Six of the Best Days Out For Kids This Summer
Keep the kids busy all summer
Lilidorei
If you wish it could be Christmas every day, Lilidorei is the place to be. This mysterious, magical village recently celebrated its third birthday. It encourages play and imagination with the ‘clans’ who live at Lilidorei, spending 11 months of the year preparing for the big day. Lord Elfwin rules the village from his tower at the very top of Elfwin Drin – the world’s largest play structure! Your children will love peeking through the windows of the clan houses and listening to the immersive sounds throughout the village. Until 12th July head here for the Festival of the Fairies, where children can meet Bluebell, the leader of the Fairies, and her sister Romi, with dancing, singing, crafts and play.
The Alnwick Garden, Greenwell Road, Alnwick NE66 1HB
lilidoreialnwick.co.uk
Diggerland
Ever wanted to drive a real digger? At Diggerland children and adults can ride, drive and operate real diggers, dumpers and other full-size construction machinery. Take a spin on Spindizzy, enjoy the views from the Diggerland Skyshuttle or hold on tight for an off-road ride on the Groundshuttle. There are go-karts, dodgems, an indoor soft play and mini Land Rovers to keep the kids entertained too.
Langley Park, Durham DH7 9TT
01634 711711
diggerland.com
Hopscotch
This popular play café in Gosforth (which also has an outpost within Fenwick) is a social hub where families can enjoy good food whilst their children immerse themselves in a an epic play space. The unique play structures are designed to stimulate your child’s imagination and encourage exploration – think climbing structures and sensory games. Meanwhile The Den is the perfect area for older children to browse the library of books and games and have a go on the retro arcade.
117 High Street, Gosforth NE3 1HA
39 Northumberland Street, Newcastle NE1 7AS
0191 389 6400
hopscotchcafe.com
Kielder Forest
England’s largest forest promises so much to see and do – and plenty to keep the kids busy throughout summer. Children can (try not to) get lost in the Minotaur Maze, join an interactive family trail with Room on the Broom-themed activities, and (as one of England’s largest mountain bike trail networks) there are plenty of routes to explore on wheels. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels, and Kielder Castle reopens this summer too.
Kielder NE48 1ER
0300 067 4228
forestryengland.uk
Play Barn at Brocksbushes
The Play Barn at Brocksbushes has levels of fun – including soft play, climbing structures, creative play areas, and roleplay rooms. The toddler-friendly area has low platforms and softer zones and the area for big kids (up to 11) has a four-lane astra slide, log ramps, splat pads, trampolines, a sports area, climbing wall and cave crawls. Meanwhile parents can order food and coffee whilst keeping an eye on the play frame. Plus, there’s an outdoor play area for when the sun is shining! Your kids will love picking their own fruit whilst they’re here. Until August you can pick fresh strawberries, gooseberries, blueberries, raspberries, currants, blackberries and plums. Plus, don’t miss The Brocksbushes Summer Fayre on 4th and 5th July for family fun, live music and a Viking exhibition.
Brocksbushes Farm Shop, Stocksfield NE43 7UB
01434 633100
brocksbushes.co.uk
The Plotters’ Forest
Raby’s immersive adventure playground is within their Christmas tree plantation, and children are surrounded by nature as they climb, slide and jump. Meanwhile, parents can relax among the tree tops on the deck of the Plotters’ Pantry with a coffee and cake, and there’s also a designated toddler area for little explorers next door.
Staindrop DL2 3NF
01833 660888
raby.co.uk
