FREE Things to do in the Tees Valley for the Summer Holidays

Tees Valley has an abundance of free things to do during the summer holidays. With family-friendly fun, spectacular attractions and a whole host of exciting activities to try, boredom will never be a problem!

Here are a few suggestions on what to do during your summer… 

Venture outside 

Located in Redcar, gorgeous Guisborough forest and walkway provides great entertainment for active visitors and young families alike. Open from 9am to 4pm and with an exciting cycle route, three serene walkways, a spectacular sculpture trail and play areas, it’s a perfect summer activity. Whether it’s bug-hunting or the Julia Donaldson ‘Zog’ trail, it’s a refreshing outdoor experience for the family. 

Why not enjoy a picnic in one of our many picturesque parks. With multiple being located across all five of our boroughs, there is ample choice AND ample fun in Stewart, Preston, South, Locke, or Ropner Park which all have free admissions and house playgrounds and games areas too.  

Flatts Lane Country Park in Redcar & Cleveland is also a popular attraction. Be at one with nature and get to exploring these extraordinary views, this woodland is full of things to do. Better yet, it’s open 24/7 with free entry and parking. 

Ormesby Hall garden and parkland in Middlesborough offers magnificent grounds filled with uplifting colour and vibrance to indulge in. It’s free of charge and open daily from 10:30-16:00, it would be a shame to miss seeing this seasonal sensation – making summer the best time to visit! 

Learn something new 

The Tees Valley is home to a whole host of several museums with free admissions, The Dorman Museum and The Kirkleatham Museum to name a few. 

The Dorman Museum in Middlesborough holds eight permanent galleries with exhibitions ranging from intriguing local history to many vast wonders of the natural world and is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10:30- 15:30. Kirkleatham Museum in Redcar is also an amazing option, with fantastic exhibits, and is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4:30pm. 

Head to the coast 

You can’t go wrong with the next one….Tees Valley has a breath-taking coast with stunning beaches. Whether its Redcar, Saltburn, Seaton Carew, each gorgeous coastline is sure to make a fantastic day for anyone – young or old.  

Top Attractions 

Teessauraus Park is a terrific day out, where the young ones can explore and learn with the extraordinary life-size dinosaur sculptures that are scattered about the ten-acre site. 

If you want something to do with the older kids, it’s time to dig up your abandoned skates, scooters, and boards from the garage. Offering free entry, a thrilling day testing out Saltburn Skate Park’s newest ramps, banks and rails is a great way to spend your time with the big kids. 

A Summer of Events 

We’ve got so many big events set to take centre stage this summer…  

Prepare the glitter, as Stockton International Riverside Festival is on the horizon. Taking place this year from the 3^rd to the 6^th of August, Stockton high street is once again hosting an abundance of street theatre, music, dance and outdoor arts for you to marvel at. With no ticket required, this is another magnificent way to fill your summer! 

You don’t have to be beside the seaside to get sand in your toes. Head to Darlington for five days of sun (hopefully), sea and sand for the ever-popular Darlington By The Sea.

Running from Monday 24 July to Friday 28 July between 11am and 4pm, families can enjoy free sandcastle building in a giant sandpit in the market square, face painting, balloon modelling, and lots more fun and games.

So with this and more, why wouldn’t you spend your summer exploring and enjoying all Tees Valley has to offer?