Family

Green space, plenty to do, a friendly attitude and a diverse mix of people make Middlesbrough a winner with families.

Family life is good in Middlesbrough. Beyond the clutch of good and outstanding schools the region offers, extracurricular activities, events and entertainment are in abundance. There are multiple activities for children to access from cultural workshops at The Dorman Museum, which celebrates Middlesbrough’s heritage through natural history and geology to social history and Victorian arts and craft, to large scale events throughout the year such as the Cleveland Show, hot air balloon festivals, the Middlesbrough Mela, music festivals and the Middlesbrough Town Meal.

Places to Explore and Learn

The North East boasts some of the most creative recreation spaces and centres in the UK. The flagship venue is Beamish, a world-famous open-air immersive museum, telling the story of life in North East England during the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s. Through genuine community engagement the area’s proud heritage is brought vividly to life. Equally historic is Ormesby Hall, in Middlesbrough, a classic Georgian mansion with beautiful formal gardens, surrounded by sprawling parkland that is maintained by the National Trust.

Active families have plenty of options too. For unadulterated fun Lightwater Valley theme park with activities for all ages from one year onwards wins hands down, with Air Trail Tees Barrage boasting an impressive assortment of adventurous activities along the banks of the River Tees. Also worthy options include Diggerland theme park, where you can ride and drive diggers, the Forbidden Corner’s unique labyrinth of tunnels and the Jorvik Viking Centre in York.

Space to Roam Free

As well as the wide vista of open space around Middlesbrough there are several countryside options that have dedicated attractions for children. With an orienteering course, trim trail, sculpture trail and play areas, Guisborough is a great place for a family day out. Climb the heights of Highcliff Nab or Hanging Stone and a fantastic view over Teesside and the coast awaits. An equally joyous family day out can be found at Wynyard Woodland Park.

This former railway line now offers an excellent route for walking and cycling through a nature reserve, woods and meadow. Best of all, there’s a superb adventure play area as well as a planetarium and observatory.