Have a fab February half term in the Tees Valley

Flock to a theatre

Enjoy some family fun as you catch up on culture this February half term. Flock to one of the region’s theatres for fabulous performances, educational shows and most importantly, something the little ones will love! 

Did you know the only dedicated children’s theatre north of London is located right here in the Tees Valley? The Hullabaloo in Darlington offers a jam-packed programme of performances and activities for children of all ages. Hear fascinating fables and treacherous tales during storytelling sessions with Chris Connaughton, create your own fairytale in 48 hours at Play in 2 Days, or enjoy some mindful activities including yoga, storytelling and soundscapes in Chill-abaloo – the perfect way to relax and unwind. 

Stockton’s ARC is hosting Jack, Jill and the Landfill on Friday 25 February. Expect songs, puppets and some spectacular storytelling during this interactive adventure! This exciting twist on the classic nursey rhyme is bound to get the little ones laughing while it sends an important eco message about saving our planet. Arrive early to make your very own puppet for the show or stay back to go behind the scenes with the cast, tour the set, and even get in front of the camera yourself! 

Darlington Hippodrome’s milkshake is bringing all the families to the theatre this half term! Make your way to Milkshake! Live on Monday 21 February for a show packed with music, laughter, and audience interaction bound to get everyone up on their feet.  

Make your way to a museum 

Fall in love with local history, catch up on our maritime culture, learn all about the region’s railway heritage or simply become immersed in art. Whatever you’d like to do, there’s a museum for you to enjoy during February half term.  

Set sail on a maritime adventure, see the oldest war ship still afloat in Europe, and watch live cannon shooting at the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool, or go back in time as you explore the Victorian Street at Preston Park Museum, lined with authentic sweet and toy shop, blacksmiths and police station. 

Discover the grand home of the Pennyman Family as you relish in history at Ormesby Hall. Explore impressive bedrooms, stately dining halls and striking décor and more, before enjoying walking routes, activities, and nature in abundance among the Hall’s gorgeous grounds. 

Marvel at local artefacts and discover the history of Middlesbrough, its industries, and famous residents at Dorman Museum or jump all aboard Head of Steam Museum in Darlington, a place filled with all you need to know about the Stockton & Darlington railway, the first successful locomotive powered public railway, which changed the way the world trades, travels and communicates.  

Let off some steam 

It’s February half term and the little ones are bursting with energy… but we have a solution! 

Take them to let off some steam with these half–term activities across the region. 

No need to climb the walls at home when you have GoClimb in Billingham! Challenge yourself to climb all the towering walls or banish that fear of heights with friendly instructors on hand to help. Another way to feel on top of the world is to scale all four levels of the UK’s highest rope adventure course, Air Trail! Enjoy amazing views, take on the twist and turns of the course and if you’re feeling brave, soar through the air on a zipline, or even walk the plank. 

If you’re looking for an exciting mix of nature and adventure, Summerhill Country Park in Hartlepool is the ideal outdoor setting. Children can burn energy searching for sculptures and wildlife, exploring walking trails and clambering up climbing boulders dotted around this beautiful park. If you don’t mind getting muddy, bring the BMX along and get your blood pumping on the mountain bike trails.  

Teessaurus Park is another roarsome spot bound to impress the little ones! Pack a picnic and dine among life-size dinosaur sculptures, explore walking trails, and try to find towering tyrannosauruses and big brontosauruses dotted around this 100-acre beauty spot. The children are sure to love this dino-mite day out! If the kids haven’t already tired themselves out, why not take to the Teesdale Way for a riverside stroll up to Tees Barrage? 

Kirkleatham Walled Garden is another beauty spot you can count on to beat the boredom this half term! Explore the gorgeous sights and smells of the garden, discover beautiful blooms or head to the science garden to learn a thing or two about nature. While you’re enjoying the Kirkleatham Estate, learn all about the region’s history at Kirkleatham Museum or fly over to the Kirkleatham Owl Centre and meet resident creatures, ranging from vultures and meerkats to rabbits and emus. 

Continue the family fun and find more things to do in the Tees Valley this half term.