Families

For the family's football fans a stadium tour is a must. Visit the home of the famous 'Toon Army' at Newcastle United's St. James' Park or pop along to Sunderland's Stadium of Light and see where the Black Cats play. Get the view that normally only the top premiership stars have on one of the brilliant daily tours organised at both clubs. Family tickets are available.

Also in NewcastleGateshead is the Centre for Life where science comes to life in a fun and funky environment. You can expect endless thrills and spills on a state-of-the-art motion simulator. The whole family is in for bumps, bounces, laughs, and lots of surprises! Or try Seven Stories, the Centre for Children's Books, which showcases original manuscripts and artworks alongside fascinating hands-on exhibitions. For a unique insight into Roman life 2,000 years ago visit Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend which was once home to 600 Roman soldiers on Hadrian's Wall.

The amazing Alnwick Garden in Northumberland was created with children in mind. Throughout the garden there are fun, exciting and interesting things for them to see and do. One place they certainly won't be able to resist is the world's largest Treehouse. Walkways high up in the trees is part of a fantastic adventure. And when young adventurers need feeding treat them to a meal in the Treehouse itself.

Harry Potter fans among the family will insist in taking in the magnificent Alnwick Castle. The Battleaxes and Broomsticks tour will give you a revealing insight into all the famous films that have been shot in the castle including where Harry Potter learned to fly. The castle was also home to the warriors in days of old and you can experience what it was like with a visit to the Knights' School. Dress up as a knight or a lady and play medieval games.

Where the past really comes to life is at County Durham's Beamish - North of England Open Air Museum. You'll experience at first hand how people lived in the early 1800s and 1900s when you visit the town, the colliery village, a working farm and ride on the tram and railway.

For a voyage back in time you can't beat the Hartlepool Maritime Experience. Witness the extraordinary sights and sounds of an 18th century seaport at this multi-award winning attraction. Then step aboard Europe's oldest warship afloat and experience life on this fantastic ship. Hartlepool has also been to be chosen as a host for the prestigious Tall Ships' Races in 2010.