As I've mentioned before getting "out" is difficult enough with a child with complex needs, but the "about" bit once you're out is also a challenge.
We need somewhere to change Nate, feed Nate, park up with ease, doors and paths we can get through and along, a lift, no stairs or few stairs ( if there's no lift), and of course stuff to actually do.
I could quite easily have a moan. Beaches are a nightmare, shops quickly turn into an assault course of rails and displays, old houses and castles are best avoided, and soft plays can be a battlefield. So here's a few places we go that are easy and stress free.
Seven stories, Lime street, Newcastle.
I love this place. Love love love it. I love reading you see, have done from being a small child.
They have a basement full of cut and stick activities linked to the current exhibitions, galleries with things to play with and interact with, a bookshop, cafe, and an attic full of dressing up clothing and a storyteller.
My eldest (6) loves visiting, however it gets quite busy and you can spend a fair bit of time waiting for the lift. Recently we had the special bonus of going with St Oswalds hospice. We had a sensory trip around the exhibits which was amazing and a brilliant sensory story. There is parking nearby, and the building has good changing facilities. Staff are extremely helpful. Free with max cards.
Alan shearer activity centre, west Denton, Newcastle.
Last year we had Nate's birthday party here ( expensive!) but you can just ring up to book a free session ( provided you become a member). It always feels chilled out and relaxing inside with well equipped sensory caves, music room ( umm that bit isn't chilled), white and blue sensory rooms, art room, hydro pool, cafe, grounds to wander around, and outdoor play area, and disabled toilets with adult sized changing tables. It's a lovely place to spend a few hours.
Baltic centre for contemporary art, shore street, Gateshead quays.
Free entry.
I must confess I don't "get" this type of art however i applaud any organization that actively tries to get children involved, welcomes children with additional needs into their sessions, and also provides quieter sessions purely for those children with additional needs and their siblings. The centre runs week long workshops for children during school holidays and you book your children into a 2 hr session. The centre has many different events and activities going on in addition to their exhibits.
https://www.balticmill.com/whats-on/family-fun
Blue badge parking is free as long as you get the baltic to validate your ticket.
We went to the additional needs session and quite frankly had a wonderful time. One of the current installations focuses on elements and weather ( the reactions of the children to the boxes of weather were utterly brilliant) so the workshop involved rainbows- lots of painting, pastels and food art.
The building is airy and accessible ( though I confess we didn't see the toilets/ changing), it has huge glass lifts with fabulous views of the Tyne, exhibits, an amazing shop (where I could easily spend an whole hour oooing and arrring at things), a viewing level, a chill out space that seems specifically designed for children and a cafe. The staff were very helpful- some things they want you to touch/ interact with, others not so much!
I was really impressed, and art isn't my thing.
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