Things To Do In Hull With Kids: Complete Guide & Key Details
Planning a family trip to Hull? You're in for a treat! This vibrant city has a surprising amount of fun packed into it, perfect for keeping little ones entertained. Forget boring museum visits; Hull is all about hands-on adventures and exciting discoveries. Let's dive into some of the best things you can do with your kids.
The Deep: Dive Into Underwater Wonders
First up, a definite must-see is The Deep. This isn't just any aquarium; it's a massive, state-of-the-art marine marvel. Imagine standing in a glass tunnel as sharks and rays glide right over your head! It's truly awe-inspiring. Kids will love spotting the colourful tropical fish, the grumpy-looking anglerfish, and maybe even a giant squid if you're lucky. There are also interactive exhibits where they can learn about marine life in a fun, engaging way. It’s the perfect place to spark a love for the ocean.
The Deep is one of the UK's biggest aquariums and it really feels like stepping into another world. The sheer scale of it is breathtaking!
What makes it so special? It’s not just about looking. You can feel the excitement as you walk through the underwater tunnels. The jellyfish exhibit is mesmerizing, with their gentle pulsing lights. And the penguins? They’re always a hit, waddling and diving with boundless energy. You can easily spend hours here, and your kids will be talking about the sharks and sea turtles long after you leave. It’s a fantastic educational experience that doesn’t feel like learning at all!
Hull Museums: More Than Just Old Stuff!
Now, you might think "museums" and imagine dusty rooms. But Hull's museums are different. They’re designed to be fun for the whole family. Take Hull Museums for example. They offer a fantastic range of attractions that really bring history to life.
The Hull Treasure House is a brilliant starting point. It houses the city's art and social history collections. Kids can explore everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to costumes from different eras. There are often special family-friendly trails and activities to keep them engaged. They might even discover something they’ve only read about in books!
Then there’s the Streetlife Museum of Transport. This is pure nostalgia for the grown-ups and a fascinating journey for the kids. You can step back in time and walk down a Victorian street, complete with old shops and horse-drawn carriages. There are also vintage cars and buses you can sit in! It’s a chance to see how people used to get around, and it’s incredibly visual and interactive. You can almost hear the clip-clop of the horses and the rumble of the trams. It’s a truly immersive experience that sparks imagination.
The Streetlife Museum is a blast from the past! Kids love pretending they're driving the old buses and trams.
The real magic of these museums is how they make history accessible and exciting. Instead of just reading about the past, your kids can step into it. They can touch, see, and imagine. It’s a great way to foster curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around them. And the best part? Most of the Hull museums are free to enter, making them a budget-friendly option for a day out.
Pearson Park & Museum: A Breath of Fresh Air
Need to let the kids burn off some energy? Head to Pearson Park. This beautiful Victorian park is a green oasis in the city. It's got wide-open spaces perfect for running around, a fantastic adventure playground that will keep them entertained for hours, and a lovely pond with ducks to feed. Don't forget to bring some bread for the feathered friends!
There's also a charming Victorian conservatory here, filled with exotic plants. It's a peaceful spot to wander through and admire the greenery. The park itself feels like a step back in time, with its bandstand and mature trees. It’s the ideal place for a picnic and some fresh air after a busy morning of exploring.
What's special about Pearson Park? It’s the combination of playful fun and serene beauty. The playground is exciting, but the overall atmosphere is relaxing. It's a place where kids can be kids, and parents can enjoy a moment of calm. It’s a perfect family outing that offers something for everyone.
The Humber Bridge: A Giant Wonder
For something a bit different, take a trip to the Humber Bridge. This is one of the longest single-span suspension bridges in the world, and it’s an impressive sight. You can walk or cycle across it, enjoying fantastic views of the river and the surrounding landscape. It’s a bit of an adventure, and the sheer scale of the bridge is mind-boggling for kids and adults alike.
Standing on the Humber Bridge feels like you're on top of the world! The views are incredible.
The walk across is invigorating, and the feeling of being so high up is exhilarating. It’s a great way to get some exercise and see Hull from a different perspective. There are usually visitor centres or viewpoints where you can learn more about the bridge's construction and history. It’s a simple outing, but the wow factor is huge. It’s a testament to human engineering and a truly memorable experience.
Princes Quay Shopping Centre: Indoor Fun
On a rainy day, or if you just need a break from the outdoors, Princes Quay Shopping Centre has you covered. It’s more than just shops; it's an entertainment hub. There’s often a cinema, so you can catch the latest kids' movie. They also have various family-friendly events and activities that pop up throughout the year, especially during school holidays.
The centre itself is quite unique, built over the water. It's a fun place to wander around, and there are plenty of food options to keep everyone happy. It’s a good fallback option that’s guaranteed to keep the boredom at bay. Sometimes, a bit of indoor fun is exactly what a family trip needs!
So there you have it! Hull offers a fantastic mix of attractions that are perfect for families. From exploring the depths of the ocean to stepping back in time and enjoying the great outdoors, there’s something to capture every child’s imagination. Get ready for some memorable adventures in this welcoming Yorkshire city!