Exciting things to do this February Half-Term in Newcastle and Gateshead

February half-term is the perfect time to get out and explore all the fantastic family-friendly activities happening across Newcastle and Gateshead. Whether your little ones love science, history, theatre, cooking, or dancing, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Step into the magical world of Narnia at Newcastle Theatre Royal, dive into hands-on experiments at Life Science Centre, sketch and explore mining heritage at Beamish Museum, or get groovy with a family Silent Disco at Newcastle Cathedral. Plus, don’t miss the Metrognomes’ spellbinding adventure at Metrocentre or let young foodies cook up a storm at Blackfriars’ Little Monks Cookery School.

With so much going on, this half-term is shaping up to be an unforgettable week of family fun. Keep reading to discover all the best things to do.

Head to Life Science Centre, which is celebrating its 25th birthday in 2025 with a packed programme of hands-on fun for all ages! From Saturday 22 – Friday 28 February, special guests Medical Mavericks will take visitors on an eye-opening journey inside the human body, while the Wow Zone and Space Zone invite curious minds to explore everything from a 6-metre-tall Big Machine to a replica of the International Space Station. Step inside a giant drink can made from 1,500 recycled cans, be dazzled by live demos, and get stuck into real experiments (ages 7+) where you can make and take home an incredible creation. Little ones can enjoy Play Zone, designed especially for under-7s, while the whole family can experience dazzling mirrored infinity rooms, sparkles, and surprises.

And for the adults (and older kids, too!), don’t miss Queen Heaven in Life’s 360° planetarium. This immersive music show, approved by Queen themselves, brings legendary hits like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, and Radio Gaga to life with stunning visuals, classic music videos, and archive footage. A pay bar is available, making it the perfect way to rock out under the stars this half-term. (Suitable for ages 13+, under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.)

With so much to see and do, Life is the perfect half-term destination for curious explorers.

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Step back in time and explore Creativity in the Coalfield this February half-term at Beamish Museum (22nd February – 2nd March). Discover the fascinating links between local artists, writers, and the region’s mining heritage, and see how creativity flourished in coalfield communities. Get up close to art objects from the museum’s collection, learn about the people who captured the spirit of the North East through their work, and even try your hand at sketching inspired by the past. With Beamish’s immersive open-air setting bringing history to life, it’s the perfect way to combine learning, creativity, and family fun this half-term.

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Looking for a fun and hands-on half-term activity for your little foodie? Little Monks Cookery School at Blackfriars Restaurant is the perfect way for 7 to 10-year-olds to build confidence in the kitchen while having a great time! Taking place on 25th and 26th February, these popular sessions allow kids to cook at their own pace, exploring delicious and nutritious nibbles, super snacks, and family favourites. After a morning of learning new skills, they’ll whip up their own lunch – think pizza, pasta, burgers, and healthy options, topped off with a sweet treat! Anything they don’t finish, they can take home to share. Sessions run from 9.30am-3.30pm at Blackfriars Cookery School, priced at £75 per child, including refreshments, a communal lunch, and recipes to take home. Parents can book a table in the restaurant for lunch while their little chefs get stuck in. Places sell out fast, so book now for a fun-filled foodie experience.

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The Metrognomes are back for another spellbinding adventure this February half-term at Metrocentre’s Exhibition Square (near Primark)! From Monday 24th February, families can join Herbert, Sherbet, Maggot, and Rusty as they attend a Magical School, where the most daring lesson of all awaits – Care of Magical Beasts! From dragons to kelpies, sphinxes to minotaurs, these mystical creatures can be unpredictable, but with a little magic (and your help!), the Metrognomes just might pass their Magical Beasts exam. Expect real-life magic, dragon egg zooming, and even an enchanting dragon encounter. With free, family-friendly shows and plenty of fun, it’s the perfect way to add a little magic to half-term at Metrocentre.

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Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as the West End smash-hit production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe arrives at Newcastle Theatre Royal. Step through the wardrobe into the enchanted land of Narnia, where Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter embark on a thrilling journey filled with mystical creatures, daring battles, and timeless lessons of courage, sacrifice, and love. Celebrating 75 years of C.S. Lewis’ beloved novel, this spectacular stage adaptation brings the magic of Narnia to life with stunning visuals, breath-taking performances, and a story that captivates audiences of all ages.

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Get ready for a family party like no other in the awe-inspiring surroundings of Newcastle Cathedral. This all-ages Silent Disco is your chance to dance, sing, and party with your kids without the usual 18+ restriction. With three battling DJs, expect an epic mix of 90s and 00s classics, modern bangers, and kids' party favourites, so everyone from toddlers to grandparents can bust a move.

Enjoy the incredible illuminated setting, get festival-ready with face painters, and soak up the electric atmosphere – all before teatime! With a fully stocked bar for the grown-ups and non-stop fun for the little ones, this is family-friendly raving at its best.

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Getting out and about this February half-term is even easier with free travel for kids across the North East. Throughout the school holidays, up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on buses, the Metro, and the Shields Ferry when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket or concessionary pass. This fantastic offer will be available during all school holidays over the next year, making it more affordable for families to explore and enjoy everything the region has to offer. Whether you're heading to a museum, shopping at Metrocentre, or visiting one of the many exciting half-term events, getting there has never been easier.

Looking for more family friendly things to do? Then visit our family friendly events category.