My first proper half-term as a mum. What should I do?

[LocalEditorDurham]

DS started school nursery just after Easter so next week is our very first proper half term. What should I be doing for the holiday week in or around county Durham? And any top tips for me for school hols? Should I be doing loads or letting him sleep for a week? We have a birthday to go to on the bank holiday but after that we are completely free.

Does your DS like trains? Locomotion at Shildon have some stuff happening next week. A Meccano fair on Sun/Mon and Timmy (from Timmy Time) on Wed. My DS would be gutted to miss the Meccano but since we will be swanning around Holland they are putting a brave face on it

Ooh thanks. Yes he loves trains. I'd seen the Timmy Time one (in fact it made the mumsnet national round up of events) but somehow missed the meccano one when I was listing events. DH would love that too! Surely even a truly meccano obsessed DS would prefer Holland-swanning ? :) At the moment we might have to do long lie ins before we set off for anything - do they get less exhausted by the time the school hols come round as they get older?

Hello, how did you get on over half term? I have just moved to the area and am after slightly different advice (although weirdly - or should that be weardly - I also just experienced my first proper half term with my oldest : we have just moved from abroad). I am trying to find baby (think active 11month old so soon to be walking) groups/activities which have a few sahm (or dads) - there seem to be lots of grandparents at the ones I have found and while they are lovely (& I am clearly just jealous of the family/childcare!) I would dearly like to meet some parents similar in age to me (am mid thirties)...my name probably tells you whereabouts I am but I have wheels and like to get out and about. Any help would be great!

Hi Weirddale. DS1 just wanted to rest over half term so it ended up being a bit quiet actually. Yes your nickname is a giveaway! I am late 30s with a 10 month old DS2 and DS 1 aged 3.5 and I live in Weardale. I have just moved back here after quite a few years away, so I'm starting to look for the same sorts of activities. I haven't been to many groups yet, as we're just getting over the move and getting used to the new routines with nursery. Hopefully we can get some advice from others on some good activities, but in the meantime would you like to meet up?

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! Yes, it would be lovely to get together: great that you are in a similar neck of the woods and have also recently moved - it sounds like you are originally from these parts though so I look forward to hearing any 'insider' info! Let me know a good day and place and I would be delighted to meet you. Thanks again!

Hi Weirddale - fab. I'll PM you if that is OK?