Whether you’re treating yourselves or pinching the purse strings, there’s something here for everyone.
5. Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens
Featuring a collection dating back to 1846, the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens is a treasury of the city's history - and all for free! (though bear in mind, donations are always welcome).
See Wallace the lion, preserved for more than a century, the first Nissan car to roll off the production line at its Washington site in 1986, and visit the art gallery.
And, with the weather set to cool towards the end of the final week of the school holidays, enjoy the tropical climes of the Winter Gardens amongst more than 2,000 plants. Photo: Tim Richardson
6. HMS Trincomalee in Hartlepool
Take the kids to see HMS Trincomalee in Hartlepool - the oldest warship still afloat in Europe
The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool takes visitors back in time with the 18th-century port. Learn about traditional games, experience the explosive firepower with exciting live demonstrations and see historical re-enactments.
There's a Children’s Maritime Adventure Centre and much more. Book online at https://www.nmrn.org.uk/our-museums Photo: Frank Reid
7. Summer fun at Washington Old Hall
Every day from 11am to 3pm during the summer holidays, the historic hall hosts fantastic family fun. Children can play games on the top lawn, while parents enjoy some much-needed relaxation in the gardens.
The hall has been running events over the summer holidays, and this week, youngsters are encouraged to create some wild art from the natural materials to be found in the garden and nuttery.
Find out about prices at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/washington-old-hall Photo: JPIMedia