There are some fantastic activities for families in the North East to enjoy during February half term 2023, without breaking the bank! Most of the free and low cost activities below don’t need to be pre-booked, so are perfect for a few last minute plans. There’s fun for all ages, from ice sculptures to Metrognomes, Pokémon, arts & crafts and more!
You can browse the A-Z below or check our quick guide in date order here. This list will continue to be updated so do check back. If you have any recommendations to add, please get in touch here🙂
Details are subject to change, please check directly with organisers using the purple links below. Facebook links are provided for each organiser to check for the latest updates before travelling, followed by additional links with event info.
BALTIC – Family Days
📌 Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA
📆 Wed 22nd – Thurs 23rd Feb 2023
💜 Share your adventure stories and get creative with artist workshops, giant floor drawing, exhibitions, family friendly tours and a procession. Pick up and complete a leaflet to claim a free hot drink and cake in the picnic area!
💜 Plus, regular free weekly events running throughout half term:
– Wednesdays: Wonder & Wander toddler tour at 10.30am & Toddler Time drop-in imaginative play 10am-6pm.
– Saturdays: ArtMix Open Studio creative group for ages 13-19 years old, 10am-12pm.
– Sundays: Meet & Make drop-in artist-led workshop for ages 5-12 years, 2-4pm.
👉 Free. No booking required. More info here.
Dalton Park – Ice & Waves Trail
📌 Seaham, Co Durham, SR7 9HU
📆 Mon 20th Feb 2023
💜 Seaside-themed ice sculpture trail with five stunning sculptures placed around the centre, and a live carve of a giant Ice Cream taking place in the main entrance from 10am.
Complete a trail sheet to be entered into a prize draw to win a marine goody bag and gift card.
👉 Free. More info here
Discovery Museum – Half Term Events
📌 Blandford Square, Newcastle, NE1 4JA
📆 18th – 26th Feb 2023
💜 Self-led Transport Trail around the museum, 18th-26th Feb.
💜 Street Scientists short interactive science demonstrations, Wed 22nd Feb.
👉 Free. More info here (along with additional bookable events & crafts)
Durham Cathedral – Crafts
📌 Durham, DH1 3EP
📆 18th – 25th Feb 2023 (exc Sundays)
💜 Craft activities celebrating the ways we can care for our planet, all about re-using and recycling materials to make something fun.
👉 Free. More info here.
Durham BID – Fire & Ice Trail
📌 Durham city centre
📆 Fri 24th & Sat 25th Feb 2023
💜 An exciting Steampunk themed trail of Ice Sculptures, with live demonstrations, interactive displays and entertainment, along with an exciting finale at 6pm. 10am-6.15pm (weather dependent – the ice may begin to melt so arrive early to avoid disappointment!).
👉 Free. Look out here for a full timetable nearer the time.
Durham University Oriental Museum – Family Events
📌 Durham, DH1 3TH
📆 Sat 18th – Sat 25th Feb 2023
💜 Free drop-in family events selected dates throughout half term, including Make a Terracotta Warrior (18th Feb), Make an Ancient Egyptian Bes Jar (22nd Feb), Print Making Workshop (24th Feb), and Super Sculpture (25th Feb).
👉 Free. More info here.
Gateshead Libraries – Half Term Events
💜 A packed program of activities throughout half term, including the drop-in events below (along with lots of additional bookable events).
👉 More info here
📅 Mon 20th Feb: Free Pirates Storytime @Chopwell Library (under 5s)
📅 Mon 20th Feb: Anime Attacks Cafe Hangout @Gateshead Central Library (£2, ages 12+)
📅 Tues 21st Feb: Free Panda Craft Morning @Blaydon Library
📅 Wed 22nd Feb: Free ‘Smartest Giant in Town’ Storytime @Leam Lane Library (under 5s)
📅 Fri 24th Feb: Free Dino Crafts @Crawcrook Library
📅 Sat 25th Feb: Pokemon Kaleidoscopes @Leam Lane Library (£1, ages 6+)
Gem Arts – Mini Mela
📌 Gateshead Central Library, NE8 4LN
📆 Wed 22nd Feb 2023
💜 Packed full of family fun, with workshops featuring visual arts from around the world, dance and drumming activities, a chance to learn something new and to take home your very own creations. 11.30am-3.30pm, with a relaxed session 10-11am for visitors who may benefit from a quieter, relaxed environment.
👉 Free. More info here.
No booking required apart from 10-11am, email info@gemarts.org or call 0191 440 4124.
Great North Museum: Hancock – Wonder Wednesday
📌 Newcastle, NE2 4PT
📆 Wed 22nd Feb 2023
💜 A fun filled family activity day with activities, crafts, object handling and adventure trails on the theme Monsters in the Wild, in advance of the brand new Myth Quest exhibition opening March 2023. 11am – 3pm.
👉 Free. More info here.
Hamsterley Forest – Zog Trail
📌 Hamsterley, Co Durham, DL13 3NL
📆 From mid Feb 2023 (date tbc)
💜 New self-led Zog-themed trail, with free app and activity pack available from cafe/info point. Plus Gruffalo trail with free app The Gruffalo Spotter 2 UK.
👉 Activity pack £4. More info here.
Hatton Gallery – Abstract Art Workshops
📌 Newcastle, NE1 8QB
📆 Wed 22nd – Fri 24th Feb 2023
💜 Drop-in art workshops including Make your own Landscape Artwork (ages 4-11), Mixed Media Landscape Artwork (ages 12-18) and Mixed Media Collage Workshop.
👉 Free. More info here.
Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre – Clue Trail & Scavenger Hunt
📌 Northumberland, NE65 0JR
📆 Sat 18th – Sun 26th Feb 2023
💜 A downloadable self-guided family trail to explore the site and experience nature in early spring!
👉 £3. More info here.
Metrocentre – Metrognomes Show
📌 Metrocentre, Gateshead (Lower Exhibition Square, near Primark)
📆 Mon 20th – Fri 24th Feb 2023
💜 An exciting new show Storytime Madness from Herbert, Sherbet, Maggot and Rusty. Join the Metrognomes as they invent their own story this half term. 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm.
👉 Free. More info here.
Newcastle Cathedral – Pop-up Hospital
📌 Newcastle, NE1 1PF
📆 Tues 21st Feb 2023
💜 Join staff from the Great North Children’s Hospital to learn about the amazing work they do – take a look inside an ambulance, try using a mini MRI scan, learn all about healthy eating and meet the friendly mascot, Fudge the Giraffe.
👉 Free (donations welcome). More info here.
Newcastle Urban Green – BuzzFest
📌 Exhibition Park, Newcastle, NE2 4PZ
📆 Sat 25th Feb 2023
💜 Join Beelines North East in front of Urban Green Café to celebrate their great work across green spaces and communities with arts and crafts, face painting and live music. 11am-3pm.
👉 Free. More info here.
Northumberlandia – Landscape Trail
📌 Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 8AU
📆 Sat 18th – Sun 26th Feb 2023
💜 A downloadable self-guided family trail to explore the site and find out some interesting facts.
👉 £3. More info here.
Preston Park Museum – Book Trail & Events
📌 Stockton-on-Tees, Co Durham, TS18 3RH
📆 From Sat 18th Feb 2023
💜 Self-led trail to find favourite children’s books around the museum all week. Plus, create a book-themed craft (Tues, Wed & Fri) and magical story telling sessions with Captain Raggy Beard or Tilly Too Tales (Mon & Thurs).
👉 Regular admission charges apply (annual pass £3-£5pp, under 3s free). More info here.
Royal Quays – Funfair
📌 Royal Quays Outlet, North Shields, NE29 6DW
📆 Sat 18th – Sun 26th Feb 2023
💜 Funfair rides and stalls, including waltzers, family roller coasters, ghost train, twister, Tagada, jumping frogs, bungee trampolines, children’s rides and more. 11am-6pm daily
👉 Free entry, all rides £2 (excluding bungee trampolines). More info here.
Segedunum Roman Fort & Museum – Marvellous Mondays
📌 Wallsend, North Tyneside, NE28 6HR
📆 Mon 20th Feb 2023
💜 Emboss your own piece of Hadrian’s Wall. Find Roman patterns and Latin names and text to help you emboss your own piece of Hadrian’s Wall. 11am-3pm.
👉 Regular admissions charges apply, £5.95pp (under 16s & NE28 residents free). More info here.
Souter Lighthouse – Bird Crafts
📌 South Shields, South Tyneside, SR6 7NH
📆 Tues 21st – Fri 24th Feb 2023
💜 Make a bird ball (21st & 23rd Feb) and build a bird box (22nd & 24th Feb) to help feathered friends in your garden. 11am-4pm.
👉 £3 / £6. More info here.
Suitable for ages 3+ (bird ball) or 4-11 (bird box)
South Tyneside Libraries – Lego Time
📌 Various venues across South Tyneside
📆 Mon 20th – Fri 24th Feb 2023
💜 Daily drop-in sessions where children can use their imagination and get creative using Lego at various South Tyneside libraries.
👉 Free. More info here.
St Mary’s Heritage Centre – Trail & Crafts
📌 Gateshead NE8 2AU
📆 Sat 18th – Sat 25th Feb 2023 (closed Sun/Mon)
💜 Self-led ‘Spot the Pigeon!’ Graveyard Trail. Pick up an activity sheet and spot them all to claim a treat.
📆 Wed 22nd Feb 2023
💜 ‘We Love Birds!’ craft session to make your own colourful birds from tissue paper. 10am – 2pm.
👉 Free trail, crafts £2. More info here.
Ideal for under 8s
Stephenson Steam Railway – Make and Take Thursday
📌 North Shields, NE29 8DX
📆 Thurs 23rd Feb 2023
💜 Bring along your favourite teddy bear for a fun day out at the museum, and make a Teddy Bear train ticket and travel passport with guidance from the learning team. Heritage train rides are also available 19th & 23rd Feb (booking required).
👉 Free. More info here.
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens – Chinese New Year Trail
📌 Sunderland, SR1 1PP
📆 28 Jan – Fri 24th Feb 2023
💜 Self-led trail around the museum to discover the meanings behind the Chinese New Year animals. Plus, bookable science club and football themed-activities throughout half term.
👉 Trail £1 from Museum Shop. More info here.
Ushaw Historic House – Super Space Half Term
📌 Durham, DH7 9RH
📆 Sat 17th – Sun 26th Feb 2023
💜 Galaxy Garden Trail and Museum Mystery Trail throughout half term. Plus Toy Takeover, Brilliant Bottle Rockets* and Space Themed Stitching* on selected dates (*booking required, fee applies for Bottle Rockets).
👉 Most activities included in regular admission charge. Day Pass: £5-£8 pp (under 5s free). More info here.
Washington Mind – Young Maker’s Market
📌 Arts Centre Washington, NE38 8AB
📆 Sat 25th Feb 2023
💜 A celebration of Sunderland’s young talent with young entrepreneurs running their own market stalls, live music and drop-in workshops. 11am – 2pm. Part of the Bright Lights Youth Arts Festival, running 21st–25th Feb with a week of free workshops, performances and screenings for ages 11-19 (booking required).
👉 Free (donations welcome). More info here.
Woodhorn Museum – Make a Bug Mask
📌 Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9YF
📆 Sat 18th – Sun 26th Feb 2023
💜 Free, family-friendly drop-in sessions for all ages and abilities to make your own bug mask, inspired by the ‘Wild Northumberland’ art exhibition. Donations welcome, 12-3pm.
👉 Regular admission charges apply, £7pp annual pass (under 16s free). More info here.
There’s plenty on Gateshead Mumbler to help keep little ones (and big ones!) busy, check here for more ideas and info for playgroups, classes and fun days out from tots to teens!
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