Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
A monthly round up of things to do
Don’t forget that your Christmas & New Year Issue of Primary Times is available at the end of November with the usual comprehensive What’s On Guide for your area.
FIREWORK DISPLAYS
Organised Firework Displays are a safe & convenient way of celebrating Guy Fawkes Night. Here are a selection of them from around our area
Thurs 1st Nov Fireworks at Segedunum Fort, Wallsend (NE28 6HR) - A spectacular free fireworks display at 6.30pm on the banks of the River Tyne. Free entry from 4pm.
Fri 2nd Nov 6-8pm Seaham Fireworks Display Viewing from the George Elmy Lifeboat Way (SR7 7HN), marvel at the amazing free Fireworks display on the seafront.
Sat 3rd Nov 5-9pm Saltwell Park (NE9 5AX) Fireworks Night Tickets £3pp in advance at customer service desks in intu metrocentre & intu eldon square or Gateshead Leisure Centre. https://planetradio.co.uk/metro/local/events/saltwell-park-fireworks-2018/
Sat 3rd Nov 6-9pm St Cuthbert’s Hospice Fireworks Night at Framwellgate School (DH1 5BQ) The night will also include fairground rides. Advance Tickets Adults £5pp, Child Under 15 £3pp, Family( 2 + 2) £14.00. Tel 0191 3861170.
BOOKWORM BABIES at SEVEN STORIES
Three 6 week courses starting Tues 6th, Wed 7th or Fri 9th Nov to help your little ones develop a love of reading early, make new friends & pick up some top reading tips from the expert Story Catchers. https://www.sevenstories.org.uk/whats-on/events/123909/bookworm-babies-six-week-course
DIWALI at ORIENTAL MUSEUM Fri 9th Nov 6-8pm
Celebrate Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, at The Oriental Museum, Durham (DH1 3TH). Enjoy a spectacular shadow puppet show, traditional puja prayers to the goddess Lakshmi, food tasting, games, dancing & much more. The Museum will be decorated in spectacular style with diyas, flowers & lanterns made by the community, & the first 100 children will receive a free flower garland. Charges apply. www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum.
ICE SKATING at Life Sat 10th Nov until Feb 2019
The perfect place for a spot of wintery fun with friends and family, skating at Life is a must on your winter check list! Grab your mates and head down to Life where the outdoor ice rink is open every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year's Day. www.life.org.uk
CHRISTMAS at BEAMISH MUSEUM | Sat 17th Nov until Christmas Eve 10am-4pm
Experience the magic of a truly traditional Christmas at Beamish Museum (DH9 0RG). The festivities begin on Saturday, 17th November with the exciting launch parade, & continue until Monday, 24th December. Meet Father Christmas, say hello to his friendly reindeer & take a spin on the real ice rink. www.beamish.org.uk.
THE TRAIN TO CHRISTMAS TOWN Sat 24th Nov – Sun 30th Dec
This 70-minute Christmas spectacle centre's around the beloved children’s book The Train to Christmas Town; this family friendly train ride operated by Weardale Railway (Stanhope, DL13 2YS) recreates the story of Janice & her brother on their annual ride to Christmas Town. Tickets start at £11.40. www.weardalechristmastrain.com.
MANOR WALKS CRAMLINGTON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON Saturday 24th November
Join in the illuminating seasonal celebrations full of festive fun for all the family. From 10am there are a range of activities that’s bound to get you in the mood for Christmas. Meet their frozen princesses or get creative with crafts, plus a few surprises in between to keep you entertained. Children will also be able to visit Santa’s FREE magical Grotto and let him know what is on the Christmas list.Heart FM’s Justin and Kelly will be on stage from 3-5pm to get you in the Christmas spirit with our range of musical acts and a special celebrity appearance- plus it’s the exciting live final of Manor Walk’s singing competition, A Star is Born! www.manorwalks.co.uk.
ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS Sat 8th – Sun 23rd Dec
In the grounds of Hardwick Hall Hotel (Sedgefield, TS21 2EH) be transported to an enchanted outdoor Christmas adventure by visiting a magical Laplandish Elf Tipi Village to meet all the Elves that live there. Plus visit Santa & the Real Reindeer to make a special wish! www.enchanted-christmas.com.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK at Emirates Riverside 23rd December 2018
The holiday season could hardly be complete without seeing a pantomime, and this year all the fun of the panto is coming to Emirates Riverside for the very first time! Join Jack on his GIANT quest this Christmas! https://www.durhamccc.co.uk/events/jack-and-the-beanstalk-pantomime/
GO TO GATESHEAD
At Gateshead Leisure Centre there's lot's for mum and dad, but we needed a place where the kids can go mad.
Welcome to the GO Bears Den – A soft-play so amazing you’ll come again and again.
There are slides and balls and challenges to try, in a frame not one but four storeys high.
For the under 12s there so much to do, there's even an area for babies and toddlers too.
And while the kids run wild not far from view, there are seats and a cafe for food and a brew.
GEO JOURNEY
Give your Child the World with Geo Journey subscriptions – the fun & educational gift for children aged 4-10! Save £10 off first pack with discount code Primary Times. www.geojourney.co.uk