Families in South Shields
Things to do with kids, schools, nurseries, tutors, family-friendly events, and local services — everything families need in South Shields.
Family Guides
Best Beaches in South Shields
From the golden sands of Sandhaven to the dramatic cliffs and seabird colonies at Marsden Bay, here is your complete guide to the beaches of South Shields.
Where to Go Swimming in South Shields
From the 25-metre pool at Haven Point to open-water swimming at Littlehaven Beach, here is your complete guide to swimming in South Shields.
Dog-Friendly South Shields: The Complete Guide
Beaches, parks, pubs, and cafes — everything you need to know about exploring South Shields with your dog.
Best Walks from South Shields
Four coastal and park walks from South Shields, from the clifftop path along The Leas to Marsden Bay, to a seafront stroll from Littlehaven to Tynemouth. With distances, terrain notes, and tips for every route.
Best Schools in South Shields
From an Outstanding-rated Catholic primary to the top-ranked junior school in South Shields, here is your guide to primary schools, secondary schools, and further education in South Shields.
Free Things to Do in South Shields
Roman ruins, golden beaches, a world-class library, free summer concerts, and more — here are the best free things to do in South Shields.
Find a Tutor in South Shields
From dedicated tuition centres on Cookson House to online platforms with dozens of local tutors, here is your guide to finding a tutor in South Shields.
Best After-School Clubs in South Shields
From gymnastics and trampolining at Temple Park to dance schools and youth clubs on Ocean Road, here are the best after-school clubs and activities for children in South Shields.
Summer Holiday Activities in South Shields
From golden beaches and a free funfair to Roman ruins and rainy-day soft play, here is your guide to keeping the family entertained in South Shields this summer.
Best Nurseries in South Shields
From Outstanding-rated kindergartens to a parent-praised nursery on Beach Road, here are the best nurseries and childcare providers in South Shields.
Rainy Day Activities in South Shields
Swimming, soft play, bowling, a world-class library, and a cave bar — here is what to do in South Shields when the weather turns.
Baby and Toddler Groups in South Shields
From council-run Family Hub sessions to sensory classes and church playgroups, here are the best baby and toddler groups in South Shields.
Birthday Party Venues in South Shields
From gymnastics and trampolining at Temple Park to surf parties on the beach, here are the best children's birthday party venues in South Shields.
School Holidays in South Shields
South Tyneside Council term dates for 2026/27, plus tips on what to do during half term and summer holidays in South Shields.
Skate Parks Near South Shields
From the seafront concrete park at Sandhaven to an indoor skatepark in Jarrow, here is your guide to skate parks in and around South Shields.
Upcoming Family Events
View all events →Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors — Northern Stage
10:00 AM · Northern Stage
From £12Pre-School Day — Life Science Centre
9:30 AM - 3:00 PM · Centre for Life
Little Artists — Laing Art Gallery
10:30 AM · Laing Art Gallery
FREERelaxed Sunday Session — Life Science Centre
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM · Centre for Life
Included with admissionHeritage Train Rides — Stephenson Steam Railway Opening Day
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM · Stephenson Steam Railway
TBCLive Skies in the Planetarium
2:00 PM · Centre for Life
Tutors & Classes
Browse all 15 tutors →Local tutors and classes for children and adults in South Shields.
Schools & Education
Find schools, nurseries, and educational resources in South Shields. Our education guide covers the local school system, Ofsted ratings, and how to choose the right setting for your child.
Family-Friendly Places
Full directory →Harton Academy
EducationSecondary school rated Good by Ofsted, serving the South Shields community. Part of the Harton Education Trust.
Arbeia Roman Fort
CommunityUNESCO World Heritage Site guarding the main sea route to Hadrian's Wall. Full-scale Roman reconstructions, a museum of significant finds, and free admission from late March to September.
The Customs House
CommunitySouth Tyneside's premier arts venue in a listed building overlooking the River Tyne. Home to a 440-seat theatre, cinema, art gallery, restaurant, and bar.
South Marine Park
Sports & LeisureThe green heart of the South Shields seafront with a boating lake, the Lakeshore Railroad miniature steam railway, two play parks, gardens, and a bandstand.
The Word
CommunityNational Centre for the Written Word. A striking modern library with interactive digital exhibits, a fabrication lab, performance space, events programme, and a rooftop terrace. Free admission.
Souter Lighthouse
CommunityThe first lighthouse in the world built for electric illumination, opened in 1871. Now managed by the National Trust with a visitor exhibition, tea room, and access to The Leas coastal walk.
Mortimer Primary School
EducationCommunity primary school rated Good by Ofsted in January 2024. Serves the Mortimer area of South Shields with a nursery unit and strong community links.
Sea View Primary School
EducationCommunity primary school on the Horsley Hill campus rated Good by Ofsted in June 2024. Provides a welcoming, inclusive learning environment for children aged 3 to 11.
St Bede's Catholic Primary School
EducationCatholic primary school rated Outstanding by Ofsted in May 2024 — one of very few schools in South Tyneside to hold this distinction. Strong academic results and a nurturing faith-based ethos.