Half term holidays are incoming and Middlesbrough is the place to be with a range of family-friendly events and activities for all ages to enjoy.
Featuring a virtual reality jungle ride, an exclusive new exhibition, a dinosaur adventure and the UK’s number one pop concert experience, the town’s museums, farm and theatre will be buzzing with excitement.
Start the week at the Dorman Museum at the Titanic Exhibition, a fascinating insight into life on board the legendary passenger liner that sank after hitting an iceberg.
On display for the first time in the North East, visitors can learn more about the crew, engineers and passengers through items and artefacts. Also featured are props from the 1997 Hollywood blockbuster film.
A free exhibition guide is available via a QR code on entry. To access the guide, visitors can scan the code via the camera app on smartphones.
Keep the camera app handy around the exhibition for some unmissable photo opportunities. Fans of the film will certainly be keen to recreate the iconic scene at the bow of the famous liner!
Also in the Dorman Museum is the Virtual Reality Jungle Boat Ride. A fully immersive 4D experience that includes sights, sounds and motion.
The ride can be booked from Saturday, May 27 to Sunday, June 4 and is available during museum opening hours.
Throughout the week, both the Dorman Museum and the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum will be offering a family-friendly trail.
A family craft session is also taking place at the Dorman Museum on Thursday, June 1 and Saturday, June 3. At the Porthole Family Craft, young artists can get creative and decorate the porthole with fishes and mermaids.
The session is free for visitors who have purchased a Titanic Exhibition ticket or £2 which is payable at the museum welcome desk.
The Friday of half term sees two fantastic events – Dinosaur Day at Newham Grange Farm and Pop Divas Live at Middlesbrough Theatre, the UK’s number one pop concert celebrating female pop stars.
At Dinosaur Day, families can get up-close and personal with a T-Rex called Baxter, a Spinosaurus called Spike and a host of baby dinosaurs. Featuring two dinosaur shows and walkabouts, the entry ticket also includes access to all farm attractions and entertainment.
Tickets are selling fast with both morning sessions already sold out. Visitors are advised to book quickly if they are planning to attend to avoid disappointment.
Pop Divas Live at Middlesbrough Theatre is a tribute pop concert to big-name female singers. Featuring songs from Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, JoJo Siwa and more, the two-hour show is ideal entertainment for any wannabe pop stars.
Councillor Philippa Storey, Executive member with responsibility for Culture, said: “It’s so exciting to see such a busy and enriching calendar for half term.
“We look forward to seeing all our families in Middlesbrough make some amazing memories together and have lots to talk about when they go back to school.
“The icing on the cake will be if this lovely weather sticks around!”
A summary of the events can be seen below, including ticket information and booking links where applicable.
What's on
Captain Cook Birthplace Museum
- Family trail + Bottled Ocean Exhibition
- Free with museum admission
- Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
- Admission costs apply – all tickets are seasonal and include repeat visits:
- Adults - £4
- Child/over 65/student - £3
- Under 3 – free entry
Dorman Museum
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
Free admission.
Titanic Exhibition
- Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm (last admission at 3.15pm)
- Admission costs apply.
- Advance booking: £5, group of four: £16, under 5s go free
- On the day: £6, group of four: £20, under 5s go free
- Complimentary carer/companion tickets are available to those who need access to view the exhibition. Please email: dormanmuseum@middlesbrough.gov.uk to arrange this
- Book online via TicketSource
Virtual Reality Jungle Ride
- Available Saturday, May 27 to Sunday, June 4
- Tickets: £3.50 per person or £12 for a group of four
- Book online via TicketSource
Family trail
- Available Saturday, May 27 to Sunday, June 4
- £1 per trail, available from the museum welcome desk
Titanic Porthole Family Craft
- Available Thursday, June 1 and Saturday, June 3 from 10.30am to 3.30pm
- Free with a Titanic Exhibition ticket
- Or £2 payable at the museum welcome desk without a Titanic Exhibition ticket
Middlesbrough Theatre – Pop Divas Live!
- Friday, June 2 at 6pm
- Doors open 45 minutes before the show
- All tickets: £16.20 including booking fee
- Book online via the Middlesbrough Theatre website
Newham Grange Farm – Dinosaur Day
- Friday, June 2, 11am to 4pm
- Tickets: £8.50 per person – includes access to all farm attractions. Under 2s go free
- Dinosaur Walkabouts: 11am and 1.30pm
- Dinosaur Shows: 12pm and 2.45pm
- Book online via the Newham Grange Farm website or call: 01642 729 729 (from 10am to 3pm)