Fun ways to spend rainy days in the Tees Valley

Enjoy some indoor soft play

Indoor soft play areas are a tried-and-tested indoor activity for the kids on a rainy day.

Middlesbrough Sports Village has a wide array of activities available on a rainy day, with badminton, table tennis and Play World soft play area just being a few examples. Play World offers twister slides, rope bridges, sensory area and a toddler play zone to keep the little ones entertained whilst the adults enjoy the café.

World of Play in Redcar offers slides, balance beams, wind fans, sports courts and much more for exciting indoor play, as well as a café to enjoy a snack and a drink. Fun Shack in Stockton offers an exciting Skyrider zip line for the kids to challenge their nerve, climbing walls and a pirate ship complete with canons for a unique soft play experience.

Roarsome in Darlington is currently operating a stay and play policy, just pay on the door and stay as long as you like! They are also allowing free entry for NHS staff, so make sure to bring your NHS ID badge if you’re eligible.

Go on an indoor adventure 

Test your nerve on the exciting climbing walls or face your fears on the 22ft plunge slide at GoClimb. Suitable for children aged 4+, you can guarantee a fun family day out no matter the weather. Conveniently located within Billingham Forum, bring your imagination to life with colourful climbing walls each themed to take you on a different adventure. There are over 20 unique walls that will challenge the whole family, so don’t miss out!  

Are you looking for a fun activity suitable for all ages? Are the kids bouncing off the walls being stuck indoors? Well Jump 360 trampoline park may be the thing you’re looking for. With over 100 trampolines, foam pits, air bags and dodge ball courts, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained on a rainy day. Blow off some steam at Teesside’s first indoor trampoline park, with different levels of adventure to suit everyone’s needs. With locations in Stockton and Hartlepool, a bounce session is never too far away!  

Have a ball at Ten Pin Bowling

If a bit of friendly competition is what you’re after, Lane7 in Middlesbrough offers bowling, beer pong and arcade games. Until 7pm you can enjoy family bowling and arcade games in the retro bowling alley. After 7pm, 18s and over can enjoy the bar, along with beer pong, arcade games and bowling for a fun night out. Located in Middlesbrough town centre, you’re in walking distance from a range of restaurants, bars and shops, so there’s plenty to do.  

Head to Hollywood Bowl in Stockton to get your bowling fix. With 26 lanes, a private VIP area, an American style diner, a modern bar and fun-filled amusements, it’s the perfect place to spend a rainy day. In the heart of Teesside Park, you’re a short walk away from an array of shops, restaurants and the Showcase Cinema.  

If you really want to be bowled over with a more unique bowling experience, DC Bowl in Darlington uses an entertainment system instead of automated scoring systems,  delivering more fun, more ways to socialise and more competitive excitement. Or enjoy a cocktail and American-style-dining at Larry’s Lanes on Seaton Carew Sea Front the next time you’re in the mood for bowling. 

Stay out of the rain but still get soaked

If you fancy getting out of the rain but still getting soaked, then you can try out some of these wet and wild activities.  

The Dolphin Centre offers pools for competitive swimming and diving, pools for casual swimmers and an interactive toddler pool. There’s plenty of chances to have fun with inflatables and water slides, too!  

If you’re in the mood for something a little more exhilarating then FlowRider at Redcar could be perfect for you. Similar to surfing, this sport has you riding a board over a thin sheet of water, that flows over a stationary wave. Learn to ride the waves, do tricks and grinds like skateboarders or just try to stay standing! This indoor water sport is a great activity for thrill seekers and family fun and is guaranteed to be a day out with a difference. You can find a more low-key family days out at Splash, located in Stockton, which has two pools to enjoy, including a wave pool, and offers exciting activities like zorbing. There is also a jacuzzi to relax in after all the fun.  

Get arty

If you’re the artistic type, Create and Paint might be more your style. The studio in Darlington offers ceramic painting, decopatch, foam clay and teddy making. There’s also an in-house café that serves a range of desserts and drinks if you get peckish. The Pottery Loft in Stockton also offers arts and crafts activity including pottery painting. Perfect for a relaxing family day out. There is also a soft play area for those members of the family who don’t have the patience for artwork. Try your hand at making baby prints, personalised gifts, decopatch and teddy bear making. Pay a visit to the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art and explore a range of exhibitions from artists from across the globe.   

Keep dry and discover a museum 

The National Museum of the Royal Navy, located in Hartlepool is a great place to learn about the Royal Navy and enjoy a family adventure. Take a journey to an 18th century seaport and visit the astounding HMS Trincomalee as you experience life in the Navy.  

Dorman Museum offers the chance to learn all about earth in space, natural sciences, art and much more. Whilst you’re there, you can pop into the Dressers Tea Room for a delicious afternoon tea after exploring the museum. 

Kirkleatham Museum, in Redcar has a range of artefacts and exhibitions in the historic 1709 Queen Anne building. Learn about local industrial and social history, the Saxon Princess treasure, World War 1 and much more in the old Free School for Boys-turned-museum.  

If you find yourself near the seafront when the weather gets bad, Zetland Lifeboat Museum and Redcar Heritage Centre is a great escape. Home to The Zetland, the oldest surviving lifeboat in the world. There are many interesting artefacts in the museum representing local heritage and maritime history.

Find more things to do this summer by exploring the website www.enjoyteesvalley.com and don’t forget to let us know what you get up on social media using #EnjoyTeesValley.