Great days out start at Preston Park this Easter!
Families across the region can enjoy a cracking Easter holiday at Preston Park, with a fantastic line‑up of activities, exhibitions and hands‑on fun running throughout the break.
From creative crafts to outdoor adventures and exciting new displays, it's the perfect place for a memorable day out in Stockton‑on‑Tees.
Below are the top six things to enjoy at Preston Park this Easter (From Friday 3 April to Sunday 19 April):
Pop‑Up Cardboard Museum: Birds, Birds, Birds!
The much‑loved Pop‑Up Cardboard Museum returns for Easter with a brand‑new theme: Birds, Birds, Birds!
Children can get creative with colourful cardboard crafts inspired by the wildlife found in the museum grounds and the historic aviary.
Build a giant community peacock or design your own cardboard birds
Build a giant community peacock (7 to 10 April) Create your own cardboard birds (13 to 16 April)
Find out more about the pop-up cardboard museum
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.
Find out more about The Great Swallow Adventure
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.
Find out more about the Walled Garden
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.
Find out more about All Aboard!
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.
Becoming La Voix - celebrating a 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.
Find out more about Becoming La Voix
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.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.
- if you already have a Museum Pass, please bring it with you
- please buy your Museum Pass online before your visit, to save time 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.
Buy your museum pass before your visit
