Autumnal days out with the family
We've got 5 great options of autumnal activities for the whole family to do across the season.
Sunderland Festival of Light
Here's to another year of glitterballs, lasers and projections. Sunderland’s Festival of Light is illuminating Mowbray Park once again from 25 October to 24 November 2024. Familiar favourites such as the Bridge of Light and Selfie Lane are returning and in addition there are also exciting new displays for everyone to enjoy.
The festival is ongoing Thursdays to Sundays throughout the week and then every day during half-term from 4.30pm to 10pm. Pre-booked tickets are required. The closest Metro station is either Park Lane or Sunderland. Sunderland has bus connections available.
Newcastle Life Centre’s Spooky Science
Are you ready to make monstrous memories? Starting from 28 September 2024, the Life Centre is becoming frightfully fun. Whether it is examining beetles in ‘Experiment zone!’ or creating a spooky contraption in the ‘Making studios,’ there are activities that are both thrilling and educational for all.
Especially for the half-term week (26 October to 1 November 2024) there is also a special prehistoric friend taking the stage. With your Life Science Centre entry ticket, you also get access to the ‘Anatomy of a dinosaur’ fun interactive show. Buy your tickets online now!
The nearest Metro station is Central Station.
Great North Museum: Hancock
For those wet and windy days, take the kids on a free day out. The Great North Museum: Hancock, is a great educational trip for all. Learn about our living world, from fossils to Egyptians there is a wide variety of history to see. For those with children under 5 there is also 'The Mouse House'. It is designed to create curiosity and encourage children to explore the museum's diverse collections.
For the half-term week, the museum is also launching a brand-new family trail. The collection of trails invites families to discover the museum, engage with objects and even collect prizes!
The museum has free entry for all and with Metro’s Kids go free under 11 (with a fare-paying adult) the family day out is even more affordable!
The closest Metro station is Haymarket which is a six-minute walk away from the museum.
Quayside Cycle hub
Throughout the autumn season, we can hope for some slightly milder days and maybe even a little sun. To make the most of these moments, why not take the family on a cycle ride and get out in the fresh autumn air. Hire a bike from the cycle hub and take in some of Newcastle’s iconic views. Both sides of Newcastle Gateshead quayside are flat and provide long stretches of cycle paths to enjoy a leisurely day out on two wheels. The cycle hub is also a café so after your cycle you can also grab coffee and cake!
The closest Metro station is Byker or Manors.
Autumn Coastal Scavenger hunt
For those autumnal walks along the coastline, add a little more excitement to the stroll. Create a seasonal scavenger hunt to give your children a fun activity to do on your walk. Whether it’s finding a red leaf in South Shields or a special shell in Tynemouth, this activity is super adaptable to all. Once a list has been created of all the different objects the children have to find, set them out on their adventure. You could even get them to create a scrapbook of their finds with pictures or stick certain objects into the book for them to look back on. Here's an example template of an autumnal scavenger hunt.