With a few months yet before summer arrives, Nicola Cutler takes her young son to four indoor attractions in the North-East

BLUE REEF AQUARIUM

Grand Parade, Tynemouth (0191 2581031)

THERE is a car park behind the centre, a bus stop outside and it's within walking distance of the Metro station. The dim lighting and sound of running water created a relaxed atmosphere and Aidan was bursting with excitement.

He particularly liked the unusual types of fish and was amazed with the large tank of sharks and rays. He could see everything and loved it when the rays slid along the glass.

For the rest of the visit Aidan seemed a bit bored but soon perked up at the end when we went through a glass tunnel where the brightly coloured fish were swimming really quickly above and at each side of us. Babies would love this section.

Facilities in the centre included baby change, shop and a large airy cafZ with a sea view and choice of kids' meals at reasonable prices. Entry fees were £4.95 for adults, £3.25 for children aged between three and 16 and under threes were free. I thought the prices were quite expensive, particularly for a three-year-old, especially as it takes no time to look around. Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm.

CENTRE FOR LIFE

Times Square, Scotswood Rd, Newcastle (0191 2438223)

THE Centre For Life is in the city centre, and can be easily accessed by bus. The centre's car park is just a short hop away.

A button on the outside of the building allows easy access. Don't make the same mistake as me and get stuck taking a pushchair through the revolving doors.

In the centre the different lights and sounds create an exciting atmosphere so Aidan couldn't wait to get going. He was fascinated with the dinosaur section and imitated dinosaur noises for the rest of the day.

Aidan was really upset when he saw the simulator rides but was too little to have a go due to height restrictions, though he cheered up when he saw the small soft play area on the arcade floor. Although Aidan enjoyed himself, there wasn't a lot for him to do but this is reflected in the price as under-fours are free. Adult entry is £6.95. Facilities included an area for pushchairs, lockers, baby change, shop and two cafes, which were reasonably priced. Monday to Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-6pm

THE LAING ART GALLERY

New Bridge St, Newcastle (0191 2327734)

THE Art Gallery is just a short walk from the city centre. A car park is available on site and there are numerous car parks nearby. Although this is not the kind of place you would expect to take an excitable two-year-old, it really proved to be worth a visit.

A permanent under-fives gallery includes many activities for children to get creative, such as soft shapes, puzzles, chalk boards, blocks, books, dressing up clothes and organised Paint Tots sessions are held at various times. Art work in the under-fives gallery consists of bright pictures, textured paintings, mirrors, and mobiles.

I was dubious about taking him round the actual gallery as they tend to be very quiet, something Aidan definitely is not. To my surprise he was interested and particularly liked the statues.

A large, cafZ offered a good selection of food and children's meals at reasonable prices. Baby change facilities and a shop were also available. Entry was free - what more could you ask for? Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 2pm-5pm

THE REPTILE TRUST

1-3 Busty Bank, Burnopfield (01207 271766)

THERE are parking spaces nearby and the centre is two minutes away from the bus stop. As the building was very small, I didn't expect facilities such as baby change, cafZ, etc. and to be honest I wasn't expecting a great deal from the visit. Aidan loved it, though. He became very attached to one snake and sat on the floor talking to it for the majority of the time.

There was a variety of snakes, turtles, lizards and even a crocodile. I would say that a child from around two years up would enjoy the visit as a young baby would find it difficult to see the reptiles in the green and brown foliage. Entry is free but there is a suggested donation of £1.50. Open all week round 11am-5pm