Family craft sessions

Times:

11am - 12.30pm
1-3pm

Price:

Free activity | Donations welcome

Getting here:

Make your Ways to Play adventure a great value day out by travelling to our venues by Metro and / or Ferry.  Up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on the Metro and the Shields Ferry with a fare-paying adult. Metro is the convenient, fast and frequent way to get to your favourite attractions and now it’s even more affordable.   

Nearest Metro station to Arbeia: South Shields

Spring marked the true beginning of the year during  Roman times, when soldiers prepared for new campaigns, and communities carried out important agricultural rituals to ensure a plentiful harvest. As the days grew longer and the sun returned in strength, Romans celebrated renewal, protection, and the promise of the season ahead.

Make a Roman “Sun” Shield

Wednesday 8 April

Design and create your very own Roman Sun Shield, symbolising the power and energy of the returning spring sun. Using simple materials and plenty of imagination, craft a bright, bold mini‑shield to take home.

Make a Roman Bulla

Wednesday 15 April

Create your own Roman Bulla, a protective amulet (a small pouch or purse) once worn by Roman children until they reached adulthood. In ancient Rome, the bulla symbolised safety, identity, and the journey from childhood to citizenship.

The moment a young person removed their bulla was a powerful sign to the community that a new “crop” of citizens was ready to take their place in Roman society.

Ways to play

These activities are part of our Ways to Play programme of free and low-cost family-friendly activities.

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro