Marvelous Maps

 Hi Everyone,

We were happy to be sent the amazing Great British Adventure Map. This map is fab and perfect for map lovers, adventurers and, well, anyone! 

The Great British Adventure Map features 2,500 of Britain’s great wild places, mountains, islands, beaches, waterways, viewpoints, eccentric events and long-distance routes, peppered with some randomly inspiring trivia and amusingly quirky touches. There are so many places on the map that we had never heard of so we are excited to have complied a huge list of places that we want to go to.

The map is a really good size making it ideal for the kids to immerse themselves in it and get excited about choosing their own adventure.

There is a wonderful website to go alongside the map with lots of hints tips and ideas to make your adventure even more memorable. 

Get your map here www.marvelousmaps.com and  use the code DROPANDGIMME20 to get 20% off 2 or more maps plus free UK delivery.

Disney on Ice

 Hi Everyone,

Last night we had the most magical time at Disney On Ice at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle . We have been going to see this show every year for the last ten years so we were very excited to see this once again.

We say this after every production but this was the best one yet. The sets and costumes are just amazing, the skill of the skaters is world class and the way they tell the story is just wonderful. The whole show is mesmerising from beginning to end.

What we love about Disney on Ice is that it's a show for everyone, the adults love it just as much as the kids. Toddlers and teens, boys and girls, they all sing-a-long with massive smiles on their faces. It's absolutely joyous.

The shows usually last around 2 hours and the venue is pretty good at getting people in and out. We always arrive early so we can avoid any queues and get settled before the show starts. Doors typically open one hour before show time.

One of the main questions people ask about is the price of the merchandise. It is on the expensive side but it's also very good quality. Flashy lights are around £25. My youngest has a Mikey light we bought several years ago which still works perfectly and always comes along to the shows with us. Snow cone cups start at £10 and again really stand the test of time. We were a little disappointed this year as we actually own all the cups so couldn't add another to our collection but got a drinking bottle instead, which is great for avoiding snow cone spillages. 

We did purchase the candy floss with a crown for £11. The crown is very well made and looks really lovely as it has Mickey ears, jewels and padding on the inside. This will definitely be used again. Buckets of popcorn were £12 and again the bucket is lovely with an embossed Mickey head and a lid so ideal for pens etc. All merc comes with 2 year guarantee aswell which always comes in handy when little ones are involved.

Rainton Arena Winter Wonderland Offers

Hi Everyone,

There are some great discounts for Rainton Areas Winter Wonderland ice rink and Aladdin Pantomime at the moment. Follow the links for all the info and to  get your tickets.

Aladdin:

Pantomime discount tickets here

Get a ticket to see the wonderful Aladdin pantomime 

Traditional pantomime mixed with an updated twist with Tiktok dances, songs  and more 

Can multibuy vouchers for families and groups

Family friendly pantomime but with entertainment and humour for all ages to enjoy

Spend some quality family time together making memories 

Shows running from 5th-22nd Dec 2021

Shows start at 11am and 3:30pm

Ice Rink:

Ice rink discount tickets here

Largest ice skating rink in the North East 

Ideal for all skating abilities whether you are a natural on the ice or like Bambi on ice there's fun all round.

After your skating you are at the winter wonderland with Santas Grotto, a full fair ground and world food stalls at your feet

Spend some quality family time together making memories 

Monday to Thursday 4pm-8pm

#ad #neoffers #pantomime #aladdin #icerink #raintonarena #raintonarenawinterwonderland #Christmas #familytime #notboredoutdoors

The Hole In Wand

 Hi Everyone,

We visited @theholeinwand wizard golf yesterday and we're so surprised by just how much fun it is. It is set up very much in the style of Harry Potter and each of the 9 holes has a wizard theme. 

It is very immersive as there is a backstory to go alongside the game and also a letter hunt. At the end depending on your score you will receive a potion. Different scores receive different ones. We were very excited to enjoy them in the Tavern.

The Tavern menu is quite fun and also wizard themed. Everything looked lovely and definitely finished the golf fun off well. We wanted to give a big shout out to the staff. They are so friendly and really set up the wizard mood perfectly.

Prices start at £6.99 and definitely do book before going as it's very popular and quite often becomes sold out. 

#holeinwand # #holeinwandyork #harrypotter  # visityork #potions #york #familytime #igotaholeinone

National Lottery Days Out

 Hi Everyone,

The National Lottery is still providing vouchers for great days out. To get a voucher worth £25 all you have to do is buy a lottery ticket worth over £2. 

So not only do you get a chance to win some money, you also get to enjoy a great day out at a lower price!

Full details of the promotion and a list of days out that the voucher can be used for can be found here, there's absolutely loads to choose from:

https://www.visitbritainshop.com/gb/en/nationallotterydaysout

Northumberland College Zoo

 Hi Everyone,

There's a cracking deal for Northumberland College Zoo at the moment. You can get a family ticket for only £10. Tickets are valid Sat & Sun, 10am-4pm - weekday Oct and Feb half-term dates available!

Check out the full details and get your tickets here:

https://tidd.ly/30NkjK1

Rainton Arena Winter Wonderland

 Hi Everyone,

Rainton Arena is back this Christmas with another fantastic event for all the family to enjoy. They have absolutely loads going so do check it out:

"Can you guess who's flying into Winter Wonderland this Christmas? 🎅🏼🎁

From November-January you can take a trip to Santa's grotto, a skate around the Ice Rink, a ride on our fairground rides and try our delicious food and drinks stalls. 🎡⛸️

Entry is FREE however you will need to purchase tickets for Santa's Grotto and Ice Rink which are available on our website."

Ice Rink ❄️: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Durham/Rainton-Arena/Winter-Wonderland---Ice-Skating-2021-later-sessions/35841561/

Santas Grotto 🎅🏼: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Durham/Rainton-Arena/Winter-Wonderland-8211-Santas-Grotto-2021-Early-Sessions/35842392/

Newcastle Winter Wonderland

 Hi Everyone,

How amazing does Winter Wonderland sound!!

"The BIG Wish LTD is proud to present NEWCASTLE LARGEST WINTER WONDERLAND in the heart of Newcastle Upon Tyne at Newcastle Racecourse! 

Join us from 19th November through to 2nd January for a fun filled family day out! 

We have something to suit all of the family! From thrilling rides and attractions to Santa Claus himself and his naughty elves! Glide across the ice on our real ice rink! Visit our Christmas market, including street food stalls and Christmas themed stalls! Take a weight off with a pint or a mulled wine at our giant German Bar, where we have incredible live bands."

For more information and to book visit:

https://www.facebook.com/Winterwonderlandnewcastlebigwish/

#winterwonderland #newcastleracecourse #iceskating #funfair #familyfun #christmas #christmasvibes #

Souter Lighthouse Haloween

 Hi Everyone,

"Families can find outdoor adventures and Halloween crafts at Souter this half term.

You can get into the spirit of Halloween with a spooky outdoor trail and pick up a pack of creative crafts on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 October. There’s no need to book for either, simply head to the admissions desk between 11am and 3pm to get started. The trail is free, craft packs are £3 each.

In the lighthouse, kids can explore how coastal navigation works and colourful hands-on activity tables show how lighthouse keepers kept ships safe. Climbing to the top of the tower is an adventure for all ages, rewarded by views that stretch for miles.

There’s plenty of space to picnic and play in the Foghorn Field, or head onto the Welfare Field to fly a kite, kick a ball or have a run around with the family dog. Start near the car park to follow our Active Mile trail around Whitburn Coastal Park, with instructions for a different excercise at each way marker.

If the weather is good, little ones can borrow a balance bike for free and venture along traffic-free trails. Please ask a member of the team for details."

(Info taking direct from Souter Lighthouse)

Festival of Light Sunderland

 Hi Everyone,

We visited the Festival of Light at Roker Park yesterday evening.  We arrived for 5pm which was ideal for us as there was only a few people in the park at that point and we were able to take advantage of the lovely play areas. These parks close at nightfall and we were also able to get on the train ride without much of a queue at all. The train ride is lovely with adults and children both being able to ride. This is free but they do accept donations. The people running the ride are great to.

Even at dusk, the lights are still very bright and vibrant so perfect if you have little ones who don't particularly like the dark. There are lots of food and drink vendors around the park and you can buy flashy lights which were priced between £5-£7. There is a helter skelter inside the park and lots of rides just outside on the sea front.  There is definitely plenty to keep you busy. Don't forget to look out for the stilt walkers and characters who are happy to chat and pose for a photo.

As the night drew on the park turned more magical as the lights really came into their own. The park did become a lot busier though. 

In previous years there has been a light display in the pond which has been moved this year to include fire as well. This was amazing all set to music and it felt like a show. The display runs every 15mins so it's worth waiting to watch from the begining if you arrive part way through.

We also enjoyed the haloween lights. Great for some spooky photo opportunities!

The roads around the park are closed off for permit holders only but we were able to park without to much trouble. If you park along the coast road you can enjoy the lights as you walk up to the park.

#festivaloflights #rokerpark #visitsunderland #rokerlights #familyfun #notboredoutdoors #wrapupwarm #glovesareback #funfair #haloween #photoopps

Morpeth Family Golf Centre Haloween

 Hi Everyone,

You can enjoy HALLOWEEN WEEK at Morpeth Family Golf Centre this half term. We had a great time on our last visit you can read our full review here:

https://www.notboredoutdoors.co.uk/2021/06/morpeth-family-golf-centre.html

They have some spooktacular activities coming to Morpeth Family Golf Centre 👻 

• Adventure golf pumpkin trail

• Guess the number of eyeballs in the jar

• Halloween picture competition 

• Best fancy dress competition 

Get your thinking caps on, plan your fancy dress costume and come and join us for an exciting Halloween week

School of Rock

 Hi Everyone,

We had the most amazing night last night watching  @schoolofrockuk at the beautiful @sundempire . We had previously seen the show in London a few years back so we knew we were in for a treat but we were totally blown away again by just how amazing the show cast and production is. It was also wonderful to get outdoors again and watch live theatre.The atmosphere from the audience was fantastic. We have to give a huge thank you to The Sunderland Empire for giving us the most wonderful night, it is a beautiful building filled with wonderful staff and amazing shows.

If you've missed School of Rock this time round they are back in the North East at the Theatre Royal Newcastle in March 2022. We can't recommend this show enough for families, kids and adults. 

UK festival of rescue

 Hi Everyone,

The UK Festival of Rescue kicks and it looks awesome. This is a free event that runs from 8am -5pm on the Newcastle and Gateshead Quaysides today and tomorrow (17th and 18th Sept).

The event is hosted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and is being held in partnership with all five local authorities of Tyne and Wear with each authority supporting one of the UKRO challenges.  

There will be over 300 competitors from 25 UK fire services battling it out across 5 exciting disciplines:

• Vehicle Extrication (in partnership with Newcastle City Council)  

• Trauma Care (in partnership with Gateshead Council)

• Urban Search and Rescue (in partnership with Sunderland, UK)

• Rope Rescue (in partnership with South Tyneside Council)

• Water Rescue (in partnership with North Tyneside Council)

The various sites will be open from 8am until 5pm with the activities taking place in areas including Newcastle Quayside; Spillers Wharf; Baltic Square; and Baltic Mill BALTIC Centre For Contemporary Art).

 

Big Kid Circus 2021

 Hi everyone,

We were lucky enough to go to the opening night of @bigkidcircusuk in Whitburn last night. 

Wow what a show! They have introduced tons of new content from the previous year including bmx and trial biking, knife throwing and stilt juggling. 

Of course, your favourites are back including the loveable clown Pepeluxo! who entertains the crowd throughout the night. We have to say our kids love Pepeluxo.

 

You can buy food including hotdogs, burgers, chips, popcorn and candyfloss. Along with the usual circus souvenirs, of flashy lights and balloons.

If you are looking for a fun night out with the family, look no further than Big Kid Circus which is in town until Sunday 19th September.

Puttstars York

 Hi everyone,

Whilst we were in York on Monday, we decided to go to the very impressive Puttstars York. This was such a fantastic place we decided to give it its own post. 

It is located right next to the York park and ride service so perfect for on the way there or back. This indoor mini-golf centre offers 3 fantastic courses under one roof called ZigZag, Slingshot and Pinball which sits above a huge bowling alley and arcade. The courses all have iPads at the beginning of each hole. These add a new spin to the traditional golf game. On these iPads you record the score from the previous turn which turns the score to points. You also get 2 "Jokers" to play before your turn on each course which doubles your points. Great for the competitive individuals, you know who you are! 👉🏆

Throughout the courses you'll find a huge range of obstacles including a maze, double loop-de-loops, a Rube Goldberg machine and a multi-choice track to name a few.

The centre is well suited to both adults and families offering a range of offers including meal deals, Rounds & Drinks etc. They also have Gluten free options which is a huge plus in our eyes.  

We had such a great time here we will definitely be going back! Words cant truly do this business justice so take a look at these photos 😁

York

 Hi Everyone,

We visited York for the first time on bank holiday Monday and genuinely can't believe we haven't been before!

We drove down about an hour and half from South Shields then took advantage of the park and ride service which cost £5.50 for a family ticket and managed to secure those upstairs window from seats 😃.

As it was our first visit we stuck to the very touristy points of interest. York Minister which is absolutely massive and just breathtakingly impressive. It's definitely somewhere you have to visit to appreciate the grandure.

Next we headed toThe Shambles it is exactly like stepping into Diagon Alley from Harry Potter with some amazing shops. The Shop That Must Not Be Named is awesome and filled with Harry Potter goodies our daughters also enjoyed Enchanted Galaxy which was also filled with Harry Potter along with other fan favourite merchandise.

We walked along the York city walls that are so well preserved, they have fact boards along the route which really added to the experience and the views especially of York Minister are fantastic.

We wanted to give a massive shout out to York for just had good it is for gluten free food. Having a coeliac in the family can make finding somewhere to eat very tricky but we were actually spoilt for choice. We went to The York Roast Co. and Double Dutch Pancake House which were awesome but we did spot a few other places to.

We can't wait to visit again very soon!

Housesteads Roman Fort

 Hi Everyone,  

We've had a great time today at Housesteads Roman Fort  and Hadrian's Wall in Hexham.

 You can walk along Hadrian's wall for free but entry to the Fort and museum is chargable. However both National Trust and English Heritage members can visit for free.

 We did need to pre book to visit but there was plenty of availability so not a problem for our last minute adventure.  

When we arrived a tour of the fort had just started so we joined in and we were so pleased we did. Paul our guide was so informative and we learned so much about the fort and  Roman history in general. It was tailored very well to both children and adults. Our daughters really enjoyed it, especially learning about the Roman toilets!  

We took a walk along Hadrian's Wall after exploring the fort and enjoyed the stunning views. It is very picturesque and just amazing to think about how it was built.

We then visited the museum. It is quite small but that had lots of interesting artefacts and you could also purchase gifts and refreshments from inside.

 The walk to the fort and the wall is quite steep but not to taxing. We were told at the start that they do offer assistance to people who may struggle with the incline.  

Housesteads has a lovely cafe, a little play area, gift shop and toilets. We were even lucky enough to see some chicks nesting near the cafe. They do have a car park which is chargeable at £3 for the first 3 hours then £2 an hour there after with a max charge of £10.

#housesteadsromanfort #hadrianswall #hexham #romans #familywalks #history #nationaltrust #englishheritage

Alton Towers

 Hi Everyone,

We had an amazing time at Alton Towers  yesterday. We particularly enjoyed the new World of David Walliams zone, we would definitely recommend a visit to any fans of his out there.

Our youngest was able to ride Thirteen for the first time which she absolutely loved and we managed to ride most of the rides on our visit and have a trip to the dungeons so happy kids and adults at the end of the day. 

There are a few new retro rides at the park this year which were alot of fun, and the 80s rock tunes went down a treat.

The park was very busy so please do bare this mind if you plan a visit and are worried about covid. We managed to avoid most of the big crowds using the app but there are some points where this isn't possible.

#altontowers #familyfun #choochoo #screamifyouwanttogofaster #davidwalliams #theworldofdavidwalliams

Twycross Zoo

 Hi Everyone,

We've had a lovely day at Twycross Zoo . We were lucky enough to see many animals playing and having fun including orangutans, gorillas, chimps and giraffes to name a few.

As well as animals there are also play parks including a splash zone, food out let's, soft play and gift shop. Parking is onsite and free.

Twycross is also free for children who have a Blue Peter badge so definitely work checking that out if you plan a visit:

https://www.notboredoutdoors.co.uk/2020/04/blue-peter-badge.html

Richardson Dee's Park

 Hi Everyone,

We enjoyed a lovely day at Richardson Dee's Park today. We love how vast the park is with so much space to explore. There is a fabulous play area, skate park, cafe, toilets, gym, ponds, and tennis courts to enjoy also. This park is very easy to get to by car or metro (kids currently travel free on the metro) and ideal for a fun free family day out.

There is also a wonderful gluten free bakery close by #thelilytreebakery which we definitely recommend. It's about a 5 minute drive from the park.

You can read our full review from a previous visit here:

https://www.notboredoutdoors.co.uk/2020/06/richardson-dees-park.html

#richardsondeespark #northtyneside #freefamilyfun #kidsfreeonthemetro #parkdays #notboredoutdoors

St Mary's Lighthouse Rock Pools

 Hi Everyone,

We had a lovely morning exploring the rock pools and watching the many seals at St Mary's Island today. 

It's a gorgeous place to visit with plenty to keep you entertained for a good few hours at least. Nets and buckets can be purchased at the light house (£2 large net upto £2 for a bucket) or there are vans in the car park selling them to if you don't have your own. All day parking was only £3 so it really is a very cheap day out. There are toilets in the car park and plenty of food vans dotted about also.

Life Centre

Hi Everyone,

We visited the centre for life in Newcastle yesterday. It was our first visit in what feels likes years so we were very excited to go.

We took the metro taking advantage of the kids travel for free offer:

https://www.notboredoutdoors.co.uk/2021/07/kids-go-free-on-metro-and-shieids-ferry.html

We bought our Life tickets online, £30.50 for a family of four. We spent over five hours on the entre so we'd definitely say it's good value for money.

We has a fabulous time we took in a science show and two planatatium shows which were amazing. We got hands on making windmills and conducting science experiments.

Our favourite part of this visit was the space exhibition, they have everything from an international space station to a NASA control room with so many fascinating and interactive activities. We captured some beautiful photos of our time there to.

Running along side this is a Lego exhibition which is really cool and the lots of hands on activities in the brain zone.

We had almost forgot how wonder the science centre is and would whole heartedly recommend a visit.

North East Retro Den Arcade

 Hi everyone,

Yesterday we went along to the GEEK-tastic, North East Retro Den Arcade (NERD we seen what you did there) in Felling, Gateshead. It is most definitely a gem of an arcade. With tickets at a ridiculously cheap £5 per hour you'll get unlimited turns on classic arcade games including The Simpsons, Silent Scope, Tekken and Mortal Kombat to name a few. You can even add another hour for only £3!

We did not stop throughout the hour we had there jumping from game to game which kept the younger kids and the older kids (that remembers these games being released) entertained. All with no need to find another £1 for an extra life!

We even found out that you can hire the arcade for your special events, we can imagine some brilliant birthday parties taking place here. In line with this they also have a number of events going on throughout the year including NERD Fright Fest this October in the Boiler Shop, Newcastle. We'll certainly be checking this out and you never know we may just have something special planned for a lucky few 😉.

These guys really do have a passion for video games and it shows with the unreal amount of collectables, memorabilia and toys which are on sale in the shop and through the following website:

 www.gloriouslygeek.com

All in all a fantastic place, with very friendly staff, where you can easily spend a couple of fun filled hours with the whole family.

Give them a follow on Facebook to keep up with all things NERD-y

https://www.facebook.com/Northeastretroden/

#northeastretroden #nerdden #gloriouslygeek #retrogaming #familyfun #notboredoutdoors

Free Summer Parks Events

 Hi Everyone,

South Tynesides FREE Summer Parks Events kicks off today, Wed 4th Aug with children's entertainer Kendrick at Cornthwaite Park at

2:00pm to 2:45pm and 3:00pm to 3:45pm.

There is a whole host of different free events throughout the parks in South Tyneside, including children's entertainment, theatre shows and live music. You can find the full list in the link below:

Free Summer Parks Events List

TAG X Batley

 Hi Everyone,

We had our visit to TAG X yesterday in Batley, Kirklees yesterday. The drive from South Shields was about two hours and it was definitely worth the trip.

When we arrived we saw the biggest play frame we've ever seen. The TAG X arena is a sort of mix between a ninja warrior assault course and a soft play. In other words lots of FUN!

The object of TAG X is to activate lights around the arena with your wrist band. The lights are coloured coded and worth different points for levels of difficulty. The player with the most points at the end wins the game. 

There are three zones with 22 different challenges throughout. Initially we would have said some challenges are more to bigger kids/adults but our 9 year old absolutely wipes the floor with us, reaching tags we couldn't haha.

As a family we had so much fun. There are just so many elements in the arena. Challenges like the giant ball cage, climbing frames, crawling tubes, cargo nets, warped wall, spider wall, mirror maze... the list goes on. Even if you can't conquer each element it's fun to have a go and try the next one. There's scoring pads positioned everywhere so no matter what your age or physical fitness you should be able to play.

A team member from Tag X  is in each Zone with you so if you need any help or encouragement they are there to assist. We have to say they staff all seemed very friendly and really were good at giving us all encouragement.

There are a few rules for TAG X you need to be at least 8 years old and over 1.2 meters to enter the arena. Long sturdy clothes are recommended. 

For the littler ones, There is a rather fab looking soft play in the same room as the arena so perfect if you have a younger and older child.

The price of TAG X is amazing it's only £8 for a single or a group ticket for 4 is only £24. We thought this is amazing value.

There is a cafe in the centre serving a range of food and drinks which makes it a perfect place to relax if you don't want to participate in either Tag X or the softplay. They have lockers and toilet facilities in this area to. There is also a large onsite car park which serves not only the Tag X arena but the leisure centre that it is attached too. 

For more info and to book follow the link:

TAG X Batley

Unlock the Magic of Disney

 Hi Everyone,

The metrocentre is running the unlock the magic of Disney competition again this year. This is a trail of 300 Micky Mouse stickers to find around the shopping centre. As you find each sticker you need to scan the QR code with your smart phone to unlock prizes. These range from discounts to a trip to Disneyland Paris 🤞

We always have a lot of fun doing this challenge and our daughter gets so excited finding the stickers and seeing what rewards she unlocks. We usually try to collect them all over a few visits as 300 is alot for one trip! We've always found it a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon or morning. 

https://themetrocentre.co.uk/whats-on/events/unlock-the-magic-of-disney

Screen on the Green

 Hi Everyone,

Here's the full timetable of movies you can watch for FREE at Newcastle's Screen on the Green. Located outside Old Eldon Square.

Screen on the Green Schedule

 This is one of our favourite things to do over summer. It combines our love of the outdoors with our love of movies. What's even better is with it being free you can definitely get that bigger bag of popcorn 🍿

#screenonthegreen #newcastle @notboredoutdoors

Gearing up for a day of Family Fun at The Tour Series

Hi Everyone,

"Sunderland is saddling up for a fun day out for all the family when cycling's elite visit the city next month.

Circus Skills workshops, stunt cycling displays, children's shows and a walkabout magician are just some of the fun activities lined up for families to enjoy when Sunderland plays host to the second round of the Tour Series professional cycling on the afternoon of Tuesday 10 August.

A whole afternoon of free family fun will begin at 12 noon in the city centre's Mowbray Park, ahead of the races starting at 5.30pm, so why not come along and join us?

Families can enjoy a Princess and Superhero show,  free face painting, fun bubble shows throughout the park,  a climbing wall, local musicians and food and drink concessions. Everyone Active will also be providing a cycle themed programme including spin bikes and cycle watt challenge.

Launched in 2009, the televised Tour Series sees Britain’s best male and female riders compete against each other in a unique, team-based format as part of a day of sporting and community-focused activities.

British sporting heroes, including several Olympians and Tour de France riders have competed in the series during its history and nearly two million fans have watched a round.  

Family activities in the park will run from 12 noon until 5pm followed by the Women's Race at 5.30.pm, the Men's Race at 7pm and the podium presentation at 8.15pm"

To see the full timetable of events and more info follow the below link:

https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/article/19215/Tour-Series-2021

FREE Go North East Depot Open Day

Hi Everyone,

Tomorrow, Sunday, 25 July, between 10am and 4pm Go North East, will be hosting  a FREE entry open day event at their Riverside Gateshead depot along  with the nearby Metrocentre Bus Rally. They are offering a free shuttle bus service linking the two sites. 

There will be a selection of stalls at the event, where you can buy all things Go North East and bus related.

"No parking is available on site, but the Metrocentre is serviced by frequent buses from across the region, including the frequent X66 bus from Gateshead Interchange that also passes the Riverside depot."

For more info visit:

https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/go-north-east-host-open-day-event-gateshead-riverside-depot-sunday

Pop Up Beach In Durham

 Hi Everyone,

We can now enjoy the seaside in Durham this summer as a FREE pop-up beach is being installed outside Odeon Luxe for the summer! 

The beach will have deck chairs, buckets and spades, along with beach games, The Riverwalk Beach opens on Saturday 24th July at 10am until 7pm, and will be open every day until Sunday 5th September. So plenty of time to enjoy the city beach.

Kids Go Free on Metro and Shields Ferry

Hi Everyone,

Fantastic offer from the Metro and Shields Ferry

"Up to three children aged 11 and under can now travel for free when accompanied by a fare paying adult.  The fare-paying adult must be aged 18 or over and in possession of a valid ticket or validated smartcard. The accompanying children don't need to have a ticket. "

Perfect for days out this summer.

For full details go to:  https://www.nexus.org.uk/metro/take-kids-free

Free Breathtaking Days Out

Hi Everyone,

Here are our top five picks for breathtaking days out. These are all places that have the most beautiful scenery and make you feel like you've travelled to an exotic destination without heading to the airport. What's even better is they are all free to visit (parking charges may apply). Click the links to read our full reviews.

ROSEBERRY TOPPING

You will feel like you're on top of the world when you reach the peek of this magnificent hill. It's not only a beautiful view from the top but also has the most stunning scenery all the way up. 

ROSEBERRY TOPPING REVIEW

BRIMHAM ROCKS

It almost feels like you are in a different world here. The scenery is just sureal. Whether you climb to the top of the highest rocks or observe the beauty from the ground you're sure to have a great time.

BRIMHAM ROCKS REVIEW

WHARTON PARK

This park offers spectacular views of Durham including the cathedral. We would definitely recommend a visit as it has a little something for everyone to enjoy.

WHARTON PARK REVIEW

FINCHALE PRIORY

The ruins of the priory are set within wonderful grounds, including a stunning river and woods. Plenty of amazing sights to see and explore.

FINCHALE PRIORY REVIEW

BOWLEES AND HIGHFORCE WATERFALLS

Waterfalls are just so magical  and these two are no exception. You can enjoy gorgeous walks in the beautiful countryside to reach the top of Highforce. It's hard to believe that you can visit these awesome falls so close to home.

BOWLEES AND HIGHFORCE REVIEWIEW

As always please feel free to check out our ULTIMATE ACTIVITY LIST for even more ideas.

Wonky Olympics And Much More At The Discovery Museum

 Hi Everyone,

There's absolutely loads going on at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle this summer. From free drop in session to crafts and experiments starting at £5.50. 

We are particularly keen to check out the Wonky Olympics, as like many others we missed out on enjoying sports day as a family so this seems like a very fun alternative.

"Wed 4th Aug

Wonky Olympics Free drop in 11am - 3pm ages 4 - 12 (any age can join in)

Two hapless PE teachers have decided to recreate the Olympic Games - with some cones, hula hoops - and a  tiny megaphone.

This free family event at Discovery Museum is silly fun for kids and adults - a comedic act that'll get you moving. Expect to have a crack at assault courses and get fit, while smiling. "

Check out the huge list of activities available at The Discovery Museum here:What's On At The Discovery Museum

📸 Discovery Museum

Alnwick Garden Kids Go Free

 Hi Everyone,

There's an amazing offer from The Alnwick Garden at the moment, children under the age of 16 can visit completely free with a paying adult. What's better is this offer is valid for upto 4 children per adult, which is fantastic for larger families. 

The Alnwick Garden is a truly wonderful place to visit and we as a family have spent many happy days there over the years. We love how it changes over the seasons, it is simply stunning.

For more information visit: The Alnwick Garden

Farmyard Flyers Preston Park Museum

 Hi Everyone,

Visit Preston Park Museum on Sundays from 25th July to 29th August to see their pop up farm yard curiosity of Farmyard Flyer. You can meet alpacas, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks and hens.

This is a drop in event and you will need a museum ticket to visit the farm, which you can purchase upon arrival. If you already have a museum pass, don't forget to bring it with you. A family ticket for 2 adults + 3 children costs £15 and can be used for unlimited visits for a year. Which is really good value. If you haven't visited before the museum is similar to Beamish just on a smaller scale. 

Preston park grounds is home to a absolutely massive play park and butterfly world so you could definitely make this a full day out.

Outdoor fun ideas

Hi Everyone,

What beautiful weather we are having ☀️ perfect for some outdoor fun.

Here are our top 6 pics for wonderful days out. We know the summer can be expensive so we've stuck to one for each week of the holidays.

BROOM HOUSE FARM

A fantastic woodland adventure set in the grounds of a lovely little farm. This one is fun for adults and kids alike.

https://www.notboredoutdoors.co.uk/2021/04/broom-house-farm.html

NINJA WARRIOR UK

This is so much fun and is a great challenge for adults and kids. Our girls have asked to come back here so many times since our last visit.

https://www.notboredoutdoors.co.uk/2020/11/ninja-warrior-uk-stoke.html

TREE TOP TREK WINDERMERE

Lots of fun for both kids and adults set in the most beautiful location. There are high and low ropes courses, GIANT zip lines, nets and much much to be enjoyed here.

https://www.notboredoutdoors.co.uk/2020/10/treetoptrek-windermere-review.html

KNOWSLEY SAFARI PARK

We love visiting here, there are so many animals to enjoy, a fun fair and has the added benefit of being a drive through if you want to avoid crowds.

https://www.notboredoutdoors.co.uk/2019/06/knowsley-safari-park.html

TYNEMOUTH PARK

This is a brilliant area with a fabulous maze, golf and giant inflatables. 

https://www.notboredoutdoors.co.uk/2021/04/tynemouth-park.html

SOUTH LAKES SAFARI ZOO

This is one of our favourite places to visit. We love how close we can get to the animals and have enjoyed many of the animal experiences.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=756175354801828&id=674273372992027

Don't forget to check out our ULTIMATE ACTIVITY LIST for even more ideas

https://www.notboredoutdoors.co.uk/2020/08/ultimate-activities-list-august-2020.html

Top Parks

 Hi Everyone,

The summer holidays are fast approaching so we want to help you all have an amazing time, as we're all definitely due a bit of fun. Since we love to be outdoors we thought we'd start with some of our favourite parks. Not only are parks brilliant for a wide range of age groups they have the added benefit of being free so win win. The parks listed below all have toilet facilities on site 😃

Our top pics are:

SALTWELL PARK

We love this park it had two fantastic play areas, a boating lake, train, lots of wildlife and a cafe.

https://www.notboredoutdoors.co.uk/2020/02/hi-everyone-saltwell-park-has-to-be-one.html

CARLISLE PARK

We love to visit here with its play areas that are spread out, beautiful river walks, boats, lots of places to grab a bite and ice cream.

https://www.notboredoutdoors.co.uk/2021/04/carlisle-park.html

BARNES PARK

This is a smaller park but we love the play areas and the lovely duck pond. Its a great place to ride a bike or scooter.

https://www.notboredoutdoors.co.uk/2020/10/barnes-park-sunderland.html

TYNE GREEN PARK

Again this is a beautiful park with lots of green space, lovely river walks and a very well equipped play area.

https://www.notboredoutdoors.co.uk/2020/07/tyne-green-park.html

RICHARDSON-DEES PARK

The play area here is fantastic, with lots of green space, woodland walks and trails. There is a skate park and cafe. This is a very good park for all the family.

https://www.notboredoutdoors.co.uk/2020/06/richardson-dees-park.html

DERWENT WATERSIDE PARK

We really enjoy coming here it always feels more like a day trip then just going to the park. The play area is superb and the views are breathtaking. It also has the benefit of stunning walks around the reservoir to. There is a cafe and gift shop.

https://www.notboredoutdoors.co.uk/2020/07/derwent-waterside-park.html

Don't forget to check out our ULTIMATE ACTIVITY LIST : 

https://www.notboredoutdoors.co.uk/2020/08/ultimate-activities-list-august-2020.html

Active Sunderland Summer Family Fun

Hi Everyone,

Active Sunderland Summer Family Fun returns!

Starting on Wednesday 21st July and taking place in Herrington Country Park, three 75 minute sessions are available each Wednesday for families to book online, costing just £5 for a group of upto 6. 

Activities will include egg and spoon races, air boxercise, circuit challenge, balancing, mini hurdles, bean bag games, relay races, hula hooping, throw and catch, target games and much more.    

For more info and to book visit:

Sunderland active family fun

Morpeth Family Golf Centre

 Hi Everyone,

We enjoyed a fun game of mini golf at Morpeth Family Golf Centre yesterday. It was our first visit, as our youngest wanted to try a different course out.

The course is pirate themed and has lots of fun holes, with some lovely bonus interactive features such as walking the plank, a whale to walk through, stocks and lots more. So there's plenty to keep the kids entertained between turns.

The course itself it beautifully maintained and spotlessly clean. You can see alot of work has been put into the course and they even had apparatus to fish out any balls that fall into the water.  The water is also very clean so if you have a child who prefers to fish them out by hand (like we do) then that's not a concern at all.

A round cost £7.50 per adult, £4.50 for children and family tickets starting at £20. We thought this was good value for the amount of holes and the overall experience. You can pre-book but they also accept walks in. We arrived just after noon and it was fairly quiet no waiting either side to move along the course. The course also gets a bonus point as we managed a hole in one during a pretty cool trick shot involving a canon 🏌️

The golf centre has free parking, a cafe and toilet facilities. There are other activities too but we didn't get to try them out this time due to time restraints. You can find all the info on the link below:

https://morpethgolfcentre.com/

Planet Circus OMG

Hi Everyone,

We have more great news to share with you. The amazing Planet Circus is back and will be at Temple Park- South Shields  from

Tuesday 29th June - Sunday 11th July.

"Our 2021 show is packed with high energy acts ready to wow audiences all over the UK! We have an exciting variety of fast paced international artists with a fun packed show!"

For all the details follow the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/planetcircusomgnewaccount/

#planetcircusomg

Circus Extreme 2021

 Hi everyone,

Last night we saw the returning Circus Extreme. The circus where excitement lives. This slogan is 100% true. The performance was action packed! It had everything from a loveable clown to flamethrowers, stunt bikes and trapeze artists just to name a small number.

The circus is set up so that social distance can be maintained throughout the show with a couple of seats separating each group/family. The rows are also well spaced out so nobody other than your group is too close. Masks are needed to enter and exit the tent and this includes when purchasing refreshments. On this note they had all the usual treats such as candyfloss, popcorn and a hot meal van, along with souvenirs such as lights and magnets.

We attended this circus a couple of years ago when it was last in Newcastle. With alot of circuses the show doesn't change from year to year....BUT not with Circus Extreme. There were alot of new elements with returning classics mixed in as well. 

The audience in attendance was enthralled by the performance with even our own daughter having her mouth in her hands at several points throughout. 

We would highly recommend going to see this show whenever it comes to your local area. For those wanting to attend the Newcastle shows you can use the code BIKES to purchase discounted tickets here: 

Circus Extreme Tickets

The circus is in Newcastle until the 27th June so you have plenty of time to enjoy the spectacle that is Circus Extreme. Those who cannot attend, fear not because a behind the scenes show called The Real Greatest Showman is coming to Amazon Prime on the 5th July.

Circus Extreme Newcastle

 Hi Everyone,

We are so excited that Circus Extreme is back in Newcastle! Circus Extreme is more than your typical circus show, it has everything.  Both children and adults alike will be captivated by the amazing dancers, action packed stunts,  hilarious clown and everything in between. It is a show definitely not to be missed.

You can catch this year's show at Nuns Moor Newcastle from TOMORROW 11th June - 27th June. Circus Extreme Tickets this show is sure to be popular so get your tickets to avoid disappointment.

We were lucky enough to watch the show in 2019 and had an absolutely amazing time. Here is our review from that show, have a read to get a sneak peak of the amazing time you will have at Circus Extreme Circus Extreme Review 2019 

Steam and Vintage Fair

EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF STEAM

Join CLS-Steam at Lambton Estate, Chester Le Street, DH3 4PX on the 10th and 11th of July for two action-packed days full of unique attractions, perfect for the whole family. They will be showcasing an exclusive range of exhibits including vintage cars, commercial vehicles, motorbikes, military vehicles, tractors, stationary engines and fairground ride.

Currently you can buy tickets for a reduced rate of 20% meaning a family ticket will be only £20. This offer is available until 2 weeks prior to the show and then will revert to full gate price.

For more information and to book https://cls-steam.co.uk/tickets/