20 + FREE North East Events for October 2026 (including Half Term)

 As always - please double check with venues direct for up to date info before heading out as info can change. You can do this by clicking the blue links in the post. 

If you're looking for a FREE activity this October, this post shares ideas for weekends and half term in October. 

Spilman Farm Pumpkin Patch is NOW OPEN for 2026

(ad) This is an advert for September 2026. Any shares / edits beyond this date have not been asked or paid for.

Spilman’s Pumpkin Festival is BACK for 2026

Mrs. Doubtfire Review (Newcastle Theatre Royal)

 AD - We were provided with press tickets to review this show in September 2026

📆 Wed 23 Sept - Sun 11 Oct 2026. Please note, evening performances start at 7pm

🫶 BSL interpreted and captioned perf on 1 Oct at 7pm, Audio described with pre-show touch tour perf on 3 Oct at 2pm.
⌚ 2 hr 30 mins including interval
🎫 Standard tickets available from £24
✅ Suitable for ages 6+ (flashing lights)

📽 You can watch a preview here: Mrs. Doubtfire Trailer

🎟️Book: https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/mrs-doubtfire/

FREE Halloween Trails at Plessey Woods & Druridge Bay Country Parks

This post was published in September 2026. Please check with venues direct for the most up to date info before heading out. 

FREE Halloween Trail at Plessey Woods 

FREE Scarecrow Trail at Ford & Etal (October Half Term Idea)

 This post was published in September 2026. Please check with organisers direct before heading out for up to date info, especially opening hours, as info can change. 

Save the Date for this FREE Scarecrow Trail for October Half Term

Residents & Business in Ford & Etal work hard to create a special Scarycrow Trail for visitors to enjoy over October Half Term. Follow the trail of weird and wonderful ‘Scarycrows’ around the villages, awarding them scores as you go.

Halloween Events for Tweens & Teens (North East England)

This post was published in September 2026. Please always check with venues direct for the most up-to-date information as details can change. Where an activity is listed as 'all ages' please check with venue direct re:how scary this activity is and whether it is suitable before booking. 

Christmas Activities for Tweens & Teens (North East England)

This post was published in September 2026. Please double check information with venues direct when booking and before heading out as information can change. 

Christmas with Teens is an absolute speciality of ours so below I have put together some suggestions for activities you can try with tweens and teens over the festive period: