Half-term is #HappeningInSunderland from 24 February to 2 March!
With the kids off school, it can be a chore to find plenty of things to keep them occupied...
We have pulled together this guide for you, jam-packed with city-centre activities and events which are fun for the whole family.
Getting Here
Kids go Free!
22 February - 2 March
You and your family can have a bus-tastic escapade around Sunderland while travelling by bus. Here's to family adventures on the bus! *Terms and conditions apply.
Please visit northeast-ca.gov.uk/bus
The Bridges Shopping Centre
Soft Play
22 February - 2 March
Royal Tudors & Stuarts
24 February, 11 AM - 1 PM
Step into the world of the Tudors and Stuarts and discover what life was like in these historic times. Activities include exploring Tudor food and uncovering gruesome facts, creating a storyboard of the Great Fire of London, drawing Queen Elizabeth I, colouring a Tudor rose and learning some traditional Tudor dances!
Ancient Egyptians
26 February, 11 AM - 1 PM
Travel back thousands of years to explore the wonders of Ancient Egypt! Children can discover ancient Egyptian gods and create their own, learn about hieroglyphics, design a personalized bookmark, decode Egyptian words, and draw Tutankhamun's golden mask.
Rotten Romans
28 February, 11 AM - 1 PM
Step into the sandals of a Roman and experience the might of the empire! Activities include:Learning fun facts about Roman life and taking part in Roman role-play, creating a Roman soldier cartoon character.Designing and decorating a sword and shield, learning Roman numerals and performing a Roman dance.
Snap a Selfie
Look out for our flower-heart bench in the shopping centre and snap a selfie! Tag us using @sunderlandexperience and #sunderlandexperience
Makers & Bakers Market
1 March, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
A fantastic variety of handpicked artisan local gift shopping stalls located in the Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland. Stalls include handmade gifts, art, delicious homebakes, gourmet sweet treats, photography, keepsakes, pet accessories, pamper products and so much more!
Local Heroes NE
Sunniside Food Market
Saturday, 22 February, 10 AM - 4 PM.
This pop-up community market supports new and emerging food and drinks businesses across the North East.
From brewers, bakers and cheesemongers to world-class street food vendors - our northeast food and drink traders are delighted to be bringing themselves to our doorstep.
Geek Retreat
Available every day - FREE to play board games, playpen and arcade games!
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Canny Coal Trail
Ends 15 March
£1 per Trail
Did you know that coal was known as black gold and that the last mine in Sunderland closed in 1993? Follow the trail to discover amazing facts about coal mining in Sunderland and what made coal mining communities so wonderfully close and connected.
This activity supports the Coal Face: Sunderland exhibition. Pick up your trail at Museum Reception.
Coal Face Family Backpacks
Ends 15 March
Pick up a backpack full of sensory objects and activities to help you explore the Coal Face: Sunderland exhibition.
Backpacks can be collected from the Museum Team in the Special Exhibitions Gallery on Level 2.
Bright Lights Youth Arts Exhibition Fringe: What is the Future and My Place in the World?
Ends 22 March
See artworks created by young people aged 11 – 19 years from Wearside on display in the Winter Gardens.
This fringe exhibition supports the Bright Lights Youth Arts Exhibition at Arts Centre Washington.
The exhibition has been curated by young people aged 13 – 25 years from the Celebrate Different Collective, Sunderland Culture’s Young Arts Leaders.
Teen Eco Party
22 February, 11 AM
Cosy and welcoming party vibes in the Museum – by young people, for young people!
Explore the stories of the Museum on a guided tour created by Celebrate Different Collective; browse the Teenage Market and add a new trinket or treasure to your collection and work with artist Louise Underwood to take over the community gardens with upcycled textiles.
History Mondays: Canny Coal Crafts
24 February, 11 AM
Learn about the lives of coal miners and their families as we explore objects from the past, try some traditional proggy mat crafts and great a giant mining banner frieze.
Drop-in sessions from 11am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 3pm.
Half Term Hedgehogs
26 February, 10 AM
Hedgehogs are wonderful creatures that inhabit our gardens in the UK but what else can we learn about our nocturnal friend the hedgehog? Join us at Mowbray Park Community Garden for a fun filled morning of hedgehog facts and crafts. All abilities welcome. Please ask at museum reception for directions to the garden.
Animation Workshop with Sheryl Jenkins
26 February, 1 PM
Learn stop motion animation skills, develop your drawing skills and ideas, and bring characters and stories to life with animator Sheryl Jenkins. For children and young people aged 11+. If the young person attending the workshop is under 16, please could a parent or guardian complete the form below.
Film Screening: The Breadwinner
26 February, 7 PM
In 2001, Afghanistan is under the control of the Taliban. When her father is captured, a determined young girl disguises herself as a boy in order to provide for her family. This animated film deals with challenging themes including conflict and loss.
With cosy vibes and unlimited hot chocolates! Bring your family or come with your friends. Not suitable for unaccompanied children under the age of 14.
Creative Coal Faces
28 February, 11 AM, 1 PM & 2:30 PM
Create your own amazing portraits of miners and their families inspired by the work of photographer Andy Martin. Try different materials including charcoal, pastels and chalks and get creative with coal! £2 per child BOOK HERE
The Beacon of Light
Holiday Club
24 February - 2 March
Children can participate in a range of activities during school holidays, including football, baking and multisport. Among the varying activities, catering to children of all abilities from aged 4-14, are the following:
• Football (2 day)
• Train Like a Pro Day
• Beauty sessions
• 1:1 Coaching
• Holiday Club (2 day)
• Baking and Craft
• Disability Football
• Disability Multi-sports
Book online HERE
Ryman
Offers
Diamond Painting
Ends 27 February
Relax, unwind, and create something beautiful with Ryman's diamond painting kits. At just £5.99, they're the perfect way to de-stress and unleash your inner artist.
Art sets
Ends 27 February
Calling all artists! Ryman is offering £2 off their 67-piece and 250-piece art sets! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, they’ve got everything you need to bring your creative visions to life.
Revision essentials
Ends 5 March
Beat the half-term study stress with Ryman's 3 for 2 deal on revision essentials. Stock up on everything you need to succeed for exam season!
Atlas Theatre Company
Little Drama Class
The Play Cafe Seaburn
26 February, 2 PM - 3 PM (3 PM- 4 PM FREE Play & Stay)
Join Atlas for a PIRATE PARTY this HALF TERM, costumes welcome! Act out classic children’s stories, have lots of fun with props, dances, bubbles action songs and crafts for just £10 per child (sibling discounts available) BOOK NOW
For children aged 1-5 years
Harbour Printworks
Illustration 101 workshop for kids
Port Independent, Sunniside SR1 1QD
1 March, 10 AM - 2 PM
A fun-filled day of creativity and learning with artist Sara Heraoua! Unlock your child's creativity in this fun and beginner-friendly workshop, perfect for aspiring young illustrators! Guided by talented artist Sara Heraoua, kids will explore the fundamentals of illustration in a supportive and engaging environment. No prior drawing experience is necessary! This workshop is all about encouraging creativity, boosting confidence, and having fun. BOOK NOW
Stables at Sheepfolds
Family Film & Craft Fest
Back of the Pit Bar, Sheepfolds Stables, Easington Street, SR5 1BA
24, 25, 26, 27, 28 February, 12 PM - 2 PM
Arts and crafts, Face painting, Family-friendly films, Sweet treats and other delights from tuck shop. Free entry.