CO DURHAM & DARLINGTON WHERE TO GO WHATS ON COMPETITIONS MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk AUTUMN 2023
2 raring2go.co.uk 3 After sixteen fantastic years since starting Raring2go! sadly the time has now come for me to move on to my next chapter and hand over the reins to new local editors. I launched back in 2007 as Raring2go! Stocktonon-Tees when my children were 2 and 6, they are 18 and 23 now! Like my family, the business grew over the years and has expanded to become Raring2go! Teesside and Raring2go! Co Durham & Darlington. I want to say a big thank you to all the local councils, businesses, schools, nurseries, libraries and not least all the parents and my own family who have supported my small business over the years, I couldn’t have done it without you! It has been a pleasure to work with all the lovely people I have met along the way and to enjoy learning and experiencing so much with Raring2go! Welcome to Nadeem, Ayesha and their boys and wishing them every success and lots of fun on their Raring2go! adventure! Alison We are thrilled to step into the role of editors for our beloved Raring2go! magazine and are sincerely thankful to Alison for believing in us and entrusting us to continue what she started sixteen years ago. We bring with us a passion for learning, a commitment to our community, and a deep respect for the role we play in shaping our children's world. Raring2go! has always been a vibrant platform for sharing the latest information on local family entertainment and excursions. As we move forward, we are eager to strengthen our collaboration with local councils, businesses, schools, and nurseries, and more, ensuring we keep our fingers on the pulse of our thriving community. Together, we'll continue to inform, entertain, and inspire. We look forward to creating a dynamic conversation about the activities and opportunities that shape our children’s lives and experiences. Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Here's to creating a tapestry of shared experiences that will captivate the minds and hearts of our parents and young readers. Nadeem, Ayesha, Mikaail and Jibrael. Hello everyone! A BIG Thank you and Goodbye … Raring2go! Raring2go! 14-15, 21-22 October 28 October - 5 November • Pick your pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and get carving* • Aim and re the Corn Cob Catapult • Daily shows • Follow the spooky trail • New Play Frames to explore • An activity every 30 minutes ALL INCLUDED IN ENTRY! *Whilst stocks last. One pumpkin for every paying child (2 years and over). Usually worth £3
4 raring2go.co.uk 5 Raring2go! LEARN Raring2go! LEARN Station Scamps at Head of Steam, Darlington Railway Museum Every Friday is Play Friday at Head of Steam. Stay and play between 10am-12pm. As well as toys, we like to get messy with crafts or ‘real world play’ as we explore the railways and the museum with our friends. Some sessions need to be booked in advance. FREE to Museum family annual pass holders. Non-members £2 per session Check the Head of Steam Facebook page for information. Little Kickers Approved football training for children aged 18month - 8th birthday. Led by FA quali ed coaches in a fun, friendly environment. At Little Kickers the focus is very much on fun. Informal yet professionally run football classes where boys and girls are given a helping hand to stand on their own two feet. Call 01914066224 or email jtemple@littlekickers.co.uk www.littlekickers.co.uk Pre-school Classes at Darlington Gymnastics A fun way to learn about and develop the physical skills of movement and balance... ... More importantly, they are also a great way to climb and jump and bounce and roll! These specialist coach led classes include fun, gymnastic based activities which develop the basics required for more complex skills. Classes for ages 2-4 (with an accompanying adult) and for ages 3-4 years. Parent & Toddler Session Monday 11.30 -12.30 For more details call 01325 241339 or visit www.darlingtongymnastics.co.uk The Undiscovered Island at The Hullabaloo, Darlington (until March 2023) The Undiscovered Island is a sensory underwater world where children and adults become adventurers exploring story zones, musical stepping stones and a relaxing coral garden. Suitable for children aged 0-10 years and their grown ups. This is a FREE activity and there is no need to book. Donations are welcomed. The Hullabaloo is speci cally created for children and families and is an inspiring place to play and learn. Open from 10am – 2pm, Monday – Saturday where you can enjoy coffee and cake at Café Hullabaloo and some play time too! https://www.theatrehullabaloo.org.uk/ Making a Mess Under 5s Group at Preston Park Museum Every Friday during term time. Bring your pre-schooler along to the museum every Friday during term time (from Friday 16 September to Friday 21 October) for messy crafts, stories and playtime. These relaxed and friendly sessions are led by our Learning team, simply drop-in anytime between 10am and 12 noon. Free with museum admission Refreshments are available for children and grown-ups. Normal museum admission applies. https://prestonparkmuseum.co.uk/ What’s On for Little Ones Our outstanding Pre-Prep environment, ensures the best start for your daughter. We offer a first class education to girls aged 3 and 4 at a fraction of the cost. Get in touch today to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity. www.dhsfg.org.uk enquiries@dhsfg.org.uk 0191 384 3226
Raring2go! LEARN 6 raring2go.co.uk 7 Raring2go! LEARN MAMMA SOCIAL FEST 8TH OCTOBER Rainton Arena, Houghton le Spring DH4 6PU, UK 10AM - 3PM WITH
8 raring2go.co.uk 9 Raring2go! LEARN Raring2go! LEARN The ultimate in private swimming lessons created by double commonwealth champion Chris Cook. Swim Buddies caters for swimming at all levels following the Swim England National Plan, sprinkled with a little bit of Buddies magic. Small class sizes and in-pool teaching help us to develop confidence and techniques for great progress. JUNIOR SWIMMING ACADEMY www.swimbuddies.co.uk info@swimbuddies.co.uk 01642 918749 / 07948 548038 for the latest information LEARN TO SWIM IN STYLE
10 raring2go.co.uk 11 Raring2go! PARTIES Raring2go! STAR BUSINESS
12 raring2go.co.uk 13 Raring2go! PLACES2GO Raring2go! WHATS ON
14 raring2go.co.uk 15 Raring2go! WHATS ON Raring2go! PLACES2GO Take a spooky Hallowe’en Tour around Durham Castle, Sunday 29 October Discover loads of amazing things to do this autumn and winter. Visit our website to find out more about our events and activities in the heart of Durham. durham.ac.uk/things-to-do Follow us on social media @DUThingsToDo to do Things Follow an Autumn Nature Trail in the Botanic Garden Celebrate Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights at the Oriental Museum, Tuesday 14 November Free, family-friendly craft activities at the Oriental Museum Saturdays 1pm-3pm Celebrate Science on Palace Green Tuesday 31 October– Thursday 2 November
16 raring2go.co.uk 17 Raring2go! PLACES2GO Raring2go! WHATS ON Bring the whole family along for an adventure at Durham Cathedral • Experience dazzling projections with Science by Luxmuralis, 11 - 15 October • Half term craft activities for children of all ages, 23 - 27 October • See illuminating artworks by international artists at Lumiere Durham, 16 - 19 November Autumn trails, dazzling light shows and family crafts Plan your visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
18 raring2go.co.uk 19 Raring2go! PLACES2GO Raring2go! PUZZLE Autumn at Raby Estates Autumn is upon us and the great outdoors is the place to be. From the shift in seasons the colours beginning to change from rich green leaves to the vibrant colours the season; time for brisk walks and the sound of the crunch of autumn leaves with warm hot chocolates galore, Raby Estates has it all. You might be lucky enough to spot the deer rut in Raby Castle's picturesque parklands or hear the roar of the water at High Force Waterfall making for a spectacular sight. Families can embrace many Halloween happenings across the estate, starting from the 7th of October. Discover the Halloween trail in The Plotters' Forest and the Mischievous Mog trail in the Deer Park at Raby Castle. As the sun sets, this spooktacular setting comes to life with an illuminated after dark trail through the pine tree plantation where magical inhabitants come to life. Families will need to look out for the spooky spiders, wicked witches and creaking skeletons as they collect the creepy clues, with a tasty treat from The Plotters’ Pantry lookout deck awaiting all those who complete the trail. A spooky mission awaits as families will need to collect a series of spinetingling clues to find their way back to High Force Hotel. Serving delicious sweet-treats and hot drinks, adventurers can relax in the hotel’s cosy setting after completing their Halloween mission. To find out more www.raby.co.uk/whats-on/
20 raring2go.co.uk 21 Raring2go! PLACES2GO Raring2go! WHATS ON BOO! Spooktacular Saturday 28th OCTOBER– SUNDAY 5tH november Follow us! Whitehouse Farm Centre, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 6AW T 01670 789998 E info@whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk W whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk Lot of spooky activities every day! Magic Merlin’s Spooktacular shows Creep through the Walkway of Terror Witches & Wizards School Interactive animal experiences Fancy Dress Competition 1 FREE pumpkin for each paying child! Until 22 Nov Dreamland Creative Play A beautiful sensory play installation for very young children aged 0-4 and their grown ups. This is a FREE activity, there is no need to book. The Hullabaloo is open Mon-Sat 10-4 Neurodiverse friendly, individual sessions will be available to prebook on 28 Sept, 21 Oct, 4 Nov, 18 Nov. 5-7 Oct Sparkle Under a shimmering carousel, a magical world opens up… A gentle interactive performance & play experience for children aged 3-4 years. 14 Oct Baba Yaga The hit show returns by popular demand! Fantastical fairytale ingredients, physical theatre and an epic score come together to celebrate the bravery of children. For everyone aged 6 and over. 28 Oct Spooktacular Storytelling with Chris Connaughton Various sessions to prebook. 31 Oct Silent Disco Come and booooo-goie on down! 10.30-12 for children aged 3-7 years old 6-7.30 for children aged 3-10 years. 2-4 Nov Snow A dance and puppetry performance about the Sami mountain world. Aged 4 + 18 Nov Little Murmur Based on the true story of one child’s struggle with letters and words. Watch bodies and words fly like a flock of birds, a murmuration, a little murmur. 6-24 Dec Snow Mouse An enchanting winter’s tale for the very young. Come and join two new friends on their adventure in a magical forest full of play, puppetry, and music! Ages 6 months – 4 years. More information on all shows and buy tickets at theatrehullabaloo.org.uk Coming up at The Hullabaloo, Darlington
22 raring2go.co.uk 23 Let’s This! Adventure Valley Pumpkin Festival, Durham 14-15, 21-22 Oct, 28 Oct-5 Nov Pick your pumpkin* from the pumpkin patch and get carving! Watch daily shows & follow the spooky trail or aim and re the corn cob catapult! An activity every 30 minutes and a new play frame to explore. Entry includes full access to all the rides and attractions. *Whilst stocks last. One FREE PUMPKIN for every paying child (2 years & over). www.adventurevalley.co.uk WIN TICKETS for Adventure Valley Enter on the Raring2go! website. Closing date 23 Oct Halloween Spooktacular at Whitehouse Farm, Morpeth 28 Oct – 5 Nov Creep through the Walkway of Terror, watch Magic Merlin's Spooktacular Show plus lots of spooky activities throughout the day. Make sure you come dressed to impress and enter our fancy dress competition and don't forget to pick up your FREE PUMPKIN - one available for every paying child, subject to availability. Buy tickets online whitehousefarm.co.uk Magical Trails at Raby Castle 7 Oct - 5 Nov The Plotters’ Forest Halloween Trail Dress up in your most spooktacular out ts and look out for the spooky spiders, wicked witches and creaking skeletons through the pine tree plantation! Children collect the creepy clues this Halloween, with a tasty treat from The Plotters’ Pantry lookout deck awaiting all those who complete the trail. 28 – 31 Oct Halloween after dark trail in the Plotters’ Forest As the sun sets, experience the illuminated afterdark trail when the magical inhabitants of The Plotters’ Forest take on a life of their own. Discover our scary spiders and beware of the witches and wolves as you collect our creepy clues. This trail is suitable for ages 11 and under. Don’t forget to bring a torch! 27 – 31 Oct Raby Castle Pumpkin Patch – Pumpkin Display & Competition The Garden Team will be judging your amazing pumpkin creations and the winner will be announced on Halloween night and will receive a Family Day Pass for The Plotters’ Forest. 7 Oct – 5 Nov Mischievous Mog Halloween Trail in the Deer Park Can you help the Witch nd Mog and her hat? Follow Mogs mischief around the Deer Park, nd the missing words to see what she got up to. There’s riddles to solve along the way and a few cheeky ‘Mogs’ trying to lead you astray! Halloween Half Term Happenings 7 Oct – 5 Nov High Force School of Wizardry Join The School of Witches & Wizards for a magical potions class. Collect all the letters to pass your class with distinction and start your journey to becoming a powerful Witch or Wizard. Please check all dates, times and book tickets online at raby.co.uk Amazing Autumn Adventures at Preston Park Museum & Grounds 28 Oct – 5 Nov From pumpkin-themed trails and crafts to storytelling and live music, we’ll be bringing you lots of exciting opportunities to make the most of this enchanting season. Museum admission applies. Pay once and return for unlimited free visits for 12 months. Activities are drop-in and free with museum admission. There will be a small charge to pick your own pumpkin. prestonparkmuseum.co.uk Halloween at The Hullabaloo, Darlington 28 Oct Spooktacular Storytelling Join expert storyteller, Chris Connaughton, for some wonderfully weird and spooktacular stories for children aged 3-10 years - various sessions. 31 Oct Silent Disco Come and booooo-gie on down at our Hullaween silent disco! Tonnes of fangtastic fun! Ages 3-10 years - various sessions. theatrehullabaloo.org.uk Halloween Fun at Newham Grange Farm, Middlesbrough Weekends from 14-29 Oct + 30 & 31 Oct Pick a pumpkin and carve your best spooky design in the Discovery Barn. The pumpkin patch is bigger than ever this year and pumpkins are small and medium sized, perfect for smaller hands. Make a full day of it and enjoy Halloween arts and crafts and a family friendly trail. Be sure to come in your best spooky out t and join in the fun. Spot prizes will be given throughout the day for the best costumes! Top tip: Bring your wellies and pack your waterproofs to keep extra dry and cosy! newhamgrangefarm.co.uk Frightwater Valley at Lightwater Valley, Ripon 28 Oct – 5 Nov Back by popular demand! Awesome activities to keep your little monsters eerily entertained in-between rides. Including Trick or Treat Doors, Live Scare Maze, Spooky Magic Show & Freaky Fancy Dress Competitions. Tombstone Trail Join the Boo Crew and go on a terrible tombstone hunt around the trembling woods! lightwatervalley.co.uk Halloween Half Term Happenings A few frighteningly good ideas from our online events diary… Please do check all event details online as some events need prebooking. Find lots more half term events across the region in our What’s On Guide on the Raring2go! website Raring2go! PLACES2GO Raring2go! WHATS ON
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 24 raring2go.co.uk 25 Raring2go! WHATS ON Get ready to be mesmerized this Christmas in Bishop Auckland! Auckland Castle’s dazzling new light trail AGLOW will illuminate the skies of Bishop Auckland this Christmas. AGLOW promises to be one of the most spectacular Christmas light trails in the North East, featuring 17 incredible illuminations including the tallest Christmas tree in the North of England and the country's longest outdoor light tunnel. Running from 22 November to 31 December 2023 (excluding Christmas Day), AGLOW is a must-see experience for all the family. Begin your journey at Auckland Castle and embark on a glittering 1.5-mile trail through Auckland Castle’s gardens and grounds, with surprises around every corner. Auckland Castle will be illuminated with stunning projections and rainbowhued spheres on the bowling green, whilst a 100-metre tunnel of stars will lead visitors to the Deer Park, where life-size illuminated deer, dancing water fountains, and daring fire displays await. Enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate, and marshmallow toasting along the way. Stand in awe of the North's tallest Christmas tree, a 104-foot Wellingtonia tree adorned with nearly one kilometre of colourful lights, overlooking Santa’s Village. For those making a day of it, The Auckland Project has plenty more to offer with Auckland Castle, the Spanish Gallery, Faith Museum and Mining Art Gallery, open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30am – 4pm (separate tickets required). Visit: aucklandaglow.org
26 raring2go.co.uk 27 Raring2go! PLACES2GO Raring2go! WHATS ON DOVECOT ST. STOCKTON-ON-TEES www.arconline.co.uk | 01642 525185 www.cantsitstill.net #MummyPenguinLive Tuesday 5th - Saturday 23rd December 2023 in association with ARC STOCKTON & THE ALBANY present... LIVE ON STAGE Well Done, Mummy Penguin © Copyright 2022 Chris Haughton. Licensed by Walker Books Ltd, London Coming up at ARC Stockton Arts Centre 7 Oct Pirate Bonnie Join the crew and feel the rush of wind in the sails as Bonnie shares her treasure and sings the songs of pirates of old.. 2-4 Nov The Three Little Pigs There’s a wolf coming… But for now, the Three Little Pigs have tricked him onto a bus. If he catches them, he’ll huff and he’ll puff and we all know how that ends… On the run and with the need to build a strong shelter our three problem-solving pigs call on you to save their bacon. Be blown away by the world of Stuff and Nonsense in this joyful retelling of a classic tale. Told in a unique physical style with raucous puppets, this is highoctane family theatre that will make you howl! 8 Nov Festival of Light and Colour Stockton’s annual celebration to mark?Diwali, check ARC website for details. 25 Nov The Nosy Little Troll Deep in the heart of the Norwegian Forest live the trolls – big trolls, tiny trolls and a Nosy Little Troll who has an amazingly sensitive nose… What is that wonderfully stinky smell wafting through the trees? The Nosy Little Troll sets off to follow her nose on a quest to solve the mysterious pong. Garlic Theatre hold their young audience spellbound with wonderfully crafted troll puppets, live music and lots of joining in. 5-23 Dec Well Done, Mummy Penguin Amidst the snowy Antarctic landscape, Mummy Penguin is off to find a fishy dinner for her family. Daring acrobatics, integrated sign language and heartwarming humour. A perfect wintery treat for everyone aged 3 and up. Club Groovy Events Club Groovy is a fabulously funky daytime disco and theatre event for young families who love to move & groove! 28 Oct Club Groovy: Not So Spooky Monster Bash Loads of groovy Halloween antics for you and your funky little monsters to enjoy. Dress up and come boogie to some frightfully fantastic tunes! 22 Dec Club Groovy: Christmas Sparklefest Join Club Groovy for a fantastically festive end to the season at their Magical Sparklefest Christmas party! Full of Christmas hits, glitter, and grooviness! More information on all ARC events and buy tickets at arconline.co.uk WIN Tickets to see The Three Little Pigs Enter on the Raring2go! website. Closing date 23 Oct 2023
28 raring2go.co.uk 29 Raring2go! THINGS TO DO Raring2go! READING EGGS OFFER
30 raring2go.co.uk 31 Raring2go! Raring2go! With 6 huge play zones to discover, attractions and shows, 18,000 sq feet of indoor play, cute & cuddly friends at the FarmYard and acres of and outdoor fun, Adventure Valley is easily the North East’s biggest family adventure park! Plus themed events to enjoy every school holiday like half term's Pumpkin Festival WIN a family ticket to Enter on the Raring2go! website. Closing date 23 Oct 2023
32 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHATS ON IN 2023 14-15, 21-22 October 28 October - 5 November • Pick your pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and get carving* • Aim and re the Corn Cob Catapult • Daily shows • Follow the spooky trail • New Play Frames to explore • An activity every 30 minutes ALL INCLUDED IN ENTRY! *Whilst stocks last. One pumpkin for every paying child (2 years and over). Usually worth £3
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