can learn more about Crime and Punishment in Northumberland from 1333 to the Victorian era. You can descend to the Dungeons, take to the stocks, try interactive quizzes, dress up and learn more about local families who liked to cause trouble! 
🐶 Pet Dogs on leads welcome in all areas. 

Hexham Gaol is in the heart of Hexham Town Centre so easy to combine with Tyne Green Park, Hexham Abbey, Queen's Hall Arts or the lovely independent shops and cafes nearby (the cafe next door serves up viral toasties).  

May Half Term Activities (no additional cost) include notebook making on 23/24 May and 27-31 May. 

Find out more: https://www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/hexhamoldgaol/visit


(ad) Top Theatre Pick for May Half Term : Tales from Acorn Wood at Northern Stage



🌳Tales from Acorn Wood - Book now for May Half Term 🌳

🌳 Expect catchy songs & charming puppetry as this adorable show (from the team behind Dear Zoo and Dear Santa) is brought to life on stage for the first time

Based on four enchanting 'lift the flap' stories by Julia Donaldson & Axel Schiffler:
🐰Rabbit's Nap
🦊Fox's Socks
🐷Hide-and-Seek Pig
🐻Postman Bear

📍 Northern Stage Newcastle - a lovely, accessible and relaxed theatre with a cafe attached (just across from Haymarket)
📆 28 - 31 May
🕛 55 minutes. All ages welcome!


Make a day of it and combine with a trip to Great North Museum or the Farrell Centre which are both within easy reach.

(ad) Whitehouse Farm : Early May Bank Holiday & May Half Term



 

There's SOOOOO much fun to be had at Whitehouse Farm Centre this May. The following is ALL included with admission:
😱Character dates:
* May 2nd 2026 – Meet the famous Mousey pair❤️
* May 3rd 2026 – Meet the life-size toy trio!! 🤠💚
* May 4th 2026 – Meet Taylor Swift and Spidey Inspired Characters🕸️

*May 23th, 24th & 25th - Dinosaur & Dragon Meet & Greets
*May 26th - Spider-Man & Gwen Inspired Characters *May 27th - Elsa & Olaf Inspired Characters *May 28th - Barbie & Spider-Man Inspired Characters *May 29th - Taylor Swift & Spider-Man Inspired Characters *May 30th - Cinderella & Spider-Man Inspired Characters *May 31st - Glinda & Elphiba Inspired Characters
🌸What’s on daily?
* Magic Shows🪄
* Character Meet and greets🕸️
* Bottle feed and stroke lambs🍼
* Small animal handling🐰
* Critter Encounters🐍
* Groom a goat🐐
* Meerkat talk and feeds🪱
* Tractor rides🚜
* Meet the Coatimundi’s🧡
Plus – Adventure playground, softplay, go-carts, toboggan slide, bouncy pillows, pedal tractors and trampolines.

Pre-book your tickets today! 🎟️


(ad) Skate Island Roller Disco : Discounted Tickets 


90 Minute Skating at Skate Island Newcastle Racecourse with Skate Hire, Live DJs, Dancers, Food & Drinks Stalls. Book discounted tickets available on selected dates across May (from £5.60pp) here: https://tidd.ly/4dOh2xC

(ad) What's New at Seaton Delaval Hall 



There's always something new to discover at Seaton Delaval Hall. All activities mentioned are included with National Trust Membership / Admission and do not need to be booked ahead - simply drop in during opening hours. There's a bus stop outside with direct buses to Newcastle. 

Spring Highlights:
  • May - Enjoy The Laburnum Arch in Bloom.

  • Until 7 June  - Festival of Blossom with a Blossom Trail, Bat Box Portraits & Pop Up Blossom Activities. 

  • Until 21 June - North East Emerging Artisit Award - A chance to explore work from emerging and early career artists. View the finalists and vote for your favourite.

  • Unti 12 July - Enjoy Earth Compass - three award-winning pieces of art on display across the hall. 



    (ad) FREE Entry Kids Fun Zone at Ridley Park, Blyth 



    🐻 Sat 23 May - FREE Entry Teddy Bear's Picnic
    💭 Sun 24 May - FREE Entry Bubble & Foam Party
    🎩 Mon 25 May - FREE Magic Shows in the Park
    🌟 Tues 26 May - FREE K-POP Sparkle Party & Shows
    🐥 Wed 27 May - FREE Meet Your Favourite Characters in the Park
    🦖 Thurs 28 May - FREE Dino Fest & Show
    💟 Fri 29 May - FREE Ms Rachel & Peppa Pig Day
    🎪 Sat 30 May - FREE Circus Day
    💭 Sun 31 May - FREE Entry Bubble & Foam Party

    Need to know:
    📍 Ridley Park Blyth (NE24 3BA)
    🚘 Free onsite car park or in the town centre. A short walk from Blyth Bus Station
    ❌ No tickets required - just turn up. All activities are drop in.
    ⏰ Open from 11am daily (activities usually wind down at around 4pm)

    Also happening :
    🎡 Kids fun zone with carnival rides (from £3 cash or card)
    🥨 Food stalls and Ridley Park Cafe
    🛝Two enclosed playgrounds with zip wire
    🌊The splash pad water play area *should* be operating
    🚻 Proper toilets on site

    Organised by Carnival Rides - please check their page for updates and their other events taking place across the week as part of the Kids Fun Zone + money off vouchers you can print out for their rides & inflatables.

    2 & 3 May : North of Tyne 



    2 & 3 May : South of Tyne 





    9 & 10 May : North of Tyne 



    9 & 10 May : South of Tyne 


    16 & 17 May : North of Tyne 

    16 & 17 May : South of Tyne 

    Fancy a last minute trip to Amsterdam? DFDS is offering a huge 50% discount on their 2 night minu cruises when booked using this link before 22 May: https://prf.hn/l/Oq8B8Nz/

    (Valid for travel before 30 June 2026 and includes May Half Term) 


    23 & 24 May : North of Tyne 

    23 & 24 May : South of Tyne 


    25 May : North of Tyne 


    25 May : South of Tyne 



    26 May : North of Tyne 


    26 May : South of Tyne 


    27 May : North of Tyne 



    27 May : South of Tyne 

    28 May : North of Tyne 


    28 May : South of Tyne 


    29 May : North of Tyne 


    29 May : South of Tyne 


    30 & 31 May : North of Tyne 


    30 & 31 May : South of Tyne 


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