If you’re looking for some inspiration of things to do with the kids this Half Term, we’ve rounded up some ideas of things to do in and around the city, from visiting reopened museums to exploring outdoor attractions.
9. Washington Wetland Centre
Washington Wetland Centre has reopened its grounds. Online booking has opened and to keep within covid guidelines, there will be daily limits on the number of visitors. The centre, run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), will manage numbers to maintain social distancing. All visitors must book online including people who visit free of charge such as WWT members, children under four and carers. Photo: submitted
cean Beach Pleasure Park is welcoming back families and visitors from 11am to 8pm each day, weather permitting. A new contactless Fun Card will replace the former ticket and token system, which can be bought in advance online. Every ride uses a certain number of ‘credits’ per person, per ride, with the number of credits required clearly signposted at each attraction. Photo: jpi media
Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve is open with social distancing measures in place. Stoat, weasel, brown hare and roe deer are regularly seen and the wetlands attract numerous dragonflies and damselflies. Butterfly numbers are also high, particularly grassland species. The coffee shop is also open for takeaway treats for your stroll. The toilets have also reopened and the barriers lifted for vehicle access. Photo: JPI Media
12. Teddy Bears Picnic, Raby Castle, near Staindrop, County Durham
If you fancy going further afield, Raby Castle, one of England’s finest Medieval castles, is bringing a big surprise to visitors to its grounds this half term, with its very own Teddy Bears’ Picnic trail. Taking place between Saturday 29th May and Sunday 6th June, Raby Castle is encouraging everyone, including the young and young-at-heart, to bring their favourite teddy bear with them and enjoy a picnic* in the 200-acre Deer Park, which is home to two species of deer; Red Deer, the largest British wild land mammal, and the smaller Fallow Deer. For those who relish an adventure, the Teddy Bears’ Picnic trail will be taking place in the Walled Garden at Raby Castle. Featuring a complimentary activity sheet included in the price of admission, there will be 11 boards for children to find, with each board hiding a secret letter to spell out the name of a teddy bear’s favourite game. Children who solve the puzzle will be rewarded with a prize. For further information, and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle Photo: submitted