Newcastle Eldon Square has announced a series of free family events for children throughout the summer holidays, running from July to September 2026. The programme includes face painting, roaming superhero and princess appearances, the return of the Tiny Toon Play Village, and a Peter Rabbit sculpture trail.
Face Painting Sessions
Free face painting will be available in Eldon Square's Community Quarter on selected dates: Saturday July 25, Sunday July 26, Thursday July 30, Friday July 31, Saturday August 1, and Sunday August 2, from 12pm to 3pm each day.
Character Appearances
Roaming superheroes will appear across the centre on Saturday August 8, Sunday August 9, and Sunday August 16. Magical princesses will follow on Saturday August 22 and Sunday August 23. Families can meet characters, take photos, and enjoy surprise interactions. Donation buckets for Newcastle United Foundation will be available during these events.
Tiny Toon Play Village
Eldon Square is sponsoring NE1's Tiny Toon Play Village for the third consecutive year. The immersive experience returns to Old Eldon Square from Monday July 20 to Monday August 31. Children can explore a miniature Newcastle with landmarks like the Tyne and Wear Metro train, Tyne Bridge, and a mini Eldon Square. New additions this year include models inspired by Newcastle Building Society, Tyneside Cinema, Dakwala, and Pink Lane Bakery. Opening hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10am-5pm; Tuesdays 9:30am-5pm (with Toddler Takeover sessions); Sundays 9am-4:30pm (quieter sessions for relaxed environment).
Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne Sculpture Trail
Eldon Square is part of the region-wide Peter Rabbit sculpture trail from Wednesday July 15 to Monday September 14. The free public art trail features decorated Peter Rabbit sculptures across Newcastle and North Tyneside, raising funds for St Oswald's Hospice. The trail celebrates the hospice's 40th anniversary and Beatrix Potter's 160th birthday. Eldon Square hosts its own Peter Rabbit sculpture for photos and weekly prize draws via QR code. Prizes include a £50 Frankie & Benny's voucher, Clarks shoes up to £75, a Lush Pamper Party for five, vouchers for John Lewis, Fenwick, and Charles Clinkard, a MINISO goody bag, and Eldon Square Gift Cards up to £100.
Helen Cowie, centre director at Eldon Square, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming families to the centre this summer, with a line-up of fun filled free activities available for little ones, perfect for keeping them entertained during the summer holiday period. Alongside the centre's own programme of roaming superheroes, princess appearances and face painting, we're also proud to be part of the city-wide Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne sculpture trail and one of the sponsors supporting the return of the hugely popular Tiny Toon Play Village, giving families even more ways to enjoy Newcastle this summer.”
