Welcome to the ultimate guide to February Half Term. Bookmark this guide so you have it to come back to at any time! I will also pin this guide to the top of our Facebook group - North East Days Out Reviews & Recommendations. Please join if you are not already a member. It is a fabulous group if I do say so myself.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a daily what's on guide
We do not have any set plans at time of writing but I think we are maybe heading to Birmingham and the Midlands for a few nights and I would like to visit Fire & Ice too. We always share what we are up to on our Instagram Stories first so please follow along if you are looking for extra ideas and inspiration (you can follow here: www.instagram.com/northeastfamilyfun )
Happy Birthday Beamish (February Half Term Events)
During February Half Term (15 - 23 February), Beamish will be celebrating their 50th anniversary and taking a special look back at childhood and treasured toys from years gone by. As well as all of the usual Beamish fun, you can enjoy:
- Birthday parties in each area of Beamish
- Party games & celebrations
- Birthday cakes
- Explore childhood toys in the toy shop in the 1950s town
50th anniversary celebrations are included with Unlimited Pass/Friends of Beamish membership and with Beamish, you can pay once and can visit all year (they have lots planned for 2020).
Plan your visit and buy tickets online here.
Plan your visit and buy tickets online here.
I love that Beamish is a dog-friendly day out and, as well as special events, offers so much to see and do including a Pit Village and School from the 1900s, the Best Fish and Chips in the North East, a 1940s Farm, the Beamish Tramway, Steam Train Rides, a Traditional Sweet Shop & Town, a 1950s Welfare Hall and so much more.
February Half Term at Seven Stories
Seven Stories have organised some lovely events this half term based around the 'Never too small to make a difference ' idea and concept. Seven Stories is all indoors and perfect for all weather. Permanent exhibitions at the moment include Elmer & Friends, Maisy's Bathtime and Drawing Words.
Special events for half term available to book now include:
- Clem and Crab with author and illustrator Fiona Lumbers - a timely tale of cleaning up our beaches with the message that all small actions help. Expect live drawing and reading along with lots of fun and an important message. Recommended for ages 5+. Find out more and book here.
- LEGO Adventure : Mini Golf - build and play your own LEGO mini golf in this quick-paced LEGO workshop with superfan Bricks McGee. Recommended for ages 4+. Find out more and book here.
- Charlie & Lola: Look After Your Planet - Learn all about recycling with this story from Charlie & Lola then make your own bird feeder from a tin can/plastic bottle/juice carton to take home. Tickets are a bargain at just £3 each. Recommended for ages 4+. Find out more and book here.
- Terrific Tree Planting - help to make Ouseburn a greener space with this special tree planting session in partnership with Ouseburn Trust. The event will begin with a wonderful woodland story and then you will learn lots of tree facts and plant new trees in nearby woodland. Remember which tree is yours, maybe give it a name and revisit in years to come. Recommended for ages 4+. Find out more and book here.
- Miranda Krestovnikoffs World of Amazing Birds - Join popular presenter (& RSPB president) and dive into her new book. This exciting talk will discuss birds who amaze, intrigue and take your breath away. Recommended for children aged 5+. Find out more and book here.
- Seven Stories Takeover with MAPS Festival - Join MAPS Festival for a day of play at Seven Stories. Expect lots of pop up challenges and fun throughout the day. Drop-in event included with admission. Find out more here.
MAPS Festival 2020
The MAPS Festival returns to NewcastleGateshead for February Half Term. Aimed at children, young people and their families, the festival takes place across a variety of venues across NewcastleGateshead over 10 days.
You can expect a huge range of quirky events and there is something for everyone. These events do tend to sell out so if you spot something you fancy, I would recommend booking asap.
- 15th February - Fart Orchestra (sold out)
- 15th February - Hen Ogledd + Mogic Workshop - book here
- A psychedelic journey through time and space with a mogic workshop and gig. Expect bonkers rhythms, bamboozling lyrics and lots of fun!
- 16th February - Voguing Workshop - book here
- Strike a pose and learn how to vogue as a family in this high energy workshop with Patrick Ziza. Aimed at children aged 6+ and their families.
- 16th February - Family Lip Sync Workshop - book here
- Always fancied giving drag a go? This workshop is aimed at children aged 5+ and their families. Find your drag persona, lip-sync your life away and prepare for stardom!
- 16th February - The Bons Bons Cabaret - book here
- It's Queer, it is glitter and family-friendly. Join this spectacular foot-stomping cabaret riot!
- 17th February - Stealing Sheep - book here
- Dive into bold neon pop songs with this electronic trio who will have you dancing and shimmying in no time at this ultimate pop gig.
- 18th February - Playful Protest - A FREE drop-in event at Baltic - find out more here
- Families are invited to join in with a playful protest. Build forts, make your own rules, take risks, question power and most of all, have fun!
- 19th February - Flow - A day of playing by the riverbank - FREE drop-in event at Gateshead Library - find out more here
- A series of free workshops, activities and games including animating the Tyne, sounds of the riverbank, the big river draw and make your own tiny garden.
- 20th February - Lizzo Appreciation Society - book here
- Play homage to the Queen of the World with Lizzo Appreciation Society. There will be sequins, self-love and dance moves (taught by the incredible Lerato MnCube)
- 20th February - Grime Time - FREE ticketed event - book here
- Adventure into Victoria Tunnel for a storytelling session with a difference. Join rapper, singer, songwriter Kema Kay for a grime storytelling session in Victoria Tunnel where he will reimagine classic children's tales.
- 20th February - Wombling Club - FREE event - find out more here
- Don a medallion, grab a picker and help clean up Ouseburn - womble style.
- 21st February - Cats v Dogs - book here
- Join Alex Sickling and create your very own clay sculpture of your favourite four-legged friend to take home in this ultimate clay battle.
- 21st February - Seven Stories Takeover - find out more here
- This event is included with regular Seven Story admission / annual pass. Expect a series of pop-up challenges throughout the day with a mix of artist and self-led activities.
- 22nd February - Beat it! Body Percussion Workshop - book here
- Find your rhythm with the Ladies of Midnight Blue who will guide you through this body percussion and rhythm workshop. Bring something you can shake, bang, click or grate!
- 22nd February - Paddy Steer (an intergalactic gig) - book here
- Hop aboard the spaceship and journey into the unknown in this voyage of adventurous music led by the extra-terrestrial Paddy Steer.
- 22nd - 24th February - Space Octave Play Session at Baltic - book here
- This interactive play experience will see children and adults work together to create a musical soundscape. Eight coloured floor pads produce harmonic notes which can change through play and interaction.
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| Space Octave Plans |
Fire & Ice Durham
Fire and Ice is a FREE ice sculpture trail running through Durham City Centre on 21 & 22 February 2020. Find out more and read our top tips for visiting here.
Rose and Robin Tour - Theatre for Children aged 7+
WWT Washington Puddle Jumping Championships
The Puddle Jumping Championships return to WWT Washington from 15 - 23 February 2020. No need to pre-book, simply pay on arrival. Bring your wellies and join in with welly throwing, puddle jumping, welly obstacle courses and more. Find out more and see more photos from our visit a few years ago here.
The Best Days Out for February Half Term
This section features ideas for days out you can do on any day. Click on the links below for more information:
- A guide to where kids eat free this half term
- 10 Hidden Gems to Visit in North East England
- Top 10 Child-friendly Restaurants in Newcastle City Centre
- The Best Family Days Out in North East England
- 50+ Walks & Trails to try across North East England
- Shaun the Sheep Glow Trail at Hamsterley Forest
- Air Trail Tees Barrage
- Gutterball Royal Quays
- Angry Birds Golf
- What to do when it rains in North East England
February Half Term Guide - Daily Planner
15 February - 23 February
The following events are taking place every day across the holidays:
- Concordia Activity Week for 8-15 year olds (£1 pre-book & drop in activities)
- The Ice Bar opens at Stack Newcastle (no under 7s)
- Happy Birthday Beamish Event
- Northumberland Myth & Art Exhibition at Woodhorn
- February Half Term at Whitehouse Farm
- Puddle Jumping Championships at WWT Washington
- Rose and Robin North East Tour
- Snowdrop Planting at Wallington Hall
- Once Upon a Fairytale at Ormesby Hall
- Half Term Activities at Great North Museum
- Fairy Garden Trail at Belsay Hall
- How to be a Roman Soldier at Chesters Roman Fort
- 17- 20 February - Souter Sports at Souter Lighthouse
- 17 - 21 February - Wilde Farm Experience, Ponteland
- 17 - 21 February - Meet the Animals Tours, Slime Spies, Reptile Pampering Sessions and Chicken Run at Ouseburn Farm
- 17 - 22 February - Town Common at The Beacon Centre North Shields (FREE drop-in event)
- 17 - 23 February - Nature Activities at Washington Old Hall
- 19 - 21 February - Arbuthnot & Pals Sniffy & Whiffy Adventure at Customs House
15 & 16 February
- 15 February - Big Family Rock Out at The Sage
- 15 February - Explorer School at Preston Park
- 15 February - Clem and Crab Author event at Seven Stories
- 15 February - LEGO Adventure: Mini Golf at Seven Stories
- 15 February - Raver Tots Valentines Ball at Newcastle Student Union
- 15 February - One-off Forest School for Under 6s in Prudhoe
- 15 February - Curious Arts Mini Pride at Gateshead Library
- 15 February - Family Yoga at Zone22 Cramlington
- 15 February - Trainmaster North Shields
- 15 February - Spiderman at Gigglewicks
- 15 February - Princesses and Superheroes at Bowburn Hotel
- 15 February - The Goonies Screening at Tyne Theatre & Opera House
- 15 February - Luna, A Play About the Moon at Customs House
- 15 February - Superhero Yoga at Kalma Baby Sunderland
- 15 February - Hen Ogledd + Mogic Workshop - book here
- 16 February - Mark Thompsons Spectacular Science at Customs House
- 16 February - FREE Cinema in Times Square Newcastle (The Jungle Book)
- 16 February - Family Roller Skating at Marden Bridge Sports Centre
- 16 February - Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave at Sage Gateshead
- 16 February - Mythical Monsters at National Glass Centre
- 16 February - Iggy Iguana Making with Katies Garden at Las Iguanas Newcastle (Grey Street)
- 16 February - Messy Play Hebburn
- 16 February - Sunday Kids Films at the Thought Foundation
- 16 February - Get Crafty at Preston Park
- 16 February - Family Fables at Live Theatre
- 16 February - Voguing Workshop - book here
- 16 February - Family Lip Sync Workshop - book here
- 16 February - The Bons Bons Cabaret - book here
17 February
- Drive-in Movie - A Little Mermaid at Bents Park
- Fortnite Half Term Camp in Alnwick
- Mark Making at Treasure Island
- Den Building at Rising Sun Country Park
- Kids Yoga Class at Chester le Street
- Happy Feet Dance Camp in Gateshead
- Chinese New Year Family Cook Along at Food Nation Newcastle
- Mini Farmers Club at Jarrow Hall
- Roller Skating, Soft Play & Games for the Family at Thornley Village Centre
- Farmyard Fun at Felling Children's Centre
- Get Crafty at Preston Park
- Slime & Volcanoes Workshop at Vallum Farm
Stealing Sheep - book here
18 February
- Circus Workshop at The Nest, Low Fell
- Charlie & Lola - Look After Your Planet Event at Seven Stories
- Get Gardening at Shipley Art Gallery
- Fairy Doors Workshop at The Kiln Pottery Studio, Gateshead
- Fortnite Half Term Camp in Seaham
- Happy Feet Dance Camp in Gateshead
- Recyke y'bike Family Open Day in Newcastle
- LEGO Drop-in at The Word
- Snail and the Whale Activity day at West Boldon Lodge
- Frozen Afternoon Tea Party in South Shields
- Slings and Buggies Club at Gibside
- Fairytale Storytelling at Ormesby Hall
- Hands-on History with Tees Archaeology at Preston Park
- Playful Protest - A FREE drop-in event at Baltic - find out more here
- Little Biscuits Wire Sculpture Workshop at The Biscuit Factory
- Little Biscuits Batik Workshop at The Biscuit Factory
19 February
- Bird box building at Rising Sun Country Park
- Fortnite Half Term Camp in Thornaby
- LOL Surprise Party at Lanchester Garden Centre
- Love Science Transport Workshop at Darlington Railway Museum
- For Paws Animal Show at Watergate Cafe, Gateshead
- Face It Craft Session at Sunderland Winter Gardens (free)
- Hands-on History with Tees Archaeology at Preston Park
- Sandy Starfish Lockets at Souter Lighthouse
- Valentines Silent and Sensory Disco at Castle Eden
- Fairytale Storytelling at Ormesby Hall
- Flow - A day of playing by the riverbank - FREE drop-in event at Gateshead Library - find out more here
- Little Biscuits Book Binding Workshop at The Biscuit Factory
20 February
- Emma Enchanted Princess Parties Winter Ball at Sunderland Grand Hotel
- Terrific Tree Planting with Seven Stories
- The Sooty Show at Tyne Theatre & Opera House
- Make Stick People at Shipley Art Gallery
- Fortnite Half Term Camp in Whickham
- Fortnite Half Term Camp in Ashington
- The Great Northumberland Winter Festival
- Family Arts & Crafts at Kirkleatham Museum
- Toy Story Interactive Show & Afternoon Tea at The Spa Hotel, Saltburn
- Make your own bird box at Preston Park
- Fairytale Storytelling at Ormesby Hall
- Lizzo Appreciation Society - book here
- Grime Time - FREE ticketed event - book here
- Wombling Club - FREE event - find out more here
- Little Biscuits Paper Sculpture Workshop at The Biscuit Factory
- Little Biscuits Pop Art Workshop at The Biscuit Factory
21 February
- Family Silent Disco at Great North Museum
- Miranda Krestovnikoffs World of Amazing Birds
- Fire & Ice Durham
- £1 UV Party at Seaton Delaval Community Centre
- FREE Sculpture Workshop at Sunderland Winter Garden
- Tales of Robot Adventures at The Word South Shields
- Get Crafty at Preston Park
- Mister Twister and Bouncy Castle at Hadrian Leisure Centre
- Freeze Frame Crafts at Wharton Park
- Pizza Making at Dream Big Role Play Centre
- Cats v Dogs Clay Battle - book here
- Seven Stories Takeover - find out more here
22 & 23 February
- 22 February - Otter Walk at Land of Oak and Iron
- 22 February - Explorer School at Preston Park
- 22 February - Charlie & Lola Look After Your Planet Event at Seven Stories
- 22 February - Fire & Ice Durham
- 22 February - Face Painting & Glitter Tattoos at Denton Burn Library
- 22 February - Journey into the Cosmos at The Word (12+)
- 22 February - Sea Boxes at Souter Lighthouse
- 22 February - Beat it! Body Percussion Workshop - book here
- 22 February - Paddy Steer (an intergalactic gig) - book here
- 22 - 24 February - Space Octave Play Session at Baltic - book here
- 23 February - Family Roller Skating at Marden Bridge Sports Centre
- 23 February - Get Crafty at Preston Park
- 23 February - Family Health Walk at Rising Sun & FREE Swim Voucher
- 23 February - Graffiti Art Workshop at Canny Crafty, Gosforth
- 23 February - Moana Party (Bishop Auckland)
Hope you have fun whatever you are up to! If you are an attraction/organising an event over Easter and would like to be included in our Easter Half Term guide, please email Sam@NorthEastFamilyFun.co.uk for information.
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