Free activities every day at Gibside: Summer of Play
A Summer of adventure is waiting at Gibside! Let imaginations soar, feet run wild, and creativity come to life at the Play Paradise.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Tiny explorers will love the sensory play scattered across the Walled Garden where every step brings something new to see, touch, and experience. Bigger kids can step into the puppet theatre and put on a show, and adults? Put your family to the test in lawn games.
Follow the new Wildlife Wander trail which leads you to the Play Paradise. Hop like a bunny and slither like snake, find colourful moths along the way and measure bird wingspans.
The Play Paradise is the place to find fun-packed play zones, with family-fun activities for all ages. There’ll be Georgian games, racket sports, music making and space hopper racing. Compete in penalty shootout, try your luck at a bean bag toss and play a game of volleyball.
Whether your child dreams of becoming a sports champion or an artist, they’ll head home happy-tired, full of excitement and fresh air.
From Saturday 5 July, every day, all summer long.
Gibside’s Summer of Play is proudly sponsored by Starling Bank, bringing families together for a season of movement, creativity, and pure joy. Let the adventures begin!
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Accessibility
There is a ramped incline from Visitor Reception to the start of the trail paths. There is a hard trail path to the Play Paradise. Activities will take place on the grass.
- Other
Pick up a Play Passport and get it stamped every time you visit a National Trust property, and take home a play timetable to stick on your fridge and return time and time again for a whole Summer of Play. Stay all day: with temporary toilet facilities, picnic spots and even a tuck shop serving cold drinks, snacks and ice creams, there’s no need to leave the Play Paradise.
Upcoming events
History talk - an introduction to the history of Gibside
Get a taste for the history of Gibside with a Guided Walk volunteer.
History walk - the story of Gibside
Dive into the history of Gibside and take a walk with a Guided Walk volunteer around the 18th century landscape garden.
Hidden Gibside, a guided walk
Discover the farthest reaches of George Bowes’ landscape garden on a guided walk around Gibside.