HERE'S few ideas to entertain the kids over the half-term holidays...

The Northern Echo:

Poo Week, Life Centre, Newcastle, on all week, 9am-6pm

Get the scoop on poop at Life this February half-term, as we doo-doo all things poo.

It’s icky fun, but jam-packed with science. Visit the Science Theatre for Number 2 – the poo show to learn about human and animal digestion; take part in an experiment on pee, poo and paper; and create and invent with toilet roll tubes in the Making Space.

Keep your eyes peeled for our Science Buskers, whose bag of tricks will include real fossilised dinosaur poo!

  • 0191 243 8210.

Undersea Safari, Blue Reef Aquarium, North Shields, on until Friday, 10:00am-5:00pm 

Come on a safari visiting amazing creatures from around the world. Can you spot the pride of lionfish? See the seals? Or meet the magnificent Starfish?

Tours will take place on the hour from 10am. Children can stop by the safari station and get their face painted, will you be a lion, a zebra or maybe a clownfish?

Every day at 12pm and 3pm the safari guides become seal trainers, you can see the seals feed and play and learn all about these amazing animals.

  • 0191-2581031.

The Northern Echo:

Plodge at Gibside, Gateshead on all week, 11-3pm

The theme for this year is plodging. It's all about wrapping up warm and getting outdoors to make the most of nature and the fresh air - whatever the weather.

Throughout the week you can hunt for hidden wellies on the wellyteering trail as well as taking part in activities such as plodging and welly wanging. You'll need clothes that you can splash around in, such as your welly boots and waterproofs.

Gibside has acres of space for youngsters. They can run wild in the fresh air, get closer to nature and take part in some fun activities.

  • 01207-541820.

Queens of the Machines -  Women at War – Beamish Museum, on all week, 10-4pm

Commemorating the contributions women made to the war effort during the First World War. Join us and make your own turbines in our recreated factory, hear from local experts and discover the many roles women were required to fill at this time.

Our Learning Team is engaging with school children across the region to help us tell the story of the munitionettes working along both banks of the Tyne, focusing particularly on Parsons Factory in Heaton. 

  • 0191-370 4000.

Pop-Up Planetarium, Walker Park, Newcastle, on Monday

Journey through the Universe in the spectacular planetarium dome. This immersive film experience will take you to infinity and beyond, touring our solar system before heading through the Milky Way to other galaxies.

The show is suitable for all ages, lasts for approximately 50 minutes, takes place at 11:00, 12:00, 13:30 and 14:30.

While the Universe may be infinite, space inside the dome is limited, so please book early. The films are suitable (in terms of content and educational level) for all ages.

  • 0191-281 2082.

Feathery February, Nunnington Hall, Helmsley, on Monday-Sunday, 12-3pm

Join in with fun activities this February half term as we get ready for spring. From feathery friends' garden trail to fat feeder and bird box making, we've plenty to get hands on with.

  • 01439-748283 .

The Northern Echo: Please try and save a heart on Valentine’s DayHappy Valentine, The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, on Tuesday/Wednesday, 11-4pm 

Create your very own Valentine's card for that someone special, using print-making techniques in this drop in session.

Suitable for all ages. All equipment provided including protective aprons.

  • 01833 690606.

Jack and the Beanstalk, Billingham Forum, on Monday and Tuesday 

Join us this February half term for a gigantic pantomime adventure live on stage starring Ricky Groves (Gary from Eastenders) as the evil Fleshcreep and X Factor singing sensation Lloyd Daniels as Jack plus a full supporting cast and amazing live band.

Will the Trots manage to sell their beloved cow Daisy? Will Jack save the day and slay the wicked giant Blunderbore? Will there be comedy by the bucket full?

  • 01642-552663.

The Northern Echo:

The Wizard of Oz, Middlesbrough Theatre, on Tuesday, 2pm and 7pm 

Oddsocks Productions are bringing another classic adventure to life with a hearty dollop of their trademark comedy: new songs, familiar faces and laughs aplenty! In a brand-new adaptation, the Oddsocks troupe invite you to meet Dorothy as you’ve never seen her before.

Join the Scarecrow, Lion and Tin Man as they travel through the weird and wonderful land of Oz, encountering Wet Witches, Flying Monkeys, Poisonous Poppies and a multitude of Munchkins along the way! What could possibly go wrong?

  • 01642-815181.

Family Fun Tour, Durham Castle on Wednesday, 2.15pm 

Explore what it was to live and work in Durham Castle in the past and find out more about some of the characters that have made Durham Castle their home over the centuries.

Why not take a tour around one Durham's most significant historic buildings with your family.

  • 0191 334 2932.

Big Family Valentine Vamp, Sage Gateshead on Wednesday, 1:00pm-2:00pm, 2:30pm-3:30pm

All you need is love! Grab the smallest loves of your lives and come on down. Musicians will be ready to meet you with some sweet singing, passionate playing, and devoted dancing to bring us all a very groovy kind of love.

Make sure to book early, and why not wear something red, pink, or lovely to show how much you care.

Activities and content will be ideal for under 7s and their families, older siblings, extended family, and friends of all ages are very welcome too. 

  • 0191-4434661.

Netherlands National Circus, Jackson Landing, Hartlepool, on Tuesday, until Sunday

Two hours of spectacular family entertainment brought to you by an international cast of over 30 performers.

Including, and not to be missed, the amazing Duo Extreme can be seen flying though the air inside the Big Top as they showcase their skills as aerial performers.

  • 0844-4155228.

Meet the Minibeasts, Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle, on Thursday, 11:00am-3:00pm

Animal handling with Bugsnstuff Do insects make your skin crawl or do you love meeting nature's little critters?

Get up close 'n' personal with a variety of incredible invertebrates and other creepy crawlies with expert Guy Tansley, founder of bugsnstuff.

You'll meet minibeasts and if you’re very brave, you may even get the chance to touch one.

  • 0191-222 6765 .

The Northern Echo:

The Selfish Giant, Stockton Arc on Friday/Saturday, 11.30am and 2.30pm

Once upon a time there was the most beautiful garden. A garden where blossom hung from every tree, and the sound of birdsong echoed in every corner.

A garden filled with the laughter of children playing, where the gates were always open... But those days are long since gone.

Now people can barely even remember the garden, or the happiness that it once brought to all who played there... until a brave child dares to rediscover what lies within!

Join us as we climb through the cracks in The Selfish Giant’s wall, and find the beauty that lies within the garden, and us all.

  • 01642-525199.

Don't Dribble On The Dragon, Consett Empire, on Saturday, 2.30pm

Tom is a toddler with a cool older brother, a secret dragon… and a dribbling problem that just won’t stop!

When Tom's endless drooling threatens to tear the brothers' friendship apart can their dragon's amazing magic help them put it back together again or will it only end up making things worse?

Based on the fabulous new book by Steven Lee and with magic designed by the legendary Paul Daniels, this spectacular musical adventure about growing up and the importance of family is the perfect feel good show for big hearted adults and loving little ones alike.

As an extra treat, Steven will be available to sign copies of Don’t Dribble On The Dragon which you can bring with you or buy in the theatre after the show.

  • 01207-218171.

The Northern Echo:

BIG Little Gigs Breakdance workshop, The Forum Music Centre, Darlington, 2:00pm-3:00pm

BIG Little Gigs returns in 2018 with something a bit different. Embracing the world of break dancing with a fab, fun workshop with local break dancing legend Tim Smith.

Tim will start with a demo followed by a fun workshop session suitable for all BIG and littles to join in.

  • 01325-363135.

These are just a few of the events happening this February half-term click here to get even more events http://www.whatsoninthenortheast.co.uk