Ocean Beach Pleasure Park
ENTRY
Free
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
South Shields
What it’s like
Free entry to a seaside ride park where kids stack up credits on a Fun Card for the log flume, Dumbos and laser tag.
You don't pay to get in here, which is the first thing worth knowing. It's the rides that cost you, and they run on a Tap & Play Fun Card rather than paper tickets now, so you buy the card once and top it up as you go. Smaller kids' rides are 2 credits a go, the bigger ones a bit more, and it's worth deciding upfront roughly how much credit you actually want on there before little hands start asking for another turn on the Speedy Coaster.
The ride list covers the classics you'd want by the sea: a Log Flume, Super Trooper, Speedy Coaster and Dumbos for the smaller ones, plus arcades and a laser tag setup called Quasar if the weather turns or you fancy a break from queuing outside. Rides only run at set times though, weekends from 11:30am to 4:30pm, and Friday evenings from 5pm are half price, which is a decent shout if you're passing after school finishes. The arcades keep longer hours, open from midday on weekdays and 11am at weekends, running until end of day.
Because it's outdoors, closing times shift with the weather, so a howling wind or a downpour can cut the ride day short even within those posted hours. There's no alcohol allowed anywhere in the grounds, and no cycling, skateboarding or scooters either, so those need to stay parked or walked through rather than ridden. Food-wise there are several outlets doing fish and chips, burgers, hot dogs and ice cream, mostly outdoor seating, with one indoor café that's dog-friendly if you've brought the family pet along too. You can also bring your own picnic if you'd rather not queue at a kiosk.
It suits a family happy to dip in and out rather than commit to a full day of queuing, given the ride sessions are a fixed afternoon window rather than all-day. First aid is covered by trained staff based at the Middle Arcade and Quasar Amusements if you need them, and there are public toilets at the rear of the park by the ice cream kiosk.
Facilities
Need to know
- Food
- Multiple food outlets serving fish & chips, burgers, hot dogs, chips with various toppings, hot and cold drinks, ice cream, donuts
- Picnics
- Yes, you can bring your own food and drink to the park
- Dogs
- Policy not explicitly stated on site
- No alcohol is allowed anywhere in the park grounds
- Cycling, skateboarding and scooters aren't allowed, though you can walk them through
- Rides close for the season at the end of Sunday 1st November
- There's one indoor café that's dog-friendly if you've got the dog with you
- Public toilets are at the rear of the park near the ice cream kiosk
Plan your visit
Is it free to get in?
Yes, entry to the park is free. You only pay when you go on the rides or into the arcades.
How do the rides work, do we need tickets?
Rides run on a Tap & Play Fun Card, a contactless card you buy and top up with credit. Smaller kids' rides use 2 credits per person, bigger rides a bit more.
What times are the rides open?
Weekends the rides run 11:30am to 4:30pm. On Fridays there's a half price session from 5pm, though it depends on the weather holding up.
What if it rains?
Closing times depend on weather conditions, so a wet or windy day can mean an early finish for the rides. The arcades and Quasar laser tag are the fallback if you get rained off.
Can we bring our own food?
You can bring your own food and drink into the park. There are also several kiosks doing fish and chips, burgers, hot dogs and ice cream if you'd rather not carry a picnic.
Are old paper ride tickets still valid?
Paper tickets from before the Fun Card system expired at the end of April 2024 and won't be swapped for bonus credits now.
Is there first aid on site if we need it?
Trained first aiders work every day, based at the Middle Arcade or Quasar Amusements.
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