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.

Take a trip to Hexham Abbey this half term and marvel at the six metre moon, featuring a surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones. The touring artwork by Luke Jerram is at the Abbey until the 11th of November. General admission ticket are available to purchase in advance, with additional tickets available on the door. Adult admission will be £3, and children aged 4-16 will be £1. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

55-56° North is supported by the North of Tyne Combined Authority.

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As the nights get darker and chillier, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome at Life. A day out at Life is guaranteed to be 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! Watch the all new live show 'Fire and Ice' which explores the opposite forces to determine which is the strongest. Fool your senses and see ink disappear with creepy results in the Experiment Zone or create your very own Crankenstein monster or brilliant bat in the Making Studios. Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled to find the life-sized skeletons around the science centre.

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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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The Metrocentre isn't just a great place to shop, but it is home to some great activities too. If the October half term weather isn't the brightest, why not head to the all new Tree Top Golf. Intrepid explorers are invited to discover the two indoor 18-hole immersive mini golf courses. Trail crumbling temples, cryptic carvings and stone serpents on the Ancient Explorer, or dodge twisting vines, vibrant locals, and wondrous wildlife on the Tropical Trail. Whichever route you choose, don’t forget to take on the Bonus 19th hole – offering all players the chance to win a free game. After your game of golf, make your way to Namco Funscape in the Lower Yellow Mall where you will find 18 lanes of bowling fun, some of Europe’s fastest indoor dodgems and of course our iconic arcade. Make sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment!

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Calling all f-f-f-families - the frighteningly fantastic eek! week is returning to WWT Washington Wetland Centre this October. Join the centre and get close to the weird and wonderful side of wetland nature during this interactive, outdoor event. Winding its way through wetland and woodland, the accessible trail will put your nerves and senses to the test while revealing more about the wildlife that lurks there, through a series of sound buttons, facts and feely boxes Will you dare to put your hand in the mystery creature box, grab a photo op with a bat or get personal with a toad? It’s a freakishly fun wildlife learning eek!-xperience for the whole family!

While you’re here, don’t miss the wild autumnal highlights, including migratory birds arriving at Wader Lake, woodlands ablaze with colour and kingfisher sightings on the increase.

Make sure to check out the full list of special events taking place across the October half-term period (from Saturday 21 October-Sunday 5 November), suitable for all ages and interests here. 

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Get ready for a spooktacular October half term at the Great North Museum: Hancock! Dive into an immersive, eerie adventure and explore museum treasures, local legends, and mythical creatures. From creative crafts to spine-thrilling trails, they have got something for everyone. The expert staff and volunteers are there to make your visit extraordinary, showcasing world-class knowledge right on your doorstep!

Don't miss out on these fantastic, free museum days.

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Heading out for the day for Half Term? Why not snap a few pictures of your adventures and tag us on Instagram @mykindoftoon.