Activities for children and families at Gibside

Published:: 07 September 2023

Children running in front of giant letters that read 'Gibside'. — Enjoying summer at Gibside | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

From seasonal events, exploring the nature playscape and to being king or queen of Strawberry Castle play area, there are plenty of ways for kids (and big kids) to stay entertained all day at Gibside.

Planning your family visit – in a nutshell

Here's some information about the facilities at Gibside, to make the most of your family day out:

Four outdoor play areas.
Seasonal family events.
Children’s meals available to purchase or outdoor picnic areas for packed lunches.
Baby-changing facilities.
Gibside is an outdoor property. You’ll find covered areas along pushchair-friendly walking trails.
Visit before 11am or after 2pm for a quieter experience.

The Festival of Blossom

The Festival of Blossom at Gibside will feature a variety of family friendly events. Learn more about Blossom at Gibside.

Saturday 27 April to Sunday 2 June.

May half term

Flutter and fly your way around Gibside to find butterflies and moths on a family friendly trail. Find out more.

Saturday 27 April to Sunday 2 June.

Summer of Play

Visit Gibside this summer holidays to explore new ways to play. Green Close Field becomes a Play Labrynth, with grassy paths leading to different play zones, including summer sports, Georgian garden games, and musical activities. Little legs won’t need to travel far to encounter a world of sensory play around the Walled Garden. Even grown-ups can put on a show in the puppet theatre.

Keep an eye on our events page for regular events, including family competitions and active games for children with special educational needs.

Saturday 20 July to Tuesday 3 September.

Boy waving around ribbons on the grass. — Families enjoying 'Summer of Play' activities at Gibside. | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Every way to play at Gibside

Play at Gibside is intergenerational - the entire family can have fun on an outdoor adventure. Activities at Gibside are spread across a family-friendly walk called the Explorer Trail. Discover adventure play areas, green open space and a 600-acre woodland. The trail covers 2.2 miles on varying terrain, with toilet and eating facilities on the route.

Two children in green frog dungarees on play equipment. — Children enjoying play equipment at Strawberry Castle play area. | © National Trust Images/James Beck

Strawberry Castle adventure play area

Hide in the mushroom playhouse, crawl through the otter holt or make your own music on the giant guiros. There's so many ways to play at Stawberry Castle.

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Into the West Wood

Fun starts in the forest, find activities for every age:

Birthdays at Gibside

Celebrate your child's birthday with a party hosted by B Outdoors. Packed full of discovery and adventure, Gibside is the perfect venue for a nature filled day.

A guided expert will teach the children exciting new skills, to make their special day a little different. Try archery, bush craft, axe throwing, orienteering and more. Contact Andy at info@boutdoors.co.uk for more information.

Kindergarten

Stomping Grounds kindergarten, a fully outdoor play-based learning environment for children aged 2-7 years. Phone 07736 990 489 or email sophiew@stomping-grounds.org to find out more.