IT'S the second Saturday of most school summer holidays and it's forecast to rain all day. Okay, it'll be respite from the heatwave, but no fun for venturing out and about. But fear not, here's a handy guide to five local venues offering indoor children's activities today - and none of them will break the bank.
Art Trolley at mima, Middlesbrough
WHAT: Get creative with this drop-in session for families. Packed with exciting materials and ideas to get children inventing, making and wondering, the Art Trolley provides space for imaginative and creative thinking and doing.
WHERE: mima, Centre Square, Middlesbrough, TS1 2AZ
CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: 01642 931232 COST: Free
OTHER INFORMATION: Event is suitable for ages three plus. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Art trolley at mima
Story busking and crafts at The Witham, Barnard Castle
WHAT: Town crier Ian Kirkbride reads stories at The Witham, either in the cafe or outside in the meadow depending on the weather.
WHERE: The Witham, 3 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, DL128LY
CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: 01833 631107. Email: info@thewitham.org.uk
COST: Free
WHAT: Also at The Witham, Kids crafts inspired by Jack and his bean-growing talents! Fee Fi Fo Fum!
COST: £2
OTHER INFORMATION: Suitable for four to eight years. From 10.30am to 11.30am
Make a Pit Pony at the Mining Art Gallery, Bishop Auckland
WHAT: Head to the Learning Room at the Mining Art Gallery to make your own pit pony, just like the ones found in paintings in the gallery. Get creative with paper plates, paint and coloured card, then add the finishing touches to your pony using yarn to make a magnificent mane.
WHERE: Mining Art Gallery, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7NP
CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: 01388 743750. Email: enquiries@aucklandproject.org
COST: Included in admission to gallery - adults: £5, concessions: £4, under 16s: £1
OTHER INFORMATION: Open 10am to 4pm, last entry at 3.30pm.
Collections, Care and Conservation at Palace Green Library, Durham
WHAT: Join Durham University Students and learn what conservation is. Collection care and conservation aims to help prolong the life of objects; it is important to look after and care for them so they can last long into the future.
WHERE: Palace Green Library, Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3RN
CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: 0191 334 2932 Email: pg.library@durham.ac.uk
COST: Admission free
OTHER INFORMATION: Drop in from 1pm-3pm. Activities are generally suitable for children 5-11-years-old, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Enchanted Forest at The Hullabaloo, Darlington
WHAT: Inspired by the ideas of local children, the forest is a magical interactive space with storytelling trees, luminous fairy ponds and musical lily pads. It is designed for a child to play in with their grown-ups and there are elements for crawlers and toddlers right up to children around 10 years old.
Some children will spend just a few minutes in the forest, others will enjoy playing for longer. You are free to come and go as you please and also enjoy our family friendly cafe area at The Hullabaloo. There is no need to book, but please note that at busy times there may be a short wait.
WHERE: The Hullabaloo, Borough Road, Darlington, DL11SG
CONTACT DETAILS: Tel: 01325 405405. Email: info@theatrehullabaloo.org.uk
COST: Free
OTHER INFORMATION: Suitable for ages: 0-10 years.
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