Our List Of The Best Things To Do In Hull With Kids

Hull, a city steeped in rich history and culture, offers an array of engaging activities for families.

From interactive exhibits in museums like Streetlife and Dinostar, to outdoor adventures in the Humber Bridge area and East Park, and aquatic exploration at The Deep, Hull guarantees an educational and fun-filled experience.

With indoor play areas and various cinemas, the city caters to every interest, promising a memorable trip for children and adults alike.

Points Of Note

• Hull offers a variety of indoor activities for kids, including indoor trampoline parks, interactive museums, and marine life experiences at The Deep.
• There are several indoor play centers in Hull, such as Kinderland, Big Fun Indoor Play Area, Little Monkeys, and Rockcity, providing a range of fun and entertainment for children.
• Hull has a number of party venues where parents can organize birthday parties for their kids, including Kinderland, Big Fun Indoor Play Area, Little Monkeys, Rockcity, and some cinemas.
• Families visiting Hull can also explore outdoor activities, landmarks, museums, and transportation options, such as The Humber Bridge, East Park, Hull Minster, Hull Maritime Museum, and P&O North Sea Ferries.
• Also see our free things to do in Hull page.

Events In Hull

Below can see some of the current events in Hull.

Exploring Museums in Hull

Dive into the rich history and intriguing world of science by exploring the diverse range of museums in Hull with children.

The East Riding Museum offers a captivating journey through time, detailing local history from the Ice Age to the present day.

For maritime enthusiasts, the Hull Maritime Museum, located in the city’s museums quarter, showcases Hull’s illustrious seafaring past.

The Streetlife Museum, another gem in the quarter, provides a fascinating insight into 200 years of transport history. Its interactive displays are particularly engaging for children.

These institutions, among others, make Hull a must-seedestination for educational family outings.

Each museum tells a unique story, bringing history to life.

Outdoor Fun in Hull

Beyond the historical exploration in museums, Hull also offers a plethora of outdoor activities that are sure to entertain and engage kids.

East Park, a local favourite, is a must-visit with its expansive outdoor play areas and scenic walking paths.

For those seeking a bit more excitement, Pirate Adventure Golf provides a fun-filled challenge for children of all ages.

The Seas Fish Trail, meanwhile, invites families to embark on a unique journey, tracing fish sculptures throughout the city.

Lastly, a trip to Wold Hill offers a peaceful retreat, where children can connect with nature and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Each of these locations offers a unique glimpse into the charm and beauty of Hull, making for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Iconic Landmarks of Hull

Transitioning from outdoor fun to the exploration of history, the iconic landmarks of Hull present an enriching journey into the city’s past, making them an essential part of any family visit.

1. Hull Minster: This awe-inspiring, centuries-old cathedral stands as a testament to Hull’s rich religious history. Children can learn about its architectural significance and its role in the community.
2. Maritime Museum: Showcasing Hull’s maritime past, it offers interactive exhibitions perfect for children.
3. City Hall: An architectural gem, it hosts a range of events that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
4. Humber Street Gallery: This contemporary art space in the heart of Hull offers engaging exhibitions for all ages.
5. Queen Victoria Square: A thriving city center with statues, fountains, and surrounding historic buildings, providing a snapshot of Hull’s vibrant culture.

Convenient Transportation in Hull

The exploration of Hull’s iconic landmarks and family-friendly attractions is made effortless with the city’s convenient transportation options.

Hull city centre is well connected by a network of buses and trains run by East Yorkshire Motor Services. These services provide access to all major attractions, including the museums on Tower Street and the buzzing city centre.

Car users will find ample parking spaces in the city’s numerous car parks, making it easy to navigate and explore at your own pace.

For a more leisurely experience, consider taking a river cruise along the River Hull.

Regardless of your chosen mode of transport, Hull’s compact layout and efficient public transport system ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for families.

Hull’s Exciting Marina

In Hull, families can discover the city’s vibrant Marina, a fascinating place that offers a host of engaging activities for children. Hull’s Exciting Marina is nestled along the River Hull and excites with its mix of modernity and history.

1. Princes Quay Shopping Centre: Adjacent to the Marina, it offers wide-ranging retail options and dining experiences, perfect for a family day out.
2. River Hull: Enjoy a pleasant walk along the riverfront, taking in the splendid views of the marina and cityscape.
3. Museum Ship: The Marina is home to the ‘Spurn Lightship’, a historic museum ship that invites exploration of Hull’s maritime past.
4. Marine Life: Visit ‘The Deep’, nearby the Marina, a futuristic aquarium showcasing an abundance of marine life, promising an educational and fun-filled experience for kids.

Indoor Activities for Kids

Exploring the range of indoor activities available for children in Hull can provide both engaging and educational experiences, regardless of the weather. Hull boasts of multiple indoor soft play centres, sure to captivate the young ones.

The city’s interactive dinosaur museum, Dinostar, offers a unique, educational expedition into the prehistoric era. For something more active, the gravity trampoline park is an exhilarating choice. This venue is filled with wall-to-wall trampolines, ensuring endless fun.

Numerous soft play areas across the city cater to younger children, providing a safe environment for them to play and interact. Children’s play areas, such as those in the local community centres, offer a variety of activities to stimulate their creativity and physical growth.

Indoor Play Centers in Hull

Offering a variety of engaging activities, indoor play centres in Hull provide an exciting option for children’s entertainment and physical activity. These centres are located in various parts of the city, including St Stephens Shopping Centre and Kingswood Retail Park.

1. Rock Up at St Stephens Shopping Centre: This indoor climbing centre offers fun-filled climbing activities suitable for all ages.
2. Monkey Bizness located at Kingswood Retail Park: A vibrant soft play centre that is perfect for kids to burn off some energy.
3. Princes Quay’s Superbowl UK: Offers a variety of indoor games, including bowling, arcade games, and a soft play area.
4. Fun Station at Princes Quay: Offers a wide range of arcade games and a soft play area designed to keep kids entertained for hours.

Kid-Friendly Party Venues

Considering the multitude of indoor play centres in Hull, where might one host a memorable and kid-friendly party? Hull offers a variety of venues that cater to a child’s birthday party, ensuring a fun family day for all. The Big Fun Indoor Play Area and Little Monkeys offer soft play facilities that are perfect for parties. For the more adventurous, there are family friendly escape rooms at Escape Hull. Dinostar, the dinosaur and fossil shop, offers a unique party experience for the little explorers.

Venue	Type	Contact
Big Fun Indoor Play Area	Soft Play	01482 441441
Little Monkeys	Soft Play	01482 441441
Escape Hull	Escape Rooms	01482 323981
Dinostar	Party Venue	01482 320424

These venues guarantee an unforgettable party experience in Hull.

Locations of Key Attractions

The Streetlife Museum of Transport, one of Hull’s key attractions for children, is conveniently located on High Street in the city’s historic Old Town. This museum offers a vivid exploration of 200 years of transport history, a perfect adventure for the little ones.

The Ferens Art Gallery, situated in Queen Victoria Square, is a treasure trove of art, with pieces ranging from the medieval period to modern contemporary works.

East Riding is home to Castle Farm, a welcoming, family-friendly place where children can interact with a variety of farm animals.

Old Town, a must-visit, houses an array of historic sites, museums, and quaint shops.

Additional Information for Parents

In light of the numerous activities and locations mentioned above, parents planning a visit to Hull with their kids will find the city teeming with a wide range of child-friendly attractions and amenities. Hull offers an abundance of activities for all the family, particularly during school holidays.

For younger children, consider a visit to the local animal education centre for an engaging, informative experience.

Those looking for a more adventurous outing might try an independent escape room, which offers a fun yet challenging experience.

Regardless of your family’s interests, Hull is sure to offer an activity that will engage and entertain. Spend some time researching these options to ensure a memorable trip for the entire family.

Outdoor Attractions for Kids

Hull’s array of outdoor attractions provides children with ample opportunities for exploration and discovery. The city’s green spaces, historical trails, and adventurous parks inspire a love for nature and an interest in local history.

1. North Cave Wetlands Reserve: This nature reserve offers scenic walking trails and bird watching, igniting curiosity about local wildlife.
2. Fish Trail: A fascinating journey through Hull’s Old Town, this trail reveals the history and artistry of the city through 41 fish sculptures.
3. East Hull Parks: The Victorian Park and East Park, laden with beautiful gardens, play areas, and even a skate park, promise a fun-filled day for kids.
4. Ings Skate Park: A haven for adventurous children, this skate park in East Hull provides a safe space for skateboarding, rollerblading, and biking.

Museums and Galleries to Visit

Numerous museums and galleries in the city offer a wealth of educational and entertaining experiences for children, seamlessly continuing the exploration and discovery journey started in Hull’s outdoor attractions. A prime example is the Hull and East Riding Museum on High Street, where children can marvel at genuine and replica fossils.

Museum/Gallery	Highlight
Hull & East Riding Museum	Genuine and replica fossils
Dinostar	Unique dinosaur sound box
Streetlife Museum	Located on National Avenue
Hull Grammar School	Old Grammar School tours
Ferens Art Gallery	Renowned Natural History Museum

Each venue offers a unique experience, from the dinosaur sound box at Dinostar to explorations of Hull’s rich history at the old Grammar School. These fun-filled visits will undoubtedly enhance children’s understanding and appreciation of art, history, and science.

Hull’s Historic Sites

Steeped in rich cultural and historical significance, the city of Hull boasts a variety of historic sites that provide a fascinating insight into the region’s past, making them an educational and engaging visit for children.

1. Hull’s Old Town: Wander through the cobbled streets and immerse in the architecture of the Middle Ages.
2. Wilberforce House: The birthplace of William Wilberforce, this museum provides an in-depth look at the transatlantic slave trade.
3. Dinostar Fossil Shop: This fossil shop offers genuine fossils and interactive displays, making prehistoric times accessible to young minds.
4. Iron Age Village: Visit the immersive recreation of an Iron Age village, offering children a hands-on experience of history.

These historical sites offer a unique blend of education and entertainment, creating a memorable experience for children.

Entertainment and Activity Centers

Transitioning from the historical allure of Hull’s landmarks, the city’s entertainment and activity centers provide a dynamic fusion of fun and learning for children.

Kinderland, a beloved indoor playground, offers a variety of play areas suitable for kids of all ages.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Rockcity, one of the UK’s largest indoor climbing centers, is an ideal choice.

If your children are cinephiles, Hull’s multiple cinemas, including Vue and Odeon, regularly screen family-friendly movies.

On a rainy day, the interactive exhibits at Dinostar and the Streetlife Museum of Transport can keep them engaged and educated.

The Deep, showcasing a fascinating array of marine life, is a must-visit.

Each center provides a unique experience, making Hull a vibrant city for children’s activities.

Cultural Districts in Hull

Venturing into Hull’s cultural districts provides a rich immersion in the city’s vibrant arts scene, historical heritage, and unique local experiences, making it an essential part of family visits.

The Fruit Market district is a hub for creativity with numerous art galleries, including Humber Street Gallery, and unique shops. It also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year.

Hull’s Old Town is a treasure trove of history, with cobbled streets, centuries-old pubs, and the historic Wilberforce House.

The Museums Quarter in the Old Town offers a collection of free museums, including the Hull and East Riding Museum and the Streetlife Museum of Transport.

The Marina, with its spectacular boats and waterside eateries, also hosts the annual Seafood Festival, a delight for food lovers.

Shopping and Dining Spots

While exploring the cultural districts in Hull, families can also delight in the city’s diverse shopping and dining spots, offering a range of experiences from boutique shopping to culinary delights.

St Stephen’s Shopping Centre houses a variety of high-street brands, perfect for a family shopping spree. For a unique shopping experience, Humber Street in the Fruit Market district offers boutique shops featuring local designers.

Dining options are equally varied. Thieving Harry’s, known for its delicious brunch options, is a family favourite. For dinner, consider Tapasya@Marina, offering a fine dining Indian experience with a stunning view of Hull Marina. Alternatively, visit Humber Street Gallery’s rooftop bar for drinks and enjoy the vibrant artistic atmosphere.

These spots provide a taste of Hull’s rich shopping and dining scene.

Extra Attractions in Hull

Exploring additional attractions in Hull provides an enriching experience for families with children, as the city boasts a variety of engaging destinations beyond its primary highlights.

1. Hull’s Old Town: This historic area offers a peek into Hull’s past with its preserved architecture, quaint shops, and charming eateries.
2. Hull Maritime Museum: Here, families can delve into Hull’s rich maritime history, exploring the city’s ties to seafaring, fishing, and whaling.
3. The Humber Bridge: A walk across this iconic suspension bridge offers stunning views of the River Humber and the surrounding areas.
4. East Park: This expansive green space is perfect for family picnics, leisurely strolls, and recreational activities. It also houses a fun-filled playground and a small animal park.

More Museums and Galleries

In addition to the aforementioned attractions, Hull boasts several other museums and galleries that are bound to captivate children and stimulate their curiosity.

The Wilberforce House, the birthplace of social reformer William Wilberforce, offers a comprehensive insight into the transatlantic slave trade.

The Hull and East Riding Museum displays a fascinating collection of Roman artefacts.

For art enthusiasts, the Ferens Art Gallery houses a wide range of contemporary and classic art pieces.

The Maritime Museum, detailing Hull’s maritime history, and the Hands on History Museum, located in the old Grammar School where Wilberforce studied, are also worth visiting.

Last but not least, Dinostar, Hull’s only dinosaur experience, is a must-visit for young dinosaur enthusiasts.

More Historic Sites to Visit

Diving deeper into Hull’s rich history, there are several more intriguing historic sites that children will find engaging and educational.

1. Hull’s Old Town: This well-preserved medieval town centre is a gem for history enthusiasts. Kids can enjoy the Fish Trail, a unique pavement walk marked by fish sculptures, leading to historic landmarks.
2. Beverley Minster: Just outside of Hull, this stunning Gothic church offers a fascinating insight into medieval architecture.
3. Burton Constable Hall: This Elizabethan mansion, set within a 300-acre park, provides a glimpse into the life of the British aristocracy.
4. Wilberforce House: The birthplace of William Wilberforce, famous for his role in abolishing slavery, this museum offers an impactful history lesson for older children.

These sites provide not just a day out, but a journey through time.

Free Activities for Kids in Hull

While historic sites offer a fascinating journey through time, there are also numerous free activities in Hull that provide fun and educational experiences for kids.

For a start, the Streetlife Museum of Transport offers a peek into the past with its recreated shop windows and old-time transport systems.

At the Hull and East Riding Museum, kids can join free guided walking tours on Thursdays and Saturdays, immersing themselves in the history of the Old Town.

East Park, with its playground and animal viewing areas, is perfect for a family day out. Don’t miss the Humber Bridge, a scenic spot for a lovely walk along the river.

Lastly, Dinostar – Hull’s Dinosaur Experience is a must-visit for its interactive displays and toddler-friendly exhibits.

Final Notes

Hull offers families an enriching blend of education and entertainment. Its diverse array of museums, galleries, and historic sites provide enlightening glimpses into the city’s history and culture.

The vast outdoor spaces and engaging indoor attractions offer endless opportunities for active fun. With its child-friendly venues and activities, Hull presents a unique and enjoyable destination that caters to children’s learning and recreation needs.

Indeed, Hull is a city that seamlessly integrates education and fun for the young ones.

Accommodation Options While In Hull

Below you can see some of the options available to booking while in the area.