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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Don’t miss out on a trunk-tastic February at Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books! Starting Saturday 22nd February, families can enjoy a vibrant Elmer & Friends-themed programme, packed with fun activities inspired by the beloved patchwork elephant. From a delightful Elmer afternoon tea to painting your own jungle animal keepsake, there’s something for every little book lover to enjoy. Plus, a brilliant new free exhibition will  open in the Level 5 Gallery, making Seven Stories a must-visit 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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Little ones can enjoy a magical storytelling and craft session at Discovery Museum with Discover a Story: The Very Hungry Caterpillar on Friday 28th February. Designed for children aged 3-5 and their grown-ups, this engaging Tiny Sparks session invites preschoolers to listen to a beloved story before getting creative with fun crafts inspired by Eric Carle’s classic tale. 

Led by early years specialist Amy, sessions run at 10:30-11:30am and 1:00-2:00pm in the Learning Room on the Ground Floor. Tickets are just £3.50 per child, with accompanying adults and babies going free. Booking is essential, so secure your spot for a wonderful morning or afternoon of storytelling and creativity.

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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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From 26 February – 2 March 2025, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art invites families on a creative journey into the world of symbols and meaning with five days of free activities inspired by Mani Kambo: Ax·is Mun·di. From hands-on workshops and interactive tours to storytelling, poetry, and building a mega happy city with artist Zoe Allen, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. Don’t miss playful sessions like the Cereal Disco, Sign Bingo, and mindful self-care activities, alongside the chance to explore a unique pop-up exhibition by Newcastle Building Society.

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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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Join Murray the Mole for an exciting Underground Adventure at Great North Museum: Hancock, where families can take part in free, fun-filled trails exploring the museum’s fascinating collections. Running until Sunday 27th April, this interactive experience encourages kids to engage with objects, complete trails, and collect prizes along the way.

You can take part up to four times, earning a sticker for each completed trail and if you finish all four, you’ll receive a special Golden Murray sticker and be entered into a prize draw to win a Murray the Mole toy. Pick up a trail from the Welcome Desk and get ready for a mole-tastic museum adventure. 

Looking for a fun family day out this half term? Treetop Golf at Metrocentre has you covered. With extended hours, there’s loads of time to tackle the tropical-themed courses and join in on the extra fun. Enjoy free face painting, get creative with arts and crafts, and strike a pose in the photo-booth for a chance to win a £50 Treetop Golf voucher. Whether you're putting through the jungle or snapping pics, it’s a great way to keep everyone entertained this half term.

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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.

If you're travelling by train, you can have more family adventures for less thanks to budget-friendly travel with Northern this February half-term. Children aged 5 - 15 travel for half-price on the majority of fares across the UK rail network, and under 5s travel for free alongside fare-paying passengers. 

Enjoy a car-free adventure this February half term and discover some of the North East’s beautiful National Trust properties by train and bus. Arriva’s X14 bus service will take you straight to the entrance of Cragside and Crook Hall Gardens in Durham is just a 10-minute walk from the train station or a short ride on the Cathedral Bus 40a. Hop on Go North East’s X45 for a trip to Gibside, with a scenic 15-minute walk from Rowlands Gill.

For history buffs, Go North East’s AD122 bus stops at Hadrian’s Wall. Seaton Delaval Hall is served by several bus routes, with Arriva’s X7 stopping right outside. For coastal charm, head to Souter Lighthouse and The Leas on Stagecoach’s E1 and E2 services. Lastly, Washington Old Hall is just a short walk from buses connecting to Newcastle, Gateshead, and County Durham.

Plan your visit and start your half-term adventure here: National Trust North East.

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