Family fun for half term

Half term is coming, and there’s a mixture of Halloween thrills, Viking history and creative arts to keep your little ones happy next week.

At The Bowes Museum, it’s all about creativity.

The Map Makers’ gallery takeover leads to discoveries among the treasures of the collection, then youngsters can work on their own personal treasure maps.

Inspired by the landscapes on display in Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa – Le Havre and The Bowes Museum, these maps can take on features from the nature and terrain depicted on the walls of the museum, while the Wonder Workshop encourages new artwork from the use of clouds and weather.

The natural theme continues with trips out into the wildflower meadow to investigate autumn wildlife and learn about hedgehog habitats.

And rain won’t stop play.

In bad weather the sessions move to Create Space, where visitors can make arty hedgehog houses of their own.

Local artists, designers and makers are on hand to lead Artist Makers workshops in a variety of disciplines, helping budding artists to experiment, build confidence and enjoy making together.

And for the youngest visitors, Bowes Babies provides a sensory museum session where little ones can play, explore and discover through touch, sound and movement in a welcoming environment.

For full details visit thebowesmuseum.org.uk

There’s a historic feel to half term at TCR Hub.

Wednesday is Viking Day, including a life-size replica of a Viking Boat.

Visitors can also dress up as a Viking, learn about armour and weapons and make a Viking coin.

Weather permitting, there might even be a chance to do some canoeing on the lake.

Viking Day is a pay-as-you-feel event with a suggested price of £4 per person.

And Halloween favourites are on offer as well.

From Monday to Friday (not Wednesday), everyone is welcome to join in the Halloween Hunt, tracking down decorations blown into the grounds.

It’s £5 per child to take part, and the trail is open from 10am-1pm each day.

On Tuesday, Melanie Edmenson leads a spooky dance special.

The Monster Mash dance workshop runs from 10-11am and tickets are £6 per child.

For full details, and booking for all events, see tcrhub.co.uk/whats-on

The Witham has a panto with a spooky twist on Friday (October 30) Tommy & Tilly’s Magic Castle: A Spooktacular Pantomime promises an adventure through an enchanted castle with giggling ghosts, dancing pumpkins and magic at every turn.

Turns out pantos aren’t just for Christmas.

Tickets £11 per person, show starts 1pm. Book online at thewitham.org.uk