Kidz Life in Newcastle
Want to know what to do with your kids? Need to beat the holiday blues? Look no further … here are our fave kiddy days out and activities in Newcastle.
Wet 'n' Wild
Europe's newest and most spectacular 'white knuckle' water ride the Abyss offers a daunting 300 foot plunge on a double inflatable raft which ends with the raft hurtling backwards at the end of the ride.
Location Royal Quays, North Shields
Telephone 0191 296 1333
Email bookings.clerk@wetnwild.co.uk
Admission (Standard) adults £6.75, children & concs £3.65. Prices are cheaper on weekdays, evenings, and outside the peak season.
For more info visit www.wetnwild.co.uk
Piccolo Music Club
Holy Trinity Church Hall, Churchill Gardens, near Jesmond Dene, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne
Singing and dancing sessions for the babies and small children.
When: Thursday mornings 9.45, 10.45, 11.30 in term time or see web site.
Cost: Children over 4 months £3.50 then £2.00 per additional sibling.
No need to book. Free parking. Price includes refreshments.
For more info visit www.piccolomusic.co.uk or contact Ms Anna Scantlebury, 17 St Oswins Avenue, Cullercoats, North Shields, NE30 4PH, 0191 252 8765
Kids Play Centres
Kids Cabin
Church Walk
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE6 3DL
0191 295 3655
Koko's
285 Shields Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE6 2UQ
0191 265 2223
Ravenswood Road After School Club
Ravenswood Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE6 5TU
0191 276 4969
City Farm
Stepney Bank Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PW
Located at the bottom of a steep bank and extending under Byker Bridge, half the fun of this animal farm is getting there. At the farm, you will find the animal enclosures are designed with the curiosity of small children, as well as the animals in mind. In addition to farmyard animals which can be petted and fed, there is a café, play area and baby changing facility. This is a child-friendly day out that is very hands-on, be prepared to get licked and nuzzled by the goats.
Admission: free
More info contact: 0191 232 3698
Hancock Museum
Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PT
The City’s premier museum and one which definitely merits multiple visits. Opened in 1884 and named after celebrated local naturalists, the Hancock has undergone a major revival over the last decade, helped in no small way by populist exhibitions. What cannot be denied is that kids love it and makes for a great day out.
Major permanent exhibitions include the ever popular Land of the Pharaohs - which explores life and death in Ancient Egypt, including a reconstructed tomb, an embalmers tent, and two mummies; Earthworks - an interactive/traditional look at the evolution of the Earth; Living Planet - explores life on earth, its diversity, ecology, and fragility. The Museum can be booked for parties, conferences etc. Admission: adults £3.95, children & concs £2.50.
For more info contact 0191 222 6765
Metroland
Garden Walk Metro Centre, Gateshead, NE11 9XY
Metroland is the largest indoor theme park in Europe, and offers fun and distraction for children of all ages and maybe for adults too. A variety of rides include a huge swinging pirate ship that is guaranteed to have your stomach doing loops, and a roller coaster that winds its screaming way overhead. There are also gentler rides that might be more suitable for younger children or those who don’t like speed or heights. Around the margins of the park are other offerings such as computer games, slot machines, bingo and pool.
There is no admission fee and individual rides cost from £1.30 to £1.80 or there are a variety of day passes.
More info Tel: 0191 493 4028
Sea Life Aquarium
Grand Parade, Tynemouth, Newcaste upon Tyne, NE30 4JF
Occupying a prime sea-front site, the Sea Life Aquarium has proved to be a popular attraction since its opening in 1998. The entry price allows re-entry throughout the day, so combine this with a trip to the beach, Tynemouth Castle and Priory, or have a wander through historic Tynemouth Village itself. The Aquarium boasts over 40 displays of marine life: sharks, rays, and countless creatures of the deep, all viewable through underwater tunnels and bubble windows. There is a FinZone Undersea Adventure Trail, complete with puzzles, an interactive resource centre, CD-ROM games, and video shows. You can also attend feeding demonstrations and talks. Head for the Aquarium's cafe (no fish and chips!) or browse in the gift shop. Well worth a visit: educational and fun!
Admission: adults £5.75, children £3.99, OAPs £4.50 - discounts for school parties and large groups.
For more info contact 0191 257 6100