October 2026: 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 theatre, 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?
Little Artists Plus+ & Art Camp @ Laing Art Gallery
This October half term, the Laing Art Gallery is running art camps for budding creatives (and their siblings!) up to the age of 7, and an art camp for 7-12 year olds. Both age groups are invited to explore the galleries, talk about art, and create their own work over the half term.
Little Artists Plus+: Monday 26th & Friday 30th October 2026, From 6 / Art Camp: Wednesday 28th & Thursday 29th October 2026, From £15 per day
Young People’s Art Workshop @ Hatton Gallery
Alternatively, for older art enthusiasts aged 12-18, head to Hatton Gallery for their Young People’s Art Workshop! Attendees have the chance to learn more about printmaking techniques, exploring gel printing and monoprinting methods to create their very own masterpiece.
Thursday 29th October 2026, Free
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!
Tuesday 27th October 2026, Free
Hansel & Gretel and the Witch @ Northern Stage
BalletLORENT returns to Northern Stage this October Half Term with a magical new production for the whole family to enjoy! Hansel & Gretel and the Witch reimagines the beloved tale with imaginative storytelling and striking visuals, transporting audiences into a whole other world that’s full of wit, warmth and timeless magic.
Thursday 29th October – Sunday 1st November 2026, From £12
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.
Tuesday 27th – Friday 30th October 2026, From £50
The Great Dinosaur Escape @ The Life Science Centre
For roar-some fun, look no further than The Life Science Centre! The Great Dinosaur Escape continues this October half term, offering families the chance to become dino rangers and wander amongst impressive animatronic dinosaurs, including a three-tonne T-Rex, a baby stegosaurs, and plenty more!
Until Sunday 3rd January 2027, Prices vary
Pizza Making Class and Adults Brunch @ Fenwick
If the little ones fancy themselves a master chef, then head to Fenwick for their seasonal cooking classes this October! Their bakery classes offers kids the chance to make their own pizza from scratch while the adults enjoy a leisurely brunch, with everything from shakshuka to scrambled egg with smoked salmon and toasted focaccia to enjoy.
Monday 26th – Tuesday 27th October 2026, From £16 (kids) / £18 (adults)
Time Travel Club with The National Archives @ Discovery Museum
Meanwhile over at the Discovery Museum, families can travel back in time with The National Archives, and kids can create their very own Halloween-themed bookmark! Guests can explore some spooky documents from The National Archives before getting stuck into some hands-on crafts with these free, drop-in sessions.
Thursday 29th October 2026, Free
Author Event with Holly Sterling @ Newcastle City Library
Budding bookworms will want their grown-ups to take them to Newcastle City Library this October Half Term, for a special event with author Holly Sterling! Celebrating the delightful picture book Wednesday is for Wiggling – illustrated by Sterling – young readers and families will enjoy a lively storytime, a glimpse behind the curtain at the artist’s creative process, and a hands-on workshop too.
Tuesday 27th October 2026, Free although booking is required
Lord of the Wings @ Wylam Brewery
And last but by no means least, there’ll be no rumbling stomachs at Wylam Brewery this week, with the return of Lord of the Wings! This legendary street food showdown celebrates all things chicken, and while it’s a great chance for the bairns to test their tastebuds, there’ll be plenty of options for picky eaters too.
Friday 23rd – Saturday 24th October 2026, Free entry
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: Woman and Children Doing Art With Colored Papers by Yan Krukau via Pexels / Free to use under the Pexels License
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