Kids Go Free This Half Term

From 13th February to 1st March 2026, up to three children aged 11 and under can travel FREE on any Arriva Northeast service, all day, every day, when accompanied by a fare-paying adult or an adult with a valid travel pass*.

There’s so much going on across the Northeast for the whole family. Even better — Kids Go Free and adults travel for no more than £2.50 in the TNE area and £3 in the Tees Valley area.

*Offer valid with all adult tickets purchased either on-bus or in advance and includes English National Concessionary Travel Scheme cardholders. 

Here are just a few ideas for a great FREE family day out by bus this half term:

The Dorman Museum – Middlesbrough
Catch any town centre service
The Dorman Museum offers a fantastic range of permanent display galleries to captivate visitors of all ages, from space exploration to Middlesbrough through time. The museum houses the largest public collection of Linthorpe Art Pottery, as well as designs by renowned British designer Christopher Dresser. Plus, entry is free!

Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre – Durham
Catch any city centre service
Located in the heart of Durham, Freeman’s Quay is offering some amazing free activities this half term, including free swimming for under 18s, soft play for little ones to explore and play, and Tag Active. Visit the centre’s website for more information.

Blyth Journeys Market Pavilion – Blyth
Catch any town centre service
Step inside a glowing art installation of storage crates and listen to the stories of keepsakes and memories shared by the people of Blyth. A moving experience exploring the special thoughts and things we all carry with us through life, running from 17th to 21st February.

Live Theatre – Newcastle
Catch any city centre service
Free Family Creative Workshops give families the chance to leap into the world of Melva Mapletree, created by Mortal Fools. Whether you love scribbling stories, animation, acting things out, video games, dreaming up big ideas or wrapping up cosy in a blanket and listening to a story, the friendly creative team has something for every young creative mind. Activities run between 16th and 20th February.

Newcastle Chinese New Year Celebration
Catch any city centre service
A spectacular celebration that sees Newcastle’s vibrant Chinatown come alive with the enchanting festivities of the Lunar New Year. The much-anticipated parade starts at Grey’s Monument and makes its way to Chinatown, featuring an incredible showcase of dancers, performers, and cultural displays.

Fire & Ice Festival – Durham
Catch any city centre service
Fire & Ice returns on 27th–28th February 2026, bringing two spectacular days of sculptures, live displays, and family-friendly entertainment to the heart of the city.
This much-loved free event transforms Durham’s streets with breathtaking ice carvings, interactive installations, fiery performances, and dramatic live shows throughout the day. Visitors can follow a themed trail of hand-crafted ice sculptures, watch live carving demonstrations, and enjoy magical moments as the city lights up with colour, creativity and atmosphere.
Perfect for families, locals and visitors alike, Fire & Ice offers an unforgettable experience showcasing Durham at its brightest and most imaginative.

Hopetown – Darlington
Catch any town centre service
Hopetown is an award-winning, free-entry railway-themed visitor attraction in Darlington, County Durham, celebrating the town’s pioneering 1825 railway heritage. It features the historic North Road Station Museum, a locomotive workshop, immersive experiences and a large adventure play park — all highlighting Darlington’s role in the birth of the railways.

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