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
      • Redhills Durham Miners Hall
      • 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
      • Farm Shops & Markets
      • Garden Centres
      • Only in Durham
      • Independent Shops & Boutiques
      • Shopping Centres
    • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides
      • Attraction Tours
      • Tour Guides
      • Scenic Tours
      • Cycling Tours
      • Durham on Screen
      • 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
      • February Half Term Events
      • Free Events
      • Easter Events
    • 2026 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
    • Short Break Ideas
      • 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 couple looking at High Force Waterfall

    Next Stop, Durham

  • Two kids running at Raby Castle

    February Half Term Events

  • Kids dressed up as Harry Potter in the cloisters

    Durham On Screen

  • People walking around Crook Hall Gardens

    Spring Breaks

A German Flag
This is Durham logo
Menu
  • Durham the Culture County logo
  • Print Logo
Close Navigation

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.

Loading..

Number of results:

Number of results: 64

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • Next Next
Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest
  1. Crook Hall

    Add Books and bugs with Stacey Bone: February half term at Crook Hall Gardens to your Itinerary

    Books and bugs with Stacey Bone: February half term at Crook Hall Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Join local author Stacey Bone for a family-friendly event that will spark your imagination and creativity. Activities include:

    - Design your own bug character mask (ongoing activity, drop in).

    - Join Stacey for story time sessions at 10.30am, 11…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Feb 2026to24 Feb 2026
    More info for Books and bugs with Stacey Bone: February half term at Crook Hall Gardens
  2. Durham Miners' Gala. Crowds enjoying the Gala outside of the County Hotel. Colliery Banners can be seen as the Bands march through the streets.

    Durham Miners' Gala 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Durham City

    The Durham Miners' Gala returns on 11th July 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026
    More info for Durham Miners' Gala 2026
  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. Dragon Scale Slime, a wooden sword and shield and a handmade dragon eye.

    Add How to Train Your Dragon Craft School - Lanchester Garden Centre to your Itinerary

    How to Train Your Dragon Craft School - Lanchester Garden Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Lanchester

    Join us and Craftily Ever After for our very first How to Train a Dragon Crafting School.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Mar 2026Open 15:15 - 16:45
    More info for How to Train Your Dragon Craft School - Lanchester Garden Centre
  5. High Force Waterfall

    Add The High Force Space Adventure Trail to your Itinerary

    The High Force Space Adventure Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Forest-in-Teesdale

    Spark your little one's curiosity on all things astronomy and space, whilst reaping the benefits of the outdoors in the beautiful setting of High Force Hotel & Waterfall. It is the perfect way to explore the wonders of the night sky, during the day!

    Dates

    From:
    14 Feb 2026to29 Mar 2026
    More info for The High Force Space Adventure Trail
  6. Canny Creations

    Add Canny Creations: Wonderful North East Inventions - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Canny Creations: Wonderful North East Inventions - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Beamish

    Discover Canny Creations at Beamish Museum This Half Term

    Beamish, The Living Museum of the North will some of the greatest inventions to come from the North East, from Saturday, 14th February until Sunday, 1st March.

    Dates

    From:
    14 Feb 2026to1 Mar 2026
    More info for Canny Creations: Wonderful North East Inventions - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  7. Ignite festival poster shows a match with a multicoloured flame.

    Add IGNITE Winter Arts Festival to your Itinerary

    IGNITE Winter Arts Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Bishop Auckland

    New winter arts festival ‘IGNITE’ to light up Bishop Auckland this February.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Feb 2026to22 Feb 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for IGNITE Winter Arts Festival
  8. Silhouette of a person photographing The Milky Way from the hillside

    Add Family Astronomy - Grassholme Observatory to your Itinerary

    Family Astronomy - Grassholme Observatory

    Type

    Type:

    Stargazing Events

    nr Mickleton

    Due to popular demand, we have laid on this exclusive event to educate the little ones on all things spacey!

    Dates

    From:
    21 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 11:30
    More info for Family Astronomy - Grassholme Observatory
  9. People stood watching the traditional lion dance at Millennium Place Durham, part of the Lunar New Tear celebrations.

    Chinese New Year 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Durham City

    Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Durham City with a programme of exciting events.

    Dates

    From:
    21 Feb 2026
    More info for Chinese New Year 2026
  10. People taking part in the Holi Festival at Durham Oriental Museum

    Add Holi Festival to your Itinerary

    Holi Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    South Road, Durham City

    Holi is the Indian Spring Festival, also known as the Festival of Colours, because one of the ways to celebrate is to throw brightly coloured powders over your friends and family! Join us on this special day to enjoy powder throwing sessions, craft…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Mar 2026Open 12:00 - 17:00
    More info for Holi Festival
  11. A woman leans over a table helping two young children with an arts-and-crafts activity. The children sit at a bright yellow table covered with paper,

    Add Family Open Day - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Family Open Day - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Barnard Castle

    Join us for a free day of family-friendly activities. Inspired by the museum's Pippa Hale: Pet Project exhibition, enjoy a variety of activities as we celebrate all things pets at the museum.

    Dates

    From:
    21 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Family Open Day - The Bowes Museum
  12. South Causey Monthly Dog Walk

    Add South Causey Monthly Dog Walk to your Itinerary

    South Causey Monthly Dog Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Dog-Friendly

    STANLEY

    Join the South Causey Dog Walking Club every 1st Saturday of the month at 10 am for a picturesque stroll through the beautiful Beamish Valley. 

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for South Causey Monthly Dog Walk
  13. Cartoon image of the performance area with a stage, trees, hills and a yellow aeroplane with a banner with wording Derwent Fest!

    Add Derwent Fest 2026 to your Itinerary

    Derwent Fest 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Edmundbyers

    A weekend festival of live tribute music, food and drink, and children’s activities and entertainment, set in a stunning location, not far from you. Bring all the family, including the dog, and enjoy some fun, quality time together.

    Venue

    Derwent Waterside Park, Shotley Bridge

    Dates

    From:
    14 Aug 2026to15 Aug 2026
    More info for Derwent Fest 2026
  14. The Craft & Producers' Marquee at Durham Christmas Festival

    Add Durham Christmas Festival to your Itinerary

    Durham Christmas Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham Market Place, Durham City

    Durham Christmas Festival returns – the perfect combination of Christmas shopping and seasonal entertainment in the unique and stunning setting that is Durham City Centre.

    Dates

    From:
    4 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026
    More info for Durham Christmas Festival
  15. Photography by Claire Collinson. Larger-than-life, soft recreations of an animal

    Add Pippa Hale: Pet Project - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Pippa Hale: Pet Project - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Barnard Castle

    See the museum’s renowned ceramic collection re-imagined into a vibrant and interactive experience for all ages.

    Dates

    From:
    26 July 2025to1 Mar 2026
    More info for Pippa Hale: Pet Project - The Bowes Museum
  16. 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
  17. People wearing gloves, and mixing purple bath bombs at Lanchester Garden Centre.

    Add Bath Bombs Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre to your Itinerary

    Bath Bombs Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Lanchester

    Join us for another exciting Bath Bomb Workshop – Creative Fun for Kids - where children can mix, mould, and fizz their way through a fun-filled creative session!

    Dates

    From:
    24 Feb 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
    More info for Bath Bombs Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre
  18. People wearing gloves, and mixing purple bath bombs at Lanchester Garden Centre.

    Add Children's Easter Bath Bomb Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre to your Itinerary

    Children's Easter Bath Bomb Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Easter

    Lanchester

    Easter Bath Bomb Workshop – Creative Fun for Kids!

    Dates

    From:
    7 Apr 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
    More info for Children's Easter Bath Bomb Workshop - Lanchester Garden Centre
  19. Two children in The Plotters' Forest pointing to a dragon hatching from an egg at Raby Castle.

    Add The Plotters' Forest Dragon Quest - Raby Castle to your Itinerary

    The Plotters' Forest Dragon Quest - Raby Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Staindrop

    February Half Term Fun at The Plotters’ Forest Adventure Playground.

    Step into a world of wonder on our brand-new Dragon Quest, weaved amongst the winding paths of our Christmas tree plantation. This family-friendly adventure invites little…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Feb 2026to29 Mar 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for The Plotters' Forest Dragon Quest - Raby Castle
  20. Heritage Open Days Logo

    Heritage Open Days 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage Open Days

    Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,000 local people and organisations, and thousands of volunteers.

    Dates

    From:
    11 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026
    More info for Heritage Open Days 2026
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • Next Next
Loading..Loading..
  • Enewsletter Sign Up

  • 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,
  • 2026 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