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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: 98

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  1. Rapunzel written in gold on a purple background.

    Add Rapunzel - Gala Durham Pantomime to your Itinerary

    Rapunzel - Gala Durham Pantomime

    Type

    Type:

    Pantomimes

    Durham City

    In the dark, tangled forest of Hamsterley stands a mysterious tower, locals swear they can hear beautiful singing drifting through the trees, a voice so pure it stops even the bravest woodcutter in their tracks.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Nov 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Rapunzel - Gala Durham Pantomime
  2. 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
  3. Cartoon characters, including a person with a guitar, a dog, dinosaur, robot and a lizard on a polka dot orange background.

    Add The Nick Cope Family Show 2026 - Gala Durham to your Itinerary

    The Nick Cope Family Show 2026 - Gala Durham

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Durham

    Come and join Nick Cope for a brand new, delightful family concert, featuring all your favourite Nick Cope hits and more. Nick has been writing and recording his beautiful and totally unique songs for children and their families for over 10 years,…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Oct 2026Open 11:30 -
    More info for The Nick Cope Family Show 2026 - Gala Durham
  4. Burgundy exhibition boards of the Colour and Light exhibit in Durham Cathedral

    Add Colour and Light: Stained Glass Exhibition - Durham Cathedral to your Itinerary

    Colour and Light: Stained Glass Exhibition - Durham Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Summer Event

    Durham

    This year, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Rose Window. Plan your summer day out as we explore the stories behind the cathedral's much-loved stained glass.

    Dates

    From:
    22 July 2026to14 Sept 2026
    More info for Colour and Light: Stained Glass Exhibition - Durham Cathedral
  5. Seaham Stories: A Coastal Walking Tour - Seaham Hall Hotel

    Add Seaham Stories: A Coastal Walking Tour - Seaham Hall Hotel to your Itinerary

    Seaham Stories: A Coastal Walking Tour - Seaham Hall Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Event

    Seaham

    Step beyond the gates of Seaham Hall and discover the stories, heritage, and coastal beauty that have shaped Seaham through the years, guided by those who know it best.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 13:00 -
    More info for Seaham Stories: A Coastal Walking Tour - Seaham Hall Hotel
  6. An artwork of book pages with a spotlight.

    Add Travelling Tales Artist’s Workshop - The Story to your Itinerary

    Travelling Tales Artist’s Workshop - The Story

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Durham

    They say a picture paints a thousand words. Artist Hannah Kelly is on a mission to gather pictures drawn by people of all ages from across the county to create her new artwork ‘Travelling Tales’.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
    More info for Travelling Tales Artist’s Workshop - The Story
  7. A volunteer demonstrates anatomy with an animal skull. Skulls, Science and Investigation.

    Add Skulls, Science & Investigation - Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library to your Itinerary

    Skulls, Science & Investigation - Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Palace Green, Durham City

    Are you fascinated by the natural world past and present? Investigate the archaeology and science of animal bones with experts from the Skull Index CIC at FREE family-friendly workshops at the Museum of Archaeology.

    Venue

    Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library, Durham City

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    More info for Skulls, Science & Investigation - Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library
  8. Whimsical festive green and red font of The Elves and the Shoemaker, on a forest green background

    Add The Elves and the Shoemaker - Pantomime - Gala Durham to your Itinerary

    The Elves and the Shoemaker - Pantomime - Gala Durham

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Step into our sole-ful festive production that’s the perfect fit for families!

    Dates

    From:
    8 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for The Elves and the Shoemaker - Pantomime - Gala Durham
  9. Four folk musicians on the 'Magic Lantern' stage.

    Add The Magic Lantern - Durham Folk Festival to your Itinerary

    The Magic Lantern - Durham Folk Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Durham

    In the centre of it all is The Magic Lantern, a caravan of wonder that travels the land with its crew of storytellers, musicians and shadow puppeteers - telling and collecting stories, bringing laughter, and creating unforgettable moments.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2026Open 19:30 - 20:00
    More info for The Magic Lantern - Durham Folk Festival
  10. 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
  11. 3 children standing whilst Mr and Mrs Clause sit beside them with red presents

    Add Meet Mr and Mrs Claus at the Yuletide Yurt - Raby Castle, Park & Gardens to your Itinerary

    Meet Mr and Mrs Claus at the Yuletide Yurt - Raby Castle, Park & Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Staindrop, Darlington

    Step inside the beautifully decorated Yultide Yurt at Raby Castle this Christmas for a magical meet-and-greet with Mr and Mrs Claus Surrounded by sparkling lights and festive décor, enjoy a heart-warming experience.

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2026
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
    From:
    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026
    More info for Meet Mr and Mrs Claus at the Yuletide Yurt - Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
  12. Close up of a Lego railway under construction

    Add Shildon Brick Show - Locomotion to your Itinerary

    Shildon Brick Show - Locomotion

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Shildon

    Feast your eyes on a fantastic array of intricate LEGO® creations at this year's Shildon Brick Show. Hosted in conjunction with Brick Alley Recognised LEGO Fan Community, this exhibition features a wide range of displays and trade stands to…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026to15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Shildon Brick Show - Locomotion
  13. An illustrated poster for A Christmas Carol, with Scrooge in a top hat.

    Add A Christmas Carol with Alfie Joey - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens to your Itinerary

    A Christmas Carol with Alfie Joey - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Bearpark, Durham

    This December, feel the chill of Christmas past, the urgency of the present, and the hope of a future redeemed as Alfie Joe, performs his own solo version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens; a timeless tale, told like you’ve never seen it…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2026
    More info for A Christmas Carol with Alfie Joey - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
  14. Participants in warm clothing gather around a moth trap during a nighttime wildlife survey, illuminated by a bright light.

    Add Discover the Creatures of the Night - North Pennines Star Gazing Festival to your Itinerary

    Discover the Creatures of the Night - North Pennines Star Gazing Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Newbiggin

    Discover the hidden creatures of the night on a guided evening family walk from the Bowlees Visitor Centre in Upper Teesdale. Join the North Pennines National Landscape team as we explore the fascinating lives of moths, bats, owls and other…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Oct 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    More info for Discover the Creatures of the Night - North Pennines Star Gazing Festival
  15. A couple performing ballet on a festive stage

    Add Crown Ballet: The Nutcracker - Empire Consett to your Itinerary

    Crown Ballet: The Nutcracker - Empire Consett

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Consett

    The beloved Christmas classic returns! After last year’s acclaimed tour, Crown Ballet® brings back its dazzling production of The Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece.

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026Open 14:30 -
    More info for Crown Ballet: The Nutcracker - Empire Consett
  16. A spooky Halloween events poster for Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Museum, decorated with ghosts, bats, spiders and a creepy bus under the full

    Add A Night At The Museum Horror Spooktackular - Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Museum to your Itinerary

    A Night At The Museum Horror Spooktackular - Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe

    Get ready for a fun-filled Halloween evening for all the family as Aycliffe Bus Museum opens its doors for 'A Night at the Museum – Halloween Horror Spooktakular.' Local residents are invited to come along to the museum on Burtree Road, Newton…

    Dates

    From:
    31 Oct 2026Open 17:30 - 21:00
    More info for A Night At The Museum Horror Spooktackular - Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Museum
  17. Landscape view of Raby Castle with the open starry sky

    Add Stargazing at Raby Castle - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Stargazing at Raby Castle - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Stargazing Events

    Darlington

    History Meets The Heavens. Step Into the Past… and Look to the Stars. Experience the magic of the night sky in one of the North East’s most iconic settings. Set within the historic grounds of Raby Castle, this unique stargazing event pairs centuries…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026
    From:
    12 Dec 2026
    From:
    9 Jan 2027
    From:
    13 Feb 2027
    More info for Stargazing at Raby Castle - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  18. Two photos of people smiling on a blue background surrounded by cartoon books

    Add An Evening with Hollie McNish and Michael Pedersen - Durham Book Festival to your Itinerary

    An Evening with Hollie McNish and Michael Pedersen - Durham Book Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Durham

    Join award-winning poet Hollie McNish for a hilarious and heartfelt evening of poetry, reading from her latest collection, Virgin, and unpicking the meaning of the word with her trademark feminist wit, fury and compassion. 

    Dates

    From:
    9 Oct 2026Open 19:00 - 20:00
    More info for An Evening with Hollie McNish and Michael Pedersen - Durham Book Festival
  19. People observing framed sketches and drawings displayed on a gallery wall, highlighting an art exhibition setting.

    Add Heritage Open Days - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Heritage Open Days - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage Open Days

    Barnard Castle

    Celebrate Heritage Open Days with free admission to The Bowes Museum and a packed programme of activities inspired by this year's theme, Everyday Histories. Enjoy guided tours, including rare behind-the-scenes access to the museum's vaults, hands-on…

    Venue

    The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026to13 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Heritage Open Days - The Bowes Museum
  20. Spooky scarecrow looking sinisterly at the camera at Beamish, at night.

    Add Halloween Evening - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Halloween Evening - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Stanley

    Something spooky is coming… Step back in time and get ready for a night you’ll never forget.
    Join us for a special spine-tingling experience as Beamish is transformed into The Un-living Museum of the North.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Oct 2026to31 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Halloween Evening - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
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