Make memories this May half term

May half term is the perfect time to explore, play and discover together. Whether you’re planning a big day out or just need a few ideas to keep the kids entertained, our family activities help you make the most of the school holidays.

When is May half term 2026 in the North East?

Children playing with soft toys at the Great North Museum: Hancock.

May half term 2026 is the same week everywhere across the region: 25-29 May.

That covers schools in Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Durham, and the Tees Valley.

Stay tuned: events coming soon!

We'll be updating this page soon with details of low-cost, family-friendly events taking place at North East Museums venues.

You could bookmark the page or why not join our mailing list using the form at the bottom of the page?

A great value day out with Tyne & Wear Metro

Nexus' Kids go free campaign graphic

Our May half term events are part of our Ways to Play programme of free and low-cost family-friendly activities. 

Make your Ways to Play adventure a great value day out by travelling to our venues by the 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. 

To find out more about kids go free on the Metro, visit the Nexus website.

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro.