8 things to do with kids in Newcastle during 2021 summer holidays - from LEGO exhibitions to open air cinemas

Families visiting Newcastle won’t be short of things to do - no matter what the weather!

With such a variety of activities, from LEGO exhibitions to open air cinemas, there’s plenty to keep little ones, children and teenagers entertained.

Newcastle’s vibrant culture and friendly nature is guaranteed to put smiles on the faces of children of all ages, in a city bursting with memorable experiences.

Here’s a guide to 8 things to do with your kids in Newcastle during the summer holidays.

Newcastle United

St. James' Park, Barrack Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4ST

Football is back - and so are the fans!

A family day out at the football could well be long overdue so why not take up the option this August bank holiday weekend?

Newcastle United are set to welcome Southampton to St James' Park for a Premier League fixture on Saturday 28 August 2021 (3pm).

Both teams are looking for a first win of the 2021/22 Premier League season.

Newcastle United v Southampton | Saturday 28 August | 3pm kick off | Tickets on sale now.

Life Science Centre

Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4EP

If you’re looking for somewhere to engage your child and inspire them then look no further than the Life Science Centre.

Since it opened in May 2000, Life has encouraged people of the North East of England to explore and enjoy science and to discover its relevance to their own lives.

There are play areas for younger children (under 7s), as well as live science shows and experiment zones for all to enjoy.

Separate zones for problem solving, exploring space and creativity are popular, as is the planetarium and the iconic LEGO creations.

Open daily from 10am-5pm. Booking advised. Visit the website for more information.

Ouseburn Farm

Ouseburn Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PA

Set in the urban heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, Ouseburn Farm is described as a ‘green oasis’ for the local community.

Providing children with access to nature, to grow food and take care of animals, this charity farm has been part of the city since 1976.

Get back to nature with a trip to Ouseburn Farm where you can bath reptiles, be part of the farmers’ club and meet the different animals.

Open from 10am-3pm Tuesday to Sunday. Booking advised. Visit the website for more information.

Seven Stories

30 Lime St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ

Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books, is dedicated to children’s literature - and the perfect place for any bookworm.

With bespoke trips for under 5s, under 7s and over 7s, there is an activity for every young child to enjoy seven days a week in the heart of the city.

Pop by the specialist children’s bookshop and newly refurbished cafe for a pitstop as your young ones explore endless literary adventures.

Open daily from 10am-5pm. Visit the website for more information.

The Great North Museum

Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PT

Formerly known as the Hancock Museum, it specialises in natural history and ancient civilisation while also providing fun for the family with a variety of activities.

There are numerous ways to play, including meeting Roman soldiers from the 3rd Century, making ice cream decorations, creating clay characters and your own potions.

Open 10am-5pm Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm Saturday and 11am-4pm Sunday. Visit the website for more information.

Jesmond Dene

Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7BQ

The Dene has been a popular location for locals for many years, with scenic walks and play areas the whole family can enjoy time at this historic park.

Set in the heart of suburban Newcastle, located between Jesmond, Heaton and South Gosforth, the Dene is a peaceful haven for many residents and visitors.

Visit the animals in the £6m regenerated Pets Corner, as pigs, goats and sheep live alongside rabbits and colourful birds, including peacocks.

The Dene also has stepping stones, waterfall and old mill, among other attractions such as St Mary’s Chapel, St Mary’s Well and Paddy Freeman’s Pond.

Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, whatever the weather. Visit the website for more information.

Summer in the City

Wesley Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DH

Instead of a seaside this year, Wesley Square has been turned into a huge urban garden - double the size usually afforded to the pop up beach.

Located between the Tyne and the Millennium bridges, the garden area will extend more than 50 meters with astroturf, giant planters, beanbags, kids seating, bright deckchairs, outdoor rugs and more.

The extra space allows for tons of family friendly activities and with the help of giant garden games, painting easels and jumbo jenga sets, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the Quayside sun this summer!

Open daily from 9am-8pm from 20 July to 12 September 2021. Free admission. Visit the website for more information.

Screen on the Green

Old Eldon Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7UG

Experience the cinema outside in this open air Screen on the Green in the middle of the city.

Throughout the school summer holidays visitors can enjoy two free movies a day with a thrilling six week programme of big hitters, filled with family favourites, cult classics, rom-coms and some new blockbusters.

Whether you want to check in with film loving friends, enjoy date night under the stars or gather the whole gang for a family flick, pull up an iconic NE1 deckchair, get your feet up and settle in for a summer of free cinema in the heart of the city centre.

Open daily with showings at 12noon and 6pm Monday to Friday and 12noon and 3pm Saturday and Sunday. Runs until 5 September 2021. Visit the website for more information.