Packed programme of free and low-cost family events at North East Museums this October half term.

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Families across the region can look forward to exciting, budget-friendly adventures at their favourite cultural attractions this October half term, thanks to Ways to Play – an ongoing collaboration between North East Museums and Tyne and Wear Metro. 

For five years, the popular Ways to Play programme has been helping families enjoy free and low-cost cultural experiences across the North East, inviting children to get active, creative and imaginative with a variety of engaging activities designed to make the school holidays memorable. 

This October half term, families can discover a packed programme of activities, from hands-on creative workshops and playful experiences to unique adventures across North East Museums. With something for children of all ages, there are plenty of opportunities to learn, explore and make memories together.

October half term highlights include:  

• Arborialis Luminarium by Architects of Air at Woodhorn Museum 

• Spooky Night at the Museum at Discovery Museum 

• Phantom Flyer Heritage Train Rides at Stephenson Steam Railway 

• Halloween Takeover at Great North Museum: Hancock 

• Soft Sounds for Creative Wellbeing at Shipley Art Gallery 

With rising costs affecting many households, the opportunity for families to make savings on travel costs makes visiting museums and galleries more affordable.  

Many North East Museums venues are easily accessible via Metro, Bus or Shields Ferry. During school holidays children under 11 can travel free on Tyne and Wear Metro, the Shields Ferry and buses when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.  

Ways to Play has won several awards, including the Best Arts and Business Partnership at the North East Culture Awards in 2022 and the Not-for-Profit Marketing Award at the North East Marketing Awards the same year. It was also shortlisted for Partnership of the Year at the Museum + Heritage Awards in 2023. 

Play spaces, trails and family-friendly exhibitions: 

• Throughout half term: Tiny Tyneside play space at Discovery Museum, Newcastle (FREE)
• Throughout half term: Playspace at Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle (FREE)
• Throughout half term: Mouse House play space at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle (FREE)
• Throughout half term: Things That Go exhibition at Discovery Museum, Newcastle (FREE)
• Throughout half term: Escape the Gaol Trail at Hexham Old Gaol (KIDS GO FREE)
• 14 October – 1 November: Pumpkin Trail at Woodhorn Museum, Ashington (KIDS GO FREE)
• 29 October: Time Odyssey at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle (FREE)
• 29 October: Hammer and Hound Forge Blacksmith Demonstration Day at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle (FREE)
• 29 October: Time Travel Club  at Discovery Museum, Newcastle

Hands-on learning experiences:

• 27 October: Mouse Tales Storytime (for under 5s) at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle (FREE)
• 28 and 29 October: Art Camp at Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle
• 28 October: Discover a Story + Crafts at Discovery Museum, Newcastle
• 29 October: Animal Handling session at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery 
• 30 October: Spooky Special Effects Makeup Class at Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle
• 24 October - 29 October: Arborialis Luminarium by Architects of Air at Woodhorn Museum, Ashington

Outdoors and active fun:

• 23 October: Curious Crawlers at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle (FREE)
• 24 and 25 October: Autumn Gala at Stephenson Steam Railway, North Tyneside
• Thursdays and Sundays during half term: Heritage Train Rides at Stephenson Steam Railway, North Tyneside
• 31 October Phantom Flyer at Stephenson Steam Railway, North Tyneside

Indoor crafts activities and events: 

• 10 - 24 October: Weaving for Wellbeing at Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead
• 13, 20 October and 3 November: Crafty Kids at Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead
• 17 October: Family Art Class at Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead
• 21 October: Motherfolk writing circle at Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead
• 23 October: Little Artists at Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle
• 24 October: Soft Sounds for Creative Wellbeing at Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead
• 24 and 31 October: Masterpiece Tour Craft Sessions at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery (FREE)
• 26 October: Make a Monster Shield at Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend (KIDS GO FREE)
• 26 and 30 October: Little Artists Plus at Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle
• Halloween Takeover at at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle (FREE)
• 27 October: Trick of treat Spooky Challenge at Discovery Museum, Newcastle
• 27 October: Beaded Embellishment Workshop at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery (FREE)
• 27 October: Family crafting at Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead
• 27 and 29 October: Explore and draw at Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead
• 28 October: Family Watercolour Class at Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead
• 28 October: Fantastic Flags at Discovery Museum, Newcastle
• Wednesdays all summer: Art workshops (for 4-11 year olds) at Hatton Gallery, Newcastle (FREE)
• 28 October: Halloween Crafts at Hatton Gallery, Newcastle
• 28 October: Roaming Romans: Stay and Play Sessions at Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend (KIDS GO FREE)
• 29 October: Still Life Drawing Workshop at Hatton Gallery, Newcastle
• 29 October: Young People’s Art Workshop at Hatton Gallery, Newcastle
• 30 October: Layered Landscapes with artist Pui Lee at Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead
• 31 October: Birds of Prey Display at Woodhorn Museum, Ashington (KIDS GO FREE)
• 31 October: Tales from the Gaol at Hexham Old Gaol (KIDS GO FREE)

Relaxed sessions for those with sensory needs: 

• Sunday 25 October: Sound Down Sunday at Hexham Old Gaol (KIDS GO FREE)
• Sunday 25 October: Sound Down Sunday at Woodhorn Museum, Ashington (KIDS GO FREE)
• Tuesday 27 October: Relaxed Early Opening at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle (FREE)
• Tuesday 27 October: Relaxed Storytime at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle (FREE)

Media contact: sallie.ball@northeastmuseums.org.uk