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You are here > Home > What's On > Family Events

Family Events

For guaranteed fun for all the family check out our list of events taking place across the county.

Whether you are looking for things on this weekend, or looking for what's on today, we have all the amazing events for a great days out with the kids.

Create lasting memories with your loved ones at Durham's family-friendly events. Explore a diverse array of kid-friendly activities, family festivals, and interactive outings that cater to all ages. From educational workshops to entertaining performances, Durham offers a vibrant calendar of events designed to bring families together. Stay informed about the latest family-friendly happenings, and plan your weekends with the exciting array of cultural and recreational activities that Durham has to offer.

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Number of results: 55

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  1. Two people working on a large fabric with colourful abstract patterns in blue, orange, and black lines. Focus is on fabric surface.

    Add Pattern and Protest - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Pattern and Protest - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Barnard Castle

    Inspired by Vivienne Westwood's iconic designs, Pattern and Protest invites participants to experiment with fabric by adding marks and messages to create their own bold response. Suitable for families with children aged 5+, the session encourages…

    Venue

    The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

    Dates

    From:
    26 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    More info for Pattern and Protest - The Bowes Museum
  2. Three people in Georgian costume stand in front of Pockerley Old Hall at Beamish Museum.

    Add Georgian Gathering at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Georgian Gathering at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Beamish

    Step back to the hustle and bustle of the early 1800s.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Georgian Gathering at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  3. Little girl and boy participating in 'Little Dragons' at Durham University Oriental Museum.

    Add Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum to your Itinerary

    Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Durham City

    Join us at the Oriental Museum on Wednesday mornings for Little Dragons, our FREE session for children under 5 and their families/carers. Each session will be packed full of exploring the museum galleries, fun craft activities, singing, games and…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Jan 2026to30 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Little Dragons - Durham University Oriental Museum
  4. Children sitting under a tree with leaves made from pink fairy lights at 'The Hidden Garden: An Immersive Experience'  - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Add The Hidden Garden: An Immersive Experience - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    The Hidden Garden: An Immersive Experience - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Staindrop

    After the success of last summer's immersive experience, the Riding School will be transformed again into the Hidden Garden. The secret escape will be filmed with pastel flowers, earthy green tones, glowing tones, toad stools and a maze of mystery.

    Venue

    Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, Staindrop

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026to23 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
    More info for The Hidden Garden: An Immersive Experience - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  5. A person is cooking over a fire outdoors, outside Beamish Museum's 1950s Farm

    Add Atchin-tan and Celebration of Gypsy Roma Traveller History at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Atchin-tan and Celebration of Gypsy Roma Traveller History at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Beamish

    Visit Beamish Museum for this special celebration of Gypsy Roma Traveller history.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026to13 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Atchin-tan and Celebration of Gypsy Roma Traveller History at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  6. outer space galaxy

    North Pennines Stargazing Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Stargazing Events

    The North Pennines Stargazing Festival is returning for 2026 – running between Friday 16 October and Sunday 1 November.

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026
    More info for North Pennines Stargazing Festival 2026
  7. Creative workshops for children of all ages at The Bowes Museum this summer.

    Add Summer Holidays at The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Summer Holidays at The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Barnard Castle

    School's out! This summer, discover a packed programme of family-friendly activities inspired by the The Bowes Museum's collection, exhibitions and beautiful parkland.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to30 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Summer Holidays at The Bowes Museum
  8. Model trams and buses as part of the Meccano Exhibition at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North.

    Add Meccano Exhibition - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Meccano Exhibition - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Beamish

    Visit the museum's 1950s welfare hall to see marvellous Meccano creations. There'll be a selection of construction sets on display, dating from the early 1900s to the present day.

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to12 July 2026
    More info for Meccano Exhibition - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  9. Crowds enjoy show jumping at Weardale Show.

    Add 156th Weardale Agricultural Show 2026 to your Itinerary

    156th Weardale Agricultural Show 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Agricultural Show

    St. Johns Chapel

    The Weardale Show returns on Saturday 29th August 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026
    More info for 156th Weardale Agricultural Show 2026
  10. Child looking at a flower using a microscope.

    Add Wild Wednesday - Near and Far to your Itinerary

    Wild Wednesday - Near and Far

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Newbiggin

    Near and far - a fun outdoor activity for children aged 5 and over. All children need to be accompanied by an adult. (Younger siblings are welcome but do not need to book).

    Venue

    Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin

    Dates

    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    More info for Wild Wednesday - Near and Far
  11. Three singers in traditional clothing, next to a Christmas tree, performing festive live music during Beamish Museum's Christmas Evenings.

    Add Beamish, The Living Museum of the North’s Magical Christmas Evenings to your Itinerary

    Beamish, The Living Museum of the North’s Magical Christmas Evenings

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Beamish

    Beamish Museum Christmas Evening Tickets on Sale Soon!

    Dates

    From:
    3 Dec 2026to4 Dec 2026Open 17:00 - 21:30
    From:
    10 Dec 2026to11 Dec 2026Open 17:00 - 21:30
    From:
    17 Dec 2026to18 Dec 2026Open 17:00 - 21:30
    More info for Beamish, The Living Museum of the North’s Magical Christmas Evenings
  12. Child looking at fossils on a rock.

    Add Wild Wednesday - Fantastic Fossils to your Itinerary

    Wild Wednesday - Fantastic Fossils

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Newbiggin

    Discover fantastic fossils around Bowlees in this family friendly outdoor activity

    Venue

    Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    More info for Wild Wednesday - Fantastic Fossils
  13. Image of a group of people at a Durham Book Festival event who are seated and clapping.

    Durham Book Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Durham Book Festival

    Durham

    The Durham Book Festival takes place from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October, celebrating the power of the written word.

    Dates

    From:
    9 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026
    More info for Durham Book Festival 2026
  14. Member of Beamish Museum staff with a Nutcracker figure and festive decorations in the background.

    Add Christmas Daytimes - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Christmas Daytimes - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Beamish

    Experience the magic of a traditional Christmas through time at Beamish.

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026to24 Dec 2026
    More info for Christmas Daytimes - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  15. Aglow Auckland Palace & Gardens. A child in a wool hat looks upwards at the colourfully lit sky.

    Add AGLOW 2026 - Auckland Palace and Gardens to your Itinerary

    AGLOW 2026 - Auckland Palace and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Bishop Auckland

    The Auckland Project has announced that its much-loved illuminated trail will return to Auckland Palace from Friday 20 November to 3 January (excluding Christmas Day and New Year's Day), promising exciting new additions alongside the spectacular…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Nov 2026to3 Jan 2027
    More info for AGLOW 2026 - Auckland Palace and Gardens
  16. Text 'Hopetown Comic Con' with Dr. Who's Tardis in the background.

    Add Hopetown Comic Con - Hopetown Darlington to your Itinerary

    Hopetown Comic Con - Hopetown Darlington

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Darlington

    Hopetown Comic Con – Doctor Who Themed Event. 

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Hopetown Comic Con - Hopetown Darlington
  17. A horse, carriage and two drivers compete in the Attelage event in front of the Fairground at Beamish Museum.

    Add Attelage Horse Weekend - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Attelage Horse Weekend - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Beamish

    See a remarkable carriage driving competition by the Concours d'International d'Attelage de Tradition (CIAT) take place around the museum.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to19 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Attelage Horse Weekend - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  18. Crowds of people enjoying the Durham Fringe Festival on Palace Green, Durham city.

    Add Durham Fringe Festival 2026 to your Itinerary

    Durham Fringe Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Durham City

    Between 29th July and 2nd August 2026, Durham Fringe Festival will host a spectacular array of performing arts.  Genres include theatre, music, stand-up comedy, comedy theatre, magic, spoken word, cabaret, dance, physical theatre, circus, and…

    Dates

    From:
    29 July 2026to2 Aug 2026
    More info for Durham Fringe Festival 2026
  19. Image of a trophy and House Banners - 'The House Cup' at The Hole in Wand.

    Add The House Cup - The Hole in Wand to your Itinerary

    The House Cup - The Hole in Wand

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Seaham

    The House Cup
    18th July – 6th September
    Five Houses. Five Locations. One House Cup.

    Venue

    The Hole in Wand, Seaham

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 18:00
    More info for The House Cup - The Hole in Wand
  20. Ariel view of Wolsingham Show

    Add Wolsingham Show 2026 to your Itinerary

    Wolsingham Show 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Agricultural Show

    Wolsingham

    Celebrate the county’s farming life at England’s oldest and Durham’s biggest open-air Agricultural show. A jam-packed weekend of family-friendly entertainment.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026to6 Sept 2026
    More info for Wolsingham Show 2026
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