Things to do for Free
Create a nature hunt
Visit a local park - Check out Elba Park & Doxford Park
Go to the beach and collect seaglass - I recommend Seaham Hall Beach.
Go on an epic forest adventure - Check out my guide to forest walks HERE
Visit a museum - Take a trip to Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens
Take a trip to your local nature reserve and look for bugs. Check out Low Barns
Plant some pollinator friendly plants
Use your membership cards for English Heritage & National Trust
Get arty and create a masterpiece - Check This out the WOW Factor
Have a Bake-athon competition Try our Millionaires shortbread HERE
Go bird watching
Do something for your community and litter pick
Try the Sunderland Sculpture Trail - more info HERE
Create a mini reading challenge
Set the kids a photography challenge
Collect sticks and make things like wands
Create a bug house
Go pond dipping and count tadpoles
Visit a reservoir. See our favourites HERE
Visit Auckland Castle Deer Park and go for a walk our review HERE
Hike up to Penshaw Monument and take in the views, then go down to Cox Green or Herrington park Head to Hamsterley forest and take on one of the trails. Including The Gruffalo Trail. (You can purchase a pack from the visitors centre £3 but you don't need to, as there is also a free app.)
Have a movie day.
Feed the ducks at yourlocal park
Go on a bike ride - Check out our safety tips HERE
Parking charges may apply so please check the locations details first.
Cheap ideas
*Bowling - Check out Sunderland Bowl who have had a revamp. Read our review from last year HERE
*RSPB Saltholme - Easily spend the day here. Read our review HERE
*Go Camping - Check out Marfit Head in North Yorkshire, its £15 per night and stunning.
*Wolds Way Lavender - North Yorkshire, but totally worth the drive it is amazing. Check out our reasons why you should visit HERE
*Beamish museum - use up your annual pass. Some of the things we love HERE
*Tanfield Railway - Hire your own compartment for £30. Check out our review from last year HERE
*Preston park Museum and Grounds - Ticket lasts a year, loads to see and do and the cakes are fab from the tearoom. Check out our review from last year HERE
*Alnwick Castle - Again tickets last a year
*Get creative in the kitchen and make some Butter.
*Go on an epic picnic. Check out our favourite picnic spots HERE
*Go Ice Skating
*Chillingham Castle - Great day out, full of history and a lovely river walk. Last years review HERE
*Spend the day in Seaburn. Head to the beach, visit the marina, spend some pennies in the Arcades, Grab some fish and chips from one of many cafes and take an afternoon stroll through Roker Park.
*Ocean Beach Pleasure park
*Elmer Day 29th
* Gaming marathon at Harry's Game Shack
*Lambton Park reopens with a £3 parking charge and new dates. Check out las years review HERE
Don't forget to check individual websites for their up to date Covid restrictions. You may need to book in advance
KEEP SCROLLING FOR MORE IDEAS
Events taking place over Half Term
Anglo Saxon Week at Bamburgh Castle 29th - 31st May
Kids Rule Event Chester's Roman Fort 29th - 6th May/June
Signs of Spring Belsay Hall, Gardens and Castle (English Heritage) 29th - 6th
Bailiffgate Museum Vikings fact or Fiction 22nd May - 30th October
Scavenger Hunt Raby Castle 8th March - 31st October
Ormesby Hall Wildlife Explorers 29th - 30th May
Spanish City Turners Funfair 29th - 4th May/June
Hardwick Hall Dragon Returns Trail 29th - 6th May/June
Thirsk Racecourse The Greatest Showman on Big Screen outdoor cinema 29th May
Land of Oak & Iron Family Discovery Trail 29th - 6th May/June
Souter Lighthouse Various events throughout Half Term
Raby Castle Teddy Bears Picnic Trail Various dates
Seven Stories The National Centre For Children's Books Various Events across Half Term
Whickham Thorns Outdoor Activity Centre Snow Tubbing - Various dates
Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve - Various Events throughout half term
West Boldon Lodge - Various Events through half term
PLEASE CHECK INDIVIDUAL WEBSITES FOR BOOKING INFO AND UP TO DATE COVID RESTRICTIONS
Please check out these other posts