Cheap and free indoor days out in the North East

A free cultural venue and library overlooking the River Tyne, with books, interactive exhibitions, family activities, creative facilities and regularly changing events. There is also an on-site café, although its hours are slightly shorter than the main building's. Some workshops and ticketed events need to be booked separately. Check the events programme before visiting to see what is currently available.

A free museum, art gallery and indoor winter garden beside Mowbray Park. Displays cover local history, natural history, art and archaeology, while the tropical winter garden includes plants and an elevated viewing walkway. Family activities include a mixture of free and paid sessions. Upstairs galleries close at 4pm even when the main building remains open later.

A free museum exploring the history and art of South Tyneside through permanent displays, changing exhibitions and family-friendly activities. The Let's Play gallery includes toys and interactive displays, and the Victorian Pantry serves food and drinks. Donations are welcome. The museum is closed on Sundays, although special and bank-holiday arrangements may differ.

A brilliant home for children’s books and storytelling in Ouseburn. Families can explore interactive floors, discover new stories and join performances, workshops and events designed to make reading and imagination come alive.

A welcoming city-centre library with children’s books, quiet spaces, family activities and regular events. It is a useful indoor stop for reading, relaxing and finding something creative to do in Newcastle.

See paintings, sculpture and design from the gallery’s collection, with displays that make art approachable for families. Look out for changing exhibitions and activities that encourage children to notice, imagine and create.

A free visitor attraction sharing more than 900 years of County Durham's history through displays, objects and interactive digital activities. It also houses archive and research facilities, landscaped grounds and a café. Family activities and under-five sessions run on selected dates. Bank holiday opening may vary.

A city-centre art gallery with paintings, watercolours, sculpture and decorative art, including work connected with Newcastle and the wider North East. General admission is free, while some temporary exhibitions charge an entrance fee. Family trails, creative activities and dedicated play installations are available at selected times, so check the current programme before visiting.

Explore natural history, ancient cultures and the stories of the North East at this family-friendly museum. Children can discover fossils, animals, mummies and hands-on displays while adults enjoy the wider collections and changing exhibitions.

A free family museum in Newcastle with local history, science and hands-on displays to explore at your own pace. It is a useful indoor option for a rainy day and works well for families who want plenty to discover without needing to plan a full-day visit.

Explore contemporary art across the galleries of BALTIC, with changing exhibitions and striking views over the River Tyne. The open spaces, family activities and creative displays make it an accessible cultural visit for adults and children alike.