Family-Friendly Things to Do This October Half Term in NewcastleGateshead

The arrival of Autumn brings with it new opportunities to explore NewcastleGateshead as a family this October half term. With Halloween and bonfire night on the horizon, visitors searching for things to do with the kids will not be short of fun activities! Whether you fancy pumpkin carving or a chance to get creative at craft sessions, many of the top attractions and venues in the region have a packed family programme to cover the school holidays and are guaranteed to keep everyone happy.

Take a look at our guide to family-friendly activities this October half term.

This October Half Term, immerse yourself in the thrilling world of Anglo-Saxon tales and ancient legends at Ad Gefrin! Set within the 7th-century royal palace of King Edwin, you’ll journey into a time of epic battles, fearsome monsters, and ancient gods. Local storytellers will bring the legends of Beowulf and Grendel to life in the very hall where such tales were first told, inviting you to play a role in the storytelling itself!

Across two magical days 28th & 29th October, you’ll have the chance to help re-enact these legendary stories, discover the background of Anglo-Saxon myths, and create your own illustrations of these fantastical creatures. With sessions running throughout the day, this family-friendly event promises to capture the imagination of visitors of all ages.

As the nights get darker and chillier, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome at Life. A day out at Life is fun for all the family, with a wide range of exhibitions and activities, from hands-on experiments to fascinating displays.  It's both entertaining and educational, making it an excellent choice for families during the half term.

Everything in the science centre is included in your ticket, and there is so much going on! Meet delightful dinosaurs and question what we really know about our prehistoric pals in an interactive show that explores how our ideas about dinosaurs change as we find out more, and piece their long-extinct lives together. Life are also hosting Halloween late night opening on 31st October (open until 7pm.) Plus enjoy exclusive Halloween treats such as getting hands-on with slime, dust off your best dance moves at the Spooky Disco and discover what yucky things your eyes can't see on the Feely Wall! Book now.

Experience living, breathing history at Beamish Museum, The Living Museum of the North and discover what life was like in North East England during Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, war time and fifties Britain. Beamish is a living, working museum, set in a stunning 300-acres of County Durham countryside and is the perfect place for a half term day out. Meet knowledgeable volunteers and staff who are decked out in exceptional, historical costume and who shine a light on the stories, facts and the goings on of everyday life at locations set throughout the expansive outdoor museum. 

Travel by tram or old-fashioned bus from the Edwardian Town and Pit Village, complete with original drift mine to at Home Farm and Pockerley Old Hall. Experience first-hand how the Industrial revolution transformed agricultural life in the region, what life was like in a North East town and the trials and tribulations of a Victorian village school.

Join in the Halloween fun over the October half term as Eldon Square becomes Eldon Scare for the week! From Monday 27th - Friday 31st October at 11am-3pm three wickedly wonderful witches will be waiting to welcome all little ghouls and goblins into the world of spooky magic. The free event will include spooky storytime, a mix of magic, crafts and a whole lot of seasonal fun! There will also be face paint, bat and pumpkin crafting and families can strike a pose at the Halloween backdrop for the perfect keepsake photo. Find out more here.

This October half term, discover activities that show just how super wetland nature can be! From 25th October - 2nd November you can enjoy a host of creative and nature-themed activities and get close to the weird and wonderful side of wetland nature during this interactive, outdoor event. From wildlife spotting and fungi hunting to potion making and spell casting, the wetlands are bubbling over with magic. On your visit, make sure to pick up your super natural log book and capture the magic of your other-worldly wetland adventure! View the full list of events here. 

From 4th October to 9th November, Raby Castle are turning back clock to the Measly Middle-Ages. With dark knights, savage sieges and foul food, you can explore the castle as seen through the eyes of the bestselling Horrible Histories books! Pick up a terrific trial sheet to complete as you journey through the castle and get your hands on history as Raby's medieval guard rooom is transformed into a space packed with activities to explore medieval life. Book your tickets here.

Join in at Project Play this half term, it’s a brand-new week of free and low-cost activities for children and families - from parks and community hubs to libraries, arts venues and local businesses. Here's what you can expect at Project Play - a big play box packed with games at selected parks, playful pop ups at indoor spaces, play-themed creative workshops at some of Gateshead's favourite cultural venues, play-themed sessions in our libraries and family hubs. All events are free to attend and are welcoming for all families, including SEND children. Find out more here.

Join Seven Stories for their Monster Mash Crafts this October half term, as from Saturday 25th October until Sunday 2nd November, you can enjoy a spooky filled craft session, perfect for the little ones this Halloween. Let your creative monster come to life as you create a range of Halloween characters from vicious vampires, to wicked witches, and enjoy a spine tingling story time too. The event lasts approximately 45 minutes and more info can be found here.

This October half term, get ready for a frightfully fun adventure with The Spooky Express, a magical family event filled with lots of creativity and Halloween spirit! Running from 29th October - 31st October, at 11am to 4pm over three spook-tacular days, families can hop aboard and journey to Halloween Town, where each day brings a new themed craft activity for children to enjoy. Little monsters can get hands-on, make something special to take home, and soak up all the seasonal fun. Find out more.

Lilidorei at the Alnwick Garden is a magical play and adventure village located within the stunning Alnwick Gardens and is the biggest play structure in the world. When you visit Lilidorei, you can create your own narrative; visit the clan houses, play on the world’s largest play structure, take part in daily activities or join in with stories with one of the Story Keepers! Come and join in with Spookydorei this autumn. Open from 8th October until 2nd November - come along dressed up as your favourite Halloween character and unlock the spooky stories of Lilidorei with the Story Keepers...if you're brave enough. Book here.

Get ready for a spooktacular October half term at the Great North Museum: Hancock! October half-term will see the return of the amazing family trail ‘Underground Adventures with Murray the Mole'. This collection of trails invites you to explore museum collections, engage with objects and collect prizes. After you have completed all the trails you will also have created a beautiful work of art to take home with you to hang on your wall! Find our more about the free event here.