Fun for under 5s at North East Museums

We have a variety of spaces and events for our smallest visitors. There are dedicated spaces for under 5s to play and explore, as well as different events across our museums and galleries.

It's play time!

Dedicated play spaces for under 5s

A small child looks at the camera with their tongue sticking out. They are sitting holding a toy, plastic steering wheel. In the background is a model bridge and an illustration of a cat holding a hat.

The under 5s programme at North East Museums includes the following dedicated play spaces: 

Tiny Tyneside

Explore and play around the themes of Discovery Museum with replica transport, inventions and bridges. 

Discovery Museum | Open daily | Free | Find out more about Tiny Tyneside

Mouse House 

The Mouse House gallery at the Great North Museum: Hancock is full of surprises. Choose an activity from the walls to help you explore the rest of the museum. 

Great North Museum: Hancock | Closed Wednesday and Thursday | Free | Find out more about Mouse House

Playspace 

Explore the den, play with toys and the light up table, dress up, read books and more in the Laing Art Gallery's circus themed playspace. 

Laing Art Gallery | Open Monday - Saturday | Free | Find out more about Playspace

Under 5s Area

All aboard little ones. At Stephenson Steam Railway, kids can step into the role of a train guard, practising signals, waving flags and even seeing their reflection as they mimic the guards on the wall. 

Stephenson Steam Railway | Open Saturday and Sunday | Free | Find out more about the Under 5s Area

Mini Museum Trolley Activities 

Have a go at being an explorer, curator or storyteller with Woodhorn's Mini Museum activities. 

Woodhorn Museum | Wednesday to Sunday | Included with Annual Pass | Find out more about Mini Museum Trolley Activities

What's on for under 5s

A small child is laughing and pointing at a museum display. In the background is a child watching a film projection on a wall.

We have a variety of regular activities and events at North East Museums, led by our early years specialists.

Find out What's on for under 5s across our 12 museums and galleries

Early Years Partner

Lumo logo - an illustration of a blue train on a railway track with the word 'lumo'

We are grateful to our early years partner Lumo for supporting our targeted programmes for under 5s and their carers.