Ditch the usual spots this weekend! We've dug up some brilliant, lesser-known things to do around Newcastle, from quiet sensory sessions to a last chance AR adventure. Perfect for getting involved locally.
Quick Picks
FREE Mini Train Rides at Exhibition Park
Exhibition Park
A brilliant, free Sunday morning tradition for little legs.
Lego Builders @ Alan Shearer Centre
Alan Shearer Centre
A perfect indoor session for older kids (10+) to get creative with Lego.
Quiet Stay & Play
Newcastle
A lovely, calm soft play morning designed specifically for under 5s needing a relaxed sensory environment.
· January 31
5QUIET HOUR AT CITY LIBRARYFREE : Need a proper chill start to the weekend? The library opens early just for you, keeping the noise super low so you can browse in peace. Great for families needing a sensory break.A fantastic, thoughtful community initiative that gives families needing quiet space a calm hour before the main doors open.
ART, MUSIC AND MOVEMENT GARDENSFREE : Get outside this Saturday afternoon for a super inclusive session mixing art, music, and movement amongst nature. Brilliant for disabled and non-disabled kids to enjoy together.This is a truly inclusive, active outdoor session that encourages blending art and movement—perfect for families looking for something non-commercial.
ROBIN'S LANTERN QUEST AR TRAIL : Don't miss the final weekend of this magical AR adventure down at Wallington's China Pond. Follow the clues to find the hidden digital lanterns—so cool!It's the absolute last weekend to experience this unique, tech-infused winter quest before it vanishes!
SPOTLIGHT ON....AI! : If you’ve got older kids keen on tech, check out this one-day event at the Science Centre about AI. You can get interactive and see if it can be creative, biased, or sneaky.It addresses a very current topic (AI) in an interactive way—perfect for curious tweens and teens who usually skip standard museum exhibits.
ALL IN YOUTH GROUPFREE : This is a brilliant, supportive Saturday morning hang-out designed for kids with disabilities aged 5 to 13. Loads of fun activities planned for making new friends.Highly specific community group catering for disabled children, offering a supportive environment that parents often search specifically for.
· February 1
4FREE MINI TRAIN RIDES AT EXHIBITION PARKFREE : Score some brilliantly cheap fun this Sunday with mini train rides! They welcome donations, but the ride itself is totally free—perfect for little legs needing an outing.Genuine free fun that specifically caters to younger children, making it a budget-friendly essential for Sunday morning.
QUIET STAY & PLAYFREE : A lovely, calm Sunday morning session where kids under 5 with disabilities can use the soft play, sensory room, and garden without the usual noise. Essential for a relaxed start to the day.Specifically tailored for under 5s needing a relaxed sensory experience—a very useful, low-stress option for Sunday morning.
LEGO BUILDERS @ ALAN SHEARER CENTREFREE : If the weather turns rotten, this is a great backup plan: get stuck into some serious Lego building! Note this session is specifically aimed at ages 10+ with disabilities.It’s an indoor, hands-on activity specifically for slightly older kids (10+), hitting a gap often left by general craft sessions.
FREE MEET & MAKE ARTIST LED WORKSHOP FOR 5-12 YEAR OLDSFREE : Score a free, proper hands-on afternoon this Sunday! This is an artist-led craft workshop perfect for the 5-12 age bracket. Get creative without touching your wallet.Artist-led craft workshops are always great, and the fact that this is totally free makes it an essential Sunday afternoon booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Newcastle this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 31st - Feb 1st) you can get stuck into several great free events. Don't miss the FREE Mini Train Rides at Exhibition Park on Sunday, or the Quiet Hour at the City Library on Saturday morning.
Are there any hands-on activities for older kids (10+)?
Yes! Check out the Lego Builders session at the Alan Shearer Centre on Sunday afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM), which is aimed specifically at ages 10+ with disabilities.
What if it rains on Sunday? Where can we go indoors?
If the weather is rubbish, head to Gateshead for the FREE Meet & Make Artist Led Workshop (5-12s) or enjoy the Lego Builders session indoors on Sunday afternoon.