October 2024: 10 Half Term Events for Kids in Newcastle
There’s plenty to keep the kids busy this October half term in Newcastle
From art workshops and cooking classes, to prehistoric pals and mind-blowing magic, the Toon is far from quiet this half-term holiday.
It beats the kids staring at the TV or iPad all week long, so why not get the whole family out and about in Newcastle this October with these half-term happenings?
Autumn Collage Workshop & Artists Books Workshop @ Hatton Gallery
Tyne & Wear Archives & Museum’s “Ways to Play” programme continues this October half term with events for kids of all ages at Hatton Gallery. Children aged 4-11 will love their autumn collage workshop, where they can let their imagination run wild to create a seasonal collage inspired by the colours of autumn. Meanwhile, those aged 11-18 can enjoy their artists books workshop and the freedom to create with both print and collage during the session.
Autumn Collage Workshop, 28th October, Free / Artists Books Workshop, 30th October, Free
Art Camp & Art Club @ Laing Art Gallery
If Hatton Gallery’s “Ways to Play” means some budding creatives in the family – then the Laing Art Gallery is the ideal next stop! This October half term, the gallery is running art camps for 7-10 year olds, and an art club for 11-16 year olds. Both age groups are invited to explore the galleries, talk about art, and create their own work for three days over the Half Term.
28th-30th October, £35 per day plus booking fee / £15 discount if booking all three days
The Anatomy of a Dinosaur @ Life Science Centre
Meet some prehistoric pals at the Life Science Centre with The Anatomy of a Dinosaur. This interactive show from special guests Teach Rex explores what we really know about the extinct creatures – and how our understanding of them has changed over time. Sounds like roar-some fun to us!
26th October-1st November, Included in Life Science Centre ticket (£9.50 for children aged 3-17, £12.95 for adults)
Virtual Builders: Minecraft Club @ Farrell Centre
Super handily, the Farrell Centre’s bi-weekly Virtual Builders: Minecraft Club falls over October half term! This week’s theme is habitats, and kids are invited to create designs for animals inside the video game – encouraging them to think about habits and how they could best design for an animal’s needs.
2nd November, Free but booking is essential
Raven @ Northern Stage
Kids can also meet Raven at Northern Stage this holiday. She’s turning ten, and in this beautifully mischievous show for 5-11 year olds, is about to discover a powerful secret about herself. Exploring themes like bravery, self-discovery and understanding your feelings, this playful performance is one the little ones will love – and might help spark a conversation or two on the way home.
26th October-3rd November, From £12
Clay Time - Play with Clay Children's Workshop @ Newcastle Cathedral
Studio potter Amy Rutherford is bringing creativity to Newcastle Cathedral this half term with an informal, child-led workshop! Kids will be inspired to follow their creativity throughout the session – although of course there’s support on-hand should they need it – and there’ll plenty of bits and bobs to decorate their creations with too!
29th October, From £7.50
Pop-Up Hospital Family Fun Day @ Newcastle Cathedral
If the kids have ever wanted to explore an ambulance or dress up as a doctor, then this pop-up hospital family fun day is the ideal half-term happening! Celebrating the incredible work of the NHS, Great North Children’s Hospital staff will be on-hand to help entertain and educate the little ones. There’s even a chance to meet the iconic mascot, Fudge the Giraffe, if the kids need more convincing!
29th October, Free
Children's Cookery Classes @ Blackfriars
Blackfriars is helping kids feel confident in the kitchen this October with their cookery classes! 7-10 year olds will love the Little Monks Cookery Club, where they can take things at their own pace, trying their hand at everything from super snacks to lunchtime favourites. Meanwhile, would-be chefs aged 11-17 can join the Smart Cookies Cookery Club, helping grow their skills with a range of delicious dishes for them to choose from.
Little Monks Cookery Club, 29th & 30th October , £75 / Smart Cookies Cookery Club, 31st October, £75
Kids Black & White Football Party @ St. James’ Park
If the kids are football fanatics, then you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to St. James’ Park this half term! Perfect for little ones aged 2-11, there’ll be footy-themed games and songs on offer – as well as a choice of food and tea/coffee for the grown-ups. Go on, grab your scarves and keep the kids entertained for an afternoon!
1st November, £15 for juniors / £10 for adults / £45 for a family of four (two adults, two juniors)
Cirque du Magique @ Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Prepare to believe in the unbelievable as Cirque du Magique comes to Tyne Theatre & Opera House this October half Tterm! There’ll be marvellous magic, spectacular stunts and world-class circus acts to entertain all the family – and create an evening of entertainment like no other.
27th October, From £30.50 (adults) / From £28.50 (children)
Comic Con North East @ Utilita Arena
The ultimate home of everything nerdy, Comic Con North East returns to the Utilita Arena this October! There’ll be a star-studded guest list, trader and artist areas to explore, and fascinating talks to hear live. So whether the kids are videogame-obsessed, or you share a love for some nostalgic movies and TV shows, this is a day easily well-spent.
26th-27th October, Prices vary
Phew! We weren’t lying when we said there’s a lot happening, you’ll be booked and busy through the week! Oh, you thought we’d forgotten about spooky season? Think again! We’ve done a whole separate round-up on all the kid-friendly Halloween events happening in Newcastle with more treats than tricks for the little ones too!
Featured image: Yan Krukau via Pexels.
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