 INTRODUCTION Finding things to do with the kids at the weekend can be a challenge, especially when you’re looking for something that actually tires them out and helps them develop new skills. Whether you’re new to Middlesbrough or just looking for fresh ideas beyond the usual routine, I’ve put together a guide to the best weekend activities for kids in and around the area. These are places and activities I’ve seen work well for families with children aged 2-7, based on over 10 years of coaching in the North East.  WHY WEEKEND ACTIVITIES MATTER Sure, I get it - weekends can be chaotic enough without adding structured activities into the mix. But here’s the thing: regular weekend activities give kids more than just something to do. They help develop:
Research from the Early Years Foundation Stage shows that active play and social interaction are crucial for development in young children. Weekend classes and activities provide exactly that.  🏉 GET ACTIVE WITH A STRUCTURED SPORTS CLASS As a Sports Coach, naturally I would always try and encourage parents to explore this route fully. From football to swimming, cricket to tennis there really is something for everyone. That said, I genuinely believe nothing comes close to what it can offer children than non-contact rugby classes with Rugrats Rugby. Non-contact rugby coaching focuses on developing core motor skills, teamwork, and confidence. Classes are split by age group (2-4 years and 4-7 years), with games, skill-building activities, and plenty of encouragement. As a coach, I’ve seen hundreds of kids come through our classes over the years. The ones who stick with it consistently show real improvements in coordination, listening skills, and confidence. Plus, it gives parents a solid routine every weekend. “My son has been going to Rugrats Rugby for two years now and his confidence has absolutely soared. He’s learned to follow instructions, work as part of a team, and his coordination has improved massively.” Rob - Middlesbrough Rugrats 👉🏼 Book a free taster session 🛝 VISIT A PARK Teesside has some brilliant parks for families - and they are the perfect place to visit throughout the year, but especially in the Summer. Here are the best ones: Albert Park (Middlesbrough town centre) – Victorian park with beautiful gardens, a boating lake, play areas, and plenty of space for football or just running around. A Middlesbrough staple. Stewart Park (Marton) – Beautiful green spaces with a fantastic play area, Captain Cook Museum, and plenty of room for kids to run around. Perfect for a family picnic. Preston Park (Eaglescliffe) – Large park with woodland walks, play areas, and open spaces. Great for bike rides and nature walks. Ropner Park (Stockton) – Award-winning Victorian park with play areas, a lake, and beautiful gardens. Worth the short trip from Middlesbrough. All of these are free and work well for spontaneous weekend visits when the weather’s decent. Locke Park (Redcar) – Beautiful park with a lake at its centre. Well maintained and compact, this park is well worth a visit. 🚶🏻♂️➡️WALKING AND FOREST ADVENTURES If your kids love being outdoors and exploring, the North East has some fantastic walking and forest areas: Guisborough Forest – Brilliant for family walks with well-marked trails, forest play areas, and plenty of space for kids to explore. The walking trails vary in difficulty, so there’s something for all ages and abilities. Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park (Middlesbrough) – Local woodland with easy walking trails, perfect for younger children. Good for a quick nature walk without traveling far. Errington Woods (Eston) – Lovely woodland walks with streams and natural play opportunities. Kids love exploring the different paths and spotting wildlife. Roseberry Topping – For slightly older or more adventurous kids (5-7 years), this iconic North Yorkshire hill offers a proper family challenge with stunning views at the top. Walking and forest activities are great for developing gross motor skills, building stamina, and encouraging curiosity about nature. 🏛️ VISIT A MUSEUM OR HISTORIC SITE Rainy weekend? Museums and historic sites are perfect for keeping kids engaged indoors: Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) – Free entry to contemporary art exhibitions, plus family-friendly workshops and activities on weekends. Worth checking their schedule for kids’ events. Ormesby Hall (National Trust) – Beautiful historic house with gardens and woodland walks. The National Trust often runs family activities and trails during school holidays and weekends. Captain Cook Birthplace Museum (Stewart Park) – Learn about Captain Cook’s life and voyages. Interactive exhibits that work well for curious kids. Dorman Museum (Middlesbrough) – Local history museum with natural history exhibits, including dinosaurs. Free entry and good for a couple of hours. Preston Hall Museum (Stockton) – Victorian street recreation, toy collection, and beautiful grounds. Kids love exploring the old-fashioned street. Museums provide a different kind of learning experience and work brilliantly when outdoor activities aren’t an option. 🔎 CHALLENGE THEIR MIND & DETECTIVE SKILLS For something a bit different, try activities that get kids thinking and problem-solving: Geocaching – Free treasure-hunting activity using a smartphone app. There are geocaches hidden all over Middlesbrough and Teesside. Kids love the adventure of finding hidden “treasures.” Cluedini Detective Trails – Interactive detective trails from Cluedini are available in several locations across Teesside and the North East. Follow clues, track down the evidence, and work together to crack the case. Great for kids to tackle alongside their parents, and a brilliant way to explore the area while keeping kids engaged. 👉🏼 Downloadable Detective Trails Nature Scavenger Hunts – Create your own scavenger hunt in any of the parks or forests mentioned above. Give kids a list of things to find (pinecones, different leaves, specific birds) and let them explore. These activities combine physical activity with mental challenges, which is perfect for developing problem-solving skills and keeping kids engaged for longer. STRUCTURED vs UNSTRUCTURED ACTIVITIES Here’s what I’ve noticed over the years: families who mix structured activities (like weekly rugby classes or swimming lessons) with unstructured play (parks, forests, free play at home) tend to see the best results. Structured classes give kids:
Unstructured play gives kids:
The sweet spot? One regular structured activity each weekend, with everything else flexible around it. Many families find that having rugby on a Saturday or Sunday morning gives the weekend a solid foundation, with other activities filling in around it.  FAQ’s Q: How much do weekend activities in Teesside typically cost? It varies. Parks, forests, and many museums are free. Structured classes like rugby and football are typically around £8-10 per week (Rugrats currently start at £24.99pm). Swimming and soft play are around £5-8 per session. National Trust sites require membership or entry fee. Q: What’s the best age to start structured weekend classes? Many classes (including rugby) start from age 2. At this age, children are ready to follow simple instructions, engage with other kids, and benefit from structured play. Q: What if the weather’s rubbish? Museums, soft play centres, and swimming pools are your best bets. Some forest walks are still enjoyable in light rain if you’re properly dressed. Some activities (like Rugrats) are indoors so are unaffected by the weather. Q: Do I need to book in advance? For classes like rugby, yes – spaces are limited and booking is essential. For parks and forests, just turn up. Museums and National Trust sites are worth checking online first for opening times and any special events. Q: What if my child is shy or nervous about group activities? Most classes offer free taster sessions so your child can try before you commit. Coaches are experienced in helping shy children settle in, and parent involvement is encouraged for younger age groups. READY TO GET YOUR WEEKEND SORTED? Weekends with kids don’t have to be stressful or repetitive. Teesside the surrounding areas have plenty of options to keep little ones active, engaged, and developing new skills every week. The key is finding the right mix: one regular structured activity for consistency and skill development, plus a variety of free and flexible options for spontaneous fun. If you’re looking for a structured activity that combines physical development, social skills, and a lot of fun, Rugrats Rugby might be worth a try. 👉🏼 Book a free taster session – Saturdays in Middlesbrough or Sundays in Guisborough. No commitment, no pressure – just come along and see if it’s right for your child. Looking for safe sports activities for kids in Teesside? Rugrats Rugby offers non-contact rugby classes for boys and girls aged 2-7 across Middlesbrough and Guisborough. Our fun, fast-paced sessions teach rugby skills, coordination, and teamwork in a completely safe environment. Book your child's first class today!
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AuthorChris Younger is the founder and Head Coach of Rugrats Rugby Cleveland, with over 10 years of experience coaching non-contact rugby to children aged 2-7 across the North East of England. ArchivesCategories
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