Alternative Guide: Family Fun - Outdoor Adventures

Impress the kids this weekend or holiday-time with a fun-packed agenda of activities and amusement, set in the great Middlesbrough outdoors.

Head off to Nature’s World on the outskirts of town, experience themed family trails such as the River Tees Model Trail and the Sci-fi Adventure Quest. You will soon realise you’re having as much fun as the kids! Make the most of the picnic areas and adventure playground. Older kids enjoy the interactive FutureWorld and the under-5s can explore the caterpillar tunnels in the creative Play World centre.

For you animal lovers out there, stop off at Newham Grange Leisure Farm in Coulby Newham where you’ll be able to visit the piglets, feed the goats and cuddle up with the bunnies; or pay a visit to Stewart Park to see llama, deer and guinea pigs as well as enjoying its vast open space to let off some steam.

For something a little more ‘hands-on’, get in touch with The Unicorn Centre in Hemlington, a state-of-the-art horseriding school with qualified instructors and facilities for both disabled and able-bodied riders of all standards.

With the seaside just a 15 minute drive away, sample a Pacitto’s ice-cream in Redcar or partake in a spot of body-boarding in the Saltburn surf, but make sure you take the family back through Redcar to devour fish and chips from The Little Chip, traditionally wrapped in newspaper and enjoyed with the much-loved wooden fork.

Coming back into Middlesbrough town centre, soak up the fantastically refurbished Albert Park and enjoy a stroll around the boating lake or hot drink in the café whilst the kids take to the roller skating rink and brand new play areas.

Alternative Guide: Family Fun - Indoor Escapades

If the weather proves to be so typically English, Middlesbrough has plenty to offer you and your family in the warmth and dryness of the indoors. Let’s get creative and sign up for mini mima at the town’s inspiring arts venue, an interactive arts session for under 4’s, or check out some of the holiday activities including free trolley days for all ages. Book your child a place on the Town Hall’s performing arts classes, craft workshops or carnival club and see new abilities and life skills emerge from within.

For some good solid playtime, Our Funhouse soft play centre is absolutely perfect. Located just off the A66 in the town centre, it features bouncy walls, wavy slides, pools of balls and ride-on cars, with relaxation areas for mum and dad where they can enjoy freshly prepared paninis, pastas or burgers.

Now the kids have burned off that excess energy, head off to Cineworld at Middlesbrough Leisure Park for the latest family blockbuster film, with treats galore - popcorn, pick-and-mix and tasty snacks. And if you’re not already bursting at the seams after the film, you’ve got McDonald’s and Pizza Hut upon your exit to put those hunger pangs to rest.

If you’re itching for more family fun to finish off the day, take a short drive to Hollywood Bowl at Teesside Leisure Park where mum and dad can show off their bowling techniques with or without the guidance ramp, chances are the kids will be the ten-pin victors.

For the perfect family accommodation, take advantage of the great offers at the town’s Premier Inn on Marton Road, with affordable family rooms Family Fun and a free breakfasts for the kids.

Download Alternative Guide: Family Fun

Alternative Guide: Family Fun

Return to Alternative Guides to Middlesbrough - Introduction

Alternative Guides to Middlesbrough - Introduction with links to additional guides

Terms of Use

Middlesbrough Council has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that the information on display on the VisitMiddlesbrough.com website is accurate and correct at the time of writing. However, the Council does not accept any responsibility or liability for any loss or claim arising directly or indirectly from visiting the site or from any error or inaccuracy in the information displayed. Information included in the Alternative Guides to Middlesbrough and Quotable Locals should not be viewed as an endorsement by Middlesbrough Council.