Family Things to Do This Weekend in Jesmond (23-24 May)
Roald Dahl at the Theatre Royal, dinosaurs at Life, Jesmond Dene parkrun, and more — family-friendly things to do in and around Jesmond this weekend.
A good weekend ahead for families in Jesmond, with a Roald Dahl musical at the Theatre Royal, dinosaurs still roaming at Life Science Centre, and the usual mix of parks, pools, and green spaces that make this part of Newcastle so family-friendly. Here is what to do on 23 and 24 May 2026.
The Enormous Crocodile — Theatre Royal, 21-24 May
The highlight of the weekend for younger children. Roald Dahl's The Enormous Crocodile is at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 May, meaning Saturday and Sunday are both available. This mischievous new musical brings the classic picture book to life with catchy songs, colourful puppets, and daring jungle adventures. Directed by Emily Lim with puppetry by Toby Olie, it has been touring the UK to strong reviews.
Best for: Best for ages 3 and up. Check the Theatre Royal website for exact performance times and ticket prices. Saturday performances tend to sell out, so book ahead if you can.
The Great Dinosaur Escape — Life Science Centre
If your children are dinosaur-obsessed, Life Science Centre is the place to be. The Great Dinosaur Escape features 25 animatronic dinosaurs spread around the centre, including a nine-metre-long, three-tonne roaring Tyrannosaurus Rex in a specially designed enclosure. Children become Dino Rangers, following a trail and using dino facts to crack a code. There is also a live Dino Show with real fossils, plus the Planetarium, Space Zone, and Play Zone are all included with your ticket.
The exhibition runs until September 2026, but this weekend is as good a time as any. Life is open daily, with last entry at 4pm.
Best for: All activities are included in the standard ticket. Under-5s go free. Life is a 15-minute Metro ride from Jesmond to Central Station, then a short walk.
Jesmond Dene parkrun — Saturday 23 May, 9am
The weekly Jesmond Dene parkrun is one of the best free family activities in the area. A timed 5k through Jesmond Dene, starting from Millfield House (NE7 7BQ) at 9am every Saturday. You can walk, jog, or run — there is no minimum pace and pushchairs are welcome. Register at parkrun.org.uk before your first visit and bring a printed or digital barcode. Juniors aged 4 to 14 can run too, accompanied by an adult.
If you want to make a morning of it, the Dene itself is worth exploring afterwards. The waterfall, Armstrong Bridge, and the wooded paths along the Ouseburn are all within easy reach of the start line.
Pets Corner at Jesmond Dene — Open Daily
Pets Corner in Jesmond Dene is free to visit and open seven days a week, 10:30am to 4pm (last entry 3:45pm). Children can see goats, pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, and more. It is compact enough for toddlers and interesting enough for primary-age children. Combine it with a walk through the Dene and you have a solid half-day out without spending a penny.
Best for: Free entry. Open every day including bank holidays (closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day). Note that Pets Corner may close at short notice if staff are called away to an emergency.
Family Swimming at Jesmond Pool — Saturday and Sunday
Jesmond Pool and Gym is a community-run 25-metre pool on Stoneyhurst Road, saved from closure by local residents and run as a not-for-profit since 2003. Weekend swimming sessions are available on both Saturday and Sunday mornings. The Jesmond Aqua School also runs children's swimming lessons on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9am to 12pm. Check the pool timetable for public swim times before you go.
Best for: Jesmond Pool is independently run and relies on community support. Check the website for session times and prices.
Seven Stories — The National Centre for Children's Books
Just a short walk from Jesmond through the Ouseburn Valley, Seven Stories is the UK's only museum dedicated entirely to children's literature. Spread across seven floors of a converted Victorian mill, it has interactive exhibitions, storytelling sessions, a superb independent bookshop, and a cafe. Entry is free for under-4s, and the exhibitions change regularly, so even if you have been before there is likely something new.
If you are already heading to Seven Stories, the wider Ouseburn Valley is worth exploring. The area around Lime Street has a cluster of family-friendly cafes, and the Ouseburn Farm (free entry) is a few minutes' walk away.
Best for: Free for under-4s. The Ouseburn is a 10-minute walk from Jesmond along Benton Bank or through the Dene.
Jesmond Library — Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm
Jesmond Library on St George's Terrace is open on Saturdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Run entirely by volunteers since Newcastle Council closed the original branch in 2013, it has a children's corner with books to borrow and regular Story and Rhyme Time sessions for small children. A calm, welcoming space if you need a quieter activity between the dinosaurs and the Dene.
Quayside Sunday Market — Sunday 24 May, 9am-4pm
The Quayside Sunday Market runs every Sunday along the river between the Swing Bridge and the Millennium Bridge, with over 140 stalls selling crafts, artwork, jewellery, vintage fashion, and street food. Buskers and musicians add to the atmosphere. From Jesmond, it is a 15-minute walk downhill through the city centre or one Metro stop to Monument. Free to visit, and there is enough variety to keep children entertained while you browse.
Little Shop of Horrors — Northern Stage, final performance Saturday 23 May
Not one for the very young, but worth a mention for families with older teenagers. Northern Stage's production of Little Shop of Horrors has its final performance on Saturday 23 May. The cult musical — dark, funny, and brilliantly staged — has been running since 8 May to strong audiences. Tickets from 12 pounds. All performances include creative captions.
Best for: Suitable for older teenagers and above. Book through the Northern Stage box office or website.
A strong weekend for families, with most of the best options either free or very affordable. The Enormous Crocodile is the standout ticketed event, while Jesmond Dene, Pets Corner, and parkrun remain the reliable free options that make living here with children so easy.
For more ideas, see our guides to free things to do in Jesmond, swimming in Jesmond, and the complete Jesmond Dene visitor guide.
Know something happening this weekend that we have missed? Get in touch.