22 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Shun the indoors this February half term and head to the Dark Skies Festival to make the most of one of nature’s greatest spectacles, the night sky. Families can enjoy a star safari in the company of astronomy experts to increase their chances of watching this night-time wonder. These will run alongside Festival favourites such as nocturnal wildlife trails, dark sky runs, walks, mindful stargazing and astrophotography skills sessions. There’s also the opportunity to have close-up encounters with owls as well as learning how to photograph them at the National Centre for Birds of Prey in Helmsley. Families with younger children needn’t miss out on the fun as there are daytime dark skiesthemed workshops and craft activities. Even those who can’t travel to the National Parks can still be involved with the Festival as there will be a number of online events to take you on a journey through the stars. North York Moors & Yorkshire Dales National Parks’ Dark Skies Festival 10-26 February Milky Way above Harome credit Steve Bell Hidden Horizon's Star Dome credit Tony Bartholomew Ghost walks - Whitby Storyteller credit Glen Fiztpatrick Elf Academy WWT Washington Weekends, 3 – 18 Dec 10am & 1pm Enr l in a special workshop and learn everything you need to know t gain your all-important Elf Diploma. Age 4+ wwt.org.uk £12 per child Breakfast with Mrs Claus & Tinker McJingles Clarion Hotel 3, 10, 17, 21 - 24 Dec, 9am Join Mrs Claus and Tinker McJingles for a morning of interactive fun. Includes breakfast, entertainment, a visit to Santa and present. hotels-sunderland.com From £15 Mrs Christmas at Wallington Wallington Hall Christmas Parade Ocean Road, South Shields 9 Dec, 5 – 6.15pm See illuminated structures, stilt walkers, dancers, street entertainers and Spark! drummers before finishing with a spectacular firew rks display. visitsouthtyneside.co.uk FREE Lunch with Olaf The Play Café 9 & 13 Dec, 11.30am During this e ent, t r songs, dancing, bubbles, lunch and a visit from Olaf. facebook.com/theplaycafesunderland £12 Create a Snow Globe The Word 10 Dec, 1 - 3pm Enjoy a fun Christmas- hemed Weekends, 3 – 18 Dec 11.30am – 4pm Mrs Christmas is back for her wonderful storytelling in the House this festive season. Free event (admission applies) Christ s Craft Fair Souter Lighthouse & the Leas 3 & 4 Dec 10am – 4pm The Christmas craft fair returns offering visitors locally handmade crafts, gifts, cards and jewell ry. nationaltrust.org.uk Real Ice Rink Ocean Beach Pleasure Park 9 Dec – 8 Jan Have a magical experience as you skate on a real ice rink, enjoy the arcades and seasonal food in the decorated park. oceanb ach.co.uk
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