A little inspiration
Ideas for today
A mix of indoor ideas and days out across the North East. Published hours can change, so check with the venue before travelling.
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Libraries & story timeSeven Stories
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ
Published hours today: 10:00–17:00
A brilliant home for children’s books and storytelling in Ouseburn. Families can explore interactive floors, discover new stories and join performances, workshops and events designed to make reading and imagination come alive.
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Museums & galleries |Family attractionsMuseum of Hartlepool
Hartlepool, TS24 0XZ
Published hours today: 10:00–17:00
Hartlepool’s maritime history comes to life through interactive displays, a fishing cobble, the P.S. Wingfield Castle and stories spanning the town’s past. Free entry and family learning activities make it an easy indoor waterfront visit.
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Play & soft playThe Spotty Giraffe
Consett, DH8 8RX
Published hours today: 09:00–17:00
A soft-play and café venue for babies, toddlers and young children, with sensory features, slides and space to play. Visits are session-based and normally booked in advance, so check the current timetable before setting off.
Regular things to do
Classes and groups
Find a session for your little one, then choose a town or postcode in the directory to see what’s practical for you.
No location permission needed. Browse the full directory or enter a place yourself.
Put it in the diary
What’s coming up?
Seasonal fun, family events and things worth planning ahead for across the North East.
Heritage & historyGhosts of History at Newcastle Castle 2026
Newcastle Castle
1 Oct – 2 Nov 2026· Newcastle upon Tyne· PaidView event details
Museums & exhibitionsHalloween at Life Science Centre 2026
Life Science Centre
1 Oct – 31 Oct 2026· Newcastle upon Tyne· PaidView event details
Days out & attractionsHolmside Park Pumpkin Patch 2026
Holmside Park
2 Oct – 31 Oct 2026· Chester-le-Street· PaidView event details
Find your kind of day
What are you in the mood for?
Parks & walks
Fresh air, playgrounds and family-friendly routes.
Rainy-day ideas
Indoor adventures when the North East weather turns.
Classes & groups
Baby, toddler and preschool sessions with the practical details in one place.
Museums & learning
Hands-on exhibits, stories and discoveries.
Soft play
Burn off some energy whatever the weather.
Free days out
Memorable family time without the entry fee.
Need a few ideas?
A handy place to start
A few useful guides for getting out with the bairns, whether you’re planning ahead or need an idea for today.
Seasonal guide
October Half-Term Events in the North East 2026
Find confirmed October half-term events and reliable family days out across the North East for 2026.
Read this guideSeasonal guide
Halloween Events in the North East 2026
Find verified Halloween events in the North East for 2026, including dates, times, ticket information and booking links where available.
Read this guideGuide by need
Free Family Days Out in the North East
Find free-entry family days out by area across the North East, including Darlington and Teesside. Compare indoor and outdoor ideas, ages and optional costs.
Read this guideFind things near a place
Search by town or postcode and choose how far you’d like to travel. You can also use your current location.
Made for family life
Less faff, more family time
We bring together family-friendly places across the North East, with the useful details you need to pick a day out without scrolling forever.
Find out more about usKeep us handy
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