Looking for fun things to do with kids in Hexham? This market town has lots to offer whether they’re tots or teens. We’ve given outdoor and indoor options for all ages.
LOOKING FOR FUN INDOORS?
1) Catch a film at the Forum
Hexham has a lovely independent cinema. It’s community owned, so you may find that it’s substantially cheaper than what you’re used to. The Forum has some great schemes to encourage young people and kids to go to the cinema. The cinema also makes a real effort to keep the prices of snacks and popcorn down. This week’s family films are Sonic The Hedgehog 3 and Dog Man.
The Forum has a fantastic offer for 16-25 year olds. You don’t need to be local to join the scheme and tickets for most films cost just £5.50.
2) Get interactive at The Big Story
Hexham Abbey is well worth a visit and there’s a guide available that’s been written especially for children.
Did you know that behind Hexham Abbey there’s a great exhibition space called The Big Story about the history of abbey? The exhibition is good for kids with lots of interactive, hands-on stuff to do plus dressing up.
Good accessibility for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
3) See a show at the Queen’s Hall
The Queen’s Hall always has a fantastic line-up of kids’ events on offer in its theatre and studio. You can also enjoy free exhibitions in the two gallery spaces throughout the year.
The Queen’s Hall has good accessibility for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Please note that the Queen’s Hall is closed on Sundays unless a performance is scheduled .
4) Be sporty at the Wentworth
Hexham’s Wentworth Leisure Centre is a great place to head if you’re looking for indoor fun for kids. It has two heated swimming pools, one of which is a smaller, shallower pool that’s good for younger children. You’ll also find a ten-pin bowling alley and soft play on offer. The latter was completely transformed in 2023 and is suitable up to age 10.
Good accessibility for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
5) Challenge your minds at Project Escape
Looking for fun things to do for older kids in Hexham? Project Escape Hexham runs four live escape rooms from its base on Hallstile Bank. Choose from Escaping Egypt, Jailbreak, The Cursed Attic and Sherlocked: The Case of the Hexham Heads.
6) Think creatively at Inspired Pots
This pottery studio offers ready-made ceramic painting sessions and is fun for all ages.
8) Hit the shops
Hexham has some great shops – we’re especially strong on independents that you won’t find anywhere else. Two of these are aimed squarely at kids and teens and you’ll find them both on Market Street.
Mr Wolf is a traditional toy shop and an actual treasure trove for kids of all ages. Stranger’s Things caters more for teens and tweens. Check it out for vintage streetwear. You can also find new vinyl and lots of quirky gift ideas. Our main shopping page features lots of other cool shops.
Feeling a bit frazzled? There are times when we all need to sit and have some down time. Hexham has you covered on the book front for toddlers up to YA. You’ll find our brilliant independent bookshop, Cogito Books, on pretty St Mary’s Chare, just off the Market Place. It has a dedicated section for kids with ‘difficult age’ shelves too. You’ll also find Waterstones and a branch of WH Smith on Fore Street in our small-but-bookish town. We also have a large and lovely library open Monday-Saturday in the Queen’s Hall. It’s a good place to find some calm if you need it.
NEED TO GET SOME FRESH AIR?
1) Run wild on the Sele
Right in the centre of Hexham you’ll find three parks, which are commonly known as the Sele. They’re been awarded Green Flag status year after year and they’re the ideal place to let your family run off some steam.
The section closest to elegant Beaumont Street is the Abbey Grounds. This features a Victorian bandstand that generations of toddlers have enjoyed exploring. (There’s a cut-through here through a gate in a hedge that brings you to Hexham Abbey’s pleasant café with outdoor seating available.)
Cutting through a gap in the long wall to the west, you’ll find yourselves on the actual Sele. There’s a large playground here, plus a skate park that was refurbished in 2023. The hill on the Sele is ideal for sledging or whizzing down on bikes. You’ll find football pitches on the flat at the bottom.
Cut down the side of the Sele to access Cockshaw Burn, which has some outdoor artworks that your kids might enjoy spotting.
Last but not least, Hexham House Grounds lie just north of the other two parks behind a wall. These are formal grounds with access to Hallgut Burn, a bowling green and a sensory garden.
2) Head for the river
Tyne Green Countryside Park runs along Hexham’s lovely stretch of the Tyne. It’s a popular spot for paddleboarding, canoeing, rowing and kayaking if your family enjoy those.
This riverside park is also a great place to play on dry land thanks to its broad, traffic-free paths for cycling; recently improved paths for pushchairs and wheelchairs; a large playground with a zipwire; an outdoor gym; and a picnic area.
There’s lots of wildlife to spot, such as herons and ducks, on the Tyne. In autumn, head over to the east side of Hexham Bridge to the viewing platform as you might be able to see salmon leaping up the weir.
A new riverside path offers greatly improved accessibility for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
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