Family things to do at Gibside
From seasonal events to Red Kite adventure 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:
- Outdoor adventure play area and den building area.
- Seasonal family events.
- 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 picnic areas for packed lunches.
- Baby-changing facilities and breast-feeding friendly.
- Gibside is an outdoor property. You’ll find covered areas along pushchair-friendly walking trails.
- Visit before 11am or after 2pm for a quieter experience.
Events
May half term at Gibside is filled with outdoor adventure for families. Explore woodland paths, build dens, enjoy the play areas and settle in for a picnic under big spring skies. There’s plenty happening across the estate to spark curiosity, creativity and a love of nature.
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Wonder World: Earth trail — Discover the hidden world of soil, worms, minibeasts and fungi in this storybook-inspired trail.
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Bird ringing demonstrations — Meet volunteer bird ringers and learn how this conservation work helps protect species.
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Muddy art — Use mud, sticks and imagination to create your own nature-inspired artwork.
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Plant a seed — Join Gibside Community Farm to sow a seed to take home and learn how food begins.
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Compost and soil drop‑in — Explore the wormery, meet the worms and discover what keeps soil healthy.
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Welly wanging — A silly, joyful family challenge to see who can fling a welly the furthest.
Find out more here.
Ways to play
Explore nature, woodland trails and adventure play at Gibside. There's a den building area, sand and water play, a bucket swing, zip-line and more. Toddlers, teens, grandparents and even your dog will enjoy the Explorer Trail, a family-friendly walk in ancient woodland on the Gateshead and Durham border.
Find the rope swing along the Explorer trail
Swing back and forth like a pendulum on the rope swing.
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.
Kindergarten
Stomping Grounds kindergarten, a fully outdoor play-based learning environment in the woodlands for children aged 2-7 years. Phone 0191 540 2680 or email admin@stomping-grounds.org to find out more.
Where have the low ropes gone?
After many years of fun and play, the course is unfortunately no longer fit for purpose. We understand that the Low Ropes were a beloved play area at Gibside, so we don't take the decision to remove the course lightly. Following a health and safety evaluation, we permanently closed the Low Ropes course to ensure the safety of our visitors.
Moving forward, we are committed to creating even more amazing experiences for families with children of all ages. We're always striving to improve and expand the visitor experience at Gibside, so we have a fantastic programme of events and activities planned throughout the year.
You might also be interested in
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.
