We all know that even the most perfectly planned summer’s day out can be scuppered by a spot of rain. Don’t fret! These fantastic Tees Valley indoor attractions have you covered – literally.
Middlesborough’s Level X is one of the town’s newest family-friendly attractions, and is much more than your normal bowling alley. Offering crazy golf, go-karting, VR experiences and arcade games, karaoke pods, darts and pool, there really is something for everyone in this cool and lively venue.
Theatre Hullabaloo in Darlington is the UK’s only dedicated children’s theatre north of London. With a programme tailored to young people between 0 and 16, it has world-class shows, play installations a family friendly café and more. Summer highlights include the Fairytale Trail, Let’s Play and Drumming with Joolz workshop.
Jump 360 should spring to mind on bad weather days. The popular indoor trampoline park has two venues, in Stockton and Hartlepool, so you’re never too far away from the action. Hartlepool contains climbing walls, aeroball courts and even a soft play area specifically for the under-fives, with Stockton boasting more than 100 trampolines, basketball lanes and Jump Junior and Toddler area. Hop to it!
Billingham Forum’s much more than a theatre, with families getting their skates on for its popular Ice Arena. It encourages and welcomes people of all ages and abilities, and even hosts spectacular under-18 “club style” nights. The venue also hosts the GoClimb climbing wall, with vibrant, creative climbing wall designs sure to be a hit.
Escape the rain – but feel like you’re in a rainforest – at Butterfly World. Located in Preston Park Museum and Grounds, you can witness hundreds of exotic butterflies filling the air alongside splashing waterfalls and pools. You can also meet the centre’s meerkats and take a trip through its reptile area.
If your little ones have been inspired by the Tall Ships Races 2023, or just want to learn more about our maritime past, visit the National Museum of the Royal Navy at Hartlepool’s Jackson Dock. Step back to the 1800s and experience fighting ships and see what life was like on board the HMS Trincomalee. It’s also home to the Horrible Histories Pirates exhibition, bringing the best-selling Terry Deary books to life!
If you’re hoping to stretch your green thumbs when the sun does come out, some of our garden centres also are home to fantastic children’s activities. Kids can be bouncing off the walls at soft play areas at Arcadia Garden Centre in Middlesbrough and Dobbies Garden Centre in Stockton. Cherry Hill Garden Centre in Hemlington offers mini-golf alongside a Jungle Boat Ride virtual reality experience.
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