Family days out in and around Newcastle to enjoy this half term

The long six week break is nearly upon us, but before students across the North East can enjoy the longest school holiday of the calendar year they have another half term break before the academic year runs down.

These are some of the events happening across the region over the May half term - the final school break of the academic year.

When is the May half term in Newcastle?

The final half term of the year runs from Monday, May 27 until Friday, May 31.

Students will then return on Monday, June 3 and stay in the classroom until Friday, July 19 when the summer holidays begin.

Lego exhibition at the Discovery Museum

One of the city’s biggest museums is preparing the week with a week dedicated to the iconic building block brand.

This May half term at Discovery Museum families can build a city using lego, build bridges together, and children aged 3-7 can have go on the giant train track in the museum’s Great Hall with Trainmaster.  

The site will be open over the Tuesday to Friday of half term and families can enter for free.

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Pet some animals at Ouseburn Farm

The inner-city farm regularly allows families to interact with on-site animals and this half term is no different.

The site to the east of the city centre is open six days a week after closing on Mondays with access available between 10am and 3pm each day of half term.

Free ‘meet the animals’ sessions are available but need prior booking through the farm’s website.

In addition to sessions with guinea pigs, goats and more, the farm are putting on pizza making sessions, egg box gardening and more over the week long break.

Catch some local music at venues across the city

There is always something to enjoy when it comes to live music in the city. The biggest shows over half term will see Girls Aloud’s reuinion tour head to the Utilita Arena while smaller venues across the city will also be hosting top gigs.

Our top picks include Scouting For Girls at NX on Westgate Road, Ernie at The Cluny and Richard Thompson at Gateshead’s Glasshouse.

Help build a beast - and meet some others - at the Life Centre

Another city centre museum, the Life Centre has a series of events taking place over the week off for kids.

Across the week the site will give families the opportunity to make their own cardboard monsters, go face to face with minibeasts such as tarantulas and snakes, enjoy exploring a mock-up of the International Space Station and many more.

Get a tour of a historical landmark

Anyone lookinf for a cheap afternoon out can head to Newcastle Castle for a tour of one of the oldest buildings in the city.

Kids Castle Adventure tours last 90 minutes and can be booked online for £12.