Families in Gateshead and across the North East can take part in a variety of creative activities this spring as local museums host a special holiday programme. Between 3 April and 19 April 2026, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, which rebranded in 2024 and now operates as North East Museums, will offer sessions designed to keep children entertained during the school break.
The Ways to Play event series includes craft sessions inspired by new exhibitions such as ‘HAPPY!’ and ‘Treasure: Hidden, Lost, Found’. These educational activities will be available across 12 different locations, including sites in Northumberland, providing parents with low-cost ways to spend time together during the two-week holiday.
Events are taking place at several nearby sites, including the Hatton Gallery and the Roman fort at Arbeia in South Shields. The programme aims to help residents explore the heritage of the region through hands-on workshops and family-friendly displays.
The museum service is managed by local councils to ensure that art and history remain easy for the public to access. By using their collections of Roman history and art, the museums provide a variety of ways for children to learn while they are out of the classroom.
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