How to Spend a FREE Day Out in Middlesbrough

This post is based on a visit in February 2025. Always check with venues direct for the most up to date info (especially opening hours) as details can change over time.

Middlesbrough is a large town with plenty of FREE activities and things to do - definitely enough to fill a full day. We really enjoyed our recent visit and exploring all the town has to offer. 

How to have a FREE / cheap day out in Middlesbrough 

1- Visit Dorman Museum (TS5 6LA).

FREE entry. Open Tues-Sun 10am-4pm.

This is a lovely free museum with something for all ages. Around the exhibits you’ll find little quizzes where you lift the flap for the answers. There’s a section sharing the history of Middlesbrough, a brilliant gallery dedicated to birds and their eggs, a walk through town which is a trip down memory lane - you can visit an old cinema and pub for example and a brilliant gallery full of fossils, a dinosaur, old skulls and different types of rock which is really interesting.

There is a temporary exhibition space which is usually chargeable (£12 per family at the moment). On the day of our visit it was around Middlesbrough’s Magic Circle. I would say visiting the temporary exhibition space isn't essential and there is plenty to enjoy in the free spaces for most.

You’ll also find a gorgeous vintage tea room on site. Find out more: https://teesvalleymuseums.org/visit/dorman-museum/

2 - Albert Park (TS1 3LB).

FREE Entry, Park gates are open 7:30am - 9:30pm.

Albert Park is located directly beside Dorman Museum so very easy to combine the two. It’s a lovely space filled with wildlife - expect to see a squirrel or two and lots of birds including ducks, geese and swans in the lake.

Facilities include two playgrounds - one for younger children and another for teens and a free Huntee Nature Trail which runs around the park (scan the code on arrival).

There are a couple of paid activities that run April - Sept including a roller rink (£2.80 per child including skate hire) and swan boat hire (£5 for 20 mins). I think these are both pretty reasonable as is the kiosk in the visitor centre (90p for a fruit shoot).

There are public toilets in the park (the ones in the visitor centre by the lake are open every day 9am-4pm) and this includes a changing places toilet.

You can also buy duck food from the visitor centre for £1 a bag (there are LOADS of ducks in the lake).

Some of the park could do with some investment - in the smaller children’s playground some items were broken / in need of a lick of paint. H

owever other play equipment seemed brand new and I would love to see the fountain restored to its former glory. I also didn’t see much in the way of inclusive play equipment.

Despite these issues, I would definitely still pay Albert Park a visit. It’s a lovely green space and lovely for a walk and a play. Find out more: https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/leisure-culture-and-parks/parks-and-green-spaces/albert-park/

3 - MIMA (TS1 2AZ).

FREE Entry. Open Tues-Sat 10am-4:30pm and Sun 12noon-4pm

MIMA is a 20 minute easy walk from Dorman Museum along one long path with shops, restaurants and cafes lining the route.

This gallery of modern art is extremely child-friendly. If you visit on a Saturday or 25-28 Feb during half term between 11am-3pm, you’ll be greeted with the museum art trolley which is packed with craft materials. All free to use with tables set out for families to get creative together. It’s high quality too - not just basic provisions. There are books to read too. AND if you create something from the Art Trolley, you can pick up a children’s picnic lunch from the MIMA cafe (which is fantastic) for just £1.

The exhibitions here are modern, so expect lots of talking points. Some bits are interactive with areas where you can listen or even be part of the art. The gallery is a lovely space but I don’t think it’s as good as the Baltic and I would probably only recommend a visit with children if you visit on a day where the art trolley is available (or similar school holiday activities).

Next to the gallery you’ll find a big duck pond, some water fountains which look cool and don’t miss the Scales the Justice statue outside the courts which is rather amusing! Find out more: https://mima.art/

4 - STACK Middlesbrough (TS1 1DE)

STACK Middlesbrough is a 9 minute walk from MIMA. It’s FREE to visit on a normal day with a full programme of FREE entertainment. In school holidays they run dedicated kids events which are low cost at £1.50 per child (adults go free). They include events like Paw Patrol, a magic show and a pirate show. Book via their website.
Find out more: https://stackleisure.com/locations/middlesbrough/

Getting There

There is parking at Dorman Museum and in / around the surrounding streets. Some is limited to two hours so do check. We parked at Captain Cook Multi Story (TS1 5AP) which is in the town centre and was £6 all day on Saturday and £2 all day on Sunday. Cleveland Centre Multi Story (TS1 1LP) is another option and a little closer to venues than Captain Cook.

Middlesbrough has a bus and train station. Trains take around 1hr 20 mins from Newcastle direct.

Fancy Splashing the Cash?

You’ll find Level X, Inflatespace, Fun Shack and Pinnacle Bowling in the town centre. These activities all look brill but will cost you. You can easily enjoy a day out in Middlesbrough without booking these.