North East swimming pools and water parks with slides to visit this summer

From wild waves to a 40-metre aquaslide, and from water cannons to geysers, the North East boasts a range of water attractions that are set to prove a hit with families over the school summer holidays.

Whatever the weather, the region's swimming baths and leisure attractions are always a popular pick for a family day out and for once nobody minds how wet they get. Many also include extra treats such as slides and rides.

With the big school break under way, we've picked out venues not far from Newcastle and others in the wider region which offer these under one roof. For some, they will be within easy reach while others may want to include them on a day trip out.

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  Things to do with kids around Newcastle and the North East during the summer school holidays

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This summer brought news that the once-popular indoor water park Wet ‘n’ Wild inNorth Tyneside, which had been closed for five years, has now been sold, with no mention yet of the site's future use, while - for lovers of outdoor pools - there came good news of Splash Pad in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, has extended its opening hours for the summer. Our list below also includes an outdoor attraction for those good weather days.

Waves Leisure Centre

Based on The Links in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, families could combine a trip here with a visit to the adjacent beach for a full day out. Besides the usual swimming pool attractions, there are three 'high octane slides' here in the main pool area where all ages can compete against each other to see who can descend in the fastest time.

There is also a wave machine - always a favourite - as well as an aquatic play area for younger revellers which features pirate ship, The Rock Hopper, with its own mini slides and water-squirting geysers. Its various changing areas include a Changing Places room accessible to those with disabilities. See here.

North Tyneside Council is also offering a Junior Swim Passport for the summer which, for £28, means youngsters can enjoy unlimited access to North Tyneside swimming pools throughout the school holidays, taking in - besides Waves - Hadrian Leisure Centre, Tynemouth Pool, Waves and The Lakeside Centre. See its Facebook page here.

Stockton Splash

Boasting "curly flumes, wild waves and water jets", this family venue in Teesside promises enough attractions to "keep the kids entertained for hours". It says its Big Splash family sessions are its most popular and it invites people to: "Ride the flumes, take on the waves and soak in the water jets and features."

It says these sessions can be popular so people are advised to book ahead. Find out more here.

Louisa Centre

The Durham County Council-run facility in Stanley, County Durham, announced earlier this summer that its two pools were to re-open on July 8, with a new programme of swimming lessons on offer. It offers classes for all ages, including babies and adults too.

There's a 25-metre pool and a small one plus a whole range of other attractions such as climbing walls and a new Play Zone soft play area with an integrated café. See its Facebook page here for more information.

Haven Point

This three-pool seafront leisure facility on South Shields' Pier Parade covers serious business - check out its 25-metre competition pool and 18-metre teaching pool with adjustable floors for varying ages and abilities - and the pure fun side.

Covering the latter category are leisure water attractions including slides, sprays, water play and a bubble spa. Read more about it here on South Tyneside Council's website, which says visitors no longer need to book to use its swimming pools.

Prudhoe Waterworld

A top draw at this Northumberland sports and leisure facility in the town's Front Street is a 40-metre aquaslide which invites visitors to take the plunge into a splash pool or ride the waves onto the shallow beach area. Besides the aquaslide and waves, it says its 'beach walk-in' is perfect for little ones.

While the large pool caters for all swimming needs, it will be offering activities throughout the school holidays too. See here for information.

Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre

This centre's pools - three of them - are actually outdoors and offer plenty family-focused attractions such as giant inflatables, water slide and flume sessions. The entry fee allows visitors unlimited all-day use of the pools, the adventure play area and the picnic area - and there is free parking too.

The pools are seasonal (opening mid-April and closing in early September) and include a 25-metre option; a learner pool and a paddling pool with toys for toddlers and babies. All are heated and look out for a giant flume which operates at regular intervals in the day during public sessions. See here and see its summer activity programme here.