Family craft sessions

Looking for FREE family fun during the summer holidays? Join us every Wednesday for a different hands-on activity inspired by nature, archaeology and the Roman world. Activities are suitable for families and offer creative opportunities to learn, make and explore together.
Wednesday 22 July
Nature hunt and sketch your finds
Explore the fort on a nature hunt and discover the plants, insects and wildlife that call Arbeia home. Record your discoveries with sketches and drawings inspired by what you find.
Wednesday 29 July
Make Roman-style beads and a bracelet
Create your own colourful Roman-inspired beads and use them to make a unique bracelet to take home.
Wednesday 5 August
Mini centurion paper helmet
Become a Roman soldier for the day by making your own miniature Centurion helmet from paper and card.
Wednesday 12 August
Design a Roman Belt Buckle
Get creative with foil and craft materials to design and make a Roman-inspired belt buckle.
Wednesday 19 August
Create a mini Draco cavalry standard
Learn about the Roman cavalry and make your own miniature Draco standard, one of the most distinctive military symbols of the Roman army.
Wednesday 26 August
Special archaeology dig
Step into the role of an archaeologist and take part in a special excavation experience in our Time Quest Building. Spaces are limited to eight participants per session, with each session lasting 20 minutes.
These activities are part of our Ways to Play programme of free and low-cost family-friendly activities.
Make your Ways to Play adventure a great value day out by travelling to our venues by Metro and / or Ferry. Up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on the Metro and the Shields Ferry with a fare-paying adult. Metro is the convenient, fast and frequent way to get to your favourite attractions and now it’s even more affordable.
Nearest Metro station to Arbeia: South Shields
Ways to Play is sponsored by Tyne and Wear Metro