Great days out start at Preston Park - six things to do this Easter

Families across the region can make the most of the Easter holidays with a cracking line-up of activities, exhibitions and hands-on fun at Preston Park from Friday 3 April.

With spring-themed creative family sessions and outdoor adventures and a host of exciting exhibitions it's the perfect place for a memorable day out in Stockton-on-Tees.

Here's the top six things to do at Preston Park this Easter.

1. Pop-up Cardboard Museum - Birds, Birds, Birds!

The beloved Pop-up Cardboard Museum returns for Easter with a brand-new theme: Birds, Birds, Birds!

Kids can get creative with colourful cardboard crafts inspired by the wildlife found in the beautiful park grounds and the historic aviary.

Build a giant community peacock or create your own cardboard birds from Tuesday 7 April.

2. The Swallow Sculpture, Great Swallow Adventure trail and storytelling

The iconic Swallow sign from the Swallow Hotel in Stockton has been transformed into a sculpture using stained glass, lighting and projection by local artist Stuart Langley. The former hotel was demolished in 2022 to make way for Stockton Waterfront urban park and the sculpture is on display at the museum.

Families can set off on The Great Swallow Adventure, an indoor trail inspired by this stunning sculpture. Follow hidden clues around the museum, complete mini challenges and help the swallow complete its journey.

Visitors can also enjoy lively, interactive storytelling sessions with renowned storyteller Elizabeth Baker on Wednesdays throughout the holidays and explore the replica Victorian Street, where history comes alive with characters and shops from the past.

3. Explore the newly reopened Walled Garden

Visitors can also enjoy the much-anticipated reopening of the Walled Garden. Bursting back into life for spring, the Walled Garden sits in the museum grounds and recreates the character of a traditional Victorian kitchen garden.

Families can also enjoy beautiful views of the Walled Garden on the outdoor terrace and refuel at the Spence Café.

4. All Aboard! — Climb into our giant replica train

Perfect for little explorers, this large-scale interactive train is packed with play opportunities. Children can turn the wheels, shovel coal, pump the pistons, and dive into themed play zones designed to spark curiosity and creativity.

5. Step into 'Perfume' — A beautiful immersive exhibition by internationally acclaimed digital artist Yann Nguema

Inspired by petals, pollen and the hidden beauty of nature, this atmospheric installation invites you to lose yourself in a world of colour, light and sound. Created by renowned digital artist Yann Nguema and accompanied by a mesmerising soundtrack from Zero Gr4vity, it offers a rich multi-sensory experience for visitors of all ages.

This is the final exhibition in the Tracks of Change series as part of S&DR200, the international festival celebrating the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, allowing visitors to play and learn while exploring the impact and legacy of the birth of modern railways.

6. Becoming La Voix — Celebrating a Stockton Star

Becoming La Voix shines a spotlight on one of Stockton-on-Tees' brightest performers. This dazzling exhibition charts La Voix's journey from local entertainer to national star, featuring unforgettable costumes, glamour and sparkle — including iconic looks from Strictly Come Dancing, RuPaul's Drag Race and Britain's Got Talent.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "We're delighted to welcome families to Preston Park this Easter with a line-up that's full of discovery and imagination.

"From an immersive installation by an internationally acclaimed artist and an exhibition celebrating one of Stockton-on-Tees' most successful and much-loved entertainers, to a giant playscape, creative crafts, trails and storytelling, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.

"And with all activities included in your museum admission, visitors can enjoy a full and unforgettable day out together on their doorsteps."

Make a Day of it at Preston Park

After exploring the museum and exhibitions, families can head outdoors to enjoy the refurbished play area, which reopened last summer and now benefits from improved toilet facilities and access to the Park Café.

Booking information

All exhibitions and activities are included with both day and annual Museum Passes, and are drop-in. Visitors are encouraged to purchase their Museum Pass online in advance to help speed up entry on arrival.

The museum is open every day throughout the Stockton school holidays, including bank holidays, from 10am to 4pm, with last admission at 3.30pm.

For full details on what's on, including specific dates and times, visit Preston Park Museum and Grounds website.