Visitors on the beach at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear — A family exploring the rockpools near Souter Lighthouse | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Family-friendly places in the North East

Enjoy loads of great days out with the kids in the North East this spring with events, activities and lots of fun to be had indoors and outdoors. Discover nature-inspired walks, houses to explore and play areas to let off steam. There's something for younger and older kids, and great ways for the whole family to play together near you.

Two girls walking along the banks of the Nelly's Moss lakes

Great family walks

We've handpicked some of our best walking trails for families. Whether you're heading out with a push chair, need a shorter walk for little legs or are hoping to spot some wildlife. Check out our variety of walks in the North East for families.

Children pond with nets at Dapdune creek

May Half Term events and activities

We're wild about things to do in the school holidays here in the North East and have some great events and activities up our sleeve for May half term. From bug bingo to moth mornings and pond dipping to garden activities, take a look at what's on in the school holidays.

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Gibside

Gibside is the ultimate outdoor playground for families. Whether you're climbing, swinging, or exploring, there's adventure at every turn. Wander the Explorer Trail, packed with nature and play areas. Swing through the trees on a rope swing and join seasonal events during school holidays. There's a den building area, sand and water play, a low ropes challenge and sculpture trail in the woodland. From tots to teens, it's fresh air, fun, and freedom.

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Wallington

There's lots to keep the family entertained at Wallington, whatever the season. Look out for wildlife on the River Walk, zoom along the Dragon cycle trail or go wild in one of the play areas. Don't forget our impressive selection of splashy puddles on soggy days; we've got the mud if you've got the wellies! For rumbling tummies, why not make a stop in West Wood and enjoy a tasty pizza from the wood-fired pizza trailer?

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Seaton Delaval Hall

There's lots to enjoy as a family at Seaton Delaval Hall. Whether you're uncovering the stories of the flamboyant Delavals through the collection and creative installations or you're enjoying the take on their love of trickery and theatricality in the gardens or enjoying the Delaval Playdium, there's something for all families to enjoy and discover here. Enjoy spring family fun here in Northumberland in May and June and plan your half term holiday visit.

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Cragside

Bring the kids to Cragside for a big day of adventures. Climb to dizzy heights at the play area and let their imagination run wild at den building. With miles of paths and twists and turns to discover, the grounds will feel like a giant maze for nature explorers. Follow a waymarked walk where you'll uncover routes along lakesides, stone steps to climb, paths through rocky caverns, giant trees and spring wildlife.

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Ormesby Hall

There’s lots to keep the family entertained at Ormesby Hall, whatever the season. Go wild in the natural play area, stop by the model railway layouts and enjoy imaginative play. Looking for something to do during the school holidays? There’s always a fun trail in the house and gardens. During May half-term kids can tap into their creative side with Musical Mayhem and throughout the six weeks holidays in the summer we have a huge Summer of Play in store, with sports and games throughout the gardens.

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Lindisfarne Castle

Discover what family-friendly activities are on offer at Lindisfarne Castle in Northumberland from bird and seal spotting to flying a kite and skimming stones in the sea.

Two adults and two children look up at the huge, multi-faceted glass optic of Souter Lighthouse's lantern

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Souter Lighthouse & The Leas

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.

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Crook Hall Gardens

Can you solve our hedge maze? Head to the wildlife hub to discover what creatures you might see and borrow a pair of binoculars to watch birds. Find a new storybook in our second-hand bookshop and choose the perfect spot in the gardens to enjoy it.

Housesteads Fort and Hadrian's Wall in a wintry frost

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Hadrian's Wall & Housesteads Fort

Walk in the footsteps of Roman soldiers, visit a Roman Fort complete with some very old toilets, tick off a few ‘50 things’ adventures and go free-range in the great outdoors. Discover family fun this summer at Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort.

A group of people sitting in the woodland at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge outside a wooden structure

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Allen Banks & Staward Gorge

Get out into nature and explore ancient woodlands, discover wild animals and take some time out to tackle a few of the activities on your list of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’. Whether you’re searching for six-legged critters on a bug hunt or building a den, the woodland at Allen Banks is the perfect place for family fun.

Two visitors bird watching with binoculars at the Farne Islands, Northumberland

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Things to see on the Farne Islands

Find out what you might see when you take a boat trip to the Farne Islands, from wildlife such as puffins and grey seals, to centuries-old buildings including St Cuthbert's Chapel.

When it’s raining you have two options: find somewhere indoors to explore or grab your waterproofs and get ‘clarty’. Luckily we have loads of suggestions for great days out with the kids whatever the weather...

Children playing in the den building area

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Take cover at Gibside

Grab your waterproofs and head to the densely packed trees in the West Wood which act as a canopy in light rain for den building. The stables are nearby too for a hot chocolate and a loo break. Don’t forget to visit the second-hand bookshop, café and chapel before heading home.

Visitors sitting on the sofas and laughing in the Drawing Room at Wallington, Northumberland; the walls are richly decorated with intricate plaster mouldings

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Indoors and out at Wallington

Rain doesn’t stop play at Wallington. Outdoors all you need are your waterproofs and a sense of adventure. In the house discover the kitchen, meet the teeny tiny residents of the Dolls Houses and see hundreds of toy soldiers lined up for action. Take a seat in the children’s book nook and get lost in an adventure of the fictional kind.

Visitors playing with an interactive board game in the Drawing Room at Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland

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So much to do at Seaton Delaval Hall

Discover the giant mirror ball at Seaton Delaval Hall and explore the basement. Delve into the stories of the Hall’s history with a (funny) giant game of Seaton Delaval Hall. Discover the upside-down room and put on a show on stage in the Old Kitchen.

A woman and child looking out through the window of the Lantern Room at the top of Souter Lighthouse, Tyne & Wear

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Souter - the first Lighthouse to be lit by electricity

Visit Souter Lighthouse, the first in the world to be powered by electricity. Discover how lighthouse keepers lived and how they helped to keep ships safe at sea. Get hands on with interactive activities and climb 76 steps to the top of the tower, where you’ll find Souter’s huge, powerful lamp and views stretching for miles.

An adult and group of children examine an artefact inside the house at Ormesby Hall, North Yorkshire

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Put on a show at Ormesby Hall

Get dressed up in one of the many outfits and take to the stage at Ormesby Hall to put on your own play. Discover the model railways and get hands on with the children’s interactive railway, or simply relax in the second-hand book shop and read a story together as a family.

View of the Ship Room with a curved roof, large fireplace and red carpet at Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland

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Explore Lindisfarne Castle

Explore the nooks and crannies of Lindisfarne Castle. Find the hidden fish in each room, listen to the wind roaring in the chimneys and see the wind indicator in action. Each cosy and intimate room tells the story of the people who lived and holidayed at the Castle, and in the Upper Gallery, you can listen to a special sound installation inspired by nature.

There’s nothing quite like playing outdoors. Swooshing down slides, clambering over logs and letting your imagination run wild. It’s no wonder that play areas are an essential part of many family days out. Here are some top places to play in the North East.

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Be king or queen of the castle at Gibside

There are plenty of ways to play at Gibside. Conquer the fortress climbing frame and zoom along the zip wire at Strawberry Castle play area, crawl along log bridges and clamber over tree trunks at the Nature Playscape or test your nerve on the Low Ropes challenge, an obstacle course made of rope.

Family enjoying the adventure play area at Wallington in autumn

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Let off steam in the four play areas at Wallington

Climb, swing and fly through the air on the zip wire in the adventure play area, defend your territory in the wooden play fort, take a journey on the huge play train and get closer to nature exploring the log stepping stones and willow tunnels in the Little Acorns nature play space, perfect for little adventurers.

Children on the climbing frame in the play area in Northumberland's Seaton Delaval Hall

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Get creative in the Delaval Playdium play area

Inspired by the Delavals’ love of theatricality, this special play area incorporates a centrepiece stage, hidden sound effects, and blackboard scenery allowing you to put on your own show, as well as swings, a scramble net, slide, wobbly bridge and a rope walk to enjoy.

A girl in a grey top swooping down a tunnel slide head-first at Cragside. She has reach the bottom and is laughing.

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Discover the adventure playground at Cragside

Head to Crozier car park to swoop, slide, climb and glide at the adventure play area. The kids can test their balancing skills on the log mountain, climb to dizzying heights on the witch's hat and slide down the tunnels. There are picnic benches, toilets and a refreshment kiosk nearby.