Water Park Play Fountain

The Water Park Play Fountain in Hartlepool is the sort of thing you stumble upon with kids in tow and suddenly the afternoon just sorts itself. It's a proper splash-about spot - jets and sprays that shoot up from the ground, the kind of thing that keeps under-tens entertained for a good hour or so without requiring much parental effort beyond watching them get soaked.

You'll find it in the heart of Hartlepool itself. Fair warning: it's not a destination in its own right, but it works brilliantly as a break between other attractions if you're doing the North East coast circuit. The appeal is straightforward - free play, no complicated entrance fees or queuing systems, just turn up and let them run about. Bring a towel and a change of clothes, obviously.

The real value here is as a quick stopover rather than a day-long excursion. Twenty minutes to an hour depending on the kids' energy levels. It's ideal if you're staying at nearby Parkdean Resorts Crimdon Dene Holiday Park and want to burn off some steam without heading miles away. Summer months are obviously peak time - go early morning or late afternoon if you want to avoid the crowds.

Not life-changing, but genuinely useful for families with younger children. The sort of thing that breaks up a day nicely without fanfare or expense.