Mid-term is fast approaching once again, so it’s time to plan how to keep the kids entertained.

There are plenty of events and activities for young people to enjoy at Darlington – Halloween themed or whatever.

From pumpkin carving to Lego clubs, there are a variety of options for every child between October 24 and 31 hosted by Darlington Council teams.

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Celebrate Halloween in the city center

From howling witches to mad scientists and a thriller mass dance finale, downtown will be full of scares and screams of joy on Saturday, October 30.

The spooky fun begins with the street theater through the city center which runs between 11am and 5pm.

Visitors can be brave on Bondgate with Tracks Darlington’s The Shrieking Witches singing Halloween music for the little ones, while winding courtyards are home to living statues and the sounds of Raijin drummers fill the streets from 2 p.m. .

Visitors can also head inside and enjoy the spooky science in the indoor market, free arts and crafts at the Cornmill Center, and take a selfie with the Green Screen Gif Experience in Queen Street Mall .

At 5 p.m., families can join in for the spooky finale as a mass dance to Thriller kicks in in the Marketplace. Dancers and non-dancers of all skill levels are welcome to dress up and take part in the Thriller Mass Dance and Halloween Nightclub.

What’s new during the week at Head of Steam?

Darlington Council’s spooky events program begins with a special Halloween Fun Day at Head of Steam on Sunday 24 October, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Families can enjoy the spooky decorations around the museum and dress up in their favorite Halloween costume. Activities include magic shows, a mini train ride, howling witches, face painting, and arts and crafts.

New this year will be choosing a pumpkin and carving / decorating it at the museum or taking it home to decorate (limited to one per family, while supplies last). The pumpkins were kindly donated by Morrisons to North Road and Morton Park.

At Wednesday October 27, visitors can participate in Big Science Experiments between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. All sessions must be booked in advance.

Crazy Creatures will venture into the museum on Thursday October 27 with walk-in sessions available for visitors to get up close to fresh reptiles and furry mammals between 11am and 3:30 pm.

Scamps and Crafts Station takes on the Halloween theme on Friday the 29th with themed crafts, pumpkin decorations and owl key chains. There will be two sessions: Paper Crafts from 10 a.m. to noon and Sewing Crafts from 1 to 3 p.m.

Normal entry fees apply to all Head of Steam activities and are included with admission and annual passes.

On Saturday 30, from 11:30 am to 2 pm, a free family DIY workshop is also offered with the Grandes Constructions du Cabinet de Curiosité Studio.

A selection of paper toy making models will help children explore the architectural and industrial heritage of the Northeast. All materials will be provided and visitors will be able to make a paper toy to take home. Children must be accompanied by an adult, suitable from six years old.

What’s new at the Darlington Library?

The library will host its popular Lego Club between 10 p.m. and 12 p.m. each day during the mid-term break. Admission is free but seats must be reserved through Eventbrite.

There will also be storytelling and crafts sessions at the library on Monday 25, Tuesday 26 and Saturday 30, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sessions are free, but seats must be reserved through Eventbrite.

What about other activities?

Throughout the week, the slides and diving boards will be open in the Dolphin Center swimming pool for a relaxed swim.

There will also be a live DJ and ghostly guests at the DC Bowl on Sunday October 31 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – to book a track visit www.healthydarlington.co.uk/bowling

Councilor Jon Clarke, member of the Darlington City Council for Children and Youth Cabinet, said: “Our teams have put on a wonderful range of events and activities for the whole family.

Whether you love clever creations, cuddly animals, or weird science, there’s plenty to spark the imagination this semester in the city.

“Plus, the week ends in a spectacular and spooky way with our very first Mass Market Thriller Dance in the Marketplace. We invite everyone to get involved and have family fun in the city center.

Visitors to the city center can also take advantage of two hours of free parking at select parking lots in the city center and are advised to carefully read the parking signs and display a ticket from the machine.

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