With just days to go until school’s out for summer, bringing the logistical and financial challenge of keeping youngsters entertained over the holidays, Metrocentre has lined up a bumper programme of free and affordable activities for teens to tots.
ENGLAND NETBALL NOTRTH EAST
Free entry
Kicking things off on Saturday 25 July, players and coaches from England Netball North East will be out in force in Exhibition Square for a day-long interactive festival, part of their centenary year celebrations.
All-new to netball? There’s the chance to learn about throwing, catching, footwork and shooting; put your aim to the test with the ‘Supershot’ challenge; and learn more about sessions, clubs and programmes near you – including, for 5 to 11-year-olds, Bee Netball, encouraging more youngsters into the game.
Used to play but fell away from the game over the years? Come along and find out more about Walking Netball and Back to Netball, helping senior players return to the court, along with the many coaching, officiating and volunteering opportunities available.
METROGNOMES
Free entry
Monday 27 July signals the start of the Metrognomes’ family-friendly summer show, Back to the Metrocentre: Part II.
Following on from the fab four’s half-term time travel exploits in celebration of Metrocentre’s 40th birthday, Herbert, Sherbet, Maggot and Rusty will once again be inviting audiences to join them on a trip down memory lane – this time, to revisit some of their most popular shows over the decades.
Running up to and including 9 August, there will be a different adventure each week, with performances throughout the day in Exhibition Square:
• Mondays to Fridays: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm
• Saturdays: 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm
• Sundays: 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.
HALF PIPE RAMP SHOW
Free entry
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August promise a weekend of spins, flips and ‘big air’ tricks with the return of the Half Pipe Ramp Show in Exhibition Square.
Guaranteed to draw a crowd, the event will see a team of talented riders take to the giant ramp to showcase their latest skills. Prepare to have your heart in your mouth throughout.
Also on hand over the same weekend will be local clubs and organisations from a range of sports, promoting the different opportunities to get active and get involved across the North East.
ROLLER RINK
£5 per 30-minute session, including skate hire
Helping see the summer holidays out in retro 1980s style will be the hugely popular Roller Rink, which makes its returns to Exhibition Square from Tuesday 18 August until Bank Holiday Monday 31 August.
Each day begins with two dedicated Learn to Skate sessions at 9.30am and 10am, followed at 10.30am by a SEND-friendly Quiet Session with a more relaxed atmosphere. Thereafter, open skating sessions run throughout the day and into the evening.
All sessions are priced just £5 for 30 minutes, including skate hire if required, with ticket proceeds supporting the work of Power Through Sport CIC to promote inclusivity, empowerment and positive change through non-mainstream sports and activities. To guarantee your session, booking is advised via www.powerthroughsport.com/book-now
‘CHILDREN EAT FREE’ AND OTHER GREAT-VALUE OFFERS
Helping make summer budgets go that little bit further this summer, several restaurants will be offering Children eat free and other great-value deals, including Yo!, Bella Italia and Fattoush. For the latest offers, along with full terms and conditions, visit themetrocentre.co.uk/offers
Odeon IMAX Cinema will also be offering reduced-priced child and family tickets on offer through to 1 September 2026, as part of its Great British Summer Savings campaign. For details, see https://www.odeon.co.uk/great-british-summer-savings/
YEAR-ROUND ATTRACTIONS
All of this is in addition to the many attractions available year-round at Metrocentre. Everything from Peppa Pig: Surprise Party (new summer season re-launching 31 July), Sprinkle Studio and The Upside Down House, to The Escapologist, Activate and Clip n’ Climb. Not forgetting Treetop Golf, bowling, dodgems, arcades and soft play fun at Namco Funscape.
