Skip To Main Content

  • Accommodation
    • Don't Miss
      • City Breaks
      • Spa Breaks
      • Dog Friendly
      • Stunning Stays
    • Hotels
    • B&B and Guest Houses
    • Inns & Pubs
    • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages
      • Self Catering Agencies
    • Caravan, Camping & Glamping
    • Hostels
    • Accessible Accommodation
  • Things to Do
    • Don't Miss
      • Binchester Roman Fort
      • Beamish Museum
      • Bishop Auckland Town Hall
      • Bowlees Visitor Centre
      • Crook Hall Gardens
      • Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre
      • Durham Castle Tours
      • Durham Cathedral
      • Durham Cricket
      • Durham Town Hall
      • Durham University Botanic Garden
      • Durham University Oriental Museum
      • Hamsterley Forest
      • Hardwick Park
      • High Force
      • Killhope
      • Kynren- An epic Tale of England
      • Locomotion
      • Palace Green Library
      • Raby Castle
      • Seaham Harbour Marina
      • The Auckland Project
      • Spennymoor Town Hall Bob Abley Art Gallery
      • The Bowes Museum
      • Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
      • Wharton Park
    • Attractions
      • Castles & Historic Houses
      • Cathedral & Churches
      • Hands on History
      • Gardens & Parks
      • Family Fun
      • Museums & Galleries
      • Waterfalls & Reservoirs
    • Activities
      • Adventure Activities
      • Cycling
      • Family Fun Activities
      • Festival & Events Organisers
      • Fishing
      • Golf
      • Horse Riding
      • Spas
      • Walking
    • Entertainment
      • Cinema
      • Theatre
    • Shopping
      • Antiques
      • Arts & Crafts
      • Farm Shops & Markets
      • Garden Centres
      • Only in Durham
      • Independent Shops & Boutiques
      • Shopping Centres
    • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides
      • Attraction Tours
      • Tour Guides
      • Scenic Tours
      • Cycling Tours
      • Walking Tours
      • Durham City Guide - Churches, Chapels and Cafes
    • Weddings
      • Historic Wedding Venues
      • Hotel Wedding Venues
      • Wedding Fairs & Events
      • Stag & Hen Party Ideas
      • Wedding Packages
  • What's On
    • What's on this Week
    • Family Events
      • October Half Term Events
      • Free Events
      • Halloween
      • Bonfire Night
      • Festive Fun
    • 2025 Unmissable Events
    • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events
      • Cinema Venues
      • Theatre Venues
    • Sports
    • Dark Skies Events
    • Food & Drink
    • Exhibitions
  • Food & Drink
    • Don't Miss
      • Bishop’s Kitchen at Auckland Palace
      • Botanic Garden Café
      • Cafe Bowes at The Bowes Museum
      • Durham Dales Centre Tea Room
      • El Castillo
      • Gala Lounge
      • High Force Hotel and Waterfall
      • Hotel Indigo Rotunda Bar
      • Jozef’s Riverside Bar & Restaurant
      • Killhope Lead Mining Museum Cafe and Shop
      • Lumley Castle - Knight's Restaurant
      • Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill
      • Geko at Seaham Hall
      • The Dining Room
      • The Dunes Café
      • The Falls Café at Bowlees Visitor Centre
      • The Garden Gate Café at Crook Hall Gardens
      • The Hamsterley Cafe and Ice Cream Kiosk
      • The Neighbourhood @ Hotel Indigo Durham
      • The Oak Room Restaurant
      • The Tower Cafe
      • The Vinery at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
      • Undercroft Restaurant
      • Ushaw Café
    • Restaurants
    • Tearooms & Coffee Shops
    • Pubs & Bars
    • Get a Taste of Durham
    • Afternoon Tea in Durham
  • Inspire Me
    • Don't Miss
      • Auckland Palace
      • Beamish Museum
      • Dalton Park
      • Durham Cathedral
      • Hamsterley Forest
      • High Force
      • Killhope
      • Kynren – an epic tale of England
      • North Pennines National Landscape
    • Short Break Ideas
      • Classic Christmas
      • Dark Skies
      • Dog Friendly Durham
      • Romantic Getaways
      • Spa Breaks
      • Golf Breaks
      • Weddings
      • City Break
    • Seasonal
      • Spring Breaks
      • Summer Breaks
      • Autumn Breaks
      • Winter Breaks
    • Budget-Friendly Days Out in Durham
    • Explore From Your Door
    • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors
    • Discover Wellness in Durham
    • Go Car Free in Durham
    • Only in Durham
    • Delve Into Our Heritage
    • Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    • Itineraries
  • Explore Durham
    • Durham City
    • Durham Dales
    • Vale of Durham
    • Durham Coast
    • Durham Towns
      • Barnard Castle
      • Bishop Auckland
      • Chester-le-Street
      • Seaham
      • Stanhope
    • North Pennines National Landscape
    • North East England
  • Visitor Information
    • Information Points
    • Maps of Durham
    • Getting to Durham
    • Getting Around Durham
      • Car Hire
      • Taxis
      • Electric Car Charging Points
    • Accessible Durham
    • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham
    • Publications
    • Durham Apps
    • Discover Durham Digitally

Don't Miss

  • A family stood at Low Force

    Autumn Breaks

  • A witch sculpture for Halloween

    October Half Term Events

  • Stars at Hardwick Park

    Dark Skies

  • People taking a selfie in Durham

    Share Your Snaps

  • Corporate
  • Groups & Travel Trade
  • Durham Story
  • Meet in Durham
  • Northern Saints
A German Flag
Menu
  • Top Attractions

  • Places To Stay

  • Things to Do

    Things to Do in Durham

  • Planning Your Trip

    Planning Your Trip

  • Inspire Me

Site Search Icon
My Account icon

Login to your account

Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

List All My Saved Itineraries

  • Logo
  • Print Logo
Close Navigation

Follow Us...

  • Facebook

    Thumbnail for Facebook

  • Twitter

    Thumbnail for Twitter

  • YouTube

    YouTube Icon

  • Instagram

    Instagram

  • Blog

    This is Durham Blog

You are here > Home > Things to Do > Attractions > Family Fun > Family Attractions & Activities

Family Attractions & Activities

Durham has plenty to offer your little ones, take a look at the list below.

this is featured

Auckland Palace exterior with lawn area to foreground

The Auckland Project

The Auckland Project is unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland…

MORE INFO

Weardale Museum and High House Chapel

Weardale Museum

Small but fascinating volunteer run folk museum with an amazing collection including the beautiful…

MORE INFO

Autumn hills at North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

North Pennines National Landscape

The North Pennines National Landscape incorporates much of the Durham Dales, and is a stunning…

MORE INFO

Diggerland

Diggerland is the UK’s most unique construction-themed adventure park where guests can drive, ride…

MORE INFO

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

Welcome to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens. A stunning complete medieval castle in County Durham with…

MORE INFO

Beamish - The Living Museum of the North

Discover an amazing journey through time at Beamish Museum as you travel back in time to the 1820s,…

MORE INFO

Locomotion

At Locomotion you can see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in the world’s…

MORE INFO

The Hole in Wand

Discover the Magic at The Hole In Wand – Dalton Park! Step into a world of wonder at The Hole…

MORE INFO

Durham University Botanic Garden

Set in countryside and mature woodland. Plant collections from North America, Himalayas and China,…

MORE INFO

The Bowes Museum

There’s always something great to see and do at The Bowes Museum.  With more than 50,000 items in…

MORE INFO

Durham Cathedral

Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs…

MORE INFO

PrevPrev
  • 1The Auckland Project
  • 2Weardale Museum
  • 3North Pennines National Landscape
  • 4Diggerland
  • 5Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  • 6Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
  • 7Locomotion
  • 8The Hole in Wand
  • 9Durham University Botanic Garden
  • 10The Bowes Museum
  • 11Durham Cathedral
NextNext

Search Accommodation

Check Availability
Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:

Search Things to Do

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:

Search What's On

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:
Dates

Search Food & Drink

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:
  • Accommodation

  • Things To Do

  • What's On

  • Food & Drink

Search Accommodation

Check Availability
Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:

Search Things to Do

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:

Search What's On

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:
Dates

Search Food & Drink

Type:
Location:
Name / Keyword:
Loading..

Number of results:

Number of results: 33

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Next
Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest
  1. Performers

    Add Durham Fringe Festival to your Itinerary

    Durham Fringe Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival & Events Organisers

    Durham

    The 2025 Durham Fringe Festival will return 23rd to 27th July.  The North East's biggest recognised fringe festival – featuring the best in dance, drama, magic, music, poetry, stand-up comedy and more. 

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2026to27 July 2026
    More info for Durham Fringe Festival
  2. H2O at Witton Country Park

    Add H2O Riders to your Itinerary

    H2O Riders

    Type

    Type:

    Activity Centre

    Witton-le-Wear

    Embark on an unforgettable outdoors adventure with paddle boarding, kayaking, or a thrilling water bike ride at the premier water sports hire centre at Witton Castle Activity Lake in County Durham.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for H2O Riders
  3. Walks around Ushaw - The Boundary Walk

    Add Walks around Ushaw - The Boundary Walk to your Itinerary

    Walks around Ushaw - The Boundary Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Durham

    This walk is currently closed for maintenance.​​​​​​

    ​​​​​​​​​​Come and enjoy a 3-mile circular route around the Ushaw estate, starting at the main house and taking in the old hilltop with wide-open views of Durham’s countryside.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Walks around Ushaw - The Boundary Walk
  4. Carved wooden sculpture depicting a Dragonfly

    Add Hardwick Park Sculpture Trail to your Itinerary

    Hardwick Park Sculpture Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Sedgefield

    Six wetland-inspired oak pieces, designed and carved by north east artists Lee and Jill Brewster.  The artworks, depicting a dragonfly, frog and other wetland animals, were commissioned by the Discover Brightwater Landscape Project team.  

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Hardwick Park Sculpture Trail
  5. Wallace and Gromit characters. Copyright and TM Aardman/Wallace & Gromit Ltd 2024  All rights reserved

    Add Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit at Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit at Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Tour

    Redford, Hamsterley Forest

    Join Wallace and Gromit for the ultimate forest walkies.

    Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way – with everyone’s favourite dog and owner duo for company.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit at Hamsterley Forest
  6. Moor House Activity Centre

    Add Moor House Activity Centre to your Itinerary

    Moor House Activity Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Activity Centre

    Houghton-le-Spring

    We provide tailor made outdoor education solutions for everyone.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Moor House Activity Centre
  7. Children and adults on mountain bikes - Forestry England/Crown copyright

    Add Squirrel Chaser Blue Cycle Trail at Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    Squirrel Chaser Blue Cycle Trail at Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Cycle Route

    Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland

    Hit the trails at Hamsterley Forest this Easter! Forestry England is delighted to announce the opening of a brand–new, blue (moderate) grade off-road cycle trail at Hamsterley Forest, County Durham.

    Dates

    From:
    6 Apr 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Squirrel Chaser Blue Cycle Trail at Hamsterley Forest
  8. Girl looking through a magnifying glass into a bug pot

    Add RSPB Saltholme to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 494 reviews494 reviews

    RSPB Saltholme

    Type

    Type:

    Nature Reserve

    Middlesbrough

    RSPB Saltholme is the perfect place if you’re new to birdwatching or want to get out in nature. Our family-friendly wetlands have a helpful visitor's centre and hides which let you get up close to water rail, avocet and terns, plus a cafe, play area…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2025to31 Oct 2025Open 09:30 - 17:00
    From:
    1 Nov 2025to31 Mar 2026Open 09:30 - 16:00

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2021VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous VisitEngland Gold Accolade 2023VisitEngland Gold Accolade
    More info for RSPB Saltholme
  9. An historic steam train on Tanfield Railway in County Durham.

    Add Tanfield Railway to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 490 reviews490 reviews

    Tanfield Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Railway

    Tanfield

    Oldest existing railway in the world, opened 1725. Steam-hauled passenger trains, vintage carriages, 61 locomotives and steam-driven vintage workshop. Please see website for dates and operating times.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Trip Advisor Travellers Choice 2023 2023Trip Advisor Travellers Choice 2023
    More info for Tanfield Railway
  10. Young girl playing indoor mini-golf with help from two adults under colorful lighting.

    Add The Hole in Wand to your Itinerary

    The Hole in Wand

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure / Mini Golf

    Seaham

    Discover the Magic at The Hole In Wand – Dalton Park!

    Step into a world of wonder at The Hole In Wand, County Durham’s most magical mini-golf adventure! Following the spellbinding success of our York, Blackpool, and Chester locations, we’re…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for The Hole in Wand
  11. Explore the North East the Active Way Poster

    Go Smarter, Go Active Travel Itineraries

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Get out and about in beautiful Durham!

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Go Smarter, Go Active Travel Itineraries
  12. Blue slide at Broom House Forest Adventure.

    Add Broom House Forest Adventure to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 392 reviews392 reviews

    Broom House Forest Adventure

    Type

    Type:

    Attraction

    Near Witton Gilbert

    The Forest Adventure is an action packed family day out. Explore acres of green, leafy woodland, enjoy some fresh air whilst spending a few hours outdoors with family and friends.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021WTTC Safe Travels
    More info for Broom House Forest Adventure
  13. Children in Hamsterley Forest searching for stick characters on The Stickman Man Trail. Credit Forestry England Crown Copyright

    Add The Stick Man Trail at Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    The Stick Man Trail at Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland

    Families can join a new forest adventure as the much-loved character Stick Man, based on the beautiful picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, returns to Forestry England Hamsterley.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Feb 2025to31 Jan 2026
    More info for The Stick Man Trail at Hamsterley Forest
  14. Down at the Farm overhead site image

    Add Down at the Farm to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 273 reviews273 reviews

    Down at the Farm

    Type

    Type:

    Farm

    Houghton le Spring

    Outdoor Farm park located in between Durham and Sunderland. Lots of outdoor play areas, bouncy pillows and farm animals to see! Cafe and picnic areas available. Open March - October. Buy your saver tickets online!

    Dates

    From:
    25 Mar 2025to29 Oct 2025
    More info for Down at the Farm
  15. Bertie's Play Village at Prince Bishops Place

    Add Bertie's Play Village to your Itinerary

    Bertie's Play Village

    Type

    Type:

    Family Activity Centre

    Durham City

    Bertie's Play Village is a children’s stay-and-play facility that offers children, parents and families a place to take a break from their shopping trip at Prince Bishops Place.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Bertie's Play Village
  16. Image of three children outside the Temple of Minerva at Hardwick Park.

    Add Self-Led Love Exploring Trails: Roman Game at Hardwick Park to your Itinerary

    Self-Led Love Exploring Trails: Roman Game at Hardwick Park

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Sedgefield

    Try our bespoke new game to learn more about Hardwick Park's East Park and the unique Roman settlement that was found there.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for Self-Led Love Exploring Trails: Roman Game at Hardwick Park
  17. YuMe World Durham

    Add YuMe World Durham to your Itinerary

    YuMe World Durham

    Type

    Type:

    Family Activity Centre

    Durham City

    Get ready for an extraordinary arcade experience at YuMe World Durham.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
    More info for YuMe World Durham
  18. Durham Cathedral view from riverbank with river and woodland

    Add The Durham City Seven Hills Trail to your Itinerary

    The Durham City Seven Hills Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route

    Durham City

    This trail passes through the many varied landscapes that encircle the City, while offering encounters with the City’s rich history and heritage. There are beautiful historic woodlands, a famous battle site, the site of an iron age fort, a Victorian…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    More info for The Durham City Seven Hills Trail
  19. Grand Finale all cast of Kynren view from the tribune

    Add Kynren - An Epic Tale of England to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 2386 reviews2386 reviews

    Kynren - An Epic Tale of England

    Type

    Type:

    Event Venue

    Bishop Auckland

    Travel through 2,000 years of history in a single unforgettable evening! Watch as legends come to life – Vikings storm ashore, battles rage, and heroes rise beneath a sky ablaze with magic and fire.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to12 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025Weardale Visitor Network Member
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025
    More info for Kynren - An Epic Tale of England
  20. Prince Bishop River Cruiser and Browns Rowing Boats

    Add Prince Bishop River Cruiser and Browns Rowing Boats to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 201 reviews201 reviews

    Prince Bishop River Cruiser and Browns Rowing Boats

    Type

    Type:

    Boat Trip

    Durham City

    The Prince Bishop River Cruiser offers cruises with spectacular views of historic Durham City, Cathedral, Castle and Bridges and evening cruises with a difference twelve months of the year.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2025to31 Oct 2025
    More info for Prince Bishop River Cruiser and Browns Rowing Boats
  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Next
Loading..Loading..
  • Enewsletter Sign Up

  • Win

  • Save

  • Contact Us

  • Print Page
  • Email Page
Home Accommodation
  • Hotels,
  • B&B and Guest Houses,
  • Inns & Pubs,
  • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages,
  • Caravan, Camping & Glamping,
  • Dog Friendly,
  • Hostels,
Things to Do
  • Attractions,
  • Activities,
  • Shopping,
  • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides,
What's On
  • Family Events,
  • 2025 Unmissable Events,
  • What's on this Week,
  • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events,
  • Dark Skies Events,
Food & Drink
  • Restaurants,
  • Tearooms & Coffee Shops,
  • Pubs & Bars,
  • Get a Taste of Durham,
  • Tasty Places to Stay,
  • Foodie Events,
Inspire Me
  • Short Break Ideas,
  • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors,
  • Delve Into Our Heritage,
  • Durham's Unmissable Highlights,
  • Itineraries,
Explore Durham
  • Durham City,
  • Durham Dales,
  • Vale of Durham,
  • Durham Coast,
  • Durham Towns,
  • North East England,
Visitor Information
  • Information Points,
  • Maps of Durham,
  • Getting to Durham,
  • Getting Around Durham,
  • Accessible Durham,
  • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham,
  • Publications,
Submit Event
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Submit Event
  • Terms & Conditions

© Copyright Visit County Durham. All Rights Reserved

Registered Office: Visit County Durham, East Wing, 1st Floor, Corten House, Aykley Heads, Durham, DH1 5TS

  • North East England logo

Ratings & Reviews

Powered By

tripadvisor

  • Durham County Council