Welcome to NE1’s Tiny Toon!
NE1 have joined up with Tyne & Wear Metro this summer to shrink the toon into a pretend-play village for young visitors to let their imagination run wild for summer 2024.
In association with Tyne and Wear Metro, the immersive play zone will be running until the 1st September and is free for families to enjoy with no bookings required.
So, whether your little one wants to don one of Olive & Bean’s unmistakable aprons and dish up some delicious cakes, grab a Grainger Market basket to shop around or even become one of the Nexus ‘Drivers in Training’ now’s your chance! All that to say that there’s plenty of Newcastle icons for kids to enjoy down at Tiny Toon – and we’ve got the details on all of them.
Tyne & Wear Metro Train
Delivered in association with Tyne & Wear Metro, Tiny Toon is proud to play host to a new station for the summer: Old Eldon Square!
Here, a child-sized version of the fantastic Metro trains (arriving later this year) has pulled into the station, ready to board travelers and would-be drivers alike.
Younger ones can pop on a high-vis vest and get to “work” at the front of the carriage, while those young-at-heart might want to take a rest on the Metro seats – designed in the very same style as the new trains!
And if the kids are inspired to take a trip on the real thing, then don’t forget to take advantage of their ‘Kids go Free’ permanent price promise!
Eldon Square
Got some young fashionistas in the family? Then they’ll definitely want to pay a visit to the miniature version of Newcastle’s prime shopping destination Eldon Square!
There’s plenty inside to enjoy, with dress-up outfits that correlate with our Screen on the Green film programme, and activities happening in-store just a stone’s throw away.
Whether kids play pretend being live mannequins in the window, or prefer to strike a pose in their own fashion show, there’s some fantastic photo opportunities to be had here.
Olive & Bean
Celebrating their 16th birthday, Olive & Bean has opened up its second venue in NE1’s Tiny Toon this summer.
To commemorate the milestone, this mini-me café features plenty of dessert recreations for kids to serve up to friends and family – all while sporting their very own Olive & Bean apron, of course!
Prefer to visit the real thing? Snap a picture of your young budding barista behind the counter, and they’ll get a free sweet treat when you buy a hot coffee.
Theatre Royal
Budding performers in the family? Then they’ll love the chance to take to the stage at Tiny Toon’s very own Theatre Royal!
This recreation of the iconic venue in the heart of Newcastle features everything from its signature historic pillars outside – and you’ll also spot framed posters of upcoming shows alongside them too.
And not to worry, there’s plenty of seating for the family… just in case their show “overruns”!
My Delhi
Replicating the vibrant interiors of My Delhi’s interior, this tiny installation of the award-winning street food restaurant is one we’re sure even the adults will want to see!
Hand-painted murals across the walls replicate the restaurant that’s been a firm favourite in the city for the last five years – while there’s plenty of pretend mini-ingredients too, so the kids can dish up platefuls of fun whether they’re imagining themselves as a diner, chef or server!
Grainger Market
While the real Grainger Market undergoes its transformation, we’ve made a miniature one to keep the kids entertained!
Paying homage to the iconic market, this stall is stocked with realistic-looking fake foods, wicker baskets and even a counter till – giving younger customers the chance to play pretend at being grocers or shop around.
We’ve already been blown away by the popularity of Tiny Toon, and we’re so excited to see everyone there! Please be aware that it’s operating on a one family- in, one family-out policy – so there may be a slight wait before entry. Open 10am-5pm (4:30pm on Sundays), so make sure you get down early!
And of course, don’t forget to pay a visit to Play Rebellion and Screen on the Green while you’re in Old Eldon Square too! Alternatively, why not check out our full Summer in the City Calendar?
