Keep Kids Entertained This Autumn Half Term

A big problem with autumn half term is the uncertain weather. Will it be a crisp and dry day, or absolutely soaking? Well we’ve got a variety of ideas to keep your little ones and teens occupied as October ends. And because this year’s break falls over Halloween, why not also check out our Halloween in Tees Valley page here for more activity inspo.

Let’s face it, if the weather’s a bit drizzly, you’re going to get wet anyway – so you might as well enjoy it! Tees Barrage International White Water Centre offers a whole RAFT of on-water experiences, including Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Canoeing and bellboating.

Book your experience here

Hopetown has fun whatever the weather – where your kids can learn Darlington’s story of engineering, ideas and invention. Highlighting the town’s railway past and Locomotion No 1, this attraction is fantastic for all ages.. Outdoors, there’s Wagon Woods, a railway-themed adventure play park that builds on the railway story, and the venue is also running some spooky events during the holidays.

Check out more information.

Redcar’s Kirkleatham Owl Centre boasts more than just the hooting bird – with vultures, kookaburra, emus,  porcupines, meerkats and much more calling it home. There are also a number of friendly farmyard pets to meet and, if things take a turn, dip into the nearby Kirkleatham Museum.

Discover the Centre

If your kids are football mad then you can score an easy goal by taking them to the Dorman Museum’s Boro! A Shirt History! exhibition. Extended through to November, the display tells MFC’s story from the earliest days of the game at Albert Park, through to Ayresome Park and the highs of the Riverside era, told through dozens of the club’s iconic shirts.

Click here to book.

Ninja Warrior UK at Teesside Park is one of the region’s newest and most exciting attractions – but don’t let the name put you off. As well as a challenging course for adults, the venue’s suitable for everyone. The main course is suitable for everyone aged 4+, with a Little Ninjas Inflatable Fun section for those aged 0-3 Ninja Teens course for kids from 12-17. A perfect, action-packed activity for a rainy day.

Find out more here.

Hartlepool’s Heugh Battery Museum preserves the only First World War battlefield in the UK and commemorates the bombardment of the town in December 1914. The museum boasts a large and eclectic collection of military artefacts and artillery pieces from throughout history, so it’s a great and educational day out.

Visit the website here.

And if the sun does shine, there are a wealth of beautiful parks to discover, the length and breadth of Tees Valley. Darlington’s grade II registered historic park, South Park, is a stone’s throw from the town centre and has lots to offer. Hartlepool’s Summerhill Country Park boasts ponds, sculptures, playgrounds, a BMX track and boulder climbing while Middlesbrough’s Stewart Park has 120 acres to explore – including open parkland, mature woodland and an arboretum. Over in Saltburn, the Valley Gardens are still beautiful for a wander even when not in full bloom and Stockton’s Preston Park also boasts a fantastic museum of local history should the weather take a turn!