STUCK for things to do with the kids this half term?
There’s plenty to do for families and children here in Washington over the next seven days…
All week:
Pumpkin patch and decorating, The New Plough (Tea and coffee trailer), Cox Green
Time: 10am-3pm each day until Saturday, October 31
Pick a pumpkin from the patch and have fun decorating under the terrace at the decoration station.
Each pumpkin will be photographed and a winner picked on Halloween.
£7 per child 
Broomsticks and magic tricks family trail, Washington Old Hall
Time: 11am-4pm daily until Sunday November 1
Enjoy a self-guided family trail through the hall to discover mysterious markings once thought to ward off witches and spirits and head outdoors to find fun in the gardens including broomstick racing.
Free activity with general admission, includes trail sheet.
Make willow wands and marshland potions
Time: 1-2pm, Discovery Centre, Washington Wetland Centre, daily until Sunday November 1
Ideal for younger children, as part of Washington Wetlands Centre’s SUPER Natural half-term activities.
This activity is included with general centre admission.
Monday October 26
Halloween Crafty Fun, Springwell Community Venue, Springwell Village
Time: 9.30-11.30am
Spooky Halloween fun including painting, printing, crafts, baby keepsakes, Halloween photo corner and baby and toddler play area.
£3.50 per child and £1 per sibling. Booking required, see the Springwell Community Venue Facebook page for information.
Art & Bats family crafts, Washington Old Hall
Time: 11.15am-12.45pm
Take the kids along for some creative time, making their own winged disguise in time for Halloween. 
This free event will be outdoors if the weather allows and will be moved indoors if cold or wet. No booking required, just turn up. Usual admission charges will apply.
Create a magical fairy ring wreath, Washington Wetland Centre
Time: 10.30-11.30am, Discovery Centre, Washington Wetland Centre
Part of Washington Wetlands Centre’s SUPER Natural half-term activities.
This activity is included with general centre admission.
Wednesday October 28
Michael Turner’s Cabinet of Natural Curiosities, Washington Wetland Centre
Time 1-3pm, Discover Centre, Washington Wetland Centre
Discover an extraordinary collection of natural treasures and unusual finds from all over the world.
This is included in the general centre admission.
Thursday October 29 
Halloween Workshop, Bowes Railway Museum
Time: 10am-noon
Create your own jam jar lantern at this free family crafts session, suitable for children aged 4+.
Free entry but booking required. To book call 07850 916 484 or email barryhall@communityopportunities.co.uk
Agility Games, Washington Old Hall
Time: 11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3pm
A friendly competition for all the family where visitors can test their strength, balance and coordination as they race through ladders and jump hurdles.
No booking needed, just turn up and enjoy. Usual admission charges will apply but the session is free.
Halloween Crafty Fun, Springwell Community Venue, Springwell Village
Time: 1-3pm
Spooky Halloween fun including painting, printing, crafts, baby keepsakes, Halloween photo corner and baby and toddler play area.
£3.50 per child and £1 per sibling. Booking required, see the Springwell Village Community Venue page for information.
Saturday October 31
Haunt Fest, The Galleries (Wessington Square) 
Time: 11am-3pm
Kids can show off their creative skills by designing their own Halloween pumpkin masterpiece, and transform into spooky characters with the help of a team of face painters.
Bugz N Stuff will also be on hand throughout the day, with a selection of bugs, reptiles and other critters for those brave enough to say hello!
Free activities, perfect for families.
Crafty Family Halloween Party, Lambton Community Hub, Lambton Village Centre
Time: 3-6pm
Spooky family arts and crafts, games, good and drinks – kids are encouraged to dress up, with prizes for the spookiest costumes.
Tickets £8 per child. See Lambton Community Hub for more information
Halloween at Bowes Railway
Time: 4pm and 5.30pm
Halloween evening fun with LED pumpkin lantern making, ghostly tales and more.
Two time slots available, £5 per child. Booking required, call or text 07850 916 484 to enquire about availability.
Sunday November 1
Kids Halloween Disco, Teal Farm Pub, Teal Farm
Time: 11am
Dress up the kids for some dancing and Halloween fun.
Tickets £2 per child, available at the bar
*Please check with venues and organisers before visiting – especially for outdoor events
*Main image: Washington WWT
