Family things to do at Gibside
From school holiday events to adventure play, there's plenty of ways for kids (and big kids) to stay entertained all day at Gibside.
Summer of Play
Supported by Pokémon, celebrating the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Series
Let imaginations soar, feet run wild, and creativity come to life when Summer of Play returns, bringing a festival of fun and imagination to Gibside. . There’s something for every kind of child, from quiet thinkers to big movers, with spaces that spark imagination and build confidence. Play that encourages children to follow their curiosity and discover playful moments in nature, in their own way.
From Saturday 4 July to Tuesday 1 September
Pokémon joins Gibside’s Summer of Play
Calling Pokémon fans new and old! This Summer of Play, Pokémon are jumping into the great outdoors near you. Are you ready to share the magic with a new generation?
From Saturday 25 July to Tuesday 1 September, on top of an already jam-packed Summer of Play, discover all-new Pokémon zones. Get stuck into the Pokémon Trading Card Game, flex your skills and collect Mega Evolution stickers! Team up as a family to search the gardens for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers, and complete your own challenges.
Discover Pokémon zones in participating locations. Don’t forget your imagination ...
Summer of Play activity zones
Families can enjoy free play activities every single day, all included with admission. Drop in anytime between 10am–5pm and discover a whole world of play.
Scheduled summer events
Alongside daily free play, we’ll be hosting a programme of guided sessions throughout the summer. Collect a Summer of Play planner from Visitor Reception, circle your favourites and pin it to the fridge! Find all the event details, including ways to book on our events page and take a look below to see what's happening:
Soft archery | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris 
Puppet theatre | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris
Outdoor theatre
There’s nothing quite like theatre under open skies. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic and settle in for an evening of music, laughter and storytelling as Illyria bring two magical outdoor performances.
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The Pirates of Penzance — A joyful, swashbuckling musical full of silliness, songs and pirate mischief. Tuesday 18 August, 7pm
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Shakespeare’s As You Like It — Shakespeare’s woodland comedy of love, disguise and playful chaos, brought to life in the Walled Garden. Tuesday 11 August, 7pm
Tickets: All ages welcome. Adults £21.68 (inc. booking fee) · Children 3–17yrs £13.01 (inc. booking fee) · Under 3s free.
As You Like It | © Illyria theatre 
Pirates of Penzance | © Illyria theatre
Christmas at Gibside
Look forward to a cosy interactive story experience with Father Christmas and his elf. Gather close as they share a heart‑warming tale filled with North Pole cheer, with the same intimate charm as a Georgian 'private theatrical', but with a little more magic.
Also throughout the festive season find Christmas crafts, live music and twinkling decorations across the estate. Little ones can post their letters to the jolly fella' himself, peek inside Saint Nick’s office, and see the beautifully dressed reindeer stalls.
And of course, the woodland fairy trail returns, inviting families to experience Christmas outdoors and feel enchanted by winter nature. Wander through the woodlands to follow winding paths past fairy homes, toadstool hideaways and miniature scenes tucked into the trees.
November 2026 to January 2027
Play areas at Gibside
Toddlers, teens, grandparents and pooches will enjoy the Explorer Trail, a family-friendly (and buggy-friendly!) woodland trail. Walk the circular route to explore nature and adventure play. There's a den building area, sand and water play, a bucket swing, zip-line and more.
Red Kite adventure play area
Hide in the mushroom playhouse, crawl through the otter holt or make your own music on the giant guiros. There's so many ways to play! From bucket swings to a zip-wire, sand and water play and climbing fort.
Planning your visit
Here's some information about the facilities at Gibside, to make the most of your family day out:
- Balance bikes only, Gibside is a looked-after estate and the landscape is not suitable for bike rides.
- Children’s meals available to purchase or outdoor and indoor picnic areas for packed lunches.
- Bring reusable bottles; you’ll find refill taps across the estate.
- Baby-changing facilities and breast-feeding friendly.
- Gibside is an outdoor property. You’ll find covered areas along pushchair-friendly walking trails. We reccommend all-terrain pushchairs.
- Need something? Borrow all-terrain pushchairs, fiddle toys and umberellas from Visitor Reception.
- Explore after 3pm for a quieter experience when there are less visitors.
Birthdays
Celebrate your child's birthday with a party hosted by B Outdoors. Packed full of discovery and adventure, Gibside is the perfect venue for a nature filled day. A guided expert will teach the children exciting new skills, to make their special day a little different. Try archery, bush craft, axe throwing, orienteering and more. Contact Andy at info@boutdoors.co.uk for more information or visit the website.
Kindergarten
Stomping Grounds kindergarten, a fully outdoor play-based learning environment in the woodlands for children aged 2-7 years. Phone 0191 540 2680, email admin@stomping-grounds.org or visit the website to find out more.
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Educational visits to Gibside
Gibside is the perfect place to bring a group of young people from schools, universities, Brownies and Scouts. Spark their creativity, build confidence, develop problem solving skills and enjoy nature.
Explorer family-friendly trail at Gibside
Enjoy a circular walk in Gibside's 600-acre woodland that's fun for the whole family, getting active in natural play areas and exploring the best of the estate.
Family-friendly things to do at Souter Lighthouse
Discover how lighthouse keepers lived and helped keep ships at sea safe. Follow in their footsteps, climbing 76 steps to the top of the tower for a bird's eye view of the coast. Miles of open grassland and hidden rocky bays make Souter ideal for games, picnics, rock pooling and other outdoor adventures.
Salted caramel and butternut squash scones
With a sticky caramel glaze and soft scone centre, these salted caramel and butternut squash scones are an indulgent sweet and salty treat. Serve them with a dollop of clotted cream and an extra drizzle of caramel.
