What to do with the kids this half term in Newcastle: 7 of the best activities across Tyneside

It's half term in Newcastle and parents across Tyneside will be looking for what to do with the kids this week.

Every parent has been there. You've had a great weekend keeping the little ones busy but now Monday has arrived and they're running around the house with little else in the calendar. The thought of five days of this is causing a migraine to set it already.

Luckily, there's a lot going on in the Newcastle city centre and across Tyneside this week. NewcastleWorld is on hand to pick out seven of the best activities to do with your little ones during this October half-term break in Newcastle and across Tyneside.

Discover Museum Spooky Trail

The Discovery Museum in Newcastle is running a series of spooky trails until Sunday, October 30. It's a great last-minute option as no booking is required and the trails are all self-led - each one is only 50p too. The trails snake around the museum and families are asked to bring their own pencils to take part in the activity.

Halloween pot creation at the Segedunum Roman Fort

To celebrate its Roman heritage, there's some Halloween pot creation going on at the Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend. The Romans used to draw faces on their pots and so, what better way to get into the spooky season, than turn that tradition into a Halloween activity? This is only happening on Monday, October 24 between 11 am and 3 pm, but is free with the normal admission price.

Get stuck in with some floral artwork at the Shipley Art Gallery

Visitors to the Shipley Art Gallery this half term can explore the still life exhibition and then have a go at making their own largescale floral artwork and a 3D flower sculpture. This workshop involves creating layers of paper shapes and playing around with composition to create a unique floral design. Participants will create a big flower poster and 3D paper flower sculpture to take home. It's £3 per participant and booking is essential with slots at 10:15 am, 12 pm and 2 pm on Tuesday, October 25.

Make a ghost ship at South Shields Museum and Art Gallery

Tyneside is known for its maritime heritage and the South Shields Museum and Art Gallery is offering a Halloween-style take on it this Tuesday, October 25. Kids can create their own ghost ship, test it on water and even race it during the two sessions, one between 11 am and 1 pm and the other between 1:30 pm and 3 pm. Spaces are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Book here.

Visit The Lindisfarne Gospels

This one isn't just for half term, but the week off gives the little ones the perfect chance to learn about some of the North East's history. The Lindisfarne Gospels are the most spectacular manuscript to survive from Anglo-Saxon England and are on display at the Laing Art Gallery until 3 December 2022, on loan from the British Library. Entry is between £7 and £14, with under 12s free. Book here.

Make a Halloween lantern at Stephenson Steam Railway

Children can make their own locomotive lantern at the Stephenson Steam Railway this half term. Organisers are suggesting the lantern could be used as a bucket for trick or treating come Halloween. The activity runs for free from 11 am to 3 pm on Thursday, October 27 and there's the chance to ride the heritage train at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm afterwards - although there is a small charge for this.

Pumpkin patch picking

If you've not already got your pumpkins yet, the half term could be a great chance to head down to a pumpkin patch. Not only does it allow the kids to get fresh air and spend some energy, but it's a great chance to get some adorable family pictures. You can find a list of the patches closest to Newcastle here.