Unmissable family fun this February half term in Newcastle and beyond

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The spring half term holidays are officially upon us and if you’re looking for things to do with kids in Newcastle and beyond – we’ve got you covered. 

It’s a great chance to get out and spend quality time with the little ones but activities, parking and petrol can all add up. That, alongside not all of us having a car.

Have you ever considered travelling via Metro for some North East family fun? Well, here’s why you should…

With kids 11 and under travelling free all day, every day, discounted admissions at top family attractions and being able to travel more sustainably without getting stuck in traffic jams, it’s a stress-free no-brainer.

From a family-friendly shooting range to a Wicked-themed musical camp and an exciting free funfair, here are the top things to do this half term in Newcastle and surrounding areas.

HLN TOP TIP: Looking for things for the kids to do on their travels? Check out Metro’s free fun activity packs.

Different funfair rides and stalls are scattered across a large car park at Newcastle Quays. People mill about between them.

ROYAL QUAYS (NOW NEWCASTLE QUAYS) FEBRUARY HALF TERM FAMILY FUNFAIR

Saturday 22nd February – Sunday 2nd March 2025

Cost: Free entry (all rides £2)
Closest Metro station: Percy Main (14-minute walk)

Get ready for a fantastic family day out at the Newcastle Quays Funfair. With all rides priced at just £2 (excluding bungee trampolines), you can enjoy classics like The Experience Miami, waltzers, family roller coasters, ghost trains, the twister, tagada and jumping frogs. Plus, there are plenty of games like hook-a-duck and activities including bungee trampolines.

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A girl smiles at the camera as she sits suspended above the floor on silk ribbons.

FEBRUARY HALF-TERM AERIAL CLUB AT ST MARK’S CHURCH, SUNDERLAND

Monday 24th February 2025

Cost: £35 per child / £25 concession
Closest Metro station: Millfield (3-minute walk)

Kids aged 5 to 10 will have a blast at this three-hour aerial club. Activities include aerial hoop, sling and a pole taster session. There’s even an aerial youth club for older ones on Wednesday 26th February. It’s a great way for kids to learn new skills and build confidence while having fun.

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Elphaba, the witch in Wicked, stares straight at the camera. Pink and green text overlays the image with the film title: Wicked.

WICKED FEBRUARY HALF-TERM MUSIC CAMP AT SIDE BY SIDE ARTS, GATESHEAD

Monday 24th February 2025

Cost: £35 per child
Closest Metro station: Gateshead (26-minute walk or a 5-minute bus ride)

Is your little one a fan of musicals? If so, this Wicked-themed music camp for ages 5 to 11 is perfect for them. Kids will spend the day singing their hearts out to songs from all the best songs from the musical, learning performance skills and most importantly having a “wicked” good time.

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Young boys kick around footballs on a green field.

FEBRUARY HALF-TERM SPORTS CAMP AT WALLSEND BOY’S CLUB

Monday 24th – Thursday 27th February 2025

Cost: £15 per day or £50 for four days
Closest Metro station: Wallsend (22-minute walk)

Whether they love football or enjoy trying different sports, this multi-sport camp has got your kids covered. Held at the Peter Olsen Community Hub in Kirkley Park, it’s a great way to keep the little ones active during the school holidays.

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DASH THROUGH THE PAGES OF HISTORY AT THE BRIDGES

DASH THROUGH THE PAGES OF HISTORY AT THE BRIDGES

Monday 24th – Friday 28th February 2025

Cost: Free
Closest Metro station: Sunderland (4-minute walk)

This half-term, the Bridges in Sunderland brings history to life with Myths Monarchs and Mayhem – a week of free interactive fun for little explorers. Travel back to the Tudor Times, uncover Ancient Egyptian secrets and march with the Rotten Romans. No booking is needed; just turn up and join the adventure. Plus, you could win tickets to Horrible Histories Live.

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Young children in basketball bibs stand in a gym. Some of them hold basket balls. They grin at the camera.

HALF-TERM JUNIOR OPEN BASKETBALL LEAGUE AT BEACON OF LIGHT, SUNDERLAND

Tuesday 25th February 2025

Cost: £7 per child
Closest Metro station: Stadium of Light (12-minute walk)

This competitive mini-basketball league is open to girls and boys in school years 6 to 10. Players are placed in teams and enjoy balanced playing time. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and snack.

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 POP-UP HOSPITAL FAMILY FUN DAY AT NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL

Tuesday 25th February 2025

Cost: Free
Closest Metro station: Central Station (4-minute walk)

The little ones will love getting to explore a real ambulance and meet the incredible staff from the Great North Children’s Hospital. Plus, enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at firefighting with the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. This drop-in event is perfect for curious kids and is completely free.

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Different icons overlaid on black, blue and orange rectangles. They include two fishes, a smiley face, an eye and traffic lights.

BIG DAYS OUT: SIGNS & SYMBOLS AT BALTIC, GATESHEAD

Wednesday 26th February – Sunday 2nd March 2025

Cost: Free
Closest Metro station: Gateshead (16-minute walk)

Enjoy five days of creative activities inspired by Mani Kambo’s Ax·is Mun·di exhibit. From storytelling and poetry to hands-on workshops, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to contribute to a two-day collaborative installation guided by artist Zoe Allen.

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A child beats a hand against an African drum.

AFRICAN DRUMMING FOR 5 TO 8-YEAR-OLDS AT THE WORD, SOUTH SHIELDS

Friday 28th February 2025

Cost: Free (booking required)
Closest Metro station: South Shields (9-minute walk)

In partnership with GemArts, this drumming session introduces kids to African rhythms and beats. There are separate sessions for older age groups too. Spaces are free but limited, so advanced booking is essential.

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Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager

After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…

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