Kids go free North East

Looking for affordable family days out this half term? Arriva North East is helping families travel for less with its Kids Go Free offer.

From Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, up to three children aged 11 and under can travel free on any Arriva North East bus service when accompanied by a fare-paying adult or an adult with a valid travel pass.

Affordable Family Travel
Adults can also take advantage of low fares across the region:

• Tyne and Wear: travel for no more than £2.50
• Tees Valley: travel for no more than £3.00 

With no parking fees, no traffic stress and no hassle, travelling by bus makes family adventures easier and more affordable.

There are plenty of spectacular family days out to enjoy across the Arriva North East network.

Great Family Day Out by Bus

Whitby – Great Pumpkin Party at Whitby Abbey
Families can catch the X93 or X94 from Middlesbrough and enjoy a ghoulishly good day out at Whitby Abbey, where Halloween half-term brings the Great Pumpkin Party, packed with family activities and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a seasonal selfie spot around the site.

Alnwick – The Pumpkin Garden at Alnwick Castle
For a magical family adventure, families can catch the X15 or X18 to Alnwick Castle, where The Garden transforms with autumnal colours into The Pumpkin Garden. Children can take part in the Pumpkin Garden Scavenger Hunt and explore The Garden to see how many items they can find and tick off. During October half-term, visitors can also discover the strangest plants, poisonous secrets and curious myths on Reg the Hedge’s Beastly Botanicals Trail, alongside fun-filled harvest games.

Dalton Park – Halloween Bus and Family Activities
Families looking for shopping, entertainment and fun can visit Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre by catching the 22.

On Monday 26 October, when the Arriva Halloween Bus will be on site. Visitors can enjoy 

• Free slime making 
• Free face painting, 
• Fancy dress competition with the chance to win prizes at 12 noon, 
• Spooky treasure hunt.

Ashington – Halloween Fun at Woodhorn Museum
Families can catch the 35, X21 or X22 to Woodhorn Museum, where a range of exciting activities awaits. Visitors can step inside Arborialis Luminarium, an immersive giant walk-in sculpture maze featuring vibrant tunnels of colour, glowing tree-like forms and custom soundscapes, while the Halloween Pumpkin Trail offers a spooky scavenger hunt around the museum buildings. Passengers travelling with Arriva can also receive 25% off entry. Visit Woodhorn Museum – Good Journey Car-free for full details.

Plan your journey using the Arriva Bus app, track your bus live and get up to date travel information whilst you are out and about.

Terms and Conditions
* Up to three children aged 11 and under travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult or an adult with a valid travel pass on Arriva North East services from 24 October to 1 November 2026 inclusive.