Fun for all ages as families come together for free play day in Hartlepool

Children and their families enjoyed a host of free activities from archery and climbing to karting and crafts.

The day also marked the official launch of the cafe in Summerhill Visitor Centre which is under new management.

National Play Day is an annual campaign highlighting the importance of play in children’s lives.

The free taster sessions and activities at Summerhill were suitable for all ages and abilities.

Outreach officer Claire McDonald said of the day: “It has been amazingly successful, the busiest play day we have ever had.

“Everyone had a fantastic time and the weather was brilliant.

“We wanted to thank the people of Hartlepool because without them it wouldn’t be a success.

“We had everyone right from grandmas and grandads to babies in prams, children’s nurseries and members of the public.”

With the launch of the new look cafe visitors got to try a selection of snacks, cakes and drinks and watch as the ribbon was cut.

Afterwards there was face painting and Xplorer map reading activity sessions from 10am onwards, while Hartlepool Borough Council’s Sports and Physical Activity Team hosted a range of sports sessions in the paddock in the afternoon.

They included slack lining and a visit by Cleveland Fire Brigade in an engine for budding firefighters to explore.

Indoor there was arts and crafts led by Artrium, fruit snacks from Tesco, bird-feeder making with the RSPB, and activities with EDF Energy and Heugh Battery museum.

Animal fans also got to see and hold a variety of exotic creatures with Jay’s Animal Encounters including a meerkat, skunk, scorpion and tarantula.

There are lots of opportunities for family fun at Summerhill right through the school summer holidays.

Claire added: “A full holiday programme is available from the office or our Facebook page.”

Hartlepool council recently secured a £280,000 grant to deliver a four-year project to bring families closer together through sport and physical activity.