IT’S that time during the school summer holidays when parents and guardians are scratching their heads for fun activities to do with the children – without costing the earth.
One of the biggest free, family-focused outdoor festivals in the entire region – Between the Tides – is coming to Kirkleatham, near Redcar on Saturday 22 August and Sunday 23 August.
But that’s just one of the exciting options for families looking for fun for free - or a very reasonable price - this summer, including:
- A major opportunity for many families is through the Government-funded, Holiday Activities Fund (HAF) programme, which offers free activities. Any families eligible for benefit-related free school meals can take part and organisations right across the borough are offering free sport (from swimming to table tennis), creative activities (from music workshops to theatre) and experiences (from nature walks to museums). This year Circus Skills Workshops (provided by Tit for Tat Workshops) are available for the first time from Tuesday 18 August to Friday 21 August. NOTE: There are some paid places on some the HAF activities available to all.
- Kirkleatham Museum has a packed programme this year including fun activities relating to the hit Expedition Dinosaur exhibition. There are also family crafts sessions, a pirate trail (as part of Pirate Week) and even a teddy bear picnic. NOTE: There is a small (varying) charge for activities and admission to the museum is £3 adult, £2.50 children with under-fours free).
- It’s not too late for children and young people to join the Summer Reading Challenge (with many chances to win a prize including a Nintendo) in our borough’s libraries, where there are also lots of activities – from lego clubs to craft sessions to photography groups - every day
- The borough is blessed with plenty of outdoor spaces including iconic beaches, two country parks, a national walkway and a newly reopened, revitalised paddling pool and play area on Redcar seafront.
Cllr Carrie Richardson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate and Culture, said: “We’ve all been that parent halfway through the long holidays wondering how on earth we’re going to get through. There’s also the small matter of holding down a job at the same time and it can be extremely helpful for the children to have a few hours enjoying an activity while you get on. Help is at hand with free or reasonably priced activities. And don’t forget our wonderful parks as well as the fact we are blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches and countryside walks in the entire country. Pack that picnic!”
Find out more about the Holiday Activities Fund here : https://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/bring-it-on or here Eequ · After school. In place of school. Beyond school. Or email holidayfoodandactivities@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Find out more about what’s on including at Kirkleatham Museum here Enjoy
Find out more about what’s on in our libraries here Home - Redcar & Cleveland Libraries
Find a list of some of the main activities, events and opportunities at our libraries – including HAF activities - below:
Libraries
Summer Reading Challenge
There is still time to get involved with this years Summer Reading Challenge at your local library. Take part this Summer to be in with a chance of winning prizes!
Every time 0-17 year olds borrow and read books, they can enter to win a prize of their choice! New for 2026: 0-17 year olds can now enter by reading on BorrowBox and grown ups can get in on the action too. Find out more at your local Library or visit facebook.com/RCBCLibraries
National Year of Reading – Library Take Over Days
Join us for a takeover day. Come and discover your Library, outside of the Library.
Find out what your Library Service has to offer, find out how to become a library member and access resources and also join in taster sessions of activities that take place in libraries.
Saturday 29 August – 10am – 2pm – St Hildas Church, Roseberry Road, Redcar
Saturday 26 September – 10am – 2pm – St Nicholas Church Hall, Guisborough
Guisborough Pop Up Library
Monday 17 August – Family Game Sessions – Come along and show off your board game skills. Can you take on our giant versions?
- 10:15am – 11:15am – Giant Twister
- 11:30am – 12:30pm – Giant Snakes and Ladders
- 1:30pm – 3:30pm – Board Game Afternoon
Under 4 sensory session – bookable at https://www.ticketsource.com/redcar-cleveland-libraries/e-pmyorg
- Tuesday 18 August – 2pm – 3pm
- Tuesday 25 August – 2pm – 3pm
Tuesday 2 August – Mario Kart Time Trials – The kids have had their turn and set the challenge for the grown ups. Can you beat the kids time in this adult time trial edition? The competition is on.
- 10:15am – 12:15pm
Monday 24 August 10:15am – 12:15pm – Adult Crafts – Come and join us to make book vases out of recycled books. £3 per person, bookable at https://www.ticketsource.com/redcar-cleveland-libraries/t-njmxynz
Monday 24 August 2pm – 3pm – Children’s crafts. Come and make musical instruments to help perfect your skills.
Ormesby Library
Saturday 15 August – 11am – 12:30pm. Ladybird activities with the Wildlife Trust. Booking required. Contact Ormesby Library to book.
Thursday 20 August – 10:30am – 12:30pm – Children’s Pirate Themed Crafts
Wednesday 26 August – Trip to Seven Stories with the friends of Ormesby Library. Booking required (contact Ormesby Library to book). £6 per adult, £3 per child (under 3s free).
Marske Library
Tuesday 18 August – 2pm – 3pm – Children’s Fruit and Veg talk with the local fruit & veg shop (contact Marske Library to book)
Tuesday 25 August – 2pm – 3pm – Children’s seaside themed crafts (contact Marske Library to book)
Loftus Library
Children’s summer crafts.
- Monday 17 August – 10:30am – 12pm and 1:30pm – 3:00pm
- Monday 24 August – 10:30am – 12pm and 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Saltburn Library
Lego Club. Every day during school holidays (when the library is open).
Teen/Young Adult Crafts – Customise your own books (or own of ours) with sprayed edges and bedazzled covers. (Booking required. Contact Saltburn Library to book)
- 21 August – 2pm – 4pm
End of Summer party – Come and join us as we celebrate the end of the summer holidays with lots of activities.
- 26 August – 11am – 1pm. Booking required (contact Saltburn Library to book).
HAF Activities at Libraries
South Bank Library - Wednesday 19 August – 2pm – 4pm
Come and join Cook Starts and make your own food to eat. Also lean where and how food is grown and plant your own vegetables. There will be crafts and much more of offer.
HAF funded spaces can be booked at Eequ · After school. In place of school. Beyond school.
Paid spaced can be booked at https://www.ticketsource.com/redcar-cleveland-libraries/t-aazexkl
Marske Library – Wednesday 26 August – 2pm – 4pm
Come and join in with a Big Science workshop. Hands on practical experiments that the children can perform on their own. This is learning but FUN!!
HAF funded spaces can be booked at Eequ · After school. In place of school. Beyond school.
Paid space can be booked at https://www.ticketsource.com/redcar-cleveland-libraries/t-qmapdqj