Keeping little ones entertained
As families across Sunderland enjoy the last few days of their Easter holidays, we have put together a list of familyfriendly things to see and do in the city.
As the weather gets warmer and the city’s young people enjoy a hard-earned rest from school, there’s plenty going on across Sunderland to keep the whole family entertained.
DOWN DUCKLINGS
For the animal lovers, Washington Wetland Centre and their specialist duckery will get the whole family feeling chirpy.
Meet the latest fluffy arrivals and get exclusive access to the outdoor nurseries, where it is possible to see little ducklings and goslings taking their first wobbly steps.
NATIONAL GLASS CENTRE
There’s always a range of activities taking place at the National Glass Centre, providing great opportunities for little ones to learn more about the city’s rich heritage in glassmaking as well as watching some exciting demonstrations.
If you want to give your little one something to remember their visit by, there is a lovely little gift shop selling a range of glass items, and Sunderland memorabilia, and you can even buy the items you see the team blow during your visit.
And there’s also a bistro on site for a quick bite to eat, with views across to the city’s burgeoning Port of Sunderland.
WINTER GARDEN WONDERLAND
Explore the lush vegetation of The Winter Gardens’ indoor gardens.
Climb the spiral stairs to make it to the top of the building, where the temperature is at its highest.
Or sit by the pond, at the foot of the gardens, where beautiful bright fish swim through the waterfall’s waters.
Holmeside Coffee has opened up a brand new café on site too, offering a great choice of food and drinks in a trendy environment, so you can refuel before exploring the Museum!
A great day for the whole family.
PENSHAW CIRCULAR WALK
For an active day out, Sunderland offers the Penshaw circular walk.
This is a four-mile (6.5km) walk starting from the foot of Penshaw Monument and offering great views over surrounding countryside.
It’s a great chance to get outdoors and burn all of the excess energy your little explorers have a downloadable map is available at www.seeitdoitsunderland.co.uk
SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP
The Bridges shopping centre is a haven during wetter days over the holidays. Under cover, and jam packed with High Street favourites like Debenhams, H&M and Boots, if the whole family has a thing for fashion, there’s something for all.
And for lovers of sweet treats, there’s Krispy Kreme and newly opened Hotel Chocolat offering delicious confectionary that will be enjoyed as much by the adults as it will the little ones!
ADRENALIN RUSH
For those who want to enjoy something more fast-paced, Karting North East in Sunderland is an award-winning venue offering a host of activities including karting, paintball, rage rally, archery and tomahawks, and off road 4x4.
With its main circuit laid in 1996, Karting North East offers 1.2 kilometres of track, and a fleet of thirty 390cc karts.
For little ones, there is 350 metre junior circuit, so the whole family can get active together.
SCALING THE HEIGHTS
Sunderland Wall is one of the largest indoor climbing centres in the UK, and is tucked away in Pallion.
With a range of climbs suitable for new and experienced climbers, a massive 23-metre wall as well as offering over 900m2 of climbing and bouldering, the Wall is a great place to burn off energy as a family or get competitive with friends.
There are a range of courses for both adults and children, and a team of trained instructors are on hand to help climbers reach their peak.
For more things to see and do in Sunderland for the remainder of the Easter break, visit www.seeitdoitsunderland.co.uk or for the latest news and updates visit www. sunderlandvibe.co.uk