Free things to do for families in Newcastle this summer holiday 2024

As is expected for one of the UK’s biggest and most exciting cities, there is plenty to do for families over the summer in Newcastle, but with the longest school holidays approaching and the cost of living still hitting households hard, the enjoying time in the sun on a budget is vital.

From educational sites to days out in the sun, these are some of the top things you can do for free as a family over the summer months.

Free museums in Newcastle

Many museums and educational sites across the city are accessible completely free of charge for the whole family.

The Discovery Museum, Great North Museum: Hancock, Gateshead’s Baltic art gallery and more across Tyneside are all free to enjoy.

It is also worth keeping an eye out for special offers for certain residents. Due to ongoing maintenance work and limited access to certain areas of the museum at Segedunum Roman Fort in North Tyneside, the site is offering half price entry while anyone with an NE28 postcode can also enter for free.

Under 21s from elsewhere can also access the site for free.

A series of top family focused events will take place throughout the summer. The Hancock Museum is holding astronomy and archaeology sessions throughout July and August while kids can enjoy various science sessions at the Discovery museum.

Elsewhere, Seven Stories, the national centre for children’s books, is also hosting sessions throughout the summer months.

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Try a summer fitness drive

Parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate at friendly 5km events every Saturday morning at 9am. There are no age restrictions and participants have even been seen pushing buggies around courses in the past.

There are three parkruns within the city at Leazes Park, Town Moor and Jesmond Dene although other events can be found across Gateshead, Northumberland, North and South Tyneside.

Get back in touch with nature

It may not be dry, but warmer weather still means we can all get out and enjoy the amazing scenery we have across the region.

From longer trips to Kielder to Jesmond Dene and Tyne RIverside Country Park more locally, there is plenty to enjoy across the region without needing to spend a penny while enjoying the great outdoors.

Make a new four legged friend

Ouseburn Farm is a hugely popular family favourite to the east of the city centre, and this summer is expected to be no different.

During the school holidays the farm often hosts petting sessions with their animals giving kids the chance to make new friends with goats, guinea pigs, rabbits and plenty more. Keep an eye on their website to book these sessions through the summer holidays.

The Newcastle City Council website claims thre summer term comes to an end on Friday, June 19.

The new school year is expected to begin again on Monday, September 2.