The third annual Lililympics at Lilidorei: Cheer on your favourite mystical clan and represent them by taking part in crazy challenges like axe throwing, Booger Ball and spoon races at Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden (13th July - 31st August)

Catch the ultimate 80s underdog story live on stage as The Karate Kid – The Musical brings high energy choreography and a rock infused soundtrack to the North East. This brand new production on its first major UK tour follows Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi's journey, making it a perfect nostalgia trip for parents and teens at the Sunderland Empire (14th-18th July)

Ride the unstoppable global pop wave as the live high energy K-Pop All Stars Tribute brings stadium shaking anthems and razor sharp choreography to Wearside. Featuring a sea of glowing light sticks and explosive music from megastars like BTS and BlackPink, it offers an electrifying concert experience for music loving teens at The Fire Station (17th July)

Judith Kerr’s beloved children's book comes to life on stage as The Tiger Who Came to Tea brings clumsy chaos, magic and sing a long songs to local families. Direct from the West End, this Olivier Award nominated musical adaptation is packed with teatime mayhem and makes a perfect first theatre trip for toddlers at the Darlington Hippodrome (17th-18th July)

Spread out a picnic blanket for some open air magic as Storytime in the Meadow brings interactive tales, crafts and games to life for little ones. Hosted by Cherry and Bee in the pub’s newly cultivated wildflower garden, this relaxed, family friendly drop in welcomes all ages on a pay what you can basis at The Cumberland Arms (17th, 24th & 31st)

Channel the flamboyant spirit of the Georgian era as the Summer of Play brings circus skills, bubble magic and outdoor theatre to a historic estate paddock. Families can enjoy drop in comedy shows, create tunes with a junk orchestra, or tackle the grass maze and haybale scrambles across the grounds of Seaton Delaval Hall (18th July -31st Aug)

Travel through 2,000 years of history, myth and legend at Kynren, as the multi award winning outdoor epic returns with spectacular stunts, mass choreography and pyrotechnics. This summer also marks the blockbuster launch of a brand new daytime live action show park on the massive estate, giving families a full day of immersive adventures before the lakeside night show begins in Bishop Auckland (18th July -12th Sept)

Immerse yourself in history through six interactive family trails, exploring everything from a 1950s wireless quiz show tournament to a 1900s pro suffrage rally. Kids can hunt for a maid's missing cake ingredients or try their hand at 1940s semaphore signalling across the sprawling open air landscape of Beamish Museum (18th July - 31st Aug)

Experience stadium sized anthems reimagined in an intimate setting as The Music of Coldplay by Candlelight bathes a historic nave in the gentle glow of thousands of candles. This mesmerizing concert features a live West End band and world class vocalists performing massive hits like Viva La Vida and Yellow inside the stunning, atmospheric architecture of Newcastle Cathedral (18th July)

Uncover the mystery behind the quirky stone creatures watching over the fortress walls with the hands on Little Makers: Beasts of the Battlements workshop. Budding historians can learn the difference between a gargoyle and a grotesque before rolling up their sleeves to sculpt their very own clay monster to take home from Bamburgh Castle (18th July -21st Aug)

What happens when your favourite fairy tales and the excitement of a football stadium collide? Watch talented striker "Cindy-Ella" chase the ball and find her spark, or help Little Red Riding Hoodie outsmart a terrible troll in Footy Fairy Tales, a delightful interactive show packed with live music and super storytelling perfect for ages 5 to 11 at Live Theatre (18th July)

Kickstart the holidays with a reading themed woodland trail and nature crafts celebrating classic children's literature. Families can help The Very Hungry Caterpillar hunt for food, sketch their favourite book characters and uncover the real science behind fictional wildlife creatures across the scenic community parkland of Northumberlandia (18th July)

Slap on the sunscreen and grab a bucket and spade as the popular Darlington by Sea event transforms the town centre into a full coastal holiday escape. Families can enjoy free sandcastle building in a giant sandpit, take a spin on £1 fairground rides and catch live street theatre shows featuring magicians, science boffins and superheroes right across Darlington Market Square (18th - 26th)

Celebrate nostalgia and timeless holiday traditions as the Great British Summer event brings vintage fairground activities, circus skills workshops and open air puppet antics to life. Young explorers can grab a souvenir passport to collect special activity stamps across the estate, while parents kick back in deckchairs to enjoy local ice cream amidst the stunning quarry gardens of Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens (18th July -6th Sept)

Meet your local emergency service heroes up close as the Blue Lamp Heroes Family Fun Day packs a lively public plaza with emergency vehicles, sirens and interactive safety games. Perfect for curious toddlers and kids, this community event lets families chat with real world first responders, climb into the driver's seats of fire engines or police cruisers and enjoy a day of free face painting and outdoor entertainment across Trinity Square, Gateshead (18th July)

Bring the onscreen magic of global YouTube sensation Ms Rachel to life as Fun For Little Ones delivers a colourful, high energy live tribute show custom made for toddlers. Little ones and their grownups can expect puppets, playful characters and interactive educational moments that encourage young audiences to clap, dance and sing along inside the magnificent art deco surroundings of the Stockton Globe (18th July)

Head down to the coast for a vibrant weekend of open air entertainment as the annual Seaham Festival brings giant outdoor cinema screens, bustling market stalls and live music to the seafront. Families can enjoy fairground rides and local talent shows right on the cliff tops, with the programme even featuring a massive community broadcast on the giant event screen across Terrace Green, Seaham (18th-19th July)

Embrace your inner child and dive into friendly family competition with 20 giant, six foot tall hand crafted wooden ball games hidden around the grounds. Alongside the classic interactive fountains and a bamboo labyrinth, kids can cool off with legendary twice daily water pistol battle royales across the stunning landscape of The Alnwick Garden (18th July -31st Aug)

Meet adorable newborn animals and enjoy a full day of countryside fresh air as Tweddle Farm launches its daily Summer Holidays Adventure schedule. Families can jump straight into lamb bottle feeding, cuddle fluffy rabbits and catch scenic tractor or barrel rides across the rolling fields of the Farm (18th July -31st Aug)

Celebrate the global spirit of the football tournament with an interactive, high energy party featuring football themed sing alongs, dance offs and miniature skills competitions. Perfect for little fans getting swept up in tournament fever, the action packed morning includes prizes, games and a full stadium atmosphere inside the lively food hub of STACK Middlesbrough (18th July)

Train in the historical art of foolery as Newcastle Castle opens its hilarious, hands on Jester School academy for young chaos creators. Led by eccentric costumed performers, children can tackle riddles, silly tricks and quick thinking challenges that weave through the ancient stone chambers of the Castle (18th July-31st Aug)

Grab a bucket and spade for a pop up seaside beach, weekly engineering challenges and historic steam train rides as the action packed Locomotion Summer Festival returns. Families can explore incredible locomotive displays and even book a seat behind the world famous Flying Scotsman across the expansive tracks of Locomotion in Shildon (18th July -31st Aug)

Conquer the UK’s biggest high ropes course at Air Trail Tees Barrage and get a Free Junior Swim voucher to use at any Tees Active pool, including Billingham Forum and Stockton Splash (18th-31st Aug)

Celebrate love and togetherness at a rainbow filled open air party as Pride in South Tyneside brings massive pop anthems right to the coastline. Hometown hero Joe McElderry headlines this major concert with chart topping guest stars Sonia and Nine One One supporting the day with feel good hits inside Bents Park, South Shields (19th July)

Dive into an interactive underwater adventure as the Ocean Toybox summer event takes over Tynemouth Aquarium. Young explorers can embark on a mysterious toy rescue mission, hunt for clues along an action packed toy trail, and snap photos during special character meet and greets across six weeks of family friendly fun (18th July -31st Aug)

Scale the vibrant themed climbing walls at GoClimb Billingham Forum this Summer and every visitor gets a Free Junior Ice Skate voucher on arrival to cool down at the Forum Ice Arena (18th July -31st Aug)

Witness a heart in mouth street stunt as the Chris Cross Upside Down Straitjacket Escape marks a century of magic. The famous Geordie contortionist will hang by his ankles 80 feet in the air to break out of a straitjacket on the roof of Newcastle Castle (19th July)

Let It Snow Productions' Tay Pop: Demon Hunters World Tour comes to Wallsend Memorial Hall with Taylor Swift and K-pop singalongs, dancing, character meet and greets, mini makeovers and interactive party fun for the whole family. (19th July)

Discover the amazing world of mini beasts with hands on bug hunting, rock painting and bug hotel building workshops. This lively outdoor wildlife session offers free interactive nature fun for all ages across the sunlit grounds of Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens (20th July)

Sing your heart out to chart topping hits as Pop Kids Live kicks off a weekly summer party series. Young fans can enjoy dazzling costumes and high energy tribute acts celebrating Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande at Bloom Middlesbrough (20th July)

Enlist in a high energy Roman army boot camp as Victor the Veteran shares thrilling tales of ancient military campaigns. Young recruits can handle authentic armour, shields and swords to see if they have what it takes to make the grade across the historic grounds of Segedunum Roman Fort (20th July)

Step into a world of pure magic as the famous Hartlepool Bubble Man returns with mind boggling giant bubble tricks. Toddlers can explore the creative indoor role play village before diving into the interactive show at Petite Street Playtown, Durham (20th July)

Sing and dance to classic football anthems as the high energy Kid's Toon Party brings black and white family fun to St. James' STACK. Mini fans can wear their team shirts for an action packed morning of games, chants and sports competitions (20th July)

Get a head start on your festive keepsakes as a magical Christmas in July celebration takes over Petite Street Playtown in Durham. Little artists can design personalized clay prints, baubles and family gifts during a fun filled play session (20th July)

Grab a deckchair at Screen on the Green in Old Eldon Square, Newcastle, for free outdoor screenings of Lilo and Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon. Families can settle in for a double dose of animated movie magic right in the heart of the city (20th July)

Young heroes can discover their powers and train to save the world as the Superhero Training Academy flies into Bloom Middlesbrough. Expect interactive missions, live character action and energetic family team challenges (21st July)

Children can unleash their imagination and get creative with thousands of bricks as free Lego Time drop in sessions arrive at Cleadon Park Library. Perfect for a fun family day out, builders of all ages can design, construct and showcase their own unique masterpieces (21st July)

Tiny party animals can glow crazy as Techno Tots Live turns nursery rhymes into club bangers at STACK Newcastle on Pilgrim Street. This mini rave features a live DJ spinning kid friendly remixes, neon lights, bubbles and plenty of glow sticks (21st July)

Little pups can jump for joy as the high energy Paw Party brings rescue team magic to STACK Seaburn. Families can enjoy an action packed session filled with an interactive disco, themed party games and daytime mini rave fun (21st July)

Grab a deckchair at Screen on the Green in Old Eldon Square, Newcastle, for free outdoor screenings of The Scarecrows' Wedding, Wicked for Good and Mufasa. Families can enjoy a full day of open air movie magic right in the heart of the city (21st July)

Pop obsessed kids can channel their inner idol warriors as a high energy K-Pop Demon Hunters event arrives at The Lambton Worm. Little superfans can look forward to dance alongs, themed crafts and neon fun (21st July)

Phoenix Productions brings Disney’s Beauty and the Beast to life at Houghton Miners Welfare Hall. Audiences can look forward to stunning costumes, big musical numbers and a magical live retelling of this timeless classic (22nd July -25th July)

Young fans can meet stars Rumi, Zoey and Mira as K-Pop Summer Live takes over Bloom Middlesbrough. Little idols can expect electrifying choreography, chart topping anthems, free popcorn and post show photos (22nd July)

Teens aged 11–17 can head to Little Haven Beach for a free, high energy Summer Bash hosted by South Tyneside Youth Service. Young people can team up for beach games, fitness workouts, a healthy lunch and a refreshing sea dip (22nd July)

Families can discover the bizarre culinary habits of ancient soldiers as Victor the Veteran hosts a fascinating interactive history session at Arbeia Roman Fort. Aspiring recruits can inspect authentic military gear and find out exactly what the Romans ate to stay strong on campaigns (22nd July)

Step into a world of wonder at STACK Seaburn as the brilliant Magician Marvin hosts a family show packed with laughs. Little ones can look forward to a spectacular mix of mind boggling magic tricks, balloon modelling, puppeteering and juggling (22nd July)

St. James' STACK is turning nursery rhymes into full blown club bangers as Techno Tots Live arrives for a mini family rave. Little party animals can dance along to kid friendly pop remixes under dazzling neon lights with bubbles, glow sticks and a live DJ (22nd July)

Audiences can experience a vibrant explosion of performing arts as the Durham Fringe Festival takes over city wide venues. Packed with over 250 unique acts, the massive five day lineup features everything from stand up comedy and live music to magic, cabaret and daytime family shows (22nd-26th July)

Budding historians can meet world class experts from Newcastle University as a free, interactive Archaeology Day takes over the Great North Museum: Hancock. Families can try their hand at themed crafts and explore a temporary exhibition packed with Roman jewellery and Anglo Saxon gold (22nd July)

Free Lego Time drop-in sessions are heading to The Word in South Shields. Creative kids can unleash their imagination with thousands of bricks to design, build and show off custom creations (22nd July)

Families can pull up an NE1 deckchair at Old Eldon Square, Newcastle, for a free triple bill of animated hits. Catch the feathers flying chaos of The Angry Birds Movie, the tech glitch friendship of Ron’s Gone Wrong and the dialogue free magic of Robot Dreams (22nd July)

Join everyone's favourite ogre for a big, bright musical adventure as Shrek the Musical hits the stage. Darlington Academy of Performing Arts brings this fairy tale comedy to life with dazzling costumes and spectacular musical numbers at Darlington Community Theatre (23rd-26th July)

Throw some shapes at Bloom Middlesbrough as the Tiny Dancers Rave transforms the venue into a giant family dance floor. Expect neon lights, waves of bubbles, glow sticks and a live DJ spinning kid friendly tracks (23rd July)

Grab your lightsticks and head to the Jubilee Club as a high energy K-Pop Kids Party takes over the dance floor. Little superfans can look forward to a summer holiday afternoon packed with chart topping anthems, dance alongs and plenty of neon fun (23rd July)

Grab a tablet at the Great North Museum: Hancock and blast into the past with Time Odyssey. Families can team up to crack gallery challenges, hunt for hidden history and track down ‘Timeless Treasures’ to open up a virtual time portal (23rd July-6th Aug)

Hunt for missing treasure at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens with the Treasure Keepers Trail. Families can explore the galleries, solve tricky puzzles and uncover local history clues to claim a prize (23rd July -5th Sept)

Pack a picnic for Crook Hall Gardens as the magical story of Pinocchio comes alive outdoors. Families can follow the wooden puppet's wild adventures in the open air with plenty of songs, laughs and live theatre magic (23rd July)

Earn your summer badge at The Play Café Sunderland with a fun filled Hey Duggee party. Toddlers can look forward to music, bubbles and interactive games with their favourite pup while parents grab a coffee (23rd July)

Get messy and creative at Whiteleas Community Centre as a 4 week summer holiday special of ARTventurers kicks off. Little artists aged up to 8 can dive into colourful process art, sensory play and weekly themed projects with ARTy Bear (23rd July, 30th July, 6th Aug and 13th Aug)

Burn off some serious energy at Acorn & Oak Play Cafe with a high energy Danny Go interactive session. Little ones can dance along to iconic tracks, jump into the soft play and grab a photo high five (23rd July)

Little pups can jump for joy as a high energy Paw Party brings rescue team magic to STACK Newcastle on Pilgrim Street. Expect an action packed morning of themed party games, an interactive disco and daytime mini rave fun (23rd July)

Tiny party animals can glow crazy as Techno Tots Live brings a mini family rave to STACK Seaburn. Expect a live DJ spinning kid friendly dance tracks, neon lights, bubbles and plenty of glow sticks (23rd July)

Watch the plaza fill with giant floating sculptures as a spectacular BubblePlaY stage show takes over St. James' STACK. Little ones can enjoy immersive bubble magic, upbeat music and plenty of interactive family fun (23rd July)

Pull up a free NE1 deckchair at Old Eldon Square for a day to night movie marathon. Settle in for the musical fun of Sing 2, the stunning animation of The Book of Life and stay late for dinosaur chaos with Jurassic World Rebirth (23rd July)

Tumble down the rabbit hole at the Forum Theatre Billingham as a colourful production of Alice in Wonderland comes to life. Families can look forward to a zany, fast paced journey packed with audience interaction, catchphrase comedy and musical numbers (24th-25th July)

Catch major festival vibes as Ayclive Festival returns for a massive weekend of live music. Families can dance to 80s/90s party anthems, see headliners The Hoosiers and explore fairground rides and a kids' entertainment zone (24th-25th July)

Experience a fairytale afternoon at Bloom Middlesbrough as the Royal Princess Ball brings live magic to the stage. Little ones can sing along with Princess Arabella and Princess Rosalie, enjoy an interactive show and snap royal photos (24th July)

Soak up summer vibes as Scoop Music Festival takes over Lanchester with a massive weekend of family friendly music. Families can expect multiple stages with live bands and DJs, alongside street food stalls and kids' entertainment (24th-26th July)

Step into a glowing winter wonderland at The Play Café Sunderland with the Let It Glow Elsa party. Little fans can sing along to Frozen hits, enjoy a magical neon disco and grab photos with the Ice Queen (24th July)

Round up your little space rangers and cowpokes as Woody, Buzz and Jessie take over The Mill Tavern for a free family fun afternoon. Expect a lively character meet and greet alongside a bouncy castle, face painting and kids' meals for just £2 (24th July)

Pop down to the seafront as a cloud of giant, floating sculptures fills STACK Seaburn for a massive outdoor BubblePlaY party. Kids can chase down colossal rainbow bubbles, dance to high energy tunes and join in on stage family challenges (24th July)

End the week with a splash at Tweddle Farm as their popular Foam Party Fridays kick off in the play park. Little ones can dance to high energy tunes under a blanket of bubbles at 3:30pm after a full day of tractor rides and animal petting (24th July)

Pull up a free NE1 deckchair at Old Eldon Square for a family movie double bill. Settle in right in the heart of the city for the surfing penguin comedy Surf's Up and the animal heist fun of The Bad Guys 2 (24th July)

Snap some free holiday photos as Chase from Paw Patrol heads to Ocean Beach Pleasure Park in South Shields. Little rescue fans can high five their favourite pup outside the Middle Arcade before hitting the fairground rides (25th July)

Get ready for an absolute madhouse at Anarchy Brew Co. as NORTH Wrestling throws down for their chaotic ‘Party Till You Puke’ summer special. Expect massive slams, loud crowds and heavy hits right next to the brewery taps for an unreal, high octane night out (25th July)

Step back into the Middle Ages at Belsay Hall for a weekend of pure history. Watch armoured knights lock horns in a thunderous medieval contest while you explore the ancient castle encampment and soak up the battlefield atmosphere (25th-26th July)

Grab your marmalade sandwiches and head to Hopetown Darlington as Britain’s favourite bear arrives for a summer party. Little ones can meet Paddington, watch outdoor screenings of Paddington 2 and catch the Tornado steam engine (25th July)

Paint the toon rainbow as Newcastle Pride floods the city centre with pure joy. Settle in for the iconic street march on Saturday morning before catching star studded live sets from Nadine Coyle and Katy B over at the Times Square Pride Arena (25th-26th July)

Geek out at Gateshead International Stadium as Nerd Summer Fest returns for a massive pop culture convention. Explore retro arcade games, browse comic stalls, marvel at epic cosplay competitions and see a real life Optimus Prime truck (25th July)

Watch your little one's eyes light up as In the Night Garden Live hits the Tyne Theatre stage. This gentle hour long show features full sized characters, enchanting music and a spectacular flying Pinky Ponk (25th-26th Juy)

Roll up for a summer treat as Goldilocks and the Three Bears hits Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre. Families can look forward to a circus themed pantomime packed with stunts, musical numbers and side splitting comedy (25th-27th July)

Dance on the sand as the sun sets over Cullercoats Bay with a massive beach silent disco. Grab a pair of glowing wireless headphones and switch between three live DJs spinning multi genre party anthems (25th July)

Discover your next favourite band as Euphony Fest takes over Independent for a massive day of grassroots live music. Expect a stacked multi room lineup of local alternative, indie, punk and rock talent across two stages (25th July)

Prepare for absolute colourful chaos at The Pavilion as Peterlee SOAK'D launches its crazy family fun run. Dress up in your wildest fancy dress to tackle a 2.5K or 5K route loaded with vibrant paint explosions, massive water battles, and super soaker splash zones (25th July)

Pull up a free NE1 deckchair at Old Eldon Square for a vibrant outdoor screening session. Settle in for a lively Pride Party broadcast at midday before diving into the gravity defying musical magic of Wicked later in the afternoon (25th July)

Treat your tastebuds as the Saltburn Food Festival transforms the town into a bustling open air foodie paradise. Settle in to explore over 100 artisan stalls, graze on global street food and watch live chef demos (26th July)

Geek out at Sport Central as Newcastle Comic Con returns with a huge day of pop culture fun. Explore unique trader booths, check out epic cosplay competitions, snap photos with movie props and catch free live creator talks (26th July)

Cheer on hundreds of racing birds as the Cluny Rubber Duck Race takes over the Ouseburn. Buy a racer from the bar to win the coveted golden trophy, enter the best dressed competition and enjoy a brilliant family day out for charity (26th July)

Celebrate community spirit as the free Tees Valley Unity Festival takes over the outdoor grounds at the Dormans Club. Families can look forward to live music, diverse dance acts, global food stalls, fairground rides and free kids' inflatables (26th July)

Soak up the ultimate summer festival atmosphere at Bents Park as pop legends ABC and Chesney Hawkes take over the outdoor stage. Settle in for a massive afternoon of glossy 80s anthems, crowd pleasing hits and feel good classics right by the coast (26th July)

Blast off into a world of pure animation at Old Eldon Square as Pixar takes over NE1’s big screen. Families can hitch a ride on an urban fantasy wizarding quest with Onward before journeying into deep space with the intergalactic origin story of Lightyear (26th July)