Great North Elmer Parade Newcastle: a fun family day out with little legs and big smiles

As a new mum over 40, I’ve learnt the importance of keeping moving, not just for me, but for little legs Cyrus too. So when this year’s St Oswald’s Hospice Great North Elmer Parade came around, I grabbed the chance. A brisk walk, a patchwork elephant at every corner, and the occasional treat was just the tonic for clearing my head and keeping a tiny adventurer motivated.

Why a brisk walk with Elmer is good for mums and little legs

A walk like this isn’t just exercise, it’s a reset for the brain, a mood booster, and a chance to share little moments with your child. Little legs move faster than you think, and with colourful elephants to spot, every step counts.

Spotting colourful Elmers across Newcastle

The Elmer parade was a full-on North East adventure. Free, fun, and frankly one of the best family days out we’ve had this year. Around 50 large sculptures and a handful of smaller ones dotted the city, creating an art trail inspired by David McKee’s beloved Elmer stories.

I have a soft spot for these elephants, they’re a childhood favourite and a clever way to teach kids about diversity without feeling like a lecture. Before we set off, we downloaded the Elmer Trail app and picked up a £1 map from Newcastle Central Library. We also added an Elmer storybook to our kit, so little legs could read to each elephant as we went along.

Little treats and big squeals: keeping children engaged

The app was a hit. Little fingers unlocked each elephant with ease, and the squeals of delight when treats appeared were worth every step. Highlights included pencils and a colour-in Elmer from Greggs, a bag of jelly beans from Leazes Financial Services in Eldon Gardens, and a badge courtesy of the Barker & Stonehouse Elmer artist.

It was these little rewards that kept our mini explorer engaged, and the shared excitement of families doing the same trail added a real sense of community. After ticking off 25 Elmers, little legs revealed his top three favourites.

Little legs’ top three elephants

• Greggs’ HAPI Elmer: HAPI stands for Having A Positive Impact. Designed by North East artist Steve Johnson, this cheerful elephant also prompted a quick stop for a chocolate star.
• Barker & Stonehouse Nice To Be Nice Elmer: Painted by Yorkshire illustrator Sian Ellis, this elephant’s ‘I Believe In You’ message charmed Little C completely.
• Newcastle Building Society’s Tynie Elmer: Decorated by Liverpool artist Anne-Marie Byrne, this eco-friendly elephant celebrated the River Tyne and captivated Little C long enough to read Elmer aloud, elephant to elephant.

Walking with purpose: supporting St Oswald’s Hospice

Beyond fun and exercise, the parade supports St Oswald’s Hospice, offering care and love to families facing life-shortening conditions. Our Elmer adventure wrapped up beautifully at Elmer’s Farewell Weekend at Newcastle Racecourse, where little legs planted a kiss on every elephant he could find.

The farewell and the Big Elmer Charity Auction

The fun doesn’t stop there. The Big Elmer Charity Auction at Sage Gateshead on Tuesday, November 12th gives art lovers the chance to take home an Elmer and support the hospice. Tickets are available at Sage Gateshead.

If you snap up an Elmer at the auction, do let us know, we’d love to see where he ends up. For a gallery of our trail adventures, visit our Instagram @ofsaffronandcyrus.

Walking, reading, laughing, and a little sugar to sweeten the steps. When was the last time a free adventure made you forget the clock?