Northern Stage and Derby Theatre present a dazzling, darkly comic co-production of the cult classic musical Little Shop of Horrors, featuring integrated creative captions and a killer Motown soundtrack at Northern Stage (14th-23rd)

Discover the birds of the local coast by following clues and exploring the galleries with the family friendly Brilliant Birds Trail at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens (Until 4th July)

Planet Circus OMG! brings its high octane Daredevil Stunt Spectacular featuring elite international artists, FMX motorbikes and the Red Thunder Monster Truck to the Temple Park Centre big top (19th - 31st May)

Life Science Centre still has its brand new interactive blockbuster exhibition The Great Dinosaur Escape, bringing the North's largest collection of over 20 full size moving animatronic beasts, including a nine metre T-Rex, to a massive investigative code-breaking trail at Life Science Centre, Newcastle (until 31st May)

WWT Washington Wetland Centre brings the lovable gosling from Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie's picture book to life with Gozzle's Wetland Adventure, an immersive story trail packed with interactive balance steps, scent tracking, and hidden mini Gozzles (until 31st May)

Lilidorei's popular interactive family adventure returns as Squiffle Squad: Crime Solvers challenges mini detectives to grab a notebook, track hidden clues and complete warrior style training games at Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden (until 31st May)

Roald Dahl’s wickedly funny children's book comes to life as The Enormous Crocodile musical adventure brings vibrant puppetry, catchy tunes, and sneaky jungle tricks to the Newcastle Theatre Royal (21st - 24th May)

BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend brings over 100 world class music acts including Olivia Dean, Fatboy Slim, Niall Horan, and Zara Larsson to a massive three day outdoor festival stage at Herrington Country Park (22nd - 24th May)

Wylam Brewery's legendary Mexican Stand Off street food battle returns for the Bank Holiday weekend, pit firing the region's best taco, burrito and nacho vendors head to head alongside live DJ music and craft beer (22nd - 23rd May)

The Great British Tribute Fest brings the country's finest tribute acts to deliver a non stop night of indie and Britpop anthems from Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Blur and Scam Fender to Times Square, Newcastle (22nd May)

Nicola Mantalios hosts a special edition of the Babes in Arms Comedy Club for the Washy Comedy Fest, giving parents and guardians a chance to enjoy top tier, grown up stand up with their babies alongside toys and tummy time mats at Arts Centre Washington (22nd May)

The Three Mile pub hosts its first ever 12 hour Games Marathon, inviting all ages to enjoy unlimited retro arcade machines, pool, table football, darts and dominoes to raise funds for Children's Cancer North, topped off with live music from The Bitters at Three Mile (22nd May)

The team behind Party in the Park Morpeth launches its sister festival, Into The Fields Blyth, bringing three live stages of premier UK tribute acts, a massive dance tent and fairground rides to an open air arena at Meggies Burn right by Blyth Beach (22nd - 24th May)

Sunderland kicks off a massive city wide cultural program with the One Big Summer Launch Weekend, hosting a completely free three day street festival filled with live home grown music, dance, spoken word and hands on family creative workshops at Keel Square and High Street West (22nd - 24th May)

Enjoy a fully inclusive family day out packed with over 50 attractions, animal encounters, indoor soft play, a magical bubble show and lively dance discos with Bruno the Bear during the May Half Term event at Adventure Valley in Durham (23rd - 31st May)

Ormesby Hall fills May half term with Musical Mayhem, packing the historic house and gardens with interactive music zones, floor pianos, junkyard instruments and a wildlife sound tracking trail at Ormesby Hall (23rd - 31st May)

Follow the yellow brick road to a theatrical Emerald Adventure inspired by the worlds of Wicked and The Wizard of Oz at Mother Shipton's Cave in Knaresborough, where families can explore a woodland wonderland of shimmering greens, take part in spellbinding photo opportunities and meet the Green Witch of the Forest, the Good Witch of the Glade and the jolly Scarecrow (23rd - 31st May)

Step into the shoes of an elite spy detective to track down clues, solve puzzles and crack codes before a top secret message falls into the wrong hands during the immersive Mystery Mission trail at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, featuring a roaming secret agent to help you complete your quest (23rd - 31st May)

Crook Hall Gardens celebrates May half term with its family friendly Pollinator Trail, inviting kids to search the beautiful walled gardens for hidden bugs, complete active outdoor challenges and claim a wild prize pack (23rd-31st May)

The Young Performers' Company brings a radical, high energy twist to classic fairytales in Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Pigs, blending two stories into one hilarious, fast paced musical adventure packed with mischief, mayhem and a big bad wolf at The Customs House, South Shields (23rd - 24th May)

Wallington invites families to grab binoculars and explore the expansive woodlands with its May half term Bird Spotting Trail, tracking down hidden bird models, identifying local species and listening out for nesting songbirds across their historic estate (23rd - 31st May)

Souter Lighthouse kicks off May half term with Souter's Sporty Adventure, inviting families to explore the coast and historic building while tackling active indoor and outdoor skills challenges designed to test agility and spark competitive streaks (23rd - 31st May)

Theatre Hullabaloo launches its Messy May festival with Messy Adventures, inviting older children to dive into a creative participation workshop packed with sensory play, storytelling and messy challenges (23rd May)

The Great North Feast in the Park brings its ultimate bank holiday weekend foodie paradise to the coast, serving up a massive selection of international street food vendors, local artisan producers and a gin and cocktail bar alongside live music at Bents Park, South Shields (23rd - 25th May)

Brocksbushes Farm Shop steps back in time for its second annual 1940s War Weekend, packing its outdoor arena with living history camps, vintage military vehicles, live music, daily 11am gun firing displays and dramatic 2pm battle re-enactments (23rd - 25th May)

Alnwick Garden launches May half term with Wildlife Week, inviting families to meet the lovable costumed character Reg the Hedgehog, join immersive interactive nature workshops, build bug hotels and take part in a fun castle wide conservation trail (23rd - 31st May)

Beamish Museum gathers hundreds of classic cars, vintage motorcycles, commercial vehicles and magnificent steam engines for its massive four day Festival of Transport parade, alongside live period music and costumed engine displays across the 350 acre open air site at Beamish Museum, County Durham (23rd - 31st May)

Carnival Rides hosts the Ridley Park Kids Fun Zone for May half term, transforming the grounds into an action packed playground with exciting family fairground rides, game stalls, giant bouncy castles and a packed lineup of daily free entertainment themes, ranging from Dino Fest to foam parties (23rd - 31st May)

The Wheatsheaf pub hosts its annual community Family Fun Day in aid of Mercy's Mighty Foundation, loading the afternoon with a bouncy castle, competitive pillow wars, a grand tombola and local entertainment to raise crucial funds for paediatric cancer and brain tumour patients (23rd May)

Tynemouth Aquarium launches its May half term family event Enchanted Tides, inviting children to meet a magical live mermaid, listen to mythical ocean storytelling and solve a special themed quiz trail and treasure hunt alongside the centre's residents (23rd-31st May)

The Magical Mr West brings his spectacular, fast paced family show Adventures in Science to the stage, combining skills, silliness, curious contraptions and the logic of scientific enquiry alongside his wisecracking cartoon crow companion Crowbert at the Gala Theatre, Durham (23rd May)

Forum Theatre Billingham hosts Flowers and Friendship Bracelets – The Ultimate Pop Concert, transforming the theatre into a dazzling family pop party filled with music, high energy dance routines and live tribute acts celebrating the chart topping anthems of Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan (24th May)

BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates brings explosions, f*rt machines and outrageous experiments to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House with the hilariously disgusting family show, Rude Science (24th May)

Get ready for live music, food stalls, massive inflatables and games as the first ever Dormans Club Free Fest delivers an unbelievable Bank Holiday mini music festival to Middlesbrough (24th May)

Get ready to move and groove as The Princess Pavilion brings their high energy, interactive Danny Go tribute character to Durham for an action packed 2 hour dance and roleplay session at Petite Street Playtown (24th May)

Experience a massive, free entry Bank Holiday Family Tribute Festival at The Barking Dog in Wallsend, packed with giant inflatables, catering vans, outside bars and live daytime music from top tier tribute acts The Sam Fender Experience and Geordie Cinnamon (24th May)

Step right up to the circus themed Sweet Treats Family Funday hosted by Magical Moments Teesside at New Marske Sports Club, featuring bouncy castles, donkey rides, tin can alley, hook-a-duck, game stalls, a burger van and an outdoor bar starting from 12pm (24th May)

Experience an immersive live concert celebrating Korea's global music phenomenon as the K-Pop Party tour lands at Tyne Theatre & Opera House, featuring a high energy dance crew alongside the UK's first virtual K-Pop band performing hits from BLACKPINK, BTS, TWICE and Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters (25th May)

Join best friends Harmony, Melody and Starlight for a sparkling half term pop concert as the Unicorn Live UK tour arrives at The Phoenix Theatre in Blyth, complete with dazzling costumes, favourite pop and musical theater hits, an appearance by a real unicorn named Sparkle and a free photo opportunity with the cast after the performance (25th May)

Handing over the entire venue to the next generation of creatives under 25, TAKEOVER 2026 brings a bold, energetic week of youth led arts programming to The Customs House in South Shields, packed with live theatre, cinema, a musical talent competition, quizzes and specialized workshops spanning graffiti, stage combat and dance masterclasses (25th - 29th May)

Treat the kids to a themed Toy Story Family Funday at CJS Funhouse Durham in Langley Moor, featuring a fully themed experience across the massive soft play area, trampolines, football zones and roleplay spaces with no pre booking required for this walk in event (25th May)

Take your favourite soft toy along for a heritage train ride and enjoy a day of charming woodland animal stories as The Mosstroopers present their live puppet shows alongside a themed museum trail and craft sessions at Stephenson Steam Railway in North Shields (25th May)

Watch Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldinho lead his star studded Ronaldinho & Friends side against Jermain Defoe's UK Icons team as the blockbuster Wearside Legends Game takes over the Stadium of Light, featuring a glittering line up of former footballing heroes including Djibril Cissé, Kevin Phillips, Anderson and the Da Silva twins (25th May)

Enjoy 12 live action packed races alongside dedicated family and children's activities, delicious food options and free general admission as the Spring Bank Holiday Great Family takes over the Sunderland Greyhound Stadium (25th May)

Head over to Jump 360 Hartlepool on Bank Holiday Monday for the ultimate family fun day as Catboy, Owlette and Gekko arrive for a special character meet and greet, giving children plenty of opportunities for photos, cuddles and superhero antics alongside hours of bouncing (25th May)

Join Herbert, Sherbet, Maggot and Rusty in Exhibition Square as they help their famous inventor friend, Percy Veer, fix a broken time machine designed to travel back to 1986 in the free, family friendly interactive show, The Metrognomes Present: Back to the Metrocentre (25th-31st May)

Train like a true Viking alongside the fierce warrior Ormhildhr to master shieldwall combat, weapon techniques and battle cries during the action packed, hands on Warrior School experience at Bamburgh Castle (25th - 28th May)

Meet Mole, Ratty, Badger and the impulsive Mr Toad as SA Performing Arts Centre brings Julian Fellowes's smash hit musical adaptation of The Wind in the Willows to the People's Theatre in Newcastle, delivering a family friendly half term production packed with wit, humour and a soaring musical score (26th - 28th May)

Bring your little ones along to meet their favourite duo as the popular tribute characters return from a long break for a high energy May half term singing, dancing and interactive games session hosted by The Princess Pavilion at Moobears in Chester le Street (26th May)

Head to infinity and beyond this May half term at Social Butterflies in Consett for the You've Got a Friend in Me Party, featuring character appearances from Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie alongside a themed picnic plate, unlimited juice and plenty of photo opportunities (26th May)

Drop off the kids for a hands on half term experience packed with pony riding, animal care duties and arts and crafts during the popular Pony Activity Week at Sunderland Training and Education Farm, open to young animal lovers aged 7 to 16 (26th -29th May)

Try your hand at a variety of bird themed creative activities, including designing your own colourful paper bird, in the yurt by the adventure playground during the May Half Term Brilliant Birds craft sessions at Wallington near Morpeth (26th - 28th May)

Keep the kids active with a diverse mix of activities including football, archery, dodgeball and arts and crafts during the multi sports May Half Term Holiday Club hosted by SportsCool Durham at Ravensworth Terrace Primary School, featuring special event themes like Nerf Gun Day, Laser Tag Day and an Inflatable Day (26th - 29th May)

Roll into an outdoor family roller disco during the special half term family skate days at Skate Island, hosted at Newcastle Racecourse, where families can enjoy 90 minute skating slots with live DJs alongside a beach club area featuring street food, arcade games and karaoke booths (26th - 29th May)

Get the kids moving this May half term with a free Bootcamp and Picnic in the Park event hosted by South Tyneside Youth Service at North Marine Park, featuring a girls' session led by pro coach Karleigh Wright and a boys' session led by pro coach Luke Duffy from 11am to 1pm followed by a healthy refuelling picnic for teenagers aged 10 to 17 (26th May)

Get ready to dance, sing and shine at the high energy Kids Fest K-Pop Party taking over STACK Newcastle, featuring interactive games, fun choreography tutorials and high energy dance alongs perfect for mini pop stars and the whole family (26th May)

Immerse the little ones in a fairy tale experience as the Kids Fest Kingdom Party takes over STACK Seaburn, featuring popular princesses and superhero characters hosting interactive games, high energy dance alongs and plenty of magical photo opportunities for the whole family (26th May)

Step right into the brilliant world of Liz Pichon's bestselling books as the brand new Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show comes alive at Darlington Hippodrome, bringing the popular illustrations, catchy tunes and hilarious live performances together for a fantastic family half term treat (27th May)

Bring the little ones to see Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks's beloved children's book come to life with enchanting puppetry, music and circus tricks as The Singing Mermaid musical adaptation swims into Gala Theatre & Cinema in Durham (27th - 28th May

Prepare for a delightfully dark treat this half term as Sunderland Theatre Company brings the hit musical comedy The Addams Family to The Royalty Theatre, delivering a wickedly funny show packed with toe tapping songs, gothic charm and a talented local cast bringing the macabre clan to life (27th - 30th May)

Treat your little princes and princesses to a magical morning as the Tangled Kids Event takes over The Lambton Worm in Chester le Street, featuring special guest appearances from Rapunzel and Flynn Rider alongside children's entertainers, arts and crafts and a kids' breakfast (27th May)

Enjoy an epic community day out packed with free family entertainment as Peterlee Town Council hosts its first outdoor Family Fun Day of the season, featuring the jaw dropping On the Edge Motorbike Stunt Show, a giant inflatable slide, a gaming van, mini-golf, a climbing wall, face painting, a magic show and a free caricaturist at Woodhouse Park (27th May)

Meet and hold snakes, geckos, spiders and much more during the highly popular Crazy Creatures interactive animal encounter sessions at Petite Street Playtown in Durham, giving curious children the chance to learn about unique animals alongside full access to the role play town and gardens (27th May)

Discover a beautiful collection of wildlife illustrations hidden within the stained glass windows of St George's Chapel before crafting your own mini flock of birds to take home during the Brilliant Birds Family Activities session at Newcastle Cathedral (27th May)

Join artist Ella at Theatre Hullabaloo in Darlington for a hands on creative adventure where children can shape their own unique clay sculptures using tools and textures inspired by patterns in the natural world during the Messy May Half Term workshop, Muddy Makes & Nature Shapes (27th May)

Celebrate the end of the football season with a black and white themed celebration as the Toon Kids Party takes over the Fan Zone at St. James' STACK, featuring an appearance from the official mascot, a high energy dance party with a live children's DJ, interactive games, prizes and plenty of face painting for young Newcastle fans (27th May)

Watch golden haired Rapunzel take charge of her own destiny in a bold, witty and prince free theatrical adaptation by Wrongsemble at ARC Stockton, featuring a brilliant family show alongside a free pre event activity where children can craft their own recyclable crowns (27th May)

Take the family along for a playful, hands on exploration of drawing and printmaking during the Big Days Out: Make Your Mark half term programme at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead, featuring artist led workshops, an All Together collective artwork project and the chance to build simple mark making machines (27th - 31st May)

Experience the magic of giant bubble displays and interactive bubble artistry as the Kids Fest Bubble Show takes over STACK Seaburn, offering a mesmerising daytime show packed with family friendly entertainment, music and endless bubble popping fun (27th May)

Watch Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's beloved children's stories come to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting, interactive lift the flap experience as the Tales from Acorn Wood live tour arrives at Northern Stage, packed with beautiful puppetry, toe tapping songs and familiar friends like Fox, Bear, Pig and Rabbit (28th - 31st May)

Experience an award winning extravaganza paying tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time as Katy Ellis delivers an authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift concert, complete with a live band and dancers performing hits like Shake It Off and Blank Space at Darlington Hippodrome (28th May)

Work alongside Davenports' founder and head chocolatier Jane Williams to mould and create your own chocolate treasures before wrapping each coin in a sparkling gold wrapper during the interactive Chocolate Making for Families workshops at the Great North Museum (28th May)

Drop by for an afternoon of outdoor games, animal feeding and interactive animal handling sessions during the May Half Term Family Fun Day at Sunderland Training and Education Farm, offering a relaxed community atmosphere (28th May)

Join storyteller Karina at Theatre Hullabaloo in Darlington to hear Adria Meserve's delightful tale What A Mess, followed by fun, sensory tuff tray activities, rhymes and creative play designed for children aged 0 to 5 and their families (28th May)

Meet a vast selection of weird and wonderful creatures as expert Guy Tansley leads the interactive Bugs N Stuff Workshop at Brocksbushes Farm, giving brave insect lovers aged 6+ the chance to learn about and hold giant stick insects, tarantulas, scorpions and amphibians during an educational one hour session in the function room (28th May)

Get ready to dance, sing and shine at the high energy Kids Fest K-Pop Party taking over STACK Middlesbrough, featuring interactive games, fun choreography tutorials and high energy dance alongs perfect for mini pop stars and the whole family (28th May)

Enjoy a delightful, interactive daytime Kids Bubble Show taking over the main stage area at St. James' STACK, featuring mesmerising bubble artistry, giant displays and plenty of family friendly entertainment to keep the children captivated during the May half term (28th May)

Step into a winter wonderland this half term as the magical Snow Sisters arrive for a special character meet and greet at Silly Billy's Play Centre in Herrington Burn, featuring interactive storytime, singing, dancing and plenty of photo opportunities for your little princes and princesses (28th May)

Turn up the volume to and get ready to rave as Techno Tots Live brings the ultimate mini family rave disco to STACK Seaburn, blending beloved classic nursery rhymes with electrifying techno beats, kid friendly pop remixes, a live DJ, dazzling lights and plenty of glow sticks for ages 0 to 12 (28th May)

Turn down the lights and turn up the tunes as the ultimate Half Term Disco Climb takes over Go Climb at Billingham Forum, inviting kids to tackle the vibrant climbing walls and active vertical obstacles under disco lighting to the beat of an energetic soundtrack (28th Mat)

Join the prehistoric fun at the Ridley Park Kids Fun Zone as Carnival Rides brings the action packed Dino Fest to Blyth, featuring a full day of free family entertainment including a junior dinosaur academy, an egg and bone hunt, a giant dinosaur parade and an escape of the T-Rex show alongside fairground rides and giant inflatables (28th May)

Bring a vibrant weekend of celebration, inclusivity and community spirit to the city centre as Durham Pride returns in partnership with Durham BID, featuring a colourful parade from Palace Green at 11am down to The Sands field alongside live performances, a funfair, bars and market stalls (29th -30th May)

Ditch the traditional brushes and get ready for a beautifully messy creative adventure as the Messy May half term workshops continue at Theatre Hullabaloo in Darlington, inviting children aged 2 to 10 to explore alternative painting techniques and express themselves using a fun variety of unexpected everyday objects (29th May)

Immerse the little ones in a fairy tale experience as the Kids Fest Kingdom Party takes over STACK Middlesbrough, featuring popular princesses and superhero characters hosting interactive games, high energy dance alongs and plenty of magical photo opportunities for the whole family (29th May)

Join the family fun as the K-Pop Demon Hunters return to The Mill Tavern in Hebburn for an action packed afternoon featuring a children's entertainer, face painting, music, photo opportunities and a free bouncy castle (29th May)

Fusing the mystery of magic with wondrous feats of science, Top Secret: The Magic of Science brings a fast moving, high voltage family adventure to Darlington Hippodrome, packed with interactive experiments, suspense and plenty of mess (29th May)

Share the magic of classical dance with the next generation as English National Ballet School presents My First Ballet: Cinderella at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle, featuring a shortened version of Prokofiev's famous score and an on stage narrator to help children aged 3+ follow every twist and turn of the classic fairy tale (30th-31st May)

Board the Teesside Princess for a magical May half term Frozen Afternoon Tea cruise down the River Tees alongside Anna, Elsa and Kristoff, featuring an interactive snowy sing along, glitter makeovers and delicious sweet treats (30th May)

Experience an unforgettable night of live music as the ultimate Sam Fender tribute band, Sam Offender, brings its high octane stadium sound to the Forum Theatre in Billingham, delivering massive hits like Seventeen Going Under, Hypersonic Missiles and Getting Started alongside hidden fan favourites (30th May)

Bring your little ones along for an interactive morning down on the farm as the popular Ms Rachel Tribute by Smarty Party returns to Blue Flames Sporting Club in Benton, featuring a fun filled hour of live singalongs, imaginative play, learning new sounds and a special meet and greet for photos (31st May)

Settle in for a daytime family disco as the special 12 & Under Kids Rave takes over The 3 Stories in Sunderland, packed with glow sticks galore, a live singer, face painting, a resident DJ playing top hits and a dedicated themed children's mocktail menu (31st May)

Watch the K-Pop Demon Hunters land at Blue Flames Sporting Club in Benton for an action packed family afternoon, featuring high energy dance entertainment, music, themed interactive games and plenty of photo opportunities to keep the kids fully entertained (31st May)