Family-friendly things to do at Ormesby Hall
Looking for a proper family day out here in Middlesbrough? Ormesby Hall is a grand historic house with beautifully kept gardens, but it’s also a relaxed place for kids to be kids. Come for a wander, let little legs burn off energy, and discover what’s on in the school holidays.
Planning your family visit
With great value admission (and always free for National Trust members), it’s an easy, affordable day out that mixes history, fresh air and family fun.
You’ll find lots of family-friendly essentials on site, including toilets and baby-changing facilities in the house and courtyard.
The café has indoor and outdoor seating, highchairs, and kids’ lunchboxes - and you’re welcome to bring a picnic too.
A few handy things to know:
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Pushchairs and prams aren’t allowed in the house, so please leave them at the designated undercover shelter (hip-carrying infant seats are available to borrow).
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Bikes and balls aren’t allowed onsite.
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There is a pond in the orchard, so little ones will need close supervision in that area.
Summer of Play at Ormesby Hall
Saturday 18 July - Sunday 30 August
Looking for family adventures this summer?
Join us at Ormesby Hall for a Summer of Play packed with opportunities to get active, get creative and enjoy the outdoors together. Running throughout the school holidays, there's something happening every weekday, alongside plenty of play zones and activities to discover around the estate.
Children can try everything from dance, yoga and karate to bushcraft, wildlife activities, crafts and storytelling. There are also circus skills, soft archery, tennis, badminton and family races to enjoy in our Field of Play, making every visit a little different.
With beautiful gardens to explore, a historic hall to discover, a natural play area, woodland walks and our accessible multi-user trail, Ormesby Hall is the perfect place to spend a summer day together. Bring a picnic, enjoy an ice cream and make some memories outdoors.
Summer of Play activities are included with normal admission and there's no need to book.
What's on each week?
Moving Mondays
Get active with family-friendly dance and yoga sessions.
Try-it Tuesdays
Have a go at karate and learn some new skills.
Wildlife Wednesdays
Discover the wildlife that calls Ormesby Hall home through hands-on nature activities.
Wild Skills Thursdays
Learn bushcraft skills and enjoy outdoor adventures inspired by nature.
Fantasy Fridays
Let imaginations run wild with crafts and storytelling sessions.
Included every day
Pick up your Summer of Play map and discover activities across the estate, including circus skills, soft archery, tennis, badminton, races and more. There's plenty of space to play, explore and enjoy the outdoors all summer long.
Dates: Daily from Saturday 18 July - Sunday 30 August
Opening times: 10.30am - 4pm
Admission: £7 adult, £3.50 child, £17.50 family
Free entry: National Trust members and under-fives
See all of our upcoming events here at Ormesby Hall.
Family-friendly things to do in the house
A surprise delight for lots of families is the model railway layouts, including an interactive layout for children of all ages. Then pop into the second-hand bookshop in the courtyard and take a breather together with a story.
Family-friendly things to do in the garden
There’s loads of space for kids to run off energy in the gardens. Head down to the natural play area where little ones can perform on the Willow Stage and challenge themselves on the rope walk, log stepping stones and balance see-saw.
Looking for a quieter nature moment? Visit the bird hide, see what you can spot, and stop by the bug hotels to see who’s checked in (do not disturb!).
Explore the multi-user trail (free to use)
If you’d like to add a gentle walk (or a quick loop before heading home), try the free multi-user trail - an accessible, all-weather loop around the estate that’s suitable for walkers, runners, pushchairs, wheelchair users and cyclists.
‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’
No matter the season, Ormesby Hall is the perfect place to see how many activities you can tick off your '50 things' list. Head into the woods to get to know a tree (No. 1), discover wild animal clues (No. 34), head to the bird hide to watch a bird (No. 44) or pay a visit to the bug hotel to make friends with some creepy-crawlies (No. 31).
Follow the link to find out more about our activities at Ormesby Hall: What's on at Ormesby Hall