If you’re wondering what to do with the kids in Teesside this weekend, you’re in luck. Whether you’re local or visiting, the Tees Valley area is packed with family-friendly events, exciting activities, and free outdoor fun. From adventure parks to LEGO challenges and science festivals, here’s your ultimate guide to entertaining the kids in Teesside this weekend (Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th July 2025).
🌟 Featured Family Events in Teesside
1. S&DR LEGO Train Challenge – Billingham
This creative STEM event is back at Billingham Sports & Leisure Centre! Kids can build, code, and run their very own LEGO train. This hands-on workshop encourages imagination and engineering skills, with guided activities suitable for children aged 5–12.
📅 When: Both Saturday and Sunday
📍 Where: Billingham Forum Leisure Centre
🎟️ Cost: Free (advance booking recommended)
2. Kapow Sci-Fi Festival – Stockton Globe
Kapow returns with its family-friendly comic con experience! Expect stormtroopers, superheroes, cosplay competitions, and sci-fi stalls. A perfect event for children who love Marvel, Star Wars or fantasy.
📅 When: Saturday only
📍 Where: Stockton Globe Theatre
🎟️ Cost: From £7.50 (under 5s go free)
3. Little Seedlings Rainforest Workshop – Dobbies Stockton
Dobbies Garden Centre hosts its monthly kids’ workshop. This weekend’s theme is “Rainforests” – children will learn about exotic animals, plants and biodiversity through crafts and interactive storytelling.
📅 When: Sunday 6th July, 10:15am
📍 Where: Dobbies Garden Centre, Stockton
🎟️ Cost: Free (online booking required)
🏞️ Outdoor Adventures for the Whole Family
Stewart Park, Middlesbrough
This 120-acre public park is ideal for a full family day out. There’s a huge play area, duck ponds, a petting zoo, and the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum. Bring a picnic and enjoy the natural beauty.
Tees Barrage International White Water Centre
Adrenaline and family-friendly thrills await! Whether you’re rafting, kayaking, or just exploring the riverside paths, the Barrage has plenty of fresh-air fun, plus a play park and café on-site.
Butterfly World & Preston Park Museum
Explore tropical butterflies in an indoor glasshouse, enjoy Victorian history in the museum, and play in the vast outdoor playground. The riverside location adds even more adventure.
🤸 Indoor Fun if the Weather Turns
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Our Funhouse (Middlesbrough): Soft play area with multi-level climbing frames and toddler zones.
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Jump 360 (Stockton): Trampolines, foam pits and ninja runs for active kids.
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Billingham Forum Ice Arena: Family-friendly ice skating with penguin aids for beginners.
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Clip ‘n’ Climb (Stockton): Climbing fun for kids aged 4+, with themed walls and timed challenges.
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Teesside Karting (Thornaby): Junior karting sessions for children aged 9+.
🌊 Seaside Day Trip Idea: Saltburn-by-the-Sea
If you’re looking for a coastal escape, Saltburn is a 30-minute drive from central Teesside. Enjoy:
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The iconic Saltburn Cliff Lift
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Pier walk and beach games
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Fish & chips and ice cream at the seafront
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Saltburn Miniature Railway (operates weekends)
🎭 What’s On – Kids’ Shows & Theatre
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Spot’s Birthday Party – Darlington Hippodrome: A live theatre production perfect for young children featuring singing, dancing, and all Spot’s favourite friends.
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Madagascar the Musical – Stockton Globe (upcoming): Book tickets early for this high-energy family show coming mid-July.
🎒 Free & Cheap Activities
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Maze Park Nature Reserve: Explore the Teesdale Way with free walking trails, wildflowers, and lookout points.
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Middlesbrough Central Library: Regular Saturday Story Time and crafts.
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Ropner Park: Victorian-style park with play areas and a lovely tearoom.
🧠 Pro Tip: Mix Indoor & Outdoor Options
The Teesside weather can be unpredictable, so it’s smart to pair an outdoor plan (like Stewart Park or Saltburn) with an indoor backup (like Jump 360 or Clip ‘n’ Climb). Most locations have cafés and baby-changing facilities.
✅ Quick Weekend Plan Suggestion
| Day | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | LEGO Train Challenge (Billingham) | Kapow Festival or Stewart Park |
| Sunday | Dobbies Rainforest Workshop | Tees Barrage or Butterfly World |
📍 Final Tip: Check Before You Go
Some events require advance booking, so it’s always worth visiting event websites or contacting venues directly for the latest updates, especially during peak school holiday times.