What's On in the North East : February 2024 (inc Half Term)

This post was published in February 2024 and contains adverts and affiliate links. ALWAYS check details with venues direct by clicking the blue links before heading out, especially opening hours and booking details. Information can change.  Top Picks for February 2024 I am so pleased to see February! Remember we have an extra day to enjoy this month too as it's a leap year.  We have plans for snowdrop walks, theatre trips, more castle visits and will be taking our annual trip to Center Parcs for their Winter Forest Lights events in half term.  Don't forget:  10 Feb - Chinese New Year  13 Feb - Pancake Day  14 Feb - Valentine's Day  29 Feb - Extra Leap Year Day  (ad) Lambing at Spilman's Farm  This event takes place on selected dates across February and is the perfect opportunity to experience life on a real working farm. There are over 100 expectant ewes with lambs expected to be born each day. Your ticket includes:  Meet the farm animals including rare breeds, alpacas and pigs  Live farmer talks with Q&A Lambs born every day  Fun sheep and wool themed crafts  Photo opportunities  Visit the new lambs  Booking is essential! Find out more and book: https://www.spilmans.co.uk/lambing-at-spilmans/ (ad) Peter Pan Goes Wrong at Newcastle Theatre Royal  Showing from Mon 12 - Sat 17 February and perfect for families with children aged 8+, this fantastic take on Peter Pan is packed with laughs, slapstick comedy, technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes. Will they ever make it to Neverland??  Tickets are available to book here: Book Peter Pan Goes Wrong tickets here (ad) Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World at Newcastle Theatre Royal  This kick ass-pirational stage show is perfect for families to enjoy with young people aged 6+. Brought to us by one of the producers of SIX and based on a popular children's book by Suffragette relative Kate Pankhurst, audiences are invited to join our inquisitive heroine Kate as she meets some incredible women from history.  Expect scientists, secret agents and to hear stories from some of the world's strongest mothers. Leave feeling empowered as you celebrate some of history's most incredible women with a pop soundtrack that packs a punch.  Showing from Wed 21 - Sun 25 Feb. Tickets are available from £13. Book Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World Tickets here  (ad) We're Going on a Bear Hunt at Newcastle Theatre Royal  This is one of my all time favourite stories and a real favourite amongst families. Now is your chance to see We're Going on a Bear Hunt live on stage in this lively interpretation filled with music and song.  There will be plenty of interactivity and lots of adventure as audiences join the cast and their musical dog on their quest to find the bear. Recommended for ages 3+.  Showing from Friday 23 - Sunday 25 Feb. Find out more and book: We're Going on a Bear Hunt tickets  (ad) February Days Out with National Trust  There are lots of ways to make the most of your National Trust membership this February. From snowdrop planting at Wallington and welly trails at Gibside to nature activities at Seaton Delaval Hall and hidden gems like Crook Hall Gardens.  There's plenty to enjoy on a rainy day too including the sheltered Den Building Area at Gibside, the Dolls Houses and Soldiers at Wallington or the Upside Down Room and Giant Game of Delaval Hall at Seaton Delaval Hall.  Why not make a plan to re-visit your favourite National Trust playground this month? Gibside's new play equipment is now open too.  Discover what's on & how to make the most of your National Trust Membership here: Family-friendly places in North East England | National Trust (ad) Silent Disco at Newcastle Cathedral  Taking place at Newcastle Cathedral on Saturday 24 February, this event is not to be missed. There's a child-friendly version in the afternoon and two adults-only discos in the evening.  Don your headphones as three DJs battle it out with the best of the 80s, 90s and 00s. Rave together in the stunning illuminated Cathedral with family and friends. Festival face painters will be on hand, there's a premium bar & VIP options are available.  Find out more and book here: Book Silent Disco Tickets  (ad) STEM Activities at The Common Room  Calling all Mini Mariners and Shipnuilders....... Get ready to set sail in a Boat Material Testing Workshop. Expect hands on fun and experiments as you test the best materials to make the sturdiest and most bouyant boats.  Through trial and error, discover the secrets to creating a boat that can withstand the high seas without spinging a leak.  This event runs from 21-23 February and tickets are £5 each with discounts available for additional children. The Common Room is located next door to Newcastle Central Station. All welcome. Find out more and book here: Mini Mariners tickets  (ad) FREE SmileyWorld® Trail in North Tyneside  This free drop-in trail takes place across North Tyneside from 27 Jan - 2 April 2024. There are 15 SmileyWorld® bright and brilliant sculptures to find across North Shields, Forest Hall, Killingworth, Tynemouth, Culletcoats, Wallsend and Whitley Bay.  Designed to get people talking about their emotions AND raising funds and awareness for St Oswalds at the same time. You can find out more / download the app or map here: SmileyWorld® Trail Indoor Ideas for February 2024  If you're looking for some indoor ideas for February Fun, here are some recent posts and suggestions (just click the links for more info):  The Treehouse Soft Play in Whitley Bay (perfect for under 8s)  A FREE Day Out at Baltic  Kiki's Kabin North Shields (ideal for mixed ages 0-12 years)  What to Expect from a Visit to Tynemouth Aquarium  Cub Play Cafe Blyth (idea for under 5s)  A FREE Day Out at The Sill  FREE Peter Rabbit Storytime Trail at Wallsend Library  And don't forget:  The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Activities & Days Out in North East England  Rainy Day Ideas in Northumberland  North East Gaming Cafes  North East Soft Play Reviews  Deals & Bargains for February 2024  (ad) Half Price Tickets to Northumberland College Zoo (ad) £20 Bird of Prey Experience (ad) Gullivers Valley One Night Themed Break with Theme Park Entry from £159 for 4 people   50% off Yorkshire Wildlife Park (buy voucher before 31 Jan and use throughout 2024) STACK Fiver Fest (over 15 daily £5 meal deals until 29 Feb)  Kids Go Free Deal at Adventure Valley (t&cs apply - valid until 16 Feb) £10 Fish & Chips at The Potted Lobster Bamburgh (12noon-3pm Mon-Fri until 29 Jan) 50% off food on Sundays at No28 (until the end of March)  If you're looking for low-cost days out, these posts may help:  50+ FREE Days Out in North East England  10 FREE Days Out near a Metro Station  25 of the Best Parks & Playgrounds in North East England  What's On : 1 - 9 February 2024 ALWAYS check details with venues direct before heading out, especially opening hours and booking details. Information can change.  FREE Peter Rabbit Storytime Trail at Wallsend Library (closed Sundays)  FREE SmileyWorld® Art Trail around North Tyneside  FREE LEGO Brick Wonders and Little Landmarks Exhibition at The Word South Shields FREE Horrible Histories Exhibition at Seven Stories  FREE Tiger Who Came to Tea Exhibition at Seven Stories  FREE Mog the Forgetful Cat Exhibtion at Seven Stories  £1 Chinese Zodiac Animal Trail at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens   1 February - Royal Northern Sinfonia plays Songs from the Movies at Middlesbrough Town Hall 1 February - FREE Pokemon Club at Gateshead Central Library  1 February - FREE Teen Reading Club at Blaydon Library  1 - 3 Feb - Blood Brothers at Newcastle Theatre Royal (12+) 1-5 Feb - Kids Go Free at Adventure Valley (one free child per paying adult - book ahead online and select the adult with free child ticket) 1 - 15 February - A Song for Ella Grey at Northern Stage (13+) 2 Feb - Story Sprouts (for ages 12-24 months) at Seven Stories  2 Feb - Story Stompers (for 2 & 3 year olds) at Seven Stories  2 Feb - FREE Baby Book Social at Seven Stories  2 Feb - FREE Museum Mice Stomp along with Dinosaurs at Great North Museum (under 5s) 2 February - FREE Rhyme Time at Gateshead Central Library  2 February - FREE Storytime at Birtley Library  2 & 3 February - FREE Festival of Flame, Viking Fire Garden, Illuminated Sheep and more at Hexham Abbey  3 February - FREE Make a Great Ganesha Puppet at Oriental Museum Durham  3 February - Small & Mighty Family Art & Crafts at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens  3 February - Saturday Art Club for ages 8+ at Washington Arts Centre  3 - 25 February -  Welly Dogs Trail at RSPB Saltholme  3 & 4 February - Cinderella Panto at Beamish  4 February - Planetarium Shows at Twice Brewed Inn  4 February - Book Swap at Baltic  5 Feb -  Story Sprouts (for ages 12-24 months) at Seven Stories  5 Feb -  Story Stompers (for 2 & 3 year olds) at Seven Stories  5 Feb -  FREE Baby Book Social at Seven Stories  5 February - FREE Arts & Crafts Club at The Word South Shields (8+) 6 Feb - Crafty Kids at Shipley Art Gallery (2-5 year olds) 6 - 10 February - Shrek The Musical at Sunderland Empire (3+) Buy tickets here (ad): https://prf.hn/l/W4VjdVo 7 February - FREE Little Dragons (crafts, singing and games) for under 5s at Oriental Museum Durham  7 February - Winter Nature Explorers at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens (walkers up to age 4)  7 February - Tiny Sparks for 3-5 year olds at Discovery Museum  7-10 February - Cinders Scottish Ballet at Newcastle Theatre Royal  8-10 Februay - The Mystery of Dracula at Alphabetti Theatre (14+) 9 Feb -  Story Sprouts (for ages 12-24 months) at Seven Stories  9 Feb -  Story Stompers (for 2 & 3 year olds) at Seven Stories  9 Feb -  FREE Baby Book Social at Seven Stories  9 Feb - The Boy and the Seahorse at Gosforth Civic Theatre 9 Feb - Dark Skies and Creatures of the Night at Walltown Country Park (11+) What's On : 10 -16 February 2024  ALWAYS check details with venues direct before heading out, especially opening hours and booking details. Information can change.  FREE Peter Rabbit Storytime Trail at Wallsend Library  (closed Sundays)  FREE LEGO Brick Wonders and Little Landmarks Exhibition at The Word South Shields FREE Horrible Histories Exhibition at Seven Stories  FREE Tiger Who Came to Tea Exhibition at Seven Stories  FREE Mog the Forgetful Cat Exhibtion at Seven Stories  £1 Chinese Zodiac Animal Trail at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens   FREE Wildlife Spotters Activity Sheet & Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens  Howick Hall Snowdrop Trail  1 - 15 February -  A Song for Ella Grey at Northern Stage (13+) 3 - 25 February -  Welly Dogs Trail at RSPB Saltholme  7 - 10 February - Claytime at Theatre Hullabaloo (3-6) 10 - 25 February - Migration Stations and Goose Trail at RSPB Saltholme  10 - 25 February -  Super Space Event at Ushaw Historic House  10 - 29 February - Roman Army Museum Trail  8-12 Feb -  Kids Go Free at Adventure Valley  (one free child per paying adult - book ahead online and select the adult with free child ticket) 10 February - FREE Year of the Dragon Crafts at Oriental Museum Durham  10 February - Wonka's Scrumdiddlyumptious Afternoon Tea at Seven Stories  10 February -  Small & Mighty Family Art & Crafts at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens  10 February -  Saturday Art Club for ages 8+ at Washington Arts Centre  10 February - FREE Chinese New Year in Darlington  10 February - FREE Chines New Year in Durham  10 February - Sunderland Teenage Market  10 February - FREE Year of the Dragon Crafts at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens   10 February -  Cinders Scottish Ballet at Newcastle Theatre Royal  10 Februay -  The Mystery of Dracula at Alphabetti Theatre (14+) 10 February -  Planetarium Shows at Twice Brewed Inn  10 February - How Does Your Boat Float Challenge at Jarrow Hall  10 & 11 February - (ad) Lambing at Spilmans Farm  10 & 11 February -  Cinderella Panto at Beamish  10 & 11 February - Jarrow Hall Re-opening Weekend  10 - 16 February - Guided Beach Safari with Ranger Jane (all ages)  11 February - FREE Entry Chinese New Year Celebrations in Newcastle 11 February - Relaxed Opening at Preston Park Museum  11 February - TRAILDOG Family Wolfpack Run at Wallington  11 February - The Big Time Pro Wrestling Experience at Middlesbrough Town Hall  12 - 17 February - (ad)  Peter Pan Goes Wrong at Newcastle Theatre Royal (8+) 13 February -  Crafty Kids at Shipley Art Gallery (2-5 year olds)   14 February -  FREE Little Dragons (crafts, singing and games) for under 5s at Oriental Museum Durham  14 February -  Winter Nature Explorers at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens  (walkers up to age 4)  14 February -  Tiny Sparks for 3-5 year olds at Discovery Museum  15 February - 10 March - Disney's Aladdin at Sunderland Empire  Buy tickets here (ad): https://prf.hn/l/XZYwbkQ 15 February -  How Does Your Boat Float Challenge at Jarrow Hall  15 & 16 February - Wish You Weren't Here at Northern Stage (14+) 15 & 16 Feb -  Kids Go Free at Adventure Valley  (one free child per paying adult - book ahead online and select the adult with free child ticket) 15 - 18 February - (ad) Lambing at Spilman's Farm  16 February - Mini Science Club for 1-4 year olds at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens  16 February -  FREE Museum Mice Stomp along with Dinosaurs at Great North Museum (under 5s) 16 February - Diversity at Stockton Globe  Buy tickets here (ad): https://prf.hn/l/OqzgMBZ 16-18 February - Nest Building Workshops at RSPB Saltholme  What's On : 17 -25 February 2024  ALWAYS check details with venues direct  before heading out, especially opening hours and booking details. Information can change.  February Half Term Welly Trail at Gibside (included with membership/admission) Snowdrop Planting at Wallington (included with membership/admission)  FREE Peter Rabbit Storytime Trail at Wallsend Library  (closed Sundays)  FREE SmileyWorld® Art Trail around North Tyneside  FREE Horrible Histories Exhibition at Seven Stories  FREE Tiger Who Came to Tea Exhibition at Seven Stories  FREE Mog the Forgetful Cat Exhibtion at Seven Stories  FREE LEGO Brick Wonders and Little Landmarks Exhibition at The Word South Shields £1 Chinese Zodiac Animal Trail at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens   FREE Wildlife Spotters Activity Sheet & Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens  The Rocket Show at Centre for Life ( here for Feb Half Term only!) Bird Watching Activities & Crafts at WWT Washington  Howick Hall Snowdrop Trail  Half Term History Makers (Victorian Era) at Belsay Hall & Gardens (included with admission/membership) Freddie's Deer Park Adventure at Raby Castle Deer Park  Step Into Spring Trail at Plotters' Forest  February Half Term Trail at High Force Waterfall  Ushaw Historic House  3 - 25 February - Welly Dogs Trail at RSPB Saltholme  10 - 25 February -  Migration Stations and Goose Trail at RSPB Saltholme  10 - 25 February - Super Space Event at Ushaw Historic House  10 - 29 February -  Roman Army Museum Trail  14 February - Toddler Trails and Tales at Hardwick Park (The Gruffalo's Child)  15 February - 10 March - Disney's Aladdin at Sunderland Empire  Buy tickets here (ad):  https://prf.hn/l/XZYwbkQ 16 & 17 February - Easter Egg Making Workshop at La Choclatrice (10+) 16 - 18 February - Alnwick Storyfest  (various events)  16-18 February -  Nest Building Workshops at RSPB Saltholme  17 February - Peter Pan Goes Wrong at Newcastle Theatre Royal (8+) 17 February -  Toddler Trails and Tales at Hardwick Park (The Gruffalo's Child)  17 February - Small Worlds Play at Theatre Hulabaloo (2-5) 17 February - Ministry of Science Live at Stockton Globe  Buy tickets here (ad): https://prf.hn/l/y8Lvw5m 17 February -  How Does Your Boat Float Challenge at Jarrow Hall  17 February - FREE Nature Weaving Crafts at Oriental Museum Durham  17 February -  Small & Mighty Family Art & Crafts at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens  17 February -  Saturday Art Club for ages 8+ at Washington Arts Centre  17 February - Family Art Class at Shipley Art Gallery (7-12 year olds)  17 February - Magical Junk Shop at Alnwick Playhouse (5+) 17 February - Circus Spectacular at Tyne Theatre and Opera House  17 February - Northumberland Dark Skies Workshop at Low Hauxley (7+) 17 & 18 February -  Planetarium Shows at Twice Brewed Inn  18 February - FREE Entry Chinese New Year Celebrations in Sunderland  18 February - Opera North presents Little Listeners Cinderella at Seven Stories  19 February - Sandcasting Animals at Sunderland Glass Centre (6+) 19 February - Cyanotype Workshop at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens (12+) 19 February - Marley the Miniature Pony at Bamburgh Castle  19 February -  Planetarium Shows at Twice Brewed Inn  19 February - Create a Roman Flag at Segedunum  19 February -  FREE Arts & Crafts Club at The Word South Shields (8+) 19 February - FREE LEGO Landmark Building at The Word South Shields (4+) 19 February -  FREE Crazy Brick Golf at The Word South Shields (4+) 19 February -  Small Worlds Play at Theatre Hullabaloo (2-5) 19 February - Family Story Tour (Bird Stories) at Bowes Museum  19 & 20 February - Kids Castle Adventure Tour at Newcastle Castle (5-15 years)  19 - 21 February - Uhtred's Warrior School at Bamburgh Castle  19-21 February - FREE LEGO Workshops at Locomotion Shildon  19 - 23 February - Stirring the Pot Event at Vindolanda 19-25 February - Nature Activities at Seaton Delaval Hall (included with admission/membership) 19 - 25 February - FREE Metrognomes Pirate Pandemonium at Metrocentre  20 February - Make Your Own Wooden Family Tree at Sunderland Glass Centre (5+) 2