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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: 56

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  1. Toy Story Crafts. Collage of photos showing Toy Story key rings, Etch-A-Sketch and personalised Toy Story room signs.

    Add Galactic Crafts: Toy Story Edition - Lanchester Garden Centre to your Itinerary

    Galactic Crafts: Toy Story Edition - Lanchester Garden Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Arts & Crafts

    Lanchester

    Join us for a Toy Story craft day packed with creativity! Make your own Alien Key Ring, build an Etch‑A‑Sketch–inspired frame, and design a personalised Toy Story Room Sign. Three crafts, endless fun.

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 15:00 - 16:30
    More info for Galactic Crafts: Toy Story Edition - Lanchester Garden Centre
  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.

    Add Durham Miners' Gala 2026 to your Itinerary

    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. 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
  4. Grand Finale all cast of Kynren view from the tribune

    Add Kynren - An Epic Tale of England - 2026 to your Itinerary

    Kynren - An Epic Tale of England - 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Performance

    Bishop Auckland

    Step into Kynren, a live action outdoor theatre spectacular that immerses you in 2000 years of history on an epic scale.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to12 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Kynren - An Epic Tale of England - 2026
  5. 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
  6. Children, accompanied by adults, enjoying bread on a stick by the campfire.

    Add Wild Wednesday - Bowlees Visitor Centre to your Itinerary

    Wild Wednesday - Bowlees Visitor Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Newbiggin

    Forage for food to cook on the campfire at Bowlees Visitor Centre, 29 July, 10.30am to 12.30pm. Enjoy a walk to forage for fruits of the season, identify plants that can be used in recipes and make dips and fillings for your bread on a stick around…

    Venue

    Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin

    Dates

    From:
    29 July 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    More info for Wild Wednesday - Bowlees Visitor Centre
  7. 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
  8. child with seeds in their hand

    Add Wild Wednesday - Seeds of the Summer to your Itinerary

    Wild Wednesday - Seeds of the Summer

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Newbiggin

    Collect seeds from local wildflowers and sow in the tree and wildflower nursery at Bowlees

    Venue

    Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin

    Dates

    From:
    26 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    More info for Wild Wednesday - Seeds of the Summer
  9. 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
  10. Little boy in green jacket, peering into binoculars - Nature Spotters at The Bowes Museum

    Add Nature Spotters - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Nature Spotters - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Barnard Castle

    Gather around an indoor campsite to explore the plants and animals that thrive in the museum's surrounding parkland.

    Dates

    From:
    21 July 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
    From:
    4 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
    From:
    18 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
    More info for Nature Spotters - The Bowes Museum
  11. 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
  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. 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
  14. 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
  15. Moana Island Crafts Adventure. Coconut cup, Heart of Te Fiti necklace, Moana's boat.

    Add Moana Island Crafts Adventure - Lanchester Garden Centre to your Itinerary

    Moana Island Crafts Adventure - Lanchester Garden Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Lanchester

    Set sail for a sun‑soaked crafting journey inspired by Moana's world. Children step into the spirit of the islands as they create three magical keepsakes, each linked to a moment from the beloved story.

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026Open 15:00 - 16:30
    More info for Moana Island Crafts Adventure - Lanchester Garden Centre
  16. 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
  17. Two people stand in a recreated pit cottage, in front of a coal-fired range. One holds a bread display for Harvest Celebration.

    Add Harvest Celebrations at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Harvest Celebrations at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Beamish

    Experience traditional harvest celebrations at Beamish Museum.

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026to4 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Harvest Celebrations at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  18. Snakes & Shakes - A snake crawling through a skull next to a photo of a milkshake.

    Add Snakes & Shakes - Lanchester Garden Centre to your Itinerary

    Snakes & Shakes - Lanchester Garden Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Lanchester

    Do you love snakes? Do you want to learn more about our slithery friends ? Do you also crave delicious milkshakes?
    If you answered yes to any (or all) of the above questions then this event is for you!

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026Open 10:00 - 11:00
    From:
    27 July 2026Open 14:00 - 15:00
    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 11:00
    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 14:00 - 15:00
    From:
    21 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 11:00
    More info for Snakes & Shakes - Lanchester Garden Centre
  19. A Witch and a cat riding a broom.  Room on the Broom © 2001 Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

    Add Room on the Broom Trail at Hamsterley Forest to your Itinerary

    Room on the Broom Trail at Hamsterley Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Redford, Hamsterley Forest

    This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom themed activities, fascinating forest facts and plenty of hands-on fun. 

    Dates

    From:
    28 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Room on the Broom Trail at Hamsterley Forest
  20. 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
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