October Half Term Family Days Out in NewcastleGateshead

The arrival of Autumn brings with it new opportunities to explore NewcastleGateshead as a family with October half term, Halloween and bonfire night on the horizon. Visitors searching for things to do with the kids will not be short of activities. Whether it is pumpkin carving or a chance to get creative, 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 myth and legend 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, 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. Head to the Making Studio and create a spooky contraption that you can bring to life using wind power! You’ll use everyday materials to make your kinetic creation. Be a real scientist in the Experiment Zone! Examine real minibeast specimens including bees and beetles, and trick or treat your senses!

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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.

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Experience the sorcery of HADO-ween, a techno sport, combining high energy activity with the excitement of video games this October Half Term at Metrocentre. As an Augmented Reality (AR) sport, HADO puts the power of energy balls and shields in the hands of players on a real-life court. In association with Newcastle United Foundation, step into Exhibition Scare (Square) as you compete against fellow monsters and ghouls. No need to book just turn up! Running from Tuesday, 29th to Thursday, 31st October, 11am to 5pm. Suitable for all brave souls aged 7 and above!

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This October half term, discover activities that show just how super wetland nature can be! Enjoy a host of creative and nature-themed activities. From wildlife spotting and fungi hunting to potion making and spell casting, the wetlands are bubbling over with magic. View the full list of events here. 

Visit on Halloween (Wednesday 31 October) dressed in your best and spookiest fancy dress costumes and share a photo over on Facebook to be in with the chance to win a goody bag!

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Get ready for a spooktacular October half term at the Great North Museum: Hancock! October half-term will see the launch of a brand-new 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!

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