- Play Hard
- 14th Oct 2026
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WWT Washington Wetland Centre half term is magic – wands, potions and owl pellets
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Half term’s crept up on us again (seriously, how?), but if you’re already wondering how to keep the kids busy, Washington Wetland Centre has it sorted.
From Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November, WWT Washington is transforming into a celebration of all things wild, weird and wonderful with its SUPER Natural week.
Think willow wands, marshland potions and pond dipping, all set in one of the North East’s loveliest outdoor spaces. It’s a scare-free Halloween, so it’s ideal for little ones who’d rather spot a heron than a ghoul. Most activities are included in your entry ticket, and booking online saves you 10%.
Because the best memories are made outdoors, aren’t they?
HALF TERM ACTIVITIES THAT’LL GET THE MAGIC GOING
Daily, Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November
Every day from 1pm to 2pm, the Discovery Centre’s where the spells start. Kids can weave their own willow wand, then mix up a colourful marshland potion to go with it. Grab a SUPER Natural logbook when you arrive, too, because it unlocks the whole adventure.
Wands at the ready.
THE WETLAND BIRDS WITH STORIES YOU’VE NEVER HEARD
Saturday 24th October
Kick off the week with Birds of Myth and Superstition, a guided reserve walk from 11am to 12pm. You’ll uncover the folklore behind some of the wetlands’ most iconic birds, and you’ll never look at a heron the same way again.
A FAIRY RING WREATH THAT’S PURE AUTUMN
Sunday 25th and Monday 26th October
Head to the Discovery Centre from 10:30am to 11:30am and turn gathered forest treasures into a magical fairy ring wreath. It’s a lovely one to take home and hang on the door.
WHAT’S AN OWL HAD FOR DINNER?
Tuesday 27th, Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th October
Pop along to Hunters Creek cabin from 10:30am to 11:30am for an owl pellet dissecting workshop. Tiny bones, fur and all sorts of clues reveal exactly what was on the menu. Gross? A little. Fascinating? Absolutely.
MICHAEL TURNER’S CABINET OF CURIOSITIES ISN’T TO BE MISSED
Wednesday 28th October
From 1pm to 3pm in the Discovery Centre, step inside a collection Michael Turner has built over 40 years. Fossils, dinosaur teeth, skulls, shells, corals, feathers and insects from across the globe are all on show. Curious minds, this one’s for you.
THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN THE NORTH EAST DON’T GET SPLASHIER
Friday 30th and Saturday 31st October
Grab a net and head to the Pondzone from 10:30am to 11:30am for pond dipping. Kids will be amazed at the tiny creatures wriggling about beneath the surface.
Wellies essential.
MINIBEASTS THAT’LL WIN OVER EVEN THE SQUEAMISH
Sunday 1st November
Wrap up the week at Hollowood from 10:30am to 11:30am with a minibeast hunt. Small but mighty creatures are hiding everywhere, if you know where to look.
THE WET WOOD WILD THINGS TRAIL’S OPEN ALL WEEK
Daily, self-led
Fancy going at your own pace? Follow the Wet Wood wild things trail and uncover hidden wonders along the way. It’s perfect for burning off energy between sessions.
PLANNING YOUR FAMILY DAY OUT? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Got a sweet tooth in the gang? Spooky Shortbread Decorating runs from 2pm to 3pm daily at the Waterside Café, costing £2 per biscuit. Wear whatever suits the weather, and don’t let rain put you off, as there’s plenty happening indoors and out. Halloween costumes are welcome, too.
The site has step-free paths and accessible facilities for wheelchairs and prams, and the team’s happy to help if you get in touch in advance. Entry is free for WWT members. If you’re on the hunt for things to do in Sunderland or things to do in Newcastle with kids this half term, this one’s an easy win.
Things to do North East? Sorted.
WWT Washington Wetland Centre, Barmston Lane, Pattinson, Washington NE38 8LE
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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