Pokémon joins Gibside's Summer of Play 2026: free family activities
A Summer of adventure is waiting at Gibside! Let imaginations soar, feet run wild, and creativity come to life.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
This year is even bigger than last. It’s a play paradise with fun-packed play zones.
From Saturday 25 July, 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.
There’ll be Georgian games, racket sports, music making and hobby horse racing. Discover wildlife and nature, compete in penalty shootout, try your luck at a bean bag toss and play a game of volleyball.
Tiny explorers will love the sensory play scattered across the Walled Garden. Bigger kids can step into the puppet theatre and put on a show, and adults? Put your family to the test in lawn games.
Not to mention, there’ll be plenty of guided sessions returning! From Football Friday's with Newcastle United Foundation to axe throwing with BOutdoors.
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 4 July, every day until September, all summer long. Let the festival 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. Some activities will take place on the grass.
- Suitability for children
All ages.
- 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 field.
Upcoming events
Parachute play: Summer of Play
Get nostalgic with classic parachute games for families at Gibside.
A gardener's glimpse: a tour with the Head Gardener
Join Head Gardener Cail for an exclusive tour of Gibside.
Family games: Summer of Play
Get ready for family fun (and rivalry) with classic school sports-day games.
Football Friday's coached sessions with Newcastle United Foundation
Caught football fever with this year's Fifa World Cup? It doesn't have to stop there!