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.
9. Be a master shipbuilder, HMS Trincomalee, Hartlepool
The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool has model ship building, pirate play ships, cannon firing, family trails and lots more exciting seafaring action for all mini sailors this February half term. Taking inspiration from two resident ships, HMS Trincomalee (the oldest warship still afloat in Europe) and RML 497 (a former rescue motor launch from World War II), visitors can create their own model sailing ship to take home, with assistance from the museum learning team. And you can test if it floats, too.These drop in craft sessions will run from Tues 18th to Thursday 20th February from 11am until 1pm and from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. A family trail will also run from Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd of February. All activities are free with a general admission ticket, return ticket or NMRN membership. Photo: Submitted
10. Sniffy and Whiffy Adventure, Customs House, South Shields
Arbuthnot and Pals’ Sniffy and Whiffy Adventure runs from Wednesday, February 19 to Friday, February 21, at 11am, 2pm and 6pm at Customs House, South Shields. The Customs House panto spin-off shows have proved hugely popular over the last three years and the team are back with Arbuthnot and Pals’ Sniffy and Whiffy Adventure this
February half term. The show has been written by Davey Hopper, who also stars as Arbuthnot, and Dale Jewitt and will be co-directed by Davey and Charlie Raine. Tickets, priced £8.50, are available from the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or online at www.customshouse.co.uk. Photo: Submitted
11. Puddle jumping championships, Washington Wetland Centre
Families are being invited to take part in the North East Puddle Jumping Championships. Competitors will be able to warm up in the puddle-jumping practice zone before challenging family and friends to a race around the Welly Boot Camp obstacle course – complete with a puddle jumping finale. The event will run from Saturday 15 – Sunday 23 February with any age welcome to take part. There are varying levels of difficulty throughout the obstacle course, and grown-ups will be needed to help smaller children. Photo: Submitted
12. Fire & Ice Festival, Durham City
Travel Through Time as Fire & Ice InDurham returns to transform Durham City on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February 2020 with its famous flame lit ice sculpture trail. Photo: JPI Media