10 of the Best Places to Visit in Newcastle upon Tyne with Kids

Newcastle is a great city located in the North-East of England and is close to the border with Scotland.





It is known for being a university town, and a place where many young groups of people head for nights out and weekends away.

But it can also be a very family-friendly location.

It is a very picturesque city and a family can enjoy lots of fun things to do in and around the city.



So if you are wondering what are the best places to visit in Newcastle with kids then here are some of the options to consider:

Newcastle Castle

You can’t go wrong when it comes to a castle with kids, and Newcastle Castle is one of the best ones in the North East.

It's a medieval fortification that the whole family will love exploring.

There is a lot of history that you can learn as you explore the different areas, but even if history isn’t of interest, the mystery that surrounds the castle will keep everyone occupied and amused.

Originally, it was built as a fortress and it was the reason why Newcastle is known by that name today.

It is a great place to visit with the family and they often hold events throughout the year so it is worth checking out the website before you visit. 




Ocean Beach Pleasure Park

Newcastle isn’t the only palace where there is a lot of family fun to enjoy, heading just outside of the city to South Shields and you will find the coast with the wonderful Ocean Beach Pleasure Park to enjoy.

It is one of the largest amusement parks where you can enjoy rides and games that the whole family will embrace.

While you are there, you can also enjoy the dry surf slope or the indoor laser quest if the weather isn’t too great.

There is so much to see and do and something for every member of the family. 




Intu Metro Centre

Sometimes you need something to do indoors.

It might be that the weather is bad or just want something that will cover all bases and Intu Metro Centre in Gateshead is exactly that.

There are plenty of shops to walk around, restaurants to eat in and places to enjoy a drink.

There is even a fun soft play centre, a cinema and also Namco Funscape which is a great video game attraction to enjoy.

Make sure you look online to see if there are any special events taking place. 




Go Ape

If you are a family that is a little more active and adventurous then look no further than heading to Go Ape in Matfen.

It might be an option suitable for older children but the adults will have equally as much fun joining in. 

You can enjoy the picturesque woodland scenery, explore the woods, and take on the challenges and obstacles ahead.

A great day for any thrill seeker!




Discovery Museum 

Often when looking for things to do you might want to try out something a little different, and museums can always give you that.

The Discovery Museum is a great option to consider that focuses on science and local history.

You can take your time exploring the many different exhibits.

The great thing about this museum, and others like it, is that there are always different exhibits to enjoy and get involved in, so make sure you look online to see what is going on before you visit. 




Life Science Centre

Another amazing attraction in Newcastle is visiting the Life Science Centre.

A great thing to do with the family especially if there is an interest in science.

It specialised in research in regenerative medicine and welcomes visitors throughout the year so you can get an insight into the work they carry out.#

It can certainly be an eye-opener and help you have a greater understanding of genetics. 




Beamish, the Living Museum Of The North 

If you want an attraction that is all about history but is a little more unique than your standard museum then heading to Beamish will give you everything you want and more.

It is one of the UK’s living open-air museums and while you can enjoy exhibits that are displayed inside, the most fascinating part of the museum is the interactive things you get to experience outside. 

There are always events taking place so it is worth checking out the website before visiting.

You should also book this attraction in advance to avoid disappointment. 




Parklands Mini Golf

If you are hoping to find an activity that will suit all members of the family then heading to Parklands Mini Golf could be a great option to consider.

Here you can either enjoy a relaxed game of mini-golf or let competitiveness take over.

There are lots of fun obstacles to master and water features to navigate.

It is definitely an activity that the whole family will enjoy. 




Gibside 

When seeking out things to do in particular locations, a National Trust house is a great option.

They always seem to deliver when it comes to entertainment for the whole family, especially during the school holidays.

Gibside is a great option in the Newcastle area.

It is filled with lovely gardens, amazing parks, and lots of wooded areas and play areas for the children to enjoy.

There are also plenty of family events throughout the year taking place. 




The Angel of the North

Finally, head to this iconic statue which will fascinate the kids.

Our girls loved claimbing the hill to see the angel and learning about how it was constructed.

The memorial garden is lovely to visit too, and it's a microcosm of peace in a busy location.




Hopefully, this has given you plenty of inspiration for some of the best places to visit in Newcastle with kids. 


More fun days out with kids in the north east:


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