Newham Grange Farm

A proper little gem for families with toddlers and young ones — the sandpit alone will keep kids busy for a solid hour, and the mini maze is just the right size for under-6s to feel like they’ve conquered something. The real draw, though, is getting up close with the animals: goats, pigs, llamas, the lot. Picnic tables mean you can bring your own lunch and stretch the day out without spending a fortune, and the baby changing facilities and parking make the whole trip far less stressful than it sounds. For the price, it’s genuinely one of the better days out you’ll find around Middlesbrough.