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MAY HALF TERM GUIDE 2024

Updated: May 24

Information correct at time of publishing. Please follow the social pages/refer to the links provided for further info or updates.


Where I have been paid for advertising or I am sharing events provided by my group business subscribers then there will be (Ad) in front of the post to highlight this.


Any events that run more than a day, I have included these in a separate section at the bottom of this blog.


Saturday 25th May


💜(Ad) Sat 25th May-FREE DROP IN. Happy 35th Birthday Elmer! at Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington. Elmer storybooks in the cafe and a small activity. 10am-2pm.


🟣25/05-Club Groovy Family Fest at ARC Stockton Arts Centre, Stockton on Tees. Recommended ages 1-7 years. More info and booking at https://arconline.co.uk/whats-on/club-groovy-funky-family-fest-2/?


🟣25/05-Orange PIP Market, Middlesbrough. Middlesbrough’s FREE festival celebrating culture, food and drink. Expect a range of artisan food, drinks, arts and crafts, music and free family entertainment across dozens of stalls. Held alongside independent bars and restaurants on Baker and Bedford Street. Further festivals also happening in the summer. Follow their page for updates at https://www.facebook.com/OrangePipMarket


🟣25/05-Fathers Day Prints with Popolo Ceramico at The Play Cafe, Sunderland. Book tickets via https://bookwhen.com/popolosunderland?


Sunday 26th May


🟣26/05-Family Mayhem Party with Party Pete and special guest ‘Pinocchio’ at Harrogate Hill Club, Darlington. More info and booking at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/harrowgate-club/e-oqgdpe?


🟣26/05-Pamper Party at Gigi’s Softplay, Darlington. £8 entry. No need to prebook. For more info follow their page at https://www.facebook.com/GiGisSoftplay


🟣26/05-Science Museum: The Live Stage Show at Middlesbrough Town Hall. More info and booking at https://www.middlesbroughtownhall.co.uk/event/science-museum-the-live-stage-show/?


🟣26/05- LOW COST Seashore Safari at Souter Lighthouse and the Leas, Sunderland. No need to book. Suitable for ages 3+ https://facebook.com/events/s/seashore-safari/795622379054955/



Monday 27th May


🟣27/05-Pirates Afternoon Tea Party Cruise on The Teesside Princess, Stockton on Tees. More info and booking at https://teessideprincess.co.uk/event/pirate-afternoon-tea-party-arrrgh/?


🟣27/05- Superhero Party with Little Movers at The Playground, Thornaby. 10am-12pm. Likely to sell out quick! Check direct with the venue by messaging them at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067524945839


🟣27/05-Superhero Session with Wriggles and Giggles. At Yarm Fellowship Hall . Book via https://www.wrigglesandgigglesnortheast.co.uk/book-online


🟣27/05- Fathers Day Prints with Popolo Ceramico at Silly Billy’s, Herrington Burn. Book tickets via https://bookwhen.com/popolosunderland?


Tuesday 28th May


💜(Ad) 28/05-Rainbow Space-Capades By Alison McGowan at Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington. Various times for 3-4 and 5-7 year olds. More info and booking at https://www.theatrehullabaloo.org.uk/shows/rainbow-space-capades/


💜(Ad) 28/05-Little Land of Adventures Playgroup at Ferryhill Sports and Education Centre. With special guest Ms Rachel!


🟣28/05-FREE activity day at St Cuthberts Church, Darlington. 10am-3pm. Arts and crafts, music, games and more. For ages 5-11. Booking essential. Email contactus@stcuthbertsdarlington.org.uk or call Dionne on 07508609036


🟣28/05-FREE tractors and diggers day, Darlington Market Square.


🟣28/05-Forest Club at Hardwick Park, Stockton on Tees (recommended ages 18 months-5 years). Book via https://events.durham.gov.uk/1/Home/List


🟣28/05-Cirque at Princess Alexandria Auditorium, Yarm. Book tickets at https://www.thepaaonline.org/whats-on/cirque-the-greatest-show-2/


🟣28/05-FREE family Outdoor games and mini sports at Souter Lighthouse and the Leas. Donations welcome. https://facebook.com/events/s/souter-sports/410265544976951/


🟣28/05-Build a bridge at Discovery Museum, Newcastle. Free entry to the museum. Extra cost applies for activity (LOW COST). More info and booking via

This activity is a nice added extra to add on when visiting the museum.

They also have their FREE family exhibition

Spirit of Invention: A world of creativity from Victorian Britain to the present day. Running until Sunday 23rd June


🟣28/05-Clay Craft Workshop with The Hive, Darlington. Message the page to book onto this workshop at https://www.facebook.com/share/zfrJMtruz2Hd8RnE/?mibextid=LQQJ4d


🟣28/05-Cirque ‘The Greatest Show’ at Princess Alexandria Auditorium, Yarm.


🟣28/05-Adventure Babies Half Term Special at Bedale Hall. Example of some of the things the session may include;

🌟Storytelling & props

🌟Sensory exploration

🌟Messy play

🌟Art keepsake activity

Classes suitable from birth to pre-school!


🟣28/05-Victorian Wash Day at Preston Park Museum, Stockton on Tees. Museum admission applies. More info here https://prestonparkmuseum.co.uk/events-categories/school-holiday/?


🟣28/05-FREE EVENT-Fellside Alpacas at The Dairy Barn, Crook.Drop in 12-4pm. Follow their page for further info and updates. https://www.facebook.com/thedairybarnicecream


Wednesday 29th May


🟣29/05-Cirque ‘The Greatest Show’ at Princess Alexandria Auditorium, Yarm.


🟣29/05-Unicorns and Dragons at Wharton Park, Durham. Book via https://events.durham.gov.uk/1/Home/List


🟣29/05-Superhero Session with Wriggles and Giggles. At The Elmwood Centre, Hartburn . Book via https://www.wrigglesandgigglesnortheast.co.uk/book-online


🟣29/05-Hairbraids and Milkshakes at Lanchester Garden Centre, Durham. More info and booking at https://lanchestergardencentre.co.uk/event/hair-braids-milkshakes-4/?


🟣29/05-Stone age family half term craft session at Land of Iron, Saltburn. Pay what you decide by donation on the day. https://facebook.com/events/s/stone-age-family-half-term-cra/784416459852860/


🟣29/05-Artist Makers at Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle. For ages 5+. Included in admission. https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/artist-makers-2/


🟣29/05-Bears Museum Adventures at Sunderland Museum, Sunderland. Recommended ages 4+ https://sunderlandculture.org.uk/events/bears-museum-adventure-find-the-history-heroes/


🟣29/05-Build a city with Lego at Discovery Museum, Newcastle. Free entry to the museum. Extra cost applies for activity (LOW COST). More info and booking via https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/events-discovery-museum/e-vlyqgk?

This activity is a nice added extra to add on when visiting the museum. They also have their FREE family exhibition

Spirit of Invention: A world of creativity from Victorian Britain to the present day. Running until Sunday 23rd June


🟣29/05-FREE EVENT-Fellside Alpacas at The Dairy Barn, Crook.Drop in 12-4pm. Follow their page for further info and updates.


Thursday 30th May


🟣30/05-Adventure Babies Half Term Special at The Dolphin Centre, Darlington. Example of some of the things the session may include;

🌟Storytelling & props

🌟Sensory exploration

🌟Messy play

🌟Art keepsake activity

Classes suitable from birth to pre-school!


🟣30/05-Flower Fairies and Tree Sprites at Hardwick Park, Stockton on Tees.

More info and booking at Book here https://events.durham.gov.uk/1/Home/List


🟣29/05-Superhero Session with Wriggles and Giggles. At The Rings Community Hub, Ingleby Barwick. Book via https://www.wrigglesandgigglesnortheast.co.uk/book-online


🟣30/05-Kevin Quantum ‘Momentum Tour’ at at  Princess Alexandria Auditorium, Yarm. More info and booking via https://www.thepaaonline.org/whats-on/kevin-quantum-momentum-tour/?


🟣30/05-Sweet Science Workshop at Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, Middlesbrough. Free entry to museum. Cost applies for activity. Book via https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/middlesbrough/captain-cook-birthplace-museum?


🟣30/05-Family outdoor games and mini sports at Crook Hall Gardens National Trust, Durham. Included with standard admission. More info at https://facebook.com/events/s/may-half-term-sports/1623447278429589/


🟣30/05-Trainmaster at Discovery Museum, Newcastle. Free entry to the museum. Extra cost applies for activity (LOW COST). More info and booking via  https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/events-discovery-museum/e-yldlqd?

This activity is a nice added extra to add on when visiting the museum. They also have their FREE family exhibition

Spirit of Invention: A world of creativity from Victorian Britain to the present day. Running until Sunday 23rd June




Friday 31st May


💜(Ad) 31/05-Ten in the Bed at Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington. This humorous and inventive new show celebrates the power of imaginary play and proves there’s always enough room to have fun, even when the world is at its most daunting. (Recommended for ages 3-8).


🟣31/05-Creative Kitchen ‘Hey Tiger’ at Lanchester Garden Centre, Durham. More info and booking at https://lanchestergardencentre.co.uk/event/creative-kitchen-hey-tiger/?


🟣31/05-Big Science Show at Dorman Museum, Middlesbrough. Free entry to museum. Cost applies for activity. Book via https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/middlesbrough/dorman-museum/big-science-show/e-lbxalq?


🟣31/05-FREE DROP IN-Curious Takeover at Kirkleatham Museum and Grounds, Redcar. Colourful arts and crafts, storytimes, workshops, dress-up station and more! More info at https://facebook.com/events/s/curious-takeover/778003354269345/


🟣31/05-Moanas beach party at Moobears play centre, Chester Le Street. Book by calling or texting them on 07517 258494

Follow their page for further info https://www.facebook.com/moobears.cls


Saturday 1st June


🟣01/06- Little Land of Adventures NEW venue opening Fun Day at Ferryhill Sports and Education Centre. 11:30am-2:30pm. £2 entry cost. No need to prebook.

Tattoos and gel glitter, mascot visits, indoor and outdoor play areas, face painting, refreshments available to purchase and a tombola and raffle stall. Some activities have a small extra cost. Follow their page at https://www.facebook.com/share/aJqszdTqbG6ze4bf/?mibextid=LQQJ4d


🟣01/06-FREE DROP IN Emergency Services Day, Darlington Market Square.


🟣01/06-‘The Temple of Delusion’ show with CBBC’s Danny and Mick, at  Princess Alexandria Auditorium, Yarm. Book tickets via https://www.thepaaonline.org/whats-on/temple-of-delusion/?


🟣01/06-The Three Bears show at Bishop Auckland Town Hall. Recommended for under 6s and their families. More info and booking at https://bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk/the-three-bears


🟣01/06-Fathers Day Prints with Popolo Ceramico at The Play Place, Peterlee


SUNDAY 2ND JUNE


🟣(Ad) 02/06-Hartlepool’s Bubble Man is coming to Little Land of Adventures! At their new venue, Ferryhill Sports and Education Centre. Includes bubble show and play time. Book via https://bookwhen.com/adventures



🟣02/06- FREE Little Seedlings Workshop at Dobbies Garden Centre, Middlesbrough. (These run monthly). Book via https://events.dobbies.com/event-detail/?e=4290&v=68&r=v


OVER VARIOUS DATES


The following events run over various dates during May half term;


💜(Ad) Saturday 25th May-Saturday 1st June-‘What’s the Story’ at Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington. FREE DROP IN ACTIVITY.

Have fun creating your own story in our outdoor area, using our fabulous Hullabaloo Story Cards and props. More info at https://www.theatrehullabaloo.org.uk/free-shows/whats-the-story/


💜(Ad) Pottery Painting at Pixie Potts, Eaglescliffe. Regular sessions and various different pottery choices to paint. Book your pottery table at https://www.pixiepots.co.uk/book-online


🟣Saturday 25th May-Saturday 1st June. Darlington Libraries Events. Various bookable events and also FREE DROP IN events. Bookable events (SOME LOW COST) go on sale Monday 13th May. These sell out quickly! Follow them via eventbrite to be notified when on sale at


🟣Wednesday 29th May-Saturday 31st May-The World of Musicals performance by DAPA, Darlington. More info and booking at www.ticketsource.co.uk/darlington-academy-of-performing-arts


🟣From Monday 13th May-Sunday 26th May-FREE Bear Trail across Darlington Town Centre. More info at https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=113510


🟣Monday 25th May-Monday 25th June Mini Mindfulness Trail at The Deer Park and Farmyard Fun Trail in Plotters Forest adventure play. Both located in the grounds of, Raby Castle near Darlington. Included with admission (Plotters Forest and Deer Park combined ticket)


🟣Saturday 25th May-Sunday 2nd June-Pirate Jungle Adventure VR Ride at Dorman Museum, Middlesbrough. Free entry to the museum. Cost applies for activities. Prebook your time slot via https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/middlesbrough/dorman-museum?


🟣Saturday 25th May - Sunday 2nd June, 10am - 4pm daily. LOW COST Safari Trail at The Station, Richmond.

Follow the clues to complete the safari spotter guide and return it to the shop for a small reward. Trail sheets are £1 per child and are available from The Station Shop every day throughout half term. More info at https://www.facebook.com/StationRichmond


🟣Saturday 25th-Monday 27th May 2024-Extra activities at Locomotion, Shildon to celebrate the new hall opening. FREE ENTRY and FREE activities (except train rides). Music and science pop up shows, storytelling, science themed activities and train rides. Book your time slot at https://www.locomotion.org.uk/whats-on/new-hall-opening-event


🟣Friday 31st May-Saturday 1st June- ‘The not so big bad wolf’ at ARC Stockton Arts Centre, Stockton on Tees. Relaxed performances (BSL interpreted on 1st June). Recommended for ages 4+


🟣28th-30th May-Gardening Crafts for kids at Cherry Hill Garden Centre, Middlesbrough. Book via https://www.cherryhillgardencentre.co.uk/webshop/events/1452/may-gardening-craft?


🟣Sunday 25th-Friday 31st May-Pond Dipping at Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough. FREE DROP IN (Usual admission applies) More info at


🟣Saturday 25th-Sunday 2nd June-Musical Mayhem at Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough. FREE DROP IN (Usual admission applies) More info at


🟣Sunday 26th May and Sunday 2nd June-Storytelling sessions with Captain Raggybeard at Preston Park Museum, Stockton on Tees. Museum admission applies. More info at https://prestonparkmuseum.co.uk/events-categories/school-holiday/?


🟣Saturday 25th May-Sunday 2nd June Timeless Toys at Beamish Museum. Visit each time period throughout the museum to play different games. Included in admission and is FREE to Unlimited Pass holders and Friends of Beamish members. To purchase a pass go to https://www.beamish.org.uk/


🟣Saturday 25th-Sunday 26th May-Bank Holiday Weekend at The Riverwalk, Durham. FREE EVENT. Live DJ, Make your own musical instrument, Watch a hip and swing dance act, and more!! For any updates and further info follow their page https://www.facebook.com/share/xiK8bY4SLSCGPCjX/?mibextid=LQQJ4d


🟣Tuesday 28th May and Thursday 30th May-Get Crafty at Preston Park Museum, Stockton On Tees. Museum admission applies. More info here https://prestonparkmuseum.co.uk/events-categories/school-holiday/?


🟣Saturday 25th May-Sunday 2nd June- Traditional Toy Trail at Preston Park Museum. ind the 10 traditional toys hidden around the museum and Victorian Street. You can take part in the trail every day during half term from 10am – 4pm (last admission is 3.30pm). Included with museum admission. More info here https://prestonparkmuseum.co.uk/events/victorian-school-day/?


🟣Monday 18th May-Sunday 2nd June-Enchanted trail at Thorp Perrow, Bedale. Included with admission. More info and booking at


🟣Saturday 25th-Sunday 2nd June-Dino Week at Adventure Valley, Durham. Dino shows, Meet baby Dinos, Dinosaur trail and more. More info and booking at https://www.adventurevalley.co.uk/?


🟣Saturday 25th-Sunday 26th May- FREE DROP IN. Redcar Kite Festival. Kite flying displays, Kite making workshops, Live entertainment and more!  More info at https://redcarcleveland.co.uk/enjoy/event/redcar-kite-festival/?


🟣Saturday 25th May-Sunday 26th May-FREE DROP IN. Yorkshire Fossil Festival, Redcar. With performances, workshops, educators and entertainers. https://redcarcleveland.co.uk/enjoy/event/yorkshire-fossil-festival/?


🟣Saturday 24th May-Sunday 2nd June-Fun in the park at Valley Gardens, Harrogate with Crow Leisure. FREE ENTRY. Pay as you go costs apply for rides. Follow their page for updates https://www.facebook.com/crowleisuregroup


🟣Saturday 25th-Sunday 2nd June-Pirate Takeover at Lightwater Valley, Ripon. More info and book admission tickets at https://lightwatervalley.co.uk/events/view/pirate-takeover/amp


🟣Saturday 25th May-Sunday 2nd June-Wild West Event at Monk Park Farm, Thirsk. Book tickets at https://www.monkparkfarm.co.uk/events/wild-west-week


🟣Saturday 25th May-Sunday 2nd June.

Various FREE drop in activities at Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens;


-Now until Saturday 1st June-Wildlife Spotters puzzles and challenges. Recommended age 4+. https://sunderlandculture.org.uk/events/wildlife-spotters/

-Runs on Tuesdays up until Tuesday 28th May-Creature Collections. Explore brilliant birds and other taxidermy creatures. https://sunderlandculture.org.uk/events/creature-collections/


🟣Saturday 25th May-Sunday 2nd June-Extra activities for May Half Term at Newham Grange Farm, Middlesbrough including petting sessions, birds nest building craft activities, meet the mascots daisy and den PLUS all the usual fun. All included in normal admission prices. Book tickets via


🟣Tuesday 21st May-Monday 27th May-Planet Circus OMG, Sunderland.

More info and booking at https://tickets.planetcircusomg.com


🟣Wednesday 29th May-Sunday 2nd June-Planet Circus OMG, Hartlepool.

More info and booking at https://tickets.planetcircusomg.com


🟣Tuesday 28th-Saturday 1st June-Beauty and the Beast performance by Astravaganza Entertainment at The Exchange 1856, North Shields. More info and booking at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/north-shields/the-exchange-1856/astravaganza-entertainment-presents-disneys-beauty-and-the-beast/e-dqkdgm?


🟣Thursday 23rd May-Monday 27th May- Funfair with Crows Theme Park at Barnard Castle. Meet T-Rex and the baby dinosaurs throughout Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 pm. More info and updates at https://www.facebook.com/crowsthemepark


🟣Saturday 25th May-Sunday 2nd June-BRAND NEW ‘Secret Forest’ woodland adventure trail at Hazlewood Castle, Leeds. Open Day for this new attraction is Saturday 25th May. More info and booking at https://www.thesecretforest.co.uk/?


💜(Ad)Now until 1st June 2024-FREE DROP IN Zen Garden Creative Play Installation at Theatre Hullabaloo. Mon-Sat, 10am-2pm. For 0-7 years and their grown-ups.


🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


Thanks for reading and I hope this has helped with lots of boredom buster ideas!! 😀


The majority of my blog work I put together and work on for free other than some PR visits and group business subscribers. As this is my family business alongside my job and family commitments, any support to help my business grow is really appreciatesd. You can support me in various ways by sharing and crediting me for my content, leaving a review on my socials or comment on a post if you have found my content helpful.


You can find me on Facebook and Instagram too for my daily posts on family venues and events @familyfundarlomum


Collaboration-If you are a business that offers a family venue/event with family activities and you would like to collaborate with for promotion then please complete this form and I will be in touch with suitable options https://www.familyfundarlomum.com/contact-8

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