Summer Fun - Week Four

Arrgghhh as the weeks are going on I am finding more and more stuff! It's taking ages haha! Please bear in mind, that if you keep checking the previous weeks blogs, a lot of the events I have posted are continuous throughout the holidays, ie the events at Chesters Fort is all week as it Ouseburn Farm's lovely events, Delaval Hall have Make & Do every Sunday, Playhouse Playtime is every Tuesday.  Musical Safari have events all week running throughout the holidays.  Don't forget to check out The Splat Centre and Round the Twist, they have lots going on included in the cost of the entry price.

I have again tried to find mainly free or very low cost events as by week 4 the purse strings have probably snapped!

All details are correct at the time of writing but please remember to check with the venues before making any travel plans.

Saturday 8th August

A really fun looking event in Sunderland at Keel Row, A-Mazing Fun is an Alice in Wonderland inspired Giant Maze. Meet the characters and try to catch the elusive White Rabbit. Event is free, there will be a charge for some activities such as face painting. This is on Sunday 9th August also.

Northumberland Park in North Shields is having it's grand opening day today.  This looks wonderful and is where we are planning to be. There will be bands playing, princesses dancing and even birds of prey.  The event is free but there is a yummy hog roast from 4pm which is a ticketed event available on the day.

NWT have a great event on today in Weetslade Country Park, Campfire Cooking! Recommended minimum age for the kids is 5.  Tickets are only £3 per child (to include food) with the adults going free. Pre-booking is essential. 1pm - 2.30pm

This looks fun, Saturday and Sunday along at Tynemouth Priory is Clash of the Knights. Four teams of knights will battle each other to become victorious! Entry fee into the Priory applies.

Sunday 9th August

Lots going on at Woodhorn today.   They are offering family tours, winding demonstrations and art activities.  Find the details here. Entry into the museum is free, there is a charge for carparking and if you wish to take the family tour it will be £2.95 per adult and £1.95 per child (£9 for a family of 4). Contact the museum for more info.

The Hadrians Wall Farmers Market is on today in the village of Greenhead.  This is also on the 1st Sunday of every month, contact the organiser Wendy Bond 01697 747448.

Monday 10th August

Tynemouth Station have a Meet the Princesses event running over Monday and Tuesday.  Between 10am - 4pm there will be chances to meet fairytale princesses and join in with the singing and dancing.  Free event, contact 0191 6437409 for more details

There are two wonderful Hopscotch Entertainment events today up at Linden Hall (where I got married!) The Superhero squad will put you through your paces in the morning  at 11am and in the afternoon at 2.30pm, The Princesses take over for Once Upon a Time.  Tickets are £15 per child and include 1 adult entry.

It is Princess and Knights day at Newcastle Castle today.  Kids go free if they arrive dressed up.  We are really lucky to have our very own Castle to explore in the city. Pop along and support it. There will be a princess strolling the grounds and also a Knight School to take part in.  Entry fee applies to adults (and kids if not dressed up).  You can also take place in a Drum Circle right at the top of the Castle if you wish to make some noise.

Tuesday 11th August

Dennis the Menace will be in Eldon Square today!  He will be wandering around the centre, hopefully not getting up to too much mischief.  He will be appearing each hour, on the hour from 11am until 3pm.  There is also free Dennis the Menace face painting between Boots and John Lewis from 10am until 4pm.

All week at Life Science Centre you can make your very own Robot using recycled materials.   Each day from 11am until 1.30.  Top tip, if you take the metro into town, show your ticket at admission to Life and you will get a free child entry with each paying adult.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust is holding a really fun Animal Tracks and Trails event today at Weetslade Country Park. £3 per person. 1pm until 2.30. Pre-booking is recommended.

Little Sparklers are running lovely sessions at North Tyneside libraries.  We went to the one at Forest Hall and it was really nice. Free sessions aimed at the under 5, there is singing, dancing and lots of fun.  Todays session is at Battle Hill library at 10.30 am, Contact the library on 0191 643 2255

Wednesday 12th August

We love Plessey Woods, always something new to spot and loads and loads of lovely space to run about.  Today they have a Small Mammals Session where you can learn all about the creatures that inhabit the woods.  Aimed at children 5 years and over, starts at 10am - 11.30. £2.50 per person. Contact 01670 824793 for more information.

Another one of my favourite places to visit with the kids is Bolam Lake just up past Belsay.  Beautiful place to explore, we have had some gorgeous days out here.  Today they have a mini beast hunt, always popular with the kids.  £2 per person starting at 2pm ending at 3.30.  All equipment is provided but please come suitably dressed.  Contact Frances Povey 01661 881 234

At Killingworth Lake today there is a lovely Butterfly Walk.  Only £1.50 per child to explore the woodland around the lake and see if you can spot some of these beautiful creatures. 10.30am contact alan.thurgood@northtyneside.gov.uk or 07976 307 347 to book

A fun packed Record Breakers session is on today at North Shields Library.  An hour filled with crazy games and challenges.  Aimed at children aged 6 and above, this is a free activity. Contact 0191 643 5270 to book your places

Thursday 13th August

Animal Antics are at Howdon Library today bringing along a selection of cuddly - and not so cuddly creatures for you to handle.  Free event but must be booked in advance by contacting the library on 0191 643 2070 or email howdon.library@northtyneside.gov.uk

More fun at Tynemouth Station today and Friday with free circus skills workshops. Suitable for all ages, learn juggling, hula hooping and more! Sessions are at 11am and 1pm. Contact 0191 643 7409

Kielder Water has a Red Squirrel Morning today.  From 10am - 12am, join the team for a short talk on squirrels and then explore in the woodland and hope to spot some of them. £3 per adult, £2 per child, booking is required on 01434 221 000

Friday 14th August

There is a Family Fun Day on today at Churchill Playing Fields in Monkseaton today.  Always great fun with loads of free activities for the family to get involved in.  11am - 2pm, lots of games, inflatables and face painting amongst other things. This is a photo of my daughter and her pal at one of the fun days a couple of years ago, always makes me laugh :0)

At Hadrian Leisure Centre in Wallsend today we have Laser-Tag, aimed at the older kid (8+) challenge your friends in the giant inflatable arena. £5.60 per session. Contact 0191 643 2025 for more info and to book.

Lakey Lions at Lakeside Leisure Centre in Killingworth have 2 sessions on today. There is Bouncy Castle and Games on from 1 - 3pm for kids from 4 - 7 and there is also Pool Toys and Floats from 1pm - 2.30pm. £3.60 per child with an Ease card, £5.60 without. Contact the Lakeside to book a place 0191 643 4177

Lakey Lions at Killingworth and Burney Bear at Wallsend have activities on most days of the holidays. Contact either centre for more details