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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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  1. A festive view of a historical stone house, in the snow with a small festive elf looking up to the house.

    Add Little Elves Christmas Hunt to your Itinerary

    Little Elves Christmas Hunt

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester le Street

    Get ready for a festive adventure on the beautiful Castle grounds! Our Little Elves Hunt invites children to follow a trail of Christmas-themed clues, solving puzzles and discovering hidden surprises along the way. It’s the perfect way for little…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Dec 2026to23 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Little Elves Christmas Hunt
  2. A Halloween poster, which reads 'Halloween Hounds, Obstacle Course' at Country Canines Dog Park, decorated with a full moon, bats, witches silhouette

    Add Halloween Hounds Obstacle Course to your Itinerary

    Halloween Hounds Obstacle Course

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Eggleston, Barnard Castle

    Halloween hounds have arrived! Get ready for a spooktacular family adventure packed with spooky challenges, muddy mayhem, treats and photo fun - not just for the dogs, children and adults can join in too! ️‍

    Dates

    From:
    29 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Halloween Hounds Obstacle Course
  3. An autumnal landscape view of The Light.

    Add October Half-Term Programme to your Itinerary

    October Half-Term Programme

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Durham

    Autumnal fun for all the family at The Light this half-term. Kids go free for our vibrant, interactive and colourful light art exhibition Victory Over the Sun.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026
    More info for October Half-Term Programme
  4. A historic stone room with low curved ceilings and fairy lights

    Add Medieval Knight Dinner - Lumley Castle to your Itinerary

    Medieval Knight Dinner - Lumley Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Food & Drink

    Chester le Street

    Seated on wooden benches, at wooden tables in the Castles Baronial Hall. A 5-course feast is served with mead & wine, whilst being entertained by Ladies of the court, Court Chamberlain & Herald, with musicians, all in traditional costume.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Nov 2026Open 18:30 - 00:00
    More info for Medieval Knight Dinner - Lumley Castle
  5. Muppets wearing Victorian Clothing gathered around in the snow in the Muppets Christmas Carol Poster

    Add Grand Cinema: The Muppet Christmas Carol (U) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Grand Cinema: The Muppet Christmas Carol (U) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    Transport yourself to the golden age of cinema with a nostalgic afternoon in our beautifully restored 1950s Grand cinema. The Grand cinema, from Ryhope, in Sunderland, has been recreated and brought to life in our 1950s Town.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 14:15 -
    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 14:15 -
    More info for Grand Cinema: The Muppet Christmas Carol (U) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  6. Santa Claus sitting near a Christmas tree, reading a book with toys.

    Add Father Christmas at Ushaw - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Father Christmas at Ushaw - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Bearpark, Durham

    Make magical Christmas memories at Ushaw this festive season with a visit to meet Father Christmas. Children can share their festive wishes, receive a cuddly gift, and take a keepsake photo in our beautifully decorated Parlour.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
    From:
    15 Dec 2026
    More info for Father Christmas at Ushaw - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
  7. A vibrant firework display.

    Add Firework Display - Newton Aycliffe to your Itinerary

    Firework Display - Newton Aycliffe

    Type

    Type:

    Bonfire Night

    Newton Aycliffe

    The event is FREE, however those wishing to attend the display must apply for a wristband. Wristbands will be available at the OakLeaf Sports Complex from Tuesday 20th October 2026, the wristbands will be available from 1pm until 7pm each day until…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Nov 2026Open 17:00 -
    More info for Firework Display - Newton Aycliffe
  8. Poster for 'The Nice List', text which reads 'Tom Rolfe Production Proudly Presents, A Magical Family Santamime.' A large festive book open with red r

    Add The Nice List! Santamime to your Itinerary

    The Nice List! Santamime

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Barnard Castle

    Step into a sparkling festive adventure this Christmas as Tom Rolfe Productions proudly present The Nice List!

    Dates

    From:
    10 Dec 2026Open 18:00 -
    More info for The Nice List! Santamime
  9. Halloween poster for 'Spookymoor,' in a sinister orange font on a purple background, decorated with bats. pumpkins and cobwebs.

    Add Spookymoor to your Itinerary

    Spookymoor

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Spennymoor

    Welcome to Spookymoor 2026! We invite you to join us for a spooktacular Halloween experience. Wander along our enchanting Halloween trail, packed with spooky tales, magical encounters, and surprises lurking around every corner. Once you’ve completed…

    Dates

    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 17:00 - 19:00
    More info for Spookymoor
  10. 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
  11. Close up of a festive table spread with lit candles and winter foliage

    Add Advent Candle Wreath Workshop - Raby Castle, Park & Gardens to your Itinerary

    Advent Candle Wreath Workshop - Raby Castle, Park & Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Darlington

    Join Deborah from Periwinkle Barn in the Conservatory at Raby Castle for a festive Advent candle wreath workshop, with beautiful views across the Walled Gardens as your backdrop. In this seasonal session, you’ll create a traditional wreath…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Nov 2026Open 10:30 -
    More info for Advent Candle Wreath Workshop - Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
  12. A telescope silhouetted against a star-filled night sky, with the Milky Way visible in the background.

    Add Saturn - Lord of the Rings - North Pennines Stargazing Festival to your Itinerary

    Saturn - Lord of the Rings - North Pennines Stargazing Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle

    Saturn – the enigmatic ringed beauty is by far most people's favourite – if you haven't looked through a telescope at Saturn then do not miss this opportunity to do so. With its glorious ring system dazzling the observer it is a veritable observing…

    Venue

    Grassholme Observatory, Teesdale

    Dates

    From:
    31 Oct 2026Open 20:00 - 23:00
    More info for Saturn - Lord of the Rings - North Pennines Stargazing Festival
  13. Green Shrek font, with a green 'S' with Shrek's ears, on a blue sequin background.

    Add DULOG: Shrek The Musical - Gala Durham to your Itinerary

    DULOG: Shrek The Musical - Gala Durham

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Durham

    Shrek the Musical comes to Gala Durham in this hilarious and heartwarming stage spectacular, presented by Durham University’s biggest musical theatre company, DULOG.

    Dates

    From:
    26 Jan 2027to30 Jan 2027Various Opening Times
    More info for DULOG: Shrek The Musical - Gala Durham
  14. A bright firework display on a burgundy red background, with a bold flashy text which reads 'Fireworks Night' in white and gold.

    Fireworks Night At Peterlee & Horden RFC 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Bonfire Night

    Join us on Sunday 8th November for a brilliant family evening at the club. There’ll be food and drink available, plenty of atmosphere and a fantastic fireworks display for everyone to enjoy. Bring the family, wrap up warm and come along for a great…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Nov 2026Open 16:30 -
    More info for Fireworks Night At Peterlee & Horden RFC 2026
  15. Two individuals examining a large, circular mechanical device with intricate components, possibly an antique or scientific instrument.

    Add Wonder Workshop: Cloud Collage - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Wonder Workshop: Cloud Collage - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Barnard Castle

    A workshop for curious young people aged 10–16 who enjoy asking questions, looking closely and thinking creatively.

    Venue

    The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

    Dates

    From:
    27 Oct 2026to28 Oct 2026Open 12:30 - 13:45
    More info for Wonder Workshop: Cloud Collage - The Bowes Museum
  16. A variety of Halloween themed spooky pottery products.

    Add Halloween Pottery Painting - Crafty Ceramics to your Itinerary

    Halloween Pottery Painting - Crafty Ceramics

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    North Bitchburn, Crook

    Get creative this October half term and paint your very own Halloween pottery. Looking for something fun and creative to do this October half term ? Come along to the Dairy Barn and paint your very own Halloween themed pottery.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    More info for Halloween Pottery Painting - Crafty Ceramics
  17. Two adults walk either side of a child holding hands down the pews of Durham Cathedral.

    Add October Half Term 2026 to your Itinerary

    October Half Term 2026

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Durham

    This October half-term, experiment with light art, join a free mini tour, explore the LEGO® Cathedral and dress up as a monk.

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for October Half Term 2026
  18. A person smiling surrounded by plants, holding a stick insect on their hand, on a green background.

    Add Bugs n Stuff to your Itinerary

    Bugs n Stuff

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Newton Aycliffe

    Join the Bugman for a hands-on workshop with some amazing animals - cold, warm, hard, soft, rough, smooth, scaly, silky, slimy, hairy and of course tickly!

    Dates

    From:
    29 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 19:00
    More info for Bugs n Stuff
  19. Santa standing in front of a stone building waving

    Add Breakfast With Santa - South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Breakfast With Santa - South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    Create unforgettable festive memories with a magical morning at South Causey Inn’s much-loved Breakfast With Santa event! 

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 11:30
    From:
    12 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 11:30
    More info for Breakfast With Santa - South Causey Inn
  20. Buddy from the film Elf (2003) wearing a green festive outfit, smiling with his hands on his hips, on a white background

    Add Grand Cinema: Elf (PG) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Grand Cinema: Elf (PG) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    Transport yourself to the golden age of cinema with a nostalgic afternoon in our beautifully restored 1950s Grand cinema. The Grand cinema, from Ryhope, in Sunderland, has been recreated and brought to life in our 1950s Town.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 14:00 -
    More info for Grand Cinema: Elf (PG) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
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