Planning a fun-packed weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne? This vibrant city has loads on offer for families—from interactive science museums and climbing centres to outdoor adventures and creative workshops. Here’s the ultimate guide for kids aged 2–12 this weekend:
🌟 Top Family Events & Workshops
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Centre for Life – Science Village
Explore the Planetarium, Science Theatre, Experiment Zone, and Wow Zone at this interactive science centre—ideal for curious kids and hands-on learning life.org.uk+1childrenandfamiliesnewcastle.org.uk+1thesun.co.uk+6en.wikipedia.org+6dayoutwiththekids.co.uk+6. Full-day tickets include all main exhibits. -
Seven Stories – National Children’s Book Centre
Located in Ouseburn, this seven-level museum dedicated to British children’s literature features dress-up, reading, creative writing, and illustration workshops en.wikipedia.org+1dayoutwiththekids.co.uk+1.
🎨 Shows, Workshops & Festivals
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Little Inventor’s Library Takeover @ The Lit & Phil
A free creative morning on Saturday 5 July (11 am–3 pm) full of family-friendly inventing, hands-on crafting, and storytelling eventbrite.ie+4getintonewcastle.co.uk+4facebook.com+4.
🏞️ Outdoor Adventures & Day Trips
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Discovery Museum & Newcastle Castle
Complimentary entry to hands-on exhibits about Tyneside industry and a climbable medieval castle—with tunnels, dungeons, and a planetarium-like experience northeastfamilyfun.co.uk+15thesun.co.uk+15dayoutwiththekids.co.uk+15dayoutwiththekids.co.uk. -
MetroCentre Entertainment Complex (Gateshead)
Just over the bridge: bowling, Clip ‘n’ Climb, mini-golf, soft play, an Odeon cinema, and over 200 shops and eateries—both fun and practical for mixed-ability families dayoutwiththekids.co.uk+5en.wikipedia.org+5newcastlegateshead.com+5getintonewcastle.co.uk. -
Whitley Bay Ice Rink
A 30-minute drive brings you to this long-standing rink—great for family skating sessions, with regular junior training sessions tripadvisor.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6thesun.ie+6. -
Walk the Quayside & Millennium Bridge
A scenic stroll along the River Tyne is great for scooters and strollers, with playgrounds, street art, and open-air performers.
🏠 Indoor Activity Centres (Rainy Day Ready)
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Clip ‘n’ Climb @ MetroCentre
A challenging climbing wall with fun themes and speed timers, suitable for ages 4+ . -
Namco Funscape @ MetroCentre
Includes bowling, soft play, arcade games, and more—all under one roof en.wikipedia.org. -
Odeon IMAX Cinema @ MetroCentre
Catch the latest family film in ultimate comfort and big-screen quality en.wikipedia.org+1thesun.ie+1.
✅ Suggested Weekend Plans
| Day | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Sat | Centre for Life (experiments) or Seven Stories (creative) | Little Inventor’s Library workshop |
| Sun | Discovery Museum + Castle adventure | MetroCentre indoor entertainment or Quayside walk |
👀 Pro Tips for a Smooth Weekend
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Book ahead for Centre for Life and Seven Stories tickets (especially the planetarium).
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Check opening times for MetroCentre attractions—some open later on weekends.
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Layer up for Quayside strolls—it can be breezy by the river.
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Bring snacks and water if heading into the Discovery Museum or Castle—you can relax in their café afterward.