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No sooner have the kids gone back to school after the Easter holidays than it's time to start planning activities again, as the Early May Bank Holiday is upon us (May 5, 2025).
You may have already exhausted some of your options over the Easter break, so here are some last-minute ideas for things to do in the North East before the next public holiday at the end of May.
We've compiled a list of all-ages activities to fill the upcoming long weekend in Newcastle, Sunderland, Hartlepool, Northumberland, and the surrounding area.
What's more, most of the events we've chosen are either free or have a nominal entry fee, so you won't break the bank if your main goal this year is to save for that big family summer holiday.
So, what has quickly caught our attention to help occupy the little ones (or those older ones who get bored easily) over the next bank holiday in the North East? Read on for our suggestions!
9. Knitted Together ( until 4 May 2025)
Discover the Korean lives and legacies of Richard & Joan Rutt through objects and photographs from the Oriental Museum's Korean collection. Knitted Together details their 20 years in South Korea following the Korean War.📌 Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH. | Canva
10. Arbeia Roman Fort exploration (until September 28 2025)
Step back in time at Arbeia Roman Fort, a key Roman garrison and supply base at the mouth of the River Tyne. Explore reconstructed Roman buildings like the West Gate, Commanding Officer's house, and a soldier's barrack block. Discover a fantastic collection of Roman finds. 📌 Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB. | National World
11. Lloyd of the Flies Bug Hunt (1 June 2025)
Dive into the fascinating world of wetland insects with Lloyd and Dart the dragonfly! Follow the trail to help them find their friends and family and reach the bug hotel. Use the Lloyd of the Flies AR Bug Hunt app by Aardman for an augmented reality experience, shrinking down to insect size. 📌 NE38 8LE (WWT Washington Wetlands Centre). | Aardman Photo: Submitted
12. Super Sunderlandscape (until May 5 2025)
Contribute your artwork to the Sunderland Museum's evolving Sunderlandscape, inspired by the Sheila Fell exhibition and the beautiful wild spaces of Wearside 📌 SR1 1PP (Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens). | Canva