It's a busy weekend in Newcastle, especially as Sunday is Mothering Sunday! We have craft workshops, museum trails, and lots of free outdoor options if the weather holds. Don't miss the chance to catch The Familymakers Show or get hands-on at the Ceramic Workshop.
See our top picks
The Familymakers Show Newcastle
Live Theatre
Free theatre event at Live Theatre on Saturday afternoon.
Relaxed Sunday Sessions
Life Science Centre
Sensory-friendly exploration at the Life Science Centre on Sunday.
Story Time - Gosforth Library
Gosforth Library
Free, short story time session perfect for toddlers on Sunday.
· March 14
4: Get creative and make some lovely flowers for Mother’s Day at this workshop. It's a great afternoon activity for families looking for something hands-on before Sunday arrives.It's perfectly timed for preparing for Mothering Sunday tomorrow.
FREE ENTRY TO HOUSESTEADS ROMAN FORT FOR NATIONAL LOTTERY PLAYERSFREE : If you have a National Lottery ticket, you can get free entry to explore the ruins of Housesteads Roman Fort. A fantastic opportunity to explore local history outside the city centre.It's a free historical day trip, accessible if you have lottery tickets.
BIG BEASTS, LITTLE BEASTS MUSEUM TRAILFREE : Explore the Great North Museum with this interactive trail focusing on big and little beasts. It comes with fun activities and prizes, making it ideal for younger visitors.A free, fun, indoor trail at a top local museum.
CREATIVE BALLET (4-6 YEARS) : A dedicated ballet session specifically for younger children aged 4 to 6 years old on Saturday afternoon.Directly targets the pre-school/early primary age group.
· March 15
4CERAMIC HAND BUILDING WORKSHOP - FAIRY HOUSE TEALIGHT : Spend Sunday afternoon crafting an adorable ceramic fairy house tealight. This is a brilliant, focused indoor activity if the weather isn't cooperating.It’s a focused, creative workshop perfect for Sunday afternoon.
HALF PRICE ENTRY TO ALNWICK GARDEN & LILIDOREI FOR NATIONAL LOTTERY PLAYERS : Sunday is Mothering Sunday—use your National Lottery tickets for half-price entry to the stunning Alnwick Garden and the adventure playground Lilidorei. Great value for a family outing.Perfect Mother's Day activity with a discount for National Lottery players.
FREE : If you’re near Wallsend, take advantage of free entry to the Roman Fort of Segedunum with your National Lottery tickets this Sunday.A free historical day out on Sunday using lottery tickets.
MOTHERING SUNDAY AT BEAMISH MUSEUM : Celebrate Mothering Sunday at the iconic Beamish Museum. It’s a fantastic way to spend the day exploring history outdoors.Specific Mothering Sunday programming at a must-visit attraction.
Also On· anytime this weekend
6: Head out to Hamsterley Forest for the Room on the Broom themed trail. It’s a magical way to spend Saturday morning exploring the woods.Perfect family trail themed around a popular children's book.
FREE : Check out the Discovery Museum's free exhibition looking at energy, climate crisis, and green tech in the North East. Great for sparking conversations about science.A major, free, relevant exhibition running all weekend.
FREE : If you're happy to head slightly out of Newcastle to South Shields, the museum has free crafts, Monet exhibition viewing, and sensory activities scheduled for Saturday.Lots of free, varied activities happening in one go.
: A dedicated Saturday afternoon session just for kids under five to stay and play. Great for parents needing an afternoon activity.Specifically targets the under 5 age group on a Saturday afternoon.
: The Life Science Centre is offering relaxed sessions this Sunday, meaning fewer crowds and lower noise levels for sensitive visitors. You still get all the fun science exhibits.The relaxed format is invaluable for families with sensory needs.
FREE : A perfect, quick stop on Sunday afternoon—pop into Gosforth Library for their regular story time session.A free, short, local activity on a Sunday afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Newcastle this weekend?
This weekend (Mar 14-15) has several free options! Check out The Familymakers Show at Live Theatre on Saturday, or explore the free trails at Sunderland Museum (£1 entry) and the excellent free exhibitions like STEAM TO GREEN at the Discovery Museum.
Are there any specific Mother's Day activities on Sunday, March 15th?
Yes! You could celebrate with a Half Price entry trip to Alnwick Garden & Lilidorei (if you have lottery tickets) or enjoy the special Mothering Sunday event listed at Beamish Museum.
What is running all weekend for younger children?
The Room on the Broom Trail at Hamsterley Forest and the Becoming La Voix Exhibition at Preston Park Museum both run across Saturday and Sunday. For dedicated younger age groups, look out for dedicated toddler groups like Trinity Toddlers or the Under 5's Stay & Play on Saturday.
