The Summer Holidays are #HappeningInSunderland from 23 July to 1 September!
With the kids off school, it can be a chore to find plenty of things to keep them occupied...
We have pulled together this guide for you, jam-packed with activities and events which are fun for the whole family.
Seafront BID
Art Festival: Putting Sunderland in the Frame - Tide & Terrain
19 July, 11 AM
Roker Park & Beach
A vibrant day of creativity at the coast, where art comes alive in every form. Art Exhibition, Art Market, Interactive Art Experiences.
Sand to Soul – a large-scale, immersive workshop right on Roker Beach. You’re invited to help create a stunning temporary artwork in the sand—an epic piece designed by and for the community. The final masterpiece will be viewed from the promenade steps and captured through breathtaking aerial shots and time-lapse footage. Whether you’re an artist, a first-time creator, or just curious, this is your chance to be part of something beautiful, bold, and completely unforgettable. GET THE DETAILS
City Centre BID
Art Festival: Putting Sunderland in the Frame - Steel & Sparks
31 August, 10 AM
Sheepfolds Stables
Be part of an exciting, creative event at the historic Sheepfolds Stables, where art takes over. Art Exhibition, Art Market, Interactive Art Experiences. One of the headline highlights will be ‘Little Inventors’, a hands-on, imagination-fuelled workshop led by renowned artist Dominic Wilcox. Whether you’re a young innovator, a family looking to get creative, or someone who loves seeing ideas come to life, this is your invitation to take part in a joyful, hands-on celebration of art and possibility. GET THE DETAILS
Urban Fest
2 August, 11:00 AM to 18:00 PM & 3 August, 11:00 AM to 17:00 PM
Sunniside Gardens
Don't miss this action-packed weekend of urban fun! Look forward to skateboarding masterclasses, spray painting & graffiti, BMX trick shows, street dancing, art, music, culture, street food and more! GET THE DETAILS
Urban Fest Official Afterparty
2 August, 3-6 PM (all ages), 6 PM - late (18+)
SpaceBar, Waterloo Place
We’re keeping the Urban Fest vibes alive with an epic afterparty at Sunderland’s retro gaming bar, and everyone’s invited! Classic arcade games, pinball + next-gen consoles, themed food + drinks deals, bring your Red Bull token cap from the main event to claim a FREE selected drink. At 7:30 PM, it’s time for the Rap Showcase! From first-timers to seasoned MCs, each performer gets up to 3 raps. Bring your crew, bring the hype. Let’s spotlight local talent in a fun, feel-good setting. Wanna perform? 18+ SIGN UP NOW
North East Combined Authority
Kids Go FREE
19 July to 31 August
Betsy Jenny Wellbeing Cafe
Summer Fayre
2 August, 10 AM to 4 PM
A fun-filled day of delicious food and wellbeing support! Expect stalls, crafts and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're looking to connect, relax, or enjoy some summer vibes, there’s something for everyone.
Adventure Sunderland
Adventure Days
Mon - Fri, 28 July - 29 August, 9 AM to 3 PM
The children (8-15yo) will take part in a range of activities, including:
Coasteering, paddle boarding, kayaking, archery, climbing, bushcraft, canoeing,
Pier jump and lots more! Generally 2-3 activities per day (weather dependent)
They’ll need: swimwear, towels, spare trainers for getting wet, a packed lunch, a drinks bottle, and sun cream or a raincoat for the British weather. Cost is just £30pp BOOK NOW
Women's Rugby World Cup Fan Village
21, 22 & 23 August, various times
Sunderland is set to come alive this August with a vibrant programme of events celebrating the countdown to the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025.
Starting from Thursday 21 August, until Saturday 23 August, a fan village will be located in Keel Square, right in the heart of the city centre. The build-up to the big game begins on Thursday, 21 August, with the Fan Village open from 4pm to 10pm hosting a lineup of female-led live music. On match day the Fan Village will open at 9am with food, drink, and rugby-themed activities like pass speed and accuracy challenges, jump height tests, and a reaction wall. From midday there will be live tribute performances from Rock DJ, Mac Busted, Re-Take That, and Royal Rhapsody. This will also be the starting point for the community parade to the Stadium of Light at 5:30pm. The celebrations continue on Saturday, 23 August, as Sunniside Market relocates to Keel Square for a day-long festival of local talent and creativity. With music, entertainment and family-friendly activities there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Sunderland Empire
Hamilton
Until 26 July
Hamilton the musical is a multi award-winning masterpiece by Lin-Manuel Miranda, coming soon to the UK for a country-wide tour! This is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and helped shape the very foundations of the America we know today. The score blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway - the story of America then, as told by America now. BOOK NOW
Derren Brown: Only Human
29 July to 2 August
The content of ONLY HUMAN is still under wraps, but we can guarantee you a mind-blowing experience that’ll take your breath away! Age guidance 12+ BOOK NOW
Chicago
4-9 August
Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids. Age guidance 13+ BOOK NOW
Contemporary Dance Workshop (11-18)
5 August
An exciting workshop exploring contemporary dance technique and choreography. BOOK NOW
Creative Learning Presents: Summer School 2025 (6-18)
11-16 August
A week-long programme is packed full of creative activities including masterclasses, dance, singing, drama and backstage workshops where your young person will learn more about what goes on behind the scenes of a working theatre. BOOK NOW
Bat out of Hell
18-23 August
This heart-pounding experience, with a powerhouse eight-piece live band on stage, delivers a new production with sprawling multi-level platforms to transport you from Raven’s bedroom to the underground world of the Lost in a visual feast that pushes the boundaries of live theatre. Age guidance 13+ BOOK NOW
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
How Does Your Garden Grow
Thursdays from 10 AM - 12 PM (drop-in)
Come and explore the beautiful Mowbray Park Community Garden.With a variety of gardening and nature-based activities, as well as space to sit and relax, there is something for everyone to enjoy while reaping the benefits of being in nature. Sessions run every Thursday from 3 July and are suitable for all ages.
Traintastic
19 July - 30 August
While you’re visiting Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens this summer, why not pop into the Art Lounge and add your own train drawings to our display. Let your imagination run wild or draw your favourite train and showcase it proudly on the traintastic wall. The Traintastic display will be open from Saturday 19 July – Saturday 30 August during the museum’s opening hours.
Terrific Train Trail
19 July - 5 September
Help us celebrate 200 years of railway history as you follow the terrific train trail. Pick up your trail at Museum reception, then spot the clues and answer the questions to claim a prize sticker. Trails last around 30 minutes. This activity supports the national Railway 200 celebrations.
History Mondays: Sunderland Saxons
Mondays at 11 AM & 1:30 PM (drop-in)
Welcome to History Mondays! Each week we invite you to explore amazing museum objects and stories and get inspired to make and create. Join us during British Archaeology Week to explore Anglo Saxon objects and find out amazing facts about Sunderland’s history. Dig in the finds pit, help to make a giant stained-glass window and discover medicinal herbs used by the Anglo Saxons in the Community Garden. Sunderland Saxons runs for 90 minutes (approx)
Wellbeing Wednesdays
Wednesday 30 July, Wednesday 6, 13, 20 August & Wednesday 3 September
Wellbeing Wednesdays: a chance for your family to play, explore, make, connect and chill. Each week we will have nature-themed activities in the Mowbray Park Community Garden – play, explore, make, and traditional table games and reading zones in the Learning Space- connect and chill. 11am – 1pm: Community Garden & 1pm – 3pm: Learning Space. We invite you to leave your phone in your pocket and enjoy some no-tech fun times together.
Teenage Market
16 August, 10 AM - 3 PM
Sunderland Teenage Market is a celebration of young local talent and a supportive network to be a part of. Browse and buy artisan baked goods, hand-made gifts and trinkets made by young creatives from Sunderland. If you are a young entrepreneur or musician and would like to get involved, please get in touch at [email protected]
Bridges Shopping Centre
Treetops Adventure Playground
4-31 August, 11 AM - 4 PM
Get ready to climb, swing, slide and play your way through summer at the Tree Tops Adventure Playground. A fun, woodland-inspired experience for kids at the Bridges! This interactive playground brings the outdoors indoors with four exciting play zones designed to spark imagination and encourage active fun:
Ball Pool & Slide
Dive into colour and excitement in our bright, funky ball pool — perfect for selfies and non-stop play.
Climbing Wall
Challenge your little ones with our vibrant green climbing wall, complete with supportive ropes to build confidence and coordination.
Tepee Swing
Swing into a storybook scene with a vine-wrapped wooden tepee swing — a dreamy, floral escape they’ll love.
The Grand Treehouse
Explore the heart of Tree Tops! With climbing ropes, ladders and a slide, this leafy hideaway invites kids to imagine, explore and play.
Wednesday Workshops
6 August, 11 AM - 3 PM
Bee House Making
13 August, 11 AM - 3 PM
Windchime Crafting
20 August, 11 AM - 3 PM
Flower Pot Paint & Plant
27 August, 11 AM - 3 PM
Kite Crafting
The Tree Tops Adventure Playground and Wednesday Workshops are free to enjoy – no booking required. However, the Bridges is proud to be supporting Feeding Families. This North East charity offers support, hope, and security to those experiencing food insecurity, and would like to suggest a voluntary donation to play.
Lush Sunderland
Product Making
24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31 July, 1, 2, 3 August, varying times.
Come party with LUSH Sunderland! Our aim is to not only provide you with the ethical, handmade cosmetics you know and love and the 5 * customer service we are well known for but also bring you entertaining, educational and eclectic events! BOOK NOW
Party Experience
26 July & 2 August, varying times.
Have you ever wondered what it's like to have your birthday party at Lush? Well in this session you get to experience a mini version of just that! You will get hands making super cute products and play a whole load of games. This session will hold up to 10 people and is suitable for all ages from 5+. Please make sure to arrive 5 mins before so we can start on time! BOOK NOW
Minecraft Sculpt & Play
25 July & 2 August, 10:30 AM
Get ready to explore the relaunch Lush x Minecraft to celebrate the new Minecraft movie that has come out! Get creative by making your own character with our FUN soap modelling, play some games and see the brand new products in store! You will also take away a Minecraft bath bomb of your own - though which one you get will be a surprise! Spaces are limited, so book quickly! Suitable for ages 4+ BOOK NOW
Minions Sculpt & Play
31 July, 12 PM
Get ready to explore Lush x Minions! Get creative by making your own character with our FUN soap modelling, play some games and see the brand new products in store! You will also take away a Minions bath bomb of your own. Spaces are limited, so book quickly! Suitable for ages 4+ BOOK NOW
Fresh Faced - Teen Skincare
31 July, 3 PM & 1 August, 12 PM
Our Fresh Faced Workshop is the perfect guide for beginners looking to get into skincare - especially teens and tweens! This event is recommended for those aged 10 to 16 and should last between 45 mins to 1 hour. Make your own fresh face mask, and learn about your skin and how to look after it, and take away a goody bag of gentle skincare treats. In our workshop, you will be getting hands on by mixing up your own Glen Cocoa fresh face mask, ready to use immediately. Our skincare expert will lead you through why skincare is important, how to do it effectively and creating a routine that works for you! As well as developing your skincare routine and making a mask, you will recieve a skincare starter kit consisting of:
Angels on Bare Skin clay cleanser
Ultrabland cleanser
Greased Lightning spot treatment
Celestial moisturiser
Plus extra surprise samples from our store!
Places are limited, so book fast! Let us know of any allergies in advance. Please note: some products contain almonds, beeswax and honey. Contact us so we can arrange alternatives if needed! BOOK NOW
STACK Seaburn
A Celebration of Bluey & Bingo
22 July & 26 August, 12 PM
Welcome, Bluey & Bingo, for a day filled with fun and laughter! From performances to meet and greets, plus exciting kids' activities, interactive disco, games, colouring, mouthwatering street food and lots more - there's something for everyone! BOOK NOW
Kids Fest ft A Celebration of Ms Rachel & Blippi
24 July, 12 PM
Come join the fun with Ms. Rachel and Blippi! This special preschool event is packed with singing, dancing, learning, and laughter designed just for little explorers. Little ones will love interactive songs, playful games, and exciting activities inspired by two of the most famous faces around. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. This event is approx 50 minutes of stage show followed by meet and greet. BOOK NOW
A Celebration of Stitch
29 July, 12 PM
Aloha, friends! Get ready to dance, play, and say “Ohana!” as we bring the island vibes to life at STACK. Head down for a fun-filled event packed with Hawaiian themed dancing, interactive stage games, and a special meet and greet with everyone’s favourite blue alien! BOOK NOW
Popstar Party
30 July & 30 August, 12 PM
This exciting event features party games, dance-offs, sing-alongs, and live performances from top rated tribute acts of pop stars KATY PERRY, MILEY CYRUS and our main headliner, SABRINA CARPENTER. Get ready to dance the day away at an event you won't forget! BOOK NOW
Kidsfest: Musicals
31 July, 12 PM
A show-stopping celebration for the whole family, featuring sensational songs from SIX, Wicked, The Greatest Showman and many more! Get your best singing voices ready and join us! BOOK NOW
Magician Marvin
4 & 18 August, 12 PM
Step into a world of wonder and excitement at STACK Seaburn! Join us as Magician Marvin takes the stage with his fabulous magic show, guaranteed to leave little ones wide-eyed with amazement! From mesmerising tricks to balloon modelling, juggling, and puppeteering, Marvin brings a burst of fun and laughter for the whole family. BOOK NOW
Paw Party
5 August, 12 PM
Join the pups of Adventure Bay for a fun-filled event packed with high-energy dancing and pup-tastic interactive games. Get ready to sing, move, and help save the day just like your favourite rescue dogs! BOOK NOW
Kidsfest: Glitterpop
7 August, 12 PM
Step into a world of sparkle and song at Kids Fest Glitter Pop, a magical event inspired by Taylor Swift’s iconic Eras Tour, featuring dazzling costumes, catchy tunes, and all the sing-along moments a young Swiftie could dream of! BOOK NOW
Superhero Takeover
12 August, 12 PM
Get ready for an action-packed afternoon as your favourite superheroes take over the stage at STACK! Join us for an epic family event filled with high-energy interactive fun that will have everyone big and small getting involved. Come dressed as your favourite hero and prepare to save the day with non-stop entertainment and photo opportunities. It’s time to power up and join the fun with us this is one event your little heroes won’t want to miss! BOOK NOW
Winkle & Storm: Pirate Adventures
13 & 27 August, 12 PM
Ahoy there, mateys! Prepare to set sail on an unforgettable adventure with our spectacular pantomime pirate show! Winkle & Storm are ready to whisk you away on a swashbuckling journey filled with laughs, fun, and entertainment for the whole family! BOOK NOW
Kidsfest ft Barbie
14 August, 12 PM
The Ultimate Family Festival! Join us for a vibrant event packed with flags, bubbles, good tunes, non-stop dancing, sing-alongs and epic games for all ages! Don’t miss the party everyone’s talking about — Kids Fest is where summer memories are made! Feat Barbie! BOOK NOW
Ice Extravaganza
19 August, 12 PM
Get ready to sing and dance along with us to all things FROZEN for a fun-filled morning with laughs, fun, and entertainment for the whole family! BOOK NOW
Kidsfest
21 August, 12 PM
The Ultimate Family Festival! Join us for a vibrant event packed with flags, bubbles, good tunes, non-stop dancing, sing-alongs and epic games for all ages! Don’t miss the party everyone’s talking about — Kids Fest is where summer memories are made! BOOK NOW
Kidsfest: End of Summer Party
28 August, 12 PM
Let’s end summer with a bang! Join us for the Kids Fest Closing Party, a big, fun-filled celebration packed with dancing, bubbles, games, and laughter for the whole family. Celebrate an amazing summer with non-stop fun, music, and smiles as we recap all the best moments and make a few more memories to take home. Bring your energy and your biggest smiles - this is the ultimate party to send summer off in style!
Beacon of Light
Kellogg’s Football Camps
29, 30, 31 July (3-day), 5–7 August (3-day), 12–15 August (4-day), 19–21 August (3-day), 27–29 August (3-day)
10 AM–3 PM
For kids aged 5–14 who love football! These action-packed football camps develop skills, teamwork, and confidence with our expert coaches. Perfect for beginners and rising stars alike. £50–£65 per block. BOOK NOW
Summer Holiday Club
29, 30, 31 July, 5–7 August, 12–15 August, 19–21 August, 27–29 August
10 AM–3 PM
A fun-filled mix of sports, crafts, robots, movies, and more! Ideal for ages 5–14, our multi-activity holiday club guarantees entertainment and new friendships. Don’t forget your packed lunch! £30–£45. BOOK NOW
SEND Football
29, 31 July, 5, 7, 14, 21 August
10 AM–3 PM
A dedicated football session designed to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Ages 5–25 welcome. £20 per session. BOOK NOW
SEND Multi-sports
29 July, 5 August, 14, 21 August
10 AM–3 PM (some days 10 AM–12 PM)
Inclusive sports sessions tailored for SEND participants. Try a range of engaging games in a supportive, fun environment. Ages 5–25. £10–£20. BOOK NOW
SEND Social Club
29, 31 July, 5, 7, 14, 21 August
1–3 PM
A relaxed afternoon club for ages 11–16 to chill out, socialise, and take part in low-pressure activities. £10. BOOK NOW
SEND Challenge Sessions
30 July – Football Manager, 6 August – Engineering, 20 August – Art & Design, 28 August – Digital
10 AM–3 PM
Creative, hands-on SEND sessions where young people can explore themes like sport, design, and technology. Ages 11–16. £10 per session. BOOK NOW
Gaming Holiday Club
29 July, 5, 7, 14, 21, 28 August
10 AM–3 PM
Gamers aged 5–14 can enjoy a full day of gaming, challenges, and friendly competition. Build friendships and test your skills. £20. BOOK NOW
Summer Kick About – Drop In
29 July, 7, 15, 22, 29 August
10 AM–3 PM
Turn up, lace up, and get involved! These relaxed football sessions are perfect for kids aged 8+ who just want a game. No booking needed. £3. DROP IN
Summer Multi-sports – Drop In
30 July, 6, 13, 27 August
11 AM–1 PM
Explore different sports in our drop-in multisports taster. Try something new, stay active, and have fun. Ages 8+. £3. DROP IN
Introduction to British Sign Language (BSL)
30 July, 6, 13 August
10–11 AM
A one-hour introduction for beginners to learn the basics of sign language. Suitable for ages 16+. £5. BOOK NOW
Family Circuits
30 July, 19 August
2–3 PM
Get active as a family in this fun and engaging fitness session. Great for all ages 5+. £5 for adult and child. BOOK NOW
Family Multi-sports
13 August
2–3 PM
An inclusive and fun session for families who want to stay active together. Try various sports and games. Ages 5+. £5 for adult and child. BOOK NOW
Family UV Clubbercise
6, 13, 20, 27 August
2–3 PM
A glow-in-the-dark fitness party for families! Dance along to easy routines with glow sticks and disco lights. Ages 5+. £5 for adult and child. BOOK NOW
EA FC 25 Tournament
15 August
10 AM–3 PM
Battle it out in a full-day EA FC 25 tournament. Open to players aged 5–14. Show off your skills and take home the glory. £20. BOOK NOW
Train Like a Pro
6 August, 27–28 August (2-day course)
10 AM–3 PM
Train like a football star with UEFA-qualified coaches and former professionals. For ages 5–14. Great for aspiring players. £30–£50. BOOK NOW
Train Like a Lioness
27–28 August (2-day course)
10 AM–3 PM
Inspired by the Lionesses, this session is perfect for girls aged 5–14 to sharpen their skills and have fun. £40. BOOK NOW
Little Dribblers’ Big Day Out
30 July, 1, 13, 20 August
10 AM–12 PM
Football fun for boys aged 3–5, packed with energy, skills, and games in a safe and supportive setting. £10. BOOK NOW
Little Lionesses’ Big Day Out
30 July, 13, 20 August
10 AM–12 PM
Girls aged 3–5 will love this football-focused session full of energy, teamwork and fun. £10. BOOK NOW
Girls Only Futsal
12–13 August (2-day course)
10 AM–3 PM
A dedicated futsal experience for girls aged 5–14 to boost ball control, speed and decision-making. £30. BOOK NOW
Big Screen Movies
29 July – Secret Life of Pets 2
1 August – Peppa Pig: My First Cinema
13 August – Moana 2
20 August – Trolls Holiday
3–4:30 PM
Come along for free weekly screenings of favourite family films. No booking required. FREE
Sunderland Aquatic Centre
Atlantis Mega Inflatable
Monday 9.30am/10.30am/11.30am/12.30pm/1.30pm
Tuesday 10.30am/11.30am/12.30pm/1.30pm
Thursday 10.30am/11.30am/12.30pm/1.30pm
Friday 10.30am/11.30am/12.30pm/1.30pm/2.30pm
Sunday 1pm/2pm/3pm
All participants must be over the age of 5, with those under 8 accompanied by an adult on a 1 to 1 basis, and able to swim 25m in deep water with a lifejacket.
To book call 0191 514 4300 or book via the free Everyone Active app.
HAF Programme
28, 29, 30 & 31 July, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20 & 21 August, 10 am to 2 pm
Free family swim, hot food and soft play For more information and to book please call on 0191 514 4300 or ask at main reception.
Learn to Swim Week
Monday 11 August
9.30am to 10.15am – Rookies (£6.00)
10.30am to 11.00am – Adult & Child Taster session (FREE)
11.00am to 11.30am – Adult & Child Taster session (FREE)
Tuesday 12 August
9.15am to 10.00am – Stroke Clinic (Butterfly) (£6.00)
10.00am to 10.45am – Stroke Clinic (Back Stroke) (£6.00)
10.45am to 11.30am – Beginners Crash Course – 7 years of age and over (Day 1)
Thursday 14 August
9.15am to 10:0am – Stroke Clinic (Front Crawl) (£6.00)
10:00am to 10.45am – Stroke Clinic (Breaststroke) (£6.00)
10.45am to 11.30am – Beginners Crash Course – 7 years of age and over (Day 2)
Friday 15 August
9.15am – Stages 1&2 Taster Session (£4.00)
9.45am – Stages 1&2 Taster Session (£4.00)
10.15am – Stages 1&2 Taster Session (£4.00)
10.45am to 11.30am – Beginners Crash Course – 7 years of age and over (Day 3)
Beginners Crash Course (3 x 45 minute sessions over three days) (£24.00)
Sunderland Minster
Kingdom Kids
5, 12, 19, 26 August, 10 AM to 12 PM
Join the Kingdom Kids, a Christian holiday club for primary age children and their parents/carers - every Tuesday in August at Sunderland Minster. Starting with breakfast at 10 am and running through to lunch at midday. It's FREE to attend, but please book your place BOOK NOW
COAST
Rockpooling
27 August, 11.30 AM to 1.30 PM
Head to Roker Beach for a fun rockpooling session with COAST. These experts will help you discover the wonders in these small pools on our beaches. What3words: ///feel.steep.woods
Art Cafe
Pop-up Imaginarium - Keel Square Pavilion
23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 & 30 August, 11 am - 2 pm
A pop-up creative space where artists and dreamers of all ages can explore ideas, experiment with styles, and realise their vision for the Sunderland Art Festival Postcard Competition. Whether you're sketching, painting, collaging or simply playing with concepts, this is your place to imagine, create, and connect. The A5 Postcard Competition – “A Cherished Postcard from Home” is a unique art challenge that encourages individuals of all ages and skill levels to design a postcard that expresses what they love, remember, or hope for in Sunderland. Whether it’s a favourite place, a treasured memory, or a bold vision for the future – we want to see it!
