18 fun things to do with the kids in the North East in February half term 2020
From muddy madness to puddle jumping and a family rave, there’s plenty to keep the kids – as well as the big kids at heart – entertained this February half-term
By Katy Wheeler
Published 15th Feb 2020, 08:00 BST
Updated 17th Feb 2020, 19:03 BST
We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do with the family around the North East, from day trips to activities closer to home.
5. Glass painting and more, National Glass Centre, Sunderland
There's a host of free activities throughout the half-term at National Glass Centre. Get Messy sessions will be held at various times for youngsters aged three and over. Those wanting to test their skills with clay can take part in one of three clay based workshops, Mythical Monsters on Sunday 16, Clay Challenge on Tuesday 18 or Clay Robots on Sunday 23. Children will be given the opportunity to create a sculpture, inspired by the centre's galleries, with air drying clay. Meanwhile, Robot Fusing will take place on Monday 17 & Thursday 20 February at various times for youngsters age six and over where they can design and make their own artwork using colourful glass mosaics and glass grains to create a solid glass tile. In addition there will be Glass Painting sessions on Wednesday 19 February at various times for youngsters age four and over where they can design and paint their own design onto a bespoke glass arch-hanging decoration. Photo: JPI Media
6. RAF Red Arrows simulator, Discovery Museum, Newcastle
Experience the thrill of the cockpit in a new RAF Red Arrows flight simulator at Discovery Museum. The state-of-the-art red capsule seats six - eight people for an immersive ride over the glorious landscape of the Cyprus, with high definition images, surround sound and dynamic motion. The ride costs £3.50 per person and a minimum height restriction of 1.07m applies. Tickets can be bought on the day from the museum’s reception desk on a first-come first-served basis for allocated time-slots. Photo: Submitted
Rose and Robin is at Arts Centre Washington on February 21 at 11am and 2pm and is for ages 7-70 and over. A show that celebrates life in all its richness; a story of love and loss, for old and young, especially if you are over seven and have ever lost a sock, or someone you love. Tickets from the venue. Photo: Submitted
Due to popular demand, the Learning and Participation Team at The Customs House has doubled the number of Mini Makers sessions this year. The holiday activity programme for children aged 11 and under attracted around 200 children and their grown-ups last summer alone. Its popularity has led to an afternoon session being added to the existing morning timeslot, starting on Monday, February 17. Mini Makers will now be open from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4pm on Mondays during the school holidays, including February, May and October half-term and the Easter and summer holidays. Each session has a theme, including street art, eco-crafts, poetry, dancing and mini beasts. Children also get to try a range of media, from ink and watercolour to animation in a session inspired by South Shields artist and animator, Sheila Graber. Photo: Submitted