Great North Museum: Hancock

This is a regular rainy day place for visits with my toddler. A fantastic free resource to be able to introduce young children to such places, and likely to keep older children entertained for at least half a day!

Lots of natural history - from dinosaurs to local Northumbrian wildlife, and Hadrians Wall to ancient Egypt. There is a dedicated under-5's room called the mouse house which contains a tunnel in the wall leading to a chamber where they can climb on a big piece of cheese, also books, dressing up pieces and cupboards which make the noise of the item inside when opened.

There are many interactive displays in the main museum, such as drawers to open containing bird eggs, telephones which tell stories and a chamber with a motion picture floor which tells an ancient prophecy. A lot of the museum is "grown up" and not aimed specifically at children (and I would find it interesting to visit for a day on my own) but it is designed so that they enjoy it, even at toddler age. My toddler is a little whirlwind and I have never felt uncomfortable with him "exploring" any part of the museum - the staff have always seemed receptive to children.

The T-Rex skeleton and living scorpion/snakes will interest older children! There is also a planetarium, with 20 or 40 min shows (also free) regularly throughout the day.

Cafe is small but child friendly with highchairs and large childrens sandwiches are good value.

No parking on site except disabled and a drop off point so could be difficult if you don't know Newcastle, but is walking distance to the city centre.