What's On for Kids - October (+ Half Term) | North East England



This post contains adverts and affiliate links. Always check t&cs direct with venue when booking events and deals and check details with attractions direct before heading out as info can change. You can do this by clicking the blue links in the post. 





If you're looking for more ideas for days out, why not join our FREE days out Facebook group here. 

Please note, Half Term dates do vary depending on your county/school so make sure you double check before booking or planning everything. 

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This post does not include ALL Halloween Events and is a post full of more general days out to enjoy this half term - please see my guide to Halloween events here if you are looking for ideas on that front. 

I have not included every pumpkin patch in this post as there are over 20 to choose from this year. Please read my dedicated North East Pumpkin Patch Guide for more info including FREE entry and dog friendly pumpkin patches. 

And if it's Fireworks displays you're after, do check out my Ultimate Guide to North East Fireworks post. 

Make sure you check out these posts for more ideas and follow North East Family Fun on Instagram here to see what we're up to: 



(ad) Our Top Picks for October Days Out



Whitehouse Farm Spooktacular 

Running on selected days across October, Whitehouse Farm Spooktacular is a full day out with loads of activities included. Visitors can enjoy all of this fun included with their ticket: 

  • Spooky Magic Shows 
  • Witches and Wizards School 
  • Fancy Dress Competition
  • Indoor & Outdoor Pumpkin Patch (one free pumpkin per paying child)
  • Pumpkin Carving Station
  • Walkway of Terror 
  • Storytime with Winnie the Witch
Plus all of the usual Whitehouse Farm Fun including small animal handling, crazy critter encounters, bird of prey meet & greet, interactive Meerkat talk, groom a goat/pony, indoor soft play, castle catapult, jumping pillows, feed the animals, go kart track and adventure playground. 

Find out more and book: https://www.whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk/events/halloween-spooktacular-2024/


Raby Castle



There is a jam-packed programme of events taking place at Raby Castle this month including daytime and evening Halloween Trails at Plotters' Forest and the much-anticipated Glittering North which takes place on selected evenings. 

Visitors can expect an unforgettable evening celebrating the region's Norse and Viking heritage with enchanting puppetry, illuminations, storytelling, fire performers, folk musicians and more. 

Find out more and book tickets: https://www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/whats-on



Spilmans Pumpkin Festival 

Spilman's Pumkin Festival runs across selected dates across October. This year's festival is bigger and better than ever before.

Activities include: 

  • Over 125,000 Pumkins to Pick including Ghost Pumpkins 
  • Academy of Witches and Wizards Show 
  • Skelebones Disco 
  • Pumkinella Character Meet & Greet 
  • Bale Mountain 
  • Pumpkin Washing 
  • Carving Barn 
  • Spooky Walk 
  • Giant Pipe Rolling 
  • Barrell Train
  • Corn Cannon 
  • Pumpkin Slingshot 
  • Tractor Rides
  • Photo Opportunities
  • Fairground Rides 
  • Yummy Food & Drinks for Sale 
Plus there are evening events with live music and firepits and back to basics pumpkin picking options with no additional activities included if you prefer. 

Find out more and book your tickets here: https://www.spilmans.co.uk/pyo-pumpkins/


Beamish Museum 



I always think Beamish looks stunning at this time of year with all the beautiful autumn colours lending themselves very well to the historic settings. We'll be visiting this month for a nice dog walk with Fozzy so I'll share some pics when we do. 

There are lots of special events to look forward to this month including Harvest Weekend (5 & 6 October) and Tractor Gathering (19 & 20 October).

Across Half Term Daytimes (26 Oct - 3 Nov), visitors can enjoy 'Women in Protest' week with placard making, films of women's marches being shown in the cinema, a banner exhibtion and more. 

All included with the Beamish Unlimited Pass. 

There are also limited tickets available to book for the highly regarded Halloween evenings (not included with the unlimited pass) which allows visitors the unique opportunity to see the museum in a different light. 

Find out more here : https://www.beamish.org.uk/whats-on/


Autumn Days Out with North East National Trust 





You can't beat an Autumn walk around a National Trust site followed by one of their hot chocolates and delicious cakes. 

You'll also find over 40 events taking place at North East National Trust Sites this October half term including Little Leaf Collectors and Broomstick Trail at Wallington, a Brilliant Bats Trail and chance to meet a real bat at Gibside & Witches Dance at Ormesby Hall.

Plus of course, the fantastic Halloween celebrations at Seaton Delaval Hall which include a Halloween Parade (with live band) and a chance to learn all about Lord Delaval's attempt to catch the Witch of Wallsend......

Check what's on here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/family-friendly


Discovery Museum 


There are two Spooky Silent Discos taking place at the Discovery Museum's impressive Great Hall on Friday 1 November. 

The first (2pm-4pm) is perfect for families with kids aged 4+ and the second (6-8pm) includes a paid bar and is perfect for families with children aged 9+. 

Tickets are a BARGAIN at just £3 each and babies aged 3 and under go free. 

Find out more and book: https://discoverymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/spooky-silent-disco

Plus, on Tuesday 29th October, you can create your own Spider Catapult at Discovery Museum. Once completed, you can use your catapult to fire spiders back into their web. It's just £2 per child and best suited to aged 6+ but all welcome. 

Book here: https://discoverymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/curiosity-sparks-spooktacular-catapults


A spooky museum trail will also be running across the week. Find objects around the museum which have been covered in spider webs and crack the code to be entered into a prize draw. 


Great North Museum 




Great North Museum is always a brilliant free day out and this October they've added some extra FREE activities which sound fab. 

First up, there's the Totally Chaotic Museum Trail which runs from 19 October - 2 November. It's FREE - simply collect from the welcome desk. Complete the activity sheet by discovering Roman objects around the museum, give yourself a Roman name and design your very own Roman outfit. Complete the activity and receive a Totally Chaotic History Sticker as a well done. 

Then on 29/30/31 October, you can be one of the first people to try a brand new Murray the Mole family trail which invites families to explore the museum and collect 'prizes' to add to your artwork as you explore the museum. It's FREE - just collect from the welcome desk. You can also create your own upcycled hedgehog on these days (and guess what, this is also free).  

Find out more: https://greatnorthmuseum.org.uk/whats-on


The Anatomy of a Dinosaur at Centre for Life 



Exclusively available from 26 October - 1 November, The Anatomy of a Dinosaur is a an interactive show not to be missed. And best of all, it's included with regular centre admission / your annual pass. 

This is your chance to meet dinosaurs and question what we really know about them. Special presenter Teach Rex explores how our ideas of dinosaurs have changed over time (and why) in this roar-tastic show for all ages. Find out more: https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-anatomy-of-a-dinosaur/

But that's not all, it's Spooky Science week at Life over half term and there's lots of spooky fun included with admission. Examine real mini beast specimens in the experiment zone, create your own spooky contraption and bring it to life using wind in the making studios, catch Earth Defenders in the Planetarium and be wowed by local scientists in a live science show. 


Woodhorn Museum 


A drop-in Pumpkin Trail is running at Woodhorn Museum during normal museum opening hours from 16 October - 4 November. 

Can you find all of the pumpkins hiding in the dark corners of the museum? If you can, you'll be rewarded with a sweet treat. 

Find out more: https://museumsnorthumberland.org.uk/woodhorn-museum/event/pumpkin-trail-4


Scarefest at Alton Towers 


How about a little road trip? Scarefest at Alton Towers is open from 11 October - 3 November this year. Expect scare mazes, creepy characters, Amigos in the Afterlife, a Monster Ball in Cbeebies Land, Haribo Trick or Treat Town and lots more. Find out more and book (ad): https://prf.hn/l/9Oxeg0L


Half Price DFDS Mini Cruise to Amsterdam 

Photo is from Ripleys Believe it or Not in Amsterdam - a short walk from where the coach drops you off in the city centre

Fancy a little last minute weekend break away? The DFDS Half Price Sale is now live!

Book a mini cruise to Amsterdam for as little as £60pp for 2 nights including bus transfers to and from Amsterdam. You MUST book before 17 October and travel between now and 31 December. 
Check prices and book (ad) : https://prf.hn/l/aWLOooX


What's On 5 & 6 October 


Fancy a little last minute weekend break away? The DFDS Half Price Sale is now live! Book a mini cruise to Amsterdam for as little as £60pp for 2 nights including bus transfers to and from Amsterdam. You MUST book before 17 October and travel between now and 31 December. 
Check prices and book (ad) : https://prf.hn/l/aWLOooX


*Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info when planning a trip and before setting off as events can change. If an event is mentioned as being dog friendly, pet dogs on leads are welcome in some but usually not all areas. Again, check with venue for up-to-date info. 

What's On 12 & 13 October 


Fancy a little last minute weekend break away? The DFDS Half Price Sale is now live! Book a mini cruise to Amsterdam for as little as £60pp for 2 nights including bus transfers to and from Amsterdam. You MUST book before 17 October and travel between now and 31 December. 
Check prices and book (ad) : https://prf.hn/l/aWLOooX

*Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info when planning a trip and before setting off as events can change. If an event is mentioned as being dog friendly, pet dogs on leads are welcome in some but usually not all areas. Again, check with venue for up-to-date info. 

What's On 19 & 20 October 

*Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info when planning a trip and before setting off as events can change. If an event is mentioned as being dog friendly, pet dogs on leads are welcome in some but usually not all areas. Again, check with venue for up-to-date info. 

What's On 25 October 

*Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info when planning a trip and before setting off as events can change. If an event is mentioned as being dog friendly, pet dogs on leads are welcome in some but usually not all areas. Again, check with venue for up-to-date info. 



What's On 26 October 


Northumberland / North Tyneside 

South Tyneside / Sunderland 

Durham / Darlington 

Newcastle / Gateshead 

Teesside / Yorkshire 

Fancy a road trip? Scarefest at Alton Towers is officially open. Expect scare mazes, creepy characters, a Monster Ball in Cbeebies Land, Haribo Trick or Treat Town and more. Find out more and book (ad): https://prf.hn/l/9Oxeg0L


*Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info when planning a trip and before setting off as events can change. If an event is mentioned as being dog friendly, pet dogs on leads are welcome in some but usually not all areas. Again, check with venue for up-to-date info. 



What's On 27 October 


Northumberland / North Tyneside 

South Tyneside / Sunderland 

Durham / Darlington 


Newcastle / Gateshead 

Teesside / Yorkshire 

Fancy a road trip? Scarefest at Alton Towers is officially open. Expect scare mazes, creepy characters, a Monster Ball in Cbeebies Land, Haribo Trick or Treat Town and more. Find out more and book (ad): https://prf.hn/l/9Oxeg0L

*Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info when planning a trip and before setting off as events can change. If an event is mentioned as being dog friendly, pet dogs on leads are welcome in some but usually not all areas. Again, check with venue for up-to-date info. 



What's On 28 October 


Northumberland / North Tyneside 


South Tyneside / Sunderland 

Durham / Darlington 


Newcastle / Gateshead 


Teesside / Yorkshire 

Fancy a road trip? Scarefest at Alton Towers is officially open. Expect scare mazes, creepy characters, a Monster Ball in Cbeebies Land, Haribo Trick or Treat Town and more. Find out more and book (ad): https://prf.hn/l/9Oxeg0L

*Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info when planning a trip and before setting off as events can change. If an event is mentioned as being dog friendly, pet dogs on leads are welcome in some but usually not all areas. Again, check with venue for up-to-date info. 


What's On 29 October 

Northumberland / North Tyneside 

South Tyneside / Sunderland 

Durham / Darlington 

Newcastle / Gateshead 


Teesside / Yorkshire 
Fancy a road trip? Scarefest at Alton Towers is officially open. Expect scare mazes, creepy characters, a Monster Ball in Cbeebies Land, Haribo Trick or Treat Town and more. Find out more and book (ad): https://prf.hn/l/9Oxeg0L


*Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info when planning a trip and before setting off as events can change. If an event is mentioned as being dog friendly, pet dogs on leads are welcome in some but usually not all areas. Again, check with venue for up-to-date info. 


What's On 30 October 


Northumberland / North Tyneside 


South Tyneside / Sunderland 

Durham / Darlington 
Newcastle / Gateshead 

Teesside / Yorkshire 

Fancy a road trip? Scarefest at Alton Towers is officially open. Expect scare mazes, creepy characters, a Monster Ball in Cbeebies Land, Haribo Trick or Treat Town and more. Find out more and book (ad): https://prf.hn/l/9Oxeg0L

*Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info when planning a trip and before setting off as events can change. If an event is mentioned as being dog friendly, pet dogs on leads are welcome in some but usually not all areas. Again, check with venue for up-to-date info. 


What's On 31 October 

Northumberland / North Tyneside 

South Tyneside / Sunderland 


Durham / Darlington 


Newcastle / Gateshead 

Teesside / Yorkshire 


Fancy a road trip? Scarefest at Alton Towers is officially open. Expect scare mazes, creepy characters, a Monster Ball in Cbeebies Land, Haribo Trick or Treat Town and more. Find out more and book (ad): https://prf.hn/l/9Oxeg0L

*Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info when planning a trip and before setting off as events can change. If an event is mentioned as being dog friendly, pet dogs on leads are welcome in some but usually not all areas. Again, check with venue for up-to-date info. 

What's On 1 November 

Northumberland 


South Tyneside / Sunderland 


Durham / Darlington 


Newcastle / Gateshead 

Teesside / Yorkshire 
*Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info when planning a trip and before setting off as events can change. If an event is mentioned as being dog friendly, pet dogs on leads are welcome in some but usually not all areas. Again, check with venue for up-to-date info. 

What's On 2 November 

Northumberland / North Tyneside 


South Tyneside / Sunderland 

Durham / Darlington 



Teesside / Yorkshire 
*Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info when planning a trip and before setting off as events can change. If an event is mentioned as being dog friendly, pet dogs on leads are welcome in some but usually not all areas. Again, check with venue for up-to-date info. 

What's On 3 November 


Northumberland / North Tyneside 


South Tyneside / Sunderland 


Durham / Darlington 


Newcastle / Gateshead 



Teesside / Yorkshire 
*Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info when planning a trip and before setting off as events can change. If an event is mentioned as being dog friendly, pet dogs on leads are welcome in some but usually not all areas. Again, check with venue for up-to-date info. 

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