Summer Holiday Activities in Tynemouth: The Complete Guide for Families
Surfing lessons, beach days, holiday camps, free activities, and the library reading challenge -- everything you need to fill six weeks of summer in Tynemouth.
Living on the coast means summer holidays in Tynemouth come with a built-in advantage: the beach is right there. But there is far more to six weeks of summer than sandcastles. From surf lessons and rockpooling to free council-run activity programmes and day trips to castles, here is your complete guide.
Holiday Camps and Clubs
North Tyneside Council's Active North Tyneside team delivers free and low-cost holiday activities throughout the summer, including family cycle rides, climbing wall taster sessions, mini golf, and Active and Splash days for children aged 8 to 13 at local leisure centres. The Active and Splash sessions combine team games in the morning with swimming, toys, and floats in the afternoon.
For paid camps, check local providers running multi-sport and multi-activity weeks at venues across North Tyneside. Epic Camps and Sport Schools both operate in the wider Newcastle area and are within easy reach.
Best for: Active North Tyneside programmes are free or low cost for North Tyneside residents. Check their website for the summer schedule.
Beach Days and Watersports
Longsands Beach is one of the best family beaches in the North East -- a long, wide stretch of sand with lifeguards during the summer months, cafes along the promenade, and reliable waves for surfing.
Two surf schools operate on Longsands through the summer. Tynemouth Surf Co runs kids' lessons for ages 5 to 17 (with mini groms sessions for 5 to 9 year olds), and Longsands Surf School offers group and private lessons. Sessions last 90 minutes and all equipment is included. Lessons run daily during the holidays.
King Edward's Bay is a smaller, sheltered cove beneath the Priory -- quieter, with lifeguard cover in summer, and ideal for families with younger children.
For more on watersports, see our watersports guide covering surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Best for: See our sea swimming guide for safety advice, tide information, and the best spots.
Free Outdoor Activities
Beyond the beach, there is plenty to do for free. The coastal path runs north to Cullercoats and Whitley Bay, and south past the Priory towards North Shields Fish Quay -- both directions offer stunning views and are manageable for children.
Tynemouth Priory and Castle runs family-friendly events during the summer, including trails through the ruins. Tynemouth Park has a large playground and open space for ball games and kite flying.
Tynemouth Market at the Metro Station runs every weekend and is worth a visit for street food, vintage finds, and a wander.
Best for: See our full guides to playgrounds, walks, and free things to do in Tynemouth.
Swimming
Tynemouth Pool has a 25-metre pool with family swim sessions and holiday intensive swimming courses. For outdoor swimming, the sea at Longsands and King Edward's Bay is the obvious choice -- see our swimming guide for all the options.
Tynemouth Aquarium on Longsands Beach combines a day at the seaside with an indoor attraction -- sharks, seals, monkeys, and reptiles, all within steps of the sand.
The Summer Reading Challenge
North Tyneside libraries run the national Summer Reading Challenge every year, and 2026's theme is Read to the Beat, exploring the connection between stories and music. Children aged 4 to 11 sign up at their local library, read six books over the summer, and collect rewards. It is completely free.
Day Trips Within Easy Reach
The Metro makes day trips easy. Newcastle city centre is a short ride away for the Great North Museum, Discovery Museum, and Centre for Life. Head north along the coast to St Mary's Lighthouse in Whitley Bay for rockpooling at low tide.
Further afield, Alnwick Castle runs broomstick flying and archery, and Whitehouse Farm near Morpeth is a full day out with animal encounters, soft play, and outdoor play.
Rainy Day Backup
When the weather turns, our rainy day guide covers indoor options without leaving the area.
Summer Events
Specific summer events -- from the Tynemouth funfair to outdoor cinema, festivals, and family fun days -- will be listed on our events calendar as dates are confirmed. Keep checking back throughout the summer.