Things to Do in Tyne & Wear
41 attractions and days out
Photo © mark bellamy, Google Maps
Ice & Roller Skating
Override Skate Park
Roll into action at this South Shields skating venue offering thrills for experienced skaters, though families should note limited facilities and no wheelchair access.
Indoor Soft Play
The Little Play Cafe
Let little ones burn off energy in this welcoming indoor play space on Beach Road, where grown-ups can enjoy refreshments from the café while children explore safely.
Bowling Alleys
MFA Bowl North Shields
Strike up family fun at this accessible ten-pin bowling venue in Royal Quays, complete with an on-site restaurant and facilities including baby changing areas to keep everyone comfortable.
Adventure & Activity Centres
Inflata Nation Inflatable Theme Park Newcastle
Bounce into action at this inflatable adventure park where families can leap, slide and play across exciting air-filled attractions, with facilities including parking, dining and full accessibility.
Museums & Galleries
South Shields Museum and Art Gallery
This accessible Ocean Road venue combines local history displays with art exhibitions, offering families convenient amenities including onsite dining, baby changing rooms and nearby parking.
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Haven Point
This popular South Shields leisure centre features heated pools with waterslides, splash zones and bubbly spa areas perfect for all ages, plus onsite parking and refreshments available.
Museums & Galleries
Arbeia Roman Fort
Step back in time at this fascinating Roman fortress where families can explore reconstructed buildings and discover what life was like for soldiers guarding Britain's northern frontier nearly 2,000 years ago.
Laser Tag Arenas
Laser Force
Battle it out in an action-packed laser tag arena perfect for family fun and friendly competition. With wheelchair access, onsite dining and nearby parking, it's an exciting day out on Sea Road.
Theme Parks & Funfairs
Ocean Beach Pleasure Park
This South Shields amusement park delivers thrills for all ages with laser tag, arcade entertainment and family-friendly rides, plus full accessibility throughout including baby facilities.
Indoor Soft Play
The Dunes Adventure Island
Young adventurers can burn off energy at this indoor soft play centre on Sea Road, featuring climbing frames and play equipment. Onsite parking available, though facilities are limited.
Adventure & Activity Centres
The Exchange Theatre
Located in North Shields, this welcoming theatre venue offers accessible entertainment for all ages with wheelchair access, baby changing rooms and convenient nearby parking for family visits.
Pottery & Ceramic Painting
Pots and Pancakes
Paint and decorate pottery pieces while enjoying a picnic at this hands-on ceramic studio in North Shields, where families can craft unique keepsakes together in a relaxed, creative setting.
Indoor Soft Play
Pirates Cove
Young buccaneers can bounce on trampolines, score goals and explore exciting play frames at this action-packed indoor venue in Jarrow, complete with an onsite restaurant for refuelling hungry adventurers.
Indoor Soft Play
KiKis Kabin
A welcoming indoor play venue for families with young children, featuring accessible facilities, convenient on-site parking, and light refreshments to keep little ones energised during their visit.
Cinema & Theatre
Cineworld Boldon Tyne and Wear
Catch blockbuster films with the family at this modern cinema complex in Boldon Leisure Park, featuring wheelchair access, onsite parking, refreshment options and comfortable screens for all ages.
Indoor Soft Play
Wacky Warehouse - Story Book
Let kids burn energy across multiple levels of climbing frames, bouncy zones and colourful obstacles at this Boldon soft play centre. Onsite restaurant, facilities and free parking make it ideal for stress-free family fun.
Horse Riding
North Lizard Riding School
Countryside riding centre on Lizard Lane offering equestrian experiences with convenient onsite parking, though visitors should note limited facilities are available at this location.
Trails & Treasure Hunts
Tynemouth Treasure Trail
Follow the clues around this engaging outdoor adventure that takes families on a fun-filled quest through Tynemouth, solving puzzles and discovering hidden gems along the way.
Castles & Palaces
Tynemouth Priory and Castle
Perched dramatically on a headland overlooking the North Sea, this atmospheric medieval monastery and coastal fortress offers stunning views and fascinating ruins to explore with the family.
Beaches & Coastline
Longsands Beach
This popular Tynemouth stretch of golden sand offers excellent water sports from diving to kayaking, plus scenic coastal walks and fascinating shipwreck remnants to discover nearby.
Cinema & Theatre
ODEON Silverlink
Catch the latest blockbusters on one of nine big screens at this multiplex cinema on Osprey Drive, complete with snacks and accessible facilities for all the family.
Museums & Galleries
Stephenson Railway Museum
Step back in time at this North Shields heritage site where families can climb aboard authentic steam locomotives and discover the golden age of rail travel through interactive displays and special events.
Aquariums & Sea Life Centres
Tynemouth Aquarium
Explore 40 fascinating marine displays featuring black tip reef sharks, loggerhead turtles and tropical fish at this accessible coastal aquarium with full wheelchair and pushchair access throughout.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum
Step back 2,000 years at this fascinating archaeological site where families can explore authentic Roman fort remains and climb the viewing tower for panoramic views of Hadrian's Wall country.
Indoor Soft Play
Mister Twisters
This Gateshead venue delivers active fun across multiple levels with its towering play structure, indoor sports area and dedicated space for little ones, plus an onsite café for refuelling.
Horse Riding
Murton Equestrian Centre
This accessible equestrian facility in Murton Village welcomes riders of all abilities with excellent amenities including onsite dining, parking and toilet facilities in a family-friendly countryside setting.
Farm Parks
Bill Quay Community Farm
Meet heritage breed animals and discover hands-on farming experiences at this welcoming Gateshead community farm, where families can enjoy picnics and educational fun together.
Ice & Roller Skating
Whitley Bay Ice Rink
This popular ice rink on Hillshead Road offers skating fun for all ages, from themed disco sessions to figure skating and hockey. Onsite parking and a restaurant make it easy for families to enjoy a full day out.
Indoor Soft Play
The Splat Centre
Kids can burn off energy at this indoor soft play venue on Whitley Road, featuring an onsite restaurant and baby changing facilities though wheelchair access is limited.
Bowling Alleys
Riverside Bowling
Strike up family fun at this fully accessible bowling venue featuring an onsite restaurant, ample parking, and facilities for all ages including baby changing areas.
Climbing & Bouldering
Sunderland Wall
Scale indoor climbing routes at this Pallion Quay venue where you can pack a picnic or grab food from the onsite restaurant between bouldering sessions.
Sightseeing & Attractions
The Strategy Sunderland
This Sunderland-based attraction offers convenient onsite parking and toilet facilities, though visitors should note limited accessibility and no food options or baby-changing amenities available.
Indoor Soft Play
Castledown Fun Factory
This vibrant Sunderland play centre next to a family pub offers dedicated toddler areas and exciting play zones, with onsite dining, picnic-friendly policies, and full accessibility including parking and baby facilities.
Indoor Soft Play
Fun Shack Newcastle
Little ones can burn off energy across multiple adventure zones including soft play frames and imaginative role-play areas, with refreshments available on-site and facilities for babies.
Adventure & Activity Centres
InflateSpace Newcastle
Experience one of Britain's largest inflatable adventure parks featuring the thrilling Space Rider ZipCoaster, Europe's longest indoor zip line ride, with full accessibility and dining available onsite.
Arcades & Gaming
Retro Bay Cafe
Step back in time at this welcoming gaming venue on Eastbourne Gardens, where classic arcade machines meet modern café culture. Fully accessible with refreshments available, it's perfect for all ages.
Climbing & Bouldering
Clip 'n Climb Newcastle
Scale colourful walls and tackle exciting climbing challenges at this indoor adventure centre featuring 30+ routes suitable for ages 4 and up, with no prior experience required.
Indoor Soft Play
Littley Bay - Little Town of Play
This imaginative indoor role play venue on Whitley Bay's seafront lets children explore different themed areas while parents relax in the onsite café, with full accessibility and facilities throughout.
National Parks & Reserves
Roker Park
A traditional seaside park offering green spaces and an onsite restaurant, though families should note limited facilities including no toilets or baby changing areas, and picnics aren't permitted.
Boat Tours & Cruises
Sunderland Stadium of Light Tour
Explore behind the scenes at this iconic football venue with a guided stadium tour, complete with parking, dining options and full accessibility for wheelchair users.
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Sunderland Aquatic Centre
This modern facility at Stadium Park features heated pools, diving boards and a dedicated teaching area, with swimming lessons and activities suitable for all the family.
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