There are tons of exciting activities for kids across Teesside, covering Hartlepool, Darlington, Middlesbrough, Redcar, and Cleveland.

Whether they love outdoor adventures, creative workshops, sports, festivals, or scenic walks, there’s something for everyone!


Outdoor Adventures & Parks

  • Stewart Park (Middlesbrough) – A 120-acre park with playgrounds, woodland trails, and a petting corner featuring llamas and goats.
  • Albert Park (Middlesbrough) – Offers boating, tennis courts, a skate park, and a large play area.
  • Preston Park (Stockton) – Features adventure playgrounds, a butterfly house, and a Victorian street museum.
  • Guisborough Forest & Walkway – Home to the Gruffalo Trail, nature walks, and outdoor play areas.
  • Saltburn Valley Gardens – A beautiful woodland park with a miniature railway, picnic spots, and a maze.
  • RSPB Saltholme (Stockton) – A nature reserve offering pond dipping, wildlife safaris, and bug hunts.
  • Summerhill Country Park (Hartlepool) – Features climbing walls, BMX tracks, and nature trails.
  • Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park (Normanby) – A hidden gem with woodland walks, a play area, and picnic spots.
  • Redcar Beach & Promenade – Perfect for sandcastle building, rock pooling, and seaside fun.
  • Seaton Carew Beach (Hartlepool) – Offers arcades, fish and chips, and a long sandy beach.
  • Darlington South Park – A large park with duck ponds, play areas, and a café.

Scenic Walks Across Teesside

  • Guisborough Forest Walk – A woodland trail with stunning views over Teesside, leading to High Cliff Nab and Hanging Stone.
  • Saltburn Cliffs & Coastal Path – A dramatic coastal walk with breathtaking views, ending at Saltburn Pier.
  • Tees Sculpture Trail – A unique walk featuring 25 interpretive sculptures representing the region.
  • Way of St Hild Pilgrimage Trail – A historical route connecting Hartlepool and Whitby, with augmented reality waypoints.
  • Roseberry Topping & Newton Wood – A challenging but rewarding walk with panoramic views across Teesside.
  • Billingham Beck Valley Country Park – A wildflower-filled nature reserve with reed beds, ponds, and marshland.
  • Tees Heritage Park Walk – A riverside trail along the banks of the River Tees, connecting Stockton and Yarm.
  • River Tees Stroll – A picturesque walk starting at Tees Barrage, crossing Newport Bridge and Infinity Bridge.
  • Wynyard Woodland Park – A former railway line turned into a scenic walking and cycling route.
  • Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park – A wildlife-rich park with meadows, streams, and wetlands.
  • Ormesby Hall Estate Walk – A circular route through woodlands and historic gardens.

Indoor Fun & Play Centres

  • Jump 360 (Stockton & Hartlepool) – A trampoline park with obstacle courses and foam pits.
  • Clip ‘n Climb (Middlesbrough) – A climbing adventure with themed walls and challenges.
  • Fun Shack (Stockton) – One of the biggest indoor play centres in the North East.
  • Inflata Nation (Darlington) – A giant inflatable park with slides, obstacle courses, and bounce zones.
  • Hollywood Bowl (Teesside Park) – A family-friendly bowling alley with arcade games.
  • Tees Barrage International White Water Centre (Stockton) – Offers kayaking, rafting, and paddleboarding.
  • Middlesbrough Sports Village – Features BMX tracks, a velodrome, and football pitches.
  • Hartlepool Maritime Experience – A historic attraction with interactive exhibits and a pirate ship.
  • Darlington Dolphin Centre – A leisure centre with swimming pools and soft play.

Creative & Educational Activities

  • Preston Park Museum (Stockton) – Hosts craft workshops, science shows, and storytelling sessions.
  • Ormesby Hall (Middlesbrough) – Offers archery, circus performances, and summer crafts.
  • Kirkleatham Museum (Redcar) – Features historical exhibits, craft workshops, and outdoor play areas.
  • The Hullabaloo (Darlington) – A children’s theatre with interactive performances and creative play zones.
  • Hartlepool Art Gallery – Hosts kids’ art workshops and exhibitions.
  • Dorman Museum (Middlesbrough) – Offers interactive exhibits and craft activities.
  • The Word (South Shields) – A storytelling and creative hub with workshops for kids.
  • Teesside University STEM Workshops – Free science and technology sessions for young learners.

Sports & Adventure Activities

  • Billingham Forum Ice Arena – Offers ice skating sessions and lessons.
  • Saltburn Surf School – Teaches surfing and paddleboarding for kids.
  • Darlington Arena – Hosts football camps and sports events.
  • Hartlepool Gymnastics Academy – Offers gymnastics classes for all ages.
  • Redcar Racecourse Family Days – Special kids’ events with pony rides and entertainment.
  • Middlesbrough FC Foundation Holiday Camps – Football training for young players.

Special Events & Festivals

  • Saltburn Food Festival – A family-friendly event with food stalls, live entertainment, and kids’ activities.
  • Hullabaloo Party in the Park (Darlington) – A creative festival featuring crafts, storytelling, and interactive play zones.
  • Stockton International Riverside Festival – A huge outdoor arts festival with performances and workshops.
  • Middlesbrough Mela – A celebration of culture with music, dance, and food.
  • Hartlepool Tall Ships Festival – A spectacular maritime event with ship tours and activities.
  • Darlington Summer Fair – A traditional fair with rides, games, and entertainment.
  • Redcar Kite Festival – A fun-filled day of kite flying and family activities.

Free Holiday Activity Programs

  • Middlesbrough Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) Programme – Offers free sports, creative workshops, and meals for kids.
  • Hartlepool Holiday Fun – Provides free performing arts, forest school, Pokémon Club, and life skills sessions for eligible children.

More Events & Activities

For a full list of summer holiday events across Teesside, check out this guide with dates, locations, and booking details!

 

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