Boredom Busting Tips for Half Term

February 15, 2014 by Rachel Kershaw in Days Out 3

Emma, Samantha, David and Georgina don’t care if it’s cold!

With schools closed for half term I thought I would do something a little bit different on the blog this week. I invited local parents to give me their top tips on how to keep kids entertained in the North East. They’re the experts, so I knew they would have some great ideas to share.

However, I was quite surprised at how many people suggested heading to the beach, have they looked outside? I suppose Geordies aren’t the type to let a bit of wind and rain stand in the way of a day of family fun! Here are some of their best boredom busting ideas…

Brian Moore, radio presenter on Metro Radio and TFM suggests Tynemouth…

“My family and me love to head to Tynemouth and have a good run around on the beach. Even if it is a bit windy, you can always head into Crusoes for a fantastic frothy coffee”

Helen Rogers lives in South Shields with her son Lucas, they love exploring the North East…

Never a dull moment for Helen and Lucas

“My son Lucas and I love a trip to Beamish, you can spend a whole day wandering its historical cobbles and never get bored.  He is a particular fan of jumping on the trams and I love a visit to the sweet shop for my favourite spearmint chews! We also love spending time in The Centre for Life in Newcastle, there is all sorts of gadgets to feed an inquisitive nature and it’s lots of fun for me to watch his inner Albert Einstein thrive! Being a South Shields girl if we are looking for something closer to home we head to Ocean Beach Pleasure Park but he hasn’t managed to get me on the roller coaster… YET!”

Mark Clancey lives in Tynmouth with his wife Sophie and their one year old daughter Izzy…

Fun at the Farm for Izzy

“We all enjoy a day out at Ouseburn Farm in Byker, I would definitely recommend it. Izzy loves all the animals, they have sheep, goats, pigs and chickens. On a practical note, it’s really accessible for buggies and it’s also free!”

Sharon Wrightson from Heaton has found the perfect way to entertain daughter Daisy…

Daisy with the Tiger Who Came to Tea

“My daughter and I love going to Seven Stories. We’re so lucky to have the National Centre for Children’s Books on our doorstep. It’s great to disappear in to a world of adventure”

Gemma Breakingbury (AKA The Real Supermammy) blogs about family life with two kids…

Is there any greater joy in life than jumping in a muddy puddle? Ava thinks not!

Thanks to everyone who contributed ideas and photos for this week’s blog post, I hope you all have a fun filled week with your little ones! Further suggestions can be made in the comments box below and for more inspiration check out this handy guide put together by Newcastle Gateshead Initiative packed with some of the region’s best half term events: www.newcastlegateshead.com/things-to-do/whats-new/february-half-term-events

By Rachel Kershaw