Activities for children and families at Gibside

Published:: 07 September 2023

Visitors in the play area at Gibside | © National Trust Images/John Millar

From seasonal events, exploring the nature playscape and to being king or queen of Strawberry Castle play area, there are plenty of ways for kids (and big kids) to stay entertained all day at Gibside.

Planning your family visit – in a nutshell

Here's some information about the facilities at Gibside, to make the most of your family day out:

Four outdoor play areas.
Seasonal family-fun events.
Children’s meals available at the cafe, kiosk selling sweet treats and picnic areas.
Baby-changing facilities.
Gibside is an outdoor property. You’ll find covered areas along pushchair-friendly walking trails.

A magical Christmas with Gibside

Wish your way to Gibside and feel the spirit of Christmas, with a traditional feast of festive celebrations that will warm any Scrooge’s heart. Find out more here.

From Saturday 25November to Monday 8 January.

February half term at Gibside

A National Trust spider has lost their 8 wellies. Go on a welly-teering adventure around Gibside to find them. Splash in puddles and learn about animals and insects along the way. Find out more here.

From Saturday 17 February to Sunday 25 February.

Visitors in the adventure play area at Gibside | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Every way to play at Gibside

Play at Gibside is intergenerational - the entire family can have fun on an outdoor adventure. Activities at Gibside are spread across a family-friendly walk called the Explorer Trail. Discover adventure play areas, green open space and a 600-acre woodland. The trail covers 2.2 miles on varying terrain, with toilet and eating facilities on the route.

Two young children in Strawberry Castle play area — Playing in Strawberry Castle play area | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Strawberry Castle adventure play area

Zoom along the zip-wire, pump the Archimedes screw and conquer the fortress climbing frame. Kids will spend hours getting ‘happy-tired’ as they fly through the air on bucket swings and Tarzan swings.

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Into the West Wood

Fun starts in the forest, find activities for every age:

Birthdays at Gibside

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.

Kindergarten

Stomping Grounds kindergarten, a fully outdoor play-based learning environment for children aged 2-7 years. Phone 07736 990 489 or email sophiew@stomping-grounds.org to find out more.