Looking at what's on in 2026, there's a packed calendar of children's events designed to entertain, educate and inspire families throughout the year. From hands-on museum exhibitions and theatre performances to outdoor festivals and sporting challenges, there's plenty happening for children of all ages. Planning these experiences in advance makes it easier to build memorable family time into busy schedules.

As a business focused on children's comfort and wellbeing, we love seeing families make the most of days out that spark curiosity and creativity. Below, we've rounded up some of the standout children's events already scheduled for 2026.

Hands-on museum events and exhibitions

Museums continue to be a reliable choice for family days out, and 2026 brings some excellent child-focused exhibitions. One highlight is Things That Go at Discovery Museum in Newcastle, scheduled for summer 2026. This free, transport-themed exhibition is designed especially for younger children, with hands-on activities centred around vehicles such as trains, tractors, buses and planes. It's ideal for children aged seven and under and offers a relaxed way to combine learning with play.

Beamish Museum also has a strong family programme planned for 2026, including seasonal events and its much-loved pantomime. The Beamish Pantomime for 2026 is Dick Whittington and his Cat, it's already attracting interest, alongside other themed family days throughout the year. As an open-air museum, Beamish offers children plenty of space to explore, which makes it a popular choice during school holidays.

After busy, stimulating days like these, children often benefit from familiar routines at home. A calm evening wind-down and a comfortable bed suited to their age can help them recharge, ready for the next adventure.

Festivals, culture and special event weekends

Cultural events with a family focus continue to grow in popularity, and 2026 includes several standout weekends. The Late Shows in Newcastle and Gateshead, taking place on 8-9 May 2026, is a unique evening event where museums, galleries and creative venues open late with free entry. Many venues put on family-friendly activities earlier in the evening, and free buses link sites across the cities.

Community-led events also remain a highlight of the calendar. The Northumberland Miners' Picnic at Woodhorn Museum, planned for summer 2026, is a long-standing family day featuring live music, street theatre, children's activities and food stalls. With free entry to the museum, it offers a full day out that appeals to multiple generations.

These types of events often involve lots of walking, excitement and later bedtimes. Keeping children's bedrooms comfortable and familiar can make transitions back to routine much easier.

Active events for children and teens

For children who enjoy being active, 2026 includes some major sporting events designed specifically for younger participants. The Mini and Junior Great North Run, taking place on 12 September 2026, gives children the chance to take part in a large-scale running event on closed roads along the Quayside.

The Mini event covers 1.2 km for children aged 3-8, while the Junior event is a 4 km run for ages 9-16. Many families train together for months in advance, making it a shared goal rather than just a single day out.

Physical events like these can be incredibly rewarding, but they also place extra demands on growing bodies. Proper rest, especially sleep, plays a key role in recovery, concentration and overall well-being.

Theatre, shows and creative experiences

Live performance continues to be a big draw for families in 2026. Alongside pantomimes and touring children's shows, local venues host storytelling sessions, music workshops and interactive performances throughout the year.

The Newcastle Cathedral host popular sessions like "Small Sounds" music activities for children aged 0-5, along with seasonal workshops and creative events. These shorter sessions are particularly well suited to younger children who may not yet sit through longer performances.

Creative events can be stimulating in a different way to outdoor festivals or sports, often sparking new interests that continue at home. A supportive bedroom environment gives children a place to relax, read or play quietly after these experiences.

Seasonal celebrations and annual highlights

Seasonal events remain firm favourites for families, and many annual celebrations are already expected to return in 2026. Durham's major events calendar includes highlights such as the Fire & Ice Festival and Durham Regatta, both of which usually feature strong family-friendly elements alongside their main programmes.

Seasonal changes can affect children's routines, particularly sleep. Maintaining a consistent bedtime setup, even during busy periods, can help children feel settled year-round.

Ongoing guides and planning resources

For families who like to plan ahead or keep options flexible, several round-up guides are worth bookmarking for 2026. North East Museums' exhibitions and events guide offers a curated look at cultural highlights designed with families in mind, while broader monthly "what's on" round-ups provide inspiration as new events are announced.

Websites such as Day Out With the Kids, Primary Times, and regional event calendars are regularly updated and useful for discovering both large-scale events and smaller local activities.

At Children's Bed Shop, we understand that childhood is filled with busy days, big experiences and lots of learning along the way. From museum visits and festivals to sports events and theatre trips, these moments help shape happy memories. By planning ahead and supporting children's rest at home, families can make the most of everything 2026 has to offer.