Kids Go Free this May half-term!

Things to do this May half-term, rain or shine!

Leave the car at home and take advantage of Kids Go Free this half term! From 23 May– 31 May 2026 children aged 11 and under can travel for free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. This includes ENCTS, and excludes U22 products, student tickets and GNE's 5-25 products.

The weather has been pretty unpredictable this month, we’ve had everything from hail stones to glorious sunshine over the last few weeks – our half-term activity guide has you covered, whatever the weather. 

All of these activities and locations are easily accessible by bus, use our handy journey planner here. 

County Durham

☀️We’re lucky to have the award-winning Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, in our region. It’s the perfect day out for the whole family. Don’t forget to show your Go North East bus ticket to get 25% off your Beamish entry!

🌧️Pop into Durham Cathedral for some free craft activities. Or at Dalton Park, you can combine retail therapy with a visit to the cinema or The Hole in Wand – a magic-themed mini golf course.

Newcastle and Gateshead 

☀️Stroll along the Quayside, let the kids run free in Gateshead’s Saltwell Park or visit the animals at Ouseburn Farm.

🌧️Head to the Baltic for Make Your Mark – a five day programme of arty activities for the whole family, including  a Cereal Disco, Sewing Bees and a Gardening Club. These activities are free!

If arts and crafts aren’t your thing, at the Metrocentre you can find plenty of entertainment under one roof – the Metrognomes Show, Treetop Golf, bowling, soft play, Clip n Climb, Peppa Pig’s Surprise Party and the cinema. On 28 May, keep an eye out for the Go North East team – we will have some free interactive games set up in Exhibition Square.

North Tyneside

☀️If the sun is shining, it’s time for ice cream, building, sandcastles, a dip in the sea (if you’re brave enough!) or fish and chips at Whitley Bay, Cullercoats or Tynemouth. 

🌧️Hide from the downpour at Tynemouth Aquarium or the Jam Jar cinema at Whitley Bay.

Northumberland 

☀️Hop on our AD122 service to explore Hadrian’s Wall – you can visit some amazing attractions and experience what life was like in Roman times. Or, you can walk parts of the Hadrian’s Wall path and jump on and off the bus to help you get around. Show your AD122 bus ticket to get discounted entry to Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum, Housesteads, Chesters and Birdoswald.

🌧️Shelter from the rain in Hexham’s Old Gaol, entry is free for under-18s.

Sunderland and South Tyneside

☀️22 – 24 May is the launch weekend for Sunderland’s One Big Summer. Head down to Keel Square and High Street West for live music, dance, spoken word, pop‑up performances and hands‑on creative activities for all ages.

🌧️ South Shields Museum & Art Gallery is offering a free family craft session on 26 May or if you’re looking for something a bit more active, check out the Atlantic Adventure Mega Inflatable at Sunderland Aquatic Centre.