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.
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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Explorer family-friendly trail at Gibside
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Adventure awaits: family fun in the North East
From wild woodland walks to castles and houses full of stories, the North East is bursting with family adventures. Whether you're climbing, exploring, or just enjoying nature, our places offer unforgettable days out for kids of all ages. Come and make memories together.
