February Half Term

Price

Free entry, donations welcome.

Part of our Ways to Play programme 

Make your ‘Ways to Play’ adventure a great value day out by travelling to our venues by the Metro and / or Ferry.  

Up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on the Metro and the Shields Ferry with a fare-paying adult. Metro is the convenient, fast and frequent way to get to your favourite attractions and now it’s even more affordable. Find out more.

Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro.

We are celebrating nature this half term at the Great North Museum: Hancock. You can take part in the Underground Adventures with Murray the Mole trail around the museum and take part in a number of marvellous mole activities. You can also learn all about insect evolution and explore how they adapt to survive in changing habitats. 

Monday 24 February, 10am - 2pm

• Learn how moles are designed to dig through the earth and make a human sized mole claw to use around the museum. 
• Learn how insects adapt to extreme conditions with Newcastle University PhD researcher Madeleine Fabusova; you can:
  • Match insect to environment/adaptation to an insect through photos.
  • View insects through the lens of a microscope.  
  • Illustrate your own insects and habitats.  
  • See what insects are living in our local habitats.  
  • Learn how to monitor and record the insect population where you live.  

Tuesday 25 February

Relaxed early opening 9-10am. Free, booking is required. Book Tickets.

Wednesday 26 February, 10am - 2pm

• Learn how moles are designed to dig through the earth and make a human sized mole claw to use around the museum. 
• Create your own mole themed bug box with the Natural History Society of Northumbria, decorate your box with a cute mole face and discover what moles love to eat. Learn all about their insect diet while crafting a cosy home for bugs. 
• Take part in the interactive mole habitat, learn how to move and think like a mole. 
• Make a journey map with members of Newcastle University Blood and Transplant Research Unit, and see their new exhibition 'Journeys' in our spotlight exhibition space.

Friday 28 February, 10am - 2pm

• Learn how moles are designed to dig through the earth and make a human sized mole claw to use around the museum. 
• Create your own mole themed bug box with the Natural History Society of Northumbria, decorate your box with a cute mole face and discover what moles love to eat. Learn all about their insect diet while crafting a cosy home for bugs. 

All week

Underground Adventures with Murray the Mole
This collection of free family trails invites you to explore the museum, engage with objects, and collect prizes. Free to take part. For more information, please visit the Welcome Desk. 

Planetarium
Book your tickets on the day at the Welcome Desk, from £2.95 per person.

Mouse House
The Mouse House is a multipurpose space for our youngest visitors and their families to enjoy.

Gallery Spinner Challenge
Have a go at our spinners, which you can find in several of our gallery spaces. The spinners are fun interactive games with exciting facts and challenges to explore. Free to take part.