If you’re planning a visit to Stockton-on-Tees with the entire family, this article offers some great suggestions of places to go and things to do with kids, from parks to museums and more!
1. Preston Park Museum & Grounds
Preston Park Museum & Grounds offers a variety of attractions for both young and old. The museum is in a Georgian mansion, with riverside grounds. Inside you’ll find a full period recreated Victorian street and exhibits on local life in the late 1800s. The grounds are beautiful (and free!). There is a play area for kiddos, mini golf, a skateboard park, and an ice cream stall. Even if you opt not to go into the museum, Preston Park Museum & Grounds is a perfect spot to take a picnic and relax with the family.
Preston Park Museum & Grounds (Eaglescliffe)
Address: Yarm Rd, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 3RH, UK
Website: Preston Park Museum & Grounds
2. Wild Animal Adventures
Wild Animal Adventures allows you to get up close to your favorite farm yard animals. It has themed areas with just under 100 species, from rabbits to reptiles. An experience here is educational and unique as you will learn about the animals and how to handle them. In the spring and summer, you may even get to see some baby animals! A perfect outing for the whole family!
Wild Animal Adventures
Address: Portrack Lane, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 2NR, UK
Website: Wild Animal Adventures
3. Dorman Museum

The Dorman Museum is part of Middlesbrough, about a 10 minute’s drive from Stockton-on-Tees. The museum holds a large collections of items that celebrate the areas heritage. You will see things ranging from geology and natural history to Victorian arts and craft. The exhibits are enjoyable for both adults and children. Note also that admission is free on weekends and school holidays!
Dorman Museum
Address: Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough TS5 6LA, UK
Website: Dorman Museum
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4. Stewart Park

Stewart Park covers 120 acres (48 hectares) of land for the entire family to explore. It’s located in the south of Middlesbrough, just a quick drive from Stockton-on-Tees. There are two lakes in the park, lots of mature woodland, an arboretum, and open parkland. Various trails are provided for walking and hiking. You can get more information on these at the visitor center. The site where Captain James Cook was born can be found within Stewart Park. Though the building is long gone, there is a pink granite urn that marks the site. Stewart Park is also popular for large events such as the Cleveland Show, farmers markets and craft fairs.
Stewart Park
Address: The Grove, Marton, Marton-in-Cleveland, Middlesbrough TS7 8AR, UK
Website: Stewart Park
5. Splash
The flumes at Splash will be closed for annual maintenance today (Tuesday 4th July). We aim to re-open them as soon as...
Posted by Tees Active on Tuesday, 4 July 2017
Splash is really a fabulous place to visit with kids. It will cool you off on hot summer days and allow you a bit of relaxing swim time. Facilities are bright and modern. The main pool comes to life with waves, flumes and water jets during Big Splash Swim time. A smaller pool offers shallower water for the little ones or those still learning to swim. A toddler area includes very shallow water for babies to sit and splash about, and a mini slide. There are even two larger slides for all different ages. Parking is pay and display, but very reasonably priced.
Splash
Address: Church Rd, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1TY, UK
Website: Splash
6. The Pottery Pen
Create your own special souvenir at The Pottery Pen, a vibrant pottery painting studio here. They offer a range of items you can design and paint. No need to book ahead, unless it’s a holiday or you have a large group. Pop in and get painting!
The Pottery Pen
Address: 29 Silver St, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1SX, UK
Website: The Pottery Pen
7. Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park
Woodland, colorful meadows, streams and wetlands, Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park has it all! It is a haven for wildlife, with over 80 species of birds seen throughout the year. There are extensive footpaths throughout the park. Routes go up onto two mounds, one which has excellent views of the coast and Cleveland hills. Enjoy a day of relaxing and exploring at Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park.
Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park
Address: Seal Sands Link Road, Stockton-on-Tees TS23 3NF, UK
Website: Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park
8. Teesside White Water Centre
Teesside White Water Centre offers exhilarating water activities like white water rafting, power boating, paddle boarding and white water kayaking on its artificial white water course. It’s a popular destination for families, thrill seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Teesside White Water Centre
Address: Tees Barrage Way, Tees Barrage, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 2QW, UK
Website: Teesside White Water Centre
9. Ropner Park

Ropner Park was officially opened in 1893. The land was given by Major Robert Ropner, whose only conditions were that this free public park be laid out “tastefully and kept forever”. It was recently renovated and refurbished between 2004 and 2007, restoring it to its former Victorian Splendor. Ropner Park is a perfect place to stroll along the lake or walk down tree lined avenues and admire beautiful floral displays. It also offers tennis courts, a play area, and large grassy areas for games and picnics. Seasonal fairs and occasional organized events take place in the park throughout the year.
Ropner Park
Address: 30 Richmond Rd, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 4DT, UK
Website: Ropner Park
10. Tees Transporter Bridge

The Tees Transporter Bridge, also known as the Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge, stretches out across the River Tees. The transporter bridge was a unique concept that was developed in the 1870s. Instead of a typical bridge that extends across a roadway, a transporter bridge has small sections of moveable roadway that are suspended by cables. This section is then shuttled back and forth, moving cars from one side to another.
Transporter bridges are rare, and always have been. Only 10 remain standing today, and of those, only six still function. The Tees Transporter Bridge is one of those. Thus it is a very unique experience, and one the whole family is sure to enjoy!
Tees Transporter Bridge
Address: Transporter Bridge, Ferry Rd, Middlesbrough TS2 1PL, UK
Website: Tees Transporter Bridge
Making memories
Enjoy your day out with the family and make some memories during your visit to Stockton-on-Tees, UK!
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