May half term is the perfect excuse to get out and explore, and there’s plenty happening across Teesside to keep families busy. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, creative workshops, or somewhere to keep the kids entertained for a few hours, there’s no shortage of things to do. It’s a great chance to try somewhere new, revisit a local favourite, or simply make the most of the holidays without travelling far.
Here’s my list of fun, family-friendly things to do in and around Teesside this May half term. The list is in date order, making it easier for you to plan your week.
Jump to: Sat 23rd | Sun 24th | Mon 25th | Tues 26th | Wed 27th | Thurs 28th | Fri 29th | Sat 30th | Sun 31st
See also: The Best Low Cost & Free Things to Do in Teesside
Sat 23rd
Soosh Sushi School at Earthbeat Centre Saltburn – Try your hand at making your very own sushi. Led by expert James, you’ll be shown how to do various rolls with a plethora of ingredients. And the best bit is you get to take absolutely everything you make away with you.
Vintage Weekend at Hopetown Darlington (FREE) – After the roaring success of last year’s VE Day celebrations, we are delighted to announce a full three-day Vintage Weekend this coming late May Bank Holiday weekend. It’s a proper knees-up celebrating times gone by filled with music, laughter, fine sights, friendly faces and good old British cheer. Across the weekend, expect nostalgia by the bucketful, with period sights, sounds and surprises at every turn. On Saturday you can enjoy a classic and vintage vehicle rally, Sunday is the shopping day at the vintage market and Monday is party day as we take a trip back to 1940s Darlington!
Wild Cards Easter at RSPB Saltholme – Until the end of May, pick up a special pack of playing cards (£3 at the reserve) to take on your adventure and compare the strengths, superpowers and fun facts of some of spring’s most familiar species. Track down the boards, play together to decide which creature will reign as the ultimate spring champion! Don’t forget to scan the codes and watch as amazing animals burst into life through augmented reality right before your eyes. £3 per pack of cards, each participant will also need to buy entry to the reserve.
Musical Mayhem at National Trust Ormesby Hall – Get musical at Ormesby Hall and discover the different music zones around the garden. You can sing, play instruments, compose, listen to and be inspired! From playing with junkyard music on the field to making music with the floor pianos and keyboards in the stables, there’s lots of musical fun to be had this half term. Normal admission applies to visit during half term and to enjoy the activities. Free entry for National Trust members and under fives.
MIMA Family Art Trolley (FREE) – Join us with family and friends to make your own masterpiece using a range of materials and making techniques. Stay for lunch and pick up a picnic from the MIMA Kitchen for £1 per child when visiting the Family Art Trolley.
Moonbeam Creative Play at The Hullabaloo, Darlington (FREE) – Take your first steps onto the moon and follow the beams… Along with our friends at Libellule Theatre, we’ve been busy creating a brand-new Creative Play space, Moonbeam, with the help of Priory Woods School and George Dent Nursery. Children aged 0-7 will be able to discover all about the magic of the moon in this special playscape!
Messy Adventures at The Hullabaloo, Darlington – Make a mess to create your own very world, and go on a messy adventure like no other! From the deepest depths of the sea, to the highest heights of the mountains, or travel through outer space to alien worlds. Become weird, messy characters who are imperfectly perfect, and tell your own story. Using recycled materials, you will create your own world of messy adventure, so come and join us! We’ll be playing games, getting to know each other and building something created by you, for you to enjoy! £5 per child.
Sun 24th
Bank Holiday BBQ at The Treebridge Hotel – Join us Sunday 24th May for an epic Bank Holiday afternoon. Garden party vibes, beer and Bellini bar, fresh from the grill BBQ… oh and did we mention LIVE MUSIC with the incredible Last Anthem Unplugged? Plus a bouncy castle for the kids to enjoy! Adult ticket entrance £10 and children £5.
Vintage Weekend at Hopetown Darlington (FREE) – After the roaring success of last year’s VE Day celebrations, we are delighted to announce a full three-day Vintage Weekend this coming late May Bank Holiday weekend. It’s a proper knees-up celebrating times gone by filled with music, laughter, fine sights, friendly faces and good old British cheer. Across the weekend, expect nostalgia by the bucketful, with period sights, sounds and surprises at every turn. On Saturday you can enjoy a classic and vintage vehicle rally, Sunday is the shopping day at the vintage market and Monday is party day as we take a trip back to 1940s Darlington!
Wild Cards Easter at RSPB Saltholme – Until the end of May, pick up a special pack of playing cards (£3 at the reserve) to take on your adventure and compare the strengths, superpowers and fun facts of some of spring’s most familiar species. Track down the boards, play together to decide which creature will reign as the ultimate spring champion! Don’t forget to scan the codes and watch as amazing animals burst into life through augmented reality right before your eyes. £3 per pack of cards, each participant will also need to buy entry to the reserve.
Musical Mayhem at National Trust Ormesby Hall – Get musical at Ormesby Hall and discover the different music zones around the garden. You can sing, play instruments, compose, listen to and be inspired! From playing with junkyard music on the field to making music with the floor pianos and keyboards in the stables, there’s lots of musical fun to be had this half term. Normal admission applies to visit during half term and to enjoy the activities. Free entry for National Trust members and under fives.
Family Fun Day at Stockton Cricket Club (FREE) – Inflatables, funfair rides, sports games, food stalls, refreshments and loads more across the day… And we finish in style with live music from the one and only – The Funk Collective! A full day out for the whole family and it won’t cost you a penny to get in.
Family Fest at Dormans Club (FREE) – Bring the whole family and join us for a day of fun, laughter, and community spirit. Don’t miss out on this fantastic event!
Flowers and Friendship Bracelets: The Ultimate Pop Concert at Billingham Forum Theatre – Come and join us for the ultimate pop concert and celebrate the biggest hits from the hottest artistes of the moment. Let’s ‘Shake it Off’ to our very own Taylor Swift; sing along to ‘Flowers’ with Miley Cyrus; dust off all our best dance moves and HOT TO GO! With Chappell Roan, and not forgetting the unstoppable Sabrina Carpenter performing all her top hits such as ‘Espresso’. Watch the girls delight the audience in this incredible concert with a huge pop party to finish the show.
Whirlybird Woof-Fest at Hurworth Grange Community Centre – Get ready for a day of tail-wagging fun the whole family will enjoy. This is a day you and your furry friends won’t want to miss. Enjoy amazing dog performances, fun activities, and plenty of treats for both two-legged and four-legged visitors. £3 per ticket.
A Squash and A Squeeze at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium Yarm – Once upon a time, a little old lady lived all by herself in her cosy cottage, but she wasn’t happy – her house felt just too small. Whatever could she do? Will the wise old man’s solution of bringing in a flappy, scratchy, greedy, noisy crowd of farmyard animals work? Join us for this heart-warming and hilarious adventure, full of beautiful puppets and enchanting songs. Written and illustrated by the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and adapted for the stage by Olivier-nominated duo Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane.
Circus Family Fun Day at New Marske Sports Club (FREE) – ROLL UP, ROLL UP… it’s nearly time for the Magical Moments Teesside Family Funday! This is a free entry event with plenty to see and do, like carnival games, birds of prey, face painting, glitter tattoos and so much more. Pay as you play!
Mon 25th
Vintage Weekend at Hopetown Darlington (FREE) – After the roaring success of last year’s VE Day celebrations, we are delighted to announce a full three-day Vintage Weekend this coming late May Bank Holiday weekend. It’s a proper knees-up celebrating times gone by filled with music, laughter, fine sights, friendly faces and good old British cheer. Across the weekend, expect nostalgia by the bucketful, with period sights, sounds and surprises at every turn. On Saturday you can enjoy a classic and vintage vehicle rally, Sunday is the shopping day at the vintage market and Monday is party day as we take a trip back to 1940s Darlington!
Big Science at Preston Park Museum – Enjoy spectacular live demonstrations that explore the science of fire, friction and chemical reactions. Watch some of our favourite Big Science experiments in action, including plenty of crowd‑pleasing surprises. Shows take place across the day and are drop‑in, so you can join whenever it suits you. No booking required — just turn up and be amazed. Free, but requires an annual or day pass.
Wild Cards Easter at RSPB Saltholme – Until the end of May, pick up a special pack of playing cards (£3 at the reserve) to take on your adventure and compare the strengths, superpowers and fun facts of some of spring’s most familiar species. Track down the boards, play together to decide which creature will reign as the ultimate spring champion! Don’t forget to scan the codes and watch as amazing animals burst into life through augmented reality right before your eyes. £3 per pack of cards, each participant will also need to buy entry to the reserve.
Musical Mayhem at National Trust Ormesby Hall – Get musical at Ormesby Hall and discover the different music zones around the garden. You can sing, play instruments, compose, listen to and be inspired! From playing with junkyard music on the field to making music with the floor pianos and keyboards in the stables, there’s lots of musical fun to be had this half term. Normal admission applies to visit during half term and to enjoy the activities. Free entry for National Trust members and under fives.
A Squash and A Squeeze at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium Yarm – Once upon a time, a little old lady lived all by herself in her cosy cottage, but she wasn’t happy – her house felt just too small. Whatever could she do? Will the wise old man’s solution of bringing in a flappy, scratchy, greedy, noisy crowd of farmyard animals work? Join us for this heart-warming and hilarious adventure, full of beautiful puppets and enchanting songs. Written and illustrated by the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and adapted for the stage by Olivier-nominated duo Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane.
Tues 26th
Tractor Tuesday in Darlington town centre (FREE) – Tractor Tuesday is a free annual event, sponsored by Lloyd Ltd, held in Darlington featuring a display of tractors and farming machinery. Family-friendly activity to get up close with large farm equipment and ride on tractors.
Matchbox Treasures at Preston Park Museum (FREE) – Get creative with our family craft activity Matchbox Treasures. Decorate your own matchbox, then head out into the park on a mini treasure hunt to collect small natural wonders to keep inside, from special pebbles and interesting leaves to delicate flowers. Free, but requires an annual or day pass.
Wild Cards Easter at RSPB Saltholme – Until the end of May, pick up a special pack of playing cards (£3 at the reserve) to take on your adventure and compare the strengths, superpowers and fun facts of some of spring’s most familiar species. Track down the boards, play together to decide which creature will reign as the ultimate spring champion! Don’t forget to scan the codes and watch as amazing animals burst into life through augmented reality right before your eyes. £3 per pack of cards, each participant will also need to buy entry to the reserve.
Musical Mayhem at National Trust Ormesby Hall – Get musical at Ormesby Hall and discover the different music zones around the garden. You can sing, play instruments, compose, listen to and be inspired! From playing with junkyard music on the field to making music with the floor pianos and keyboards in the stables, there’s lots of musical fun to be had this half term. Normal admission applies to visit during half term and to enjoy the activities. Free entry for National Trust members and under fives.
The Sooty Show at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium Yarm – Sooty heads into town in a spectacular new show to delight the whole family! Expect wonderful wizardry, thrills and spills and of course lots and lots laughs with Sooty, Sweep and Soo- but watch out for Sooty’s supercharged water pistol! A fabulous mix of audience participation music and mess. Guaranteed giggles for Sooty Fans old and new!
Wed 27th
Rapunzel at ARC Stockton – Golden-haired Rapunzel takes charge of her own destiny in this bold and witty tale. Not a prince in sight! Rapunzel is trapped in her lofty tower by a wicked witch, who lops off the locks of her beautiful hair and sells them for profit. Can Rapunzel ever figure out a way to escape? This bold and funny story removes the handsome prince altogether, making Rapunzel the mistress of her own destiny.
Steph’s Mini Bakers May Half Term Holiday Club – Join us for a full day of hands-on baking fun! Children will take part in exciting activities while learning a wide variety of baking skills and they’ll create two brand new bakes to take home and enjoy.
Wild Cards Easter at RSPB Saltholme – Until the end of May, pick up a special pack of playing cards (£3 at the reserve) to take on your adventure and compare the strengths, superpowers and fun facts of some of spring’s most familiar species. Track down the boards, play together to decide which creature will reign as the ultimate spring champion! Don’t forget to scan the codes and watch as amazing animals burst into life through augmented reality right before your eyes. £3 per pack of cards, each participant will also need to buy entry to the reserve.
Musical Mayhem at National Trust Ormesby Hall – Get musical at Ormesby Hall and discover the different music zones around the garden. You can sing, play instruments, compose, listen to and be inspired! From playing with junkyard music on the field to making music with the floor pianos and keyboards in the stables, there’s lots of musical fun to be had this half term. Normal admission applies to visit during half term and to enjoy the activities. Free entry for National Trust members and under fives.
Stagecraft: Alice In Wonderland at Middlesbrough Town Hall – Perfect for young performers, this exciting two-day workshop will include drama & character creation, movement & choreography, music & performance skills, and creative activities inspired by Wonderland. Whether your child is a curious Alice, a mischievous Cheshire Cat, or a mad hatter in the making, this is the perfect opportunity to build confidence, make friends, and have lots of fun!
Moonbeam Creative Play at The Hullabaloo, Darlington (FREE) – Take your first steps onto the moon and follow the beams… Along with our friends at Libellule Theatre, we’ve been busy creating a brand-new Creative Play space, Moonbeam, with the help of Priory Woods School and George Dent Nursery. Children aged 0-7 will be able to discover all about the magic of the moon in this special playscape!
Muddy Makes & Nature Shapes at The Hullabaloo, Darlington – In this playful clay workshop, children will create their very own clay sculpture while discovering the wonderful patterns, shapes, and textures found in the natural world. Nature will inspire every twist, press, and imprint as young makers transform a simple piece of clay into something completely unique. This session celebrates the beauty of nature through creativity, with plenty of messy play, nature-inspired games, and opportunities to explore. It’s the perfect space for curious minds to play, create, and connect with the natural world in a joyful and imaginative way. £5 per child.
Tom Gates Epic Show at Darlington Hippodrome – Based on the bestselling books by Liz Pichon, and brand new for 2026, Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show comes to our theatre bringing alive the illustrations and music that makes Tom Gates hugely popular around the world! With catchy tunes and hilarious performances, this fantastic new stage show brings the best of the Brilliant World of Tom Gates into one live show!
Kids Mixed Aerial at Moar Coaching Gym – Come and join us for another mixed aerial session. No experience necessary!
A Children’s ‘Character Creation’ With Palmer Illustrations at House of Foliage, Redcar – Back by popular demand! Come down to House of Foliage for another creative children’s workshop with the talented and very lovely David Palmer of Palmer Illustrations. Your child will be inspired, encouraged and helped to create their very own characters by a published author/illustrator.
Thurs 28th
Matchbox Treasures at Preston Park Museum (FREE) – Get creative with our family craft activity Matchbox Treasures. Decorate your own matchbox, then head out into the park on a mini treasure hunt to collect small natural wonders to keep inside, from special pebbles and interesting leaves to delicate flowers. Free, but requires an annual or day pass.
Wild Cards Easter at RSPB Saltholme – Until the end of May, pick up a special pack of playing cards (£3 at the reserve) to take on your adventure and compare the strengths, superpowers and fun facts of some of spring’s most familiar species. Track down the boards, play together to decide which creature will reign as the ultimate spring champion! Don’t forget to scan the codes and watch as amazing animals burst into life through augmented reality right before your eyes. £3 per pack of cards, each participant will also need to buy entry to the reserve.
Musical Mayhem at National Trust Ormesby Hall – Get musical at Ormesby Hall and discover the different music zones around the garden. You can sing, play instruments, compose, listen to and be inspired! From playing with junkyard music on the field to making music with the floor pianos and keyboards in the stables, there’s lots of musical fun to be had this half term. Normal admission applies to visit during half term and to enjoy the activities. Free entry for National Trust members and under fives.
Stagecraft: Alice In Wonderland at Middlesbrough Town Hall – Perfect for young performers, this exciting two-day workshop will include drama & character creation, movement & choreography, music & performance skills, and creative activities inspired by Wonderland. Whether your child is a curious Alice, a mischievous Cheshire Cat, or a mad hatter in the making, this is the perfect opportunity to build confidence, make friends, and have lots of fun!
Moonbeam Creative Play at The Hullabaloo, Darlington (FREE) – Take your first steps onto the moon and follow the beams… Along with our friends at Libellule Theatre, we’ve been busy creating a brand-new Creative Play space, Moonbeam, with the help of Priory Woods School and George Dent Nursery. Children aged 0-7 will be able to discover all about the magic of the moon in this special playscape!
What A Messy Story Time at The Hullabaloo, Darlington – What A Mess by Adria Meserve is a children’s story about making a mess. In this session with Karina, you will get to hear the story and engage in some fun & messy tuff tray activities, too! There will be rhymes, a chance for you to join in on the story, and lots of fun trays themed around the book to engage with. These sessions are designed for children aged 0-5 years and their families, to come and join in on the messy fun of this brilliant story!
Kids Fest K-Pop Party at STACK Middlesbrough – Get ready to dance, sing and shine at our Kids K-Pop Party, packed with interactive games, high-energy dance-alongs and the biggest K-Pop hits kids love.
Taylormania at Darlington Hippodrome – An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis a self-confessed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show you will ever see. The show has already taken ‘Swifties’ across the world by storm and features all of Taylor’s much loved hits including – ‘Shake It Off’, ‘Blank Space’, ‘Love Story’, ‘You Belong With Me’, ‘Look What You Made Me Do’, ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ and many, many more.
Family Freeze at Billingham Ice Arena – A fantastic environment for families to spend quality time together on the ice in this fun-filled session. Every Thursday from 5:15-6:30pm with no booking required – simply turn up!
Creative Club Teens at Creative Village CIC – suitable for 11-18 year olds. These workshops will cover lots of different creative disciplines including printing, textiles, ceramics, lino cutting, glass painting, pot painting, collage and more! £10 per session.
Fri 29th
Wild Cards Easter at RSPB Saltholme – Until the end of May, pick up a special pack of playing cards (£3 at the reserve) to take on your adventure and compare the strengths, superpowers and fun facts of some of spring’s most familiar species. Track down the boards, play together to decide which creature will reign as the ultimate spring champion! Don’t forget to scan the codes and watch as amazing animals burst into life through augmented reality right before your eyes. £3 per pack of cards, each participant will also need to buy entry to the reserve.
Musical Mayhem at National Trust Ormesby Hall – Get musical at Ormesby Hall and discover the different music zones around the garden. You can sing, play instruments, compose, listen to and be inspired! From playing with junkyard music on the field to making music with the floor pianos and keyboards in the stables, there’s lots of musical fun to be had this half term. Normal admission applies to visit during half term and to enjoy the activities. Free entry for National Trust members and under fives.
Moonbeam Creative Play at The Hullabaloo, Darlington (FREE) – Take your first steps onto the moon and follow the beams… Along with our friends at Libellule Theatre, we’ve been busy creating a brand-new Creative Play space, Moonbeam, with the help of Priory Woods School and George Dent Nursery. Children aged 0-7 will be able to discover all about the magic of the moon in this special playscape!
Anything But A Paintbrush at The Hullabaloo, Darlington – What marks does a tractor make? What happens if you put paint through a sieve? Can you paint a picture of yourself using only string and pebbles? Come along to ‘Anything But a Paintbrush’ where you can experiment with textures, mark making – creativity where anything goes! You’ll be surrounded by lots of objects that make different marks, leaving endless opportunities to make your own artwork in your own special way! There will be games to see if you can identify different objects and the impressions they make, as well as a chance to make your own art, too! £5 per child.
Kingdom Party at STACK Middlesbrough – Step into a magical world of adventure at our Kingdom Party! Join us for a fun-filled celebration where little princes and princesses can sing, dance and meet and greet with special guests, the Kingdom Mice!
Sat 30th
Wild Cards Easter at RSPB Saltholme – Until the end of May, pick up a special pack of playing cards (£3 at the reserve) to take on your adventure and compare the strengths, superpowers and fun facts of some of spring’s most familiar species. Track down the boards, play together to decide which creature will reign as the ultimate spring champion! Don’t forget to scan the codes and watch as amazing animals burst into life through augmented reality right before your eyes. £3 per pack of cards, each participant will also need to buy entry to the reserve.
Musical Mayhem at National Trust Ormesby Hall – Get musical at Ormesby Hall and discover the different music zones around the garden. You can sing, play instruments, compose, listen to and be inspired! From playing with junkyard music on the field to making music with the floor pianos and keyboards in the stables, there’s lots of musical fun to be had this half term. Normal admission applies to visit during half term and to enjoy the activities. Free entry for National Trust members and under fives.
Emergency Services Day in Darlington town centre (FREE) – Have any littles that love to see the police or a fire engine whoosh by? They’ll love Emergency Services Day! This annual event welcomes a host of emergency services vehicles and staff including Durham Constabulary, Northumbria Blood Bikes, Great North Air Ambulance and more, all for you to get up close to!
MIMA Family Art Trolley (FREE) – Join us with family and friends to make your own masterpiece using a range of materials and making techniques. Stay for lunch and pick up a picnic from the MIMA Kitchen for £1 per child when visiting the Family Art Trolley.
Moonbeam Creative Play at The Hullabaloo, Darlington (FREE) – Take your first steps onto the moon and follow the beams… Along with our friends at Libellule Theatre, we’ve been busy creating a brand-new Creative Play space, Moonbeam, with the help of Priory Woods School and George Dent Nursery. Children aged 0-7 will be able to discover all about the magic of the moon in this special playscape!
Cornmill Mini Con (FREE) – Cornmill Mini Con is back bringing colourful cosplay and wonderful traders to Cornmill Shopping Centre in Darlington!
Cooking With Kane’s World at Meet n Marrow, Darlington – Join us at Meet n Marrow for cake making and decorating. £7 per child.
Frozen Afternoon Tea Cruise on the Teesside Princess – Join us on board this May half term to make memories with Anna, Else and Kristoff. Enjoy afternoon tea, glitter makeovers and a snowy sing-a-long!
Sun 31st
Big Science at Preston Park Museum – Enjoy spectacular live demonstrations that explore the science of fire, friction and chemical reactions. Watch some of our favourite Big Science experiments in action, including plenty of crowd‑pleasing surprises. Shows take place across the day and are drop‑in, so you can join whenever it suits you. No booking required — just turn up and be amazed. Free, but requires an annual or day pass.
Musical Mayhem at National Trust Ormesby Hall – Get musical at Ormesby Hall and discover the different music zones around the garden. You can sing, play instruments, compose, listen to and be inspired! From playing with junkyard music on the field to making music with the floor pianos and keyboards in the stables, there’s lots of musical fun to be had this half term. Normal admission applies to visit during half term and to enjoy the activities. Free entry for National Trust members and under fives.
Family Fun Day at Redcar Rugby Club (FREE) – A fantastic day out for littles of all ages! Includes bouncy castles, rides, carnival games, food and more. Free entry, but ride fees apply.
I’ll keep this post updated when I find new May half term events to add!
