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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: 95

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  1. 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:

    October Half Term

    Bedburn , 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
  2. A group of children and adults sat in a church setting listening to a speaker.

    Add Children's Lantern Parade and Saint Nicholas' Service to your Itinerary

    Children's Lantern Parade and Saint Nicholas' Service

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Build excitement for the Christmas season with a lantern procession from the Market Place to the cathedral. The Lantern Parade will leave the Market Place at 3pm following the Chester-le-Street Salvation Army Band up to Palace Green, and arriving at…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2026Open 15:00 -
    More info for Children's Lantern Parade and Saint Nicholas' Service
  3. Children wearing woolly jumpers and hats, walking through a winter forest trail

    Add The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail to your Itinerary

    The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Staindrop

    Step into a world of festive wonder this Christmas with the Enchanted Christmas Trail at The Plotters’ Forest, located within the stunning surroundings of Raby Castle, Park & Gardens. Twinkling lights, joyful music, and magical touches throughout…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026to3 Jan 2027Various Opening Times
    More info for The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail
  4. Santa and his helpers aboard the train.

    Add Santa Express - Weardale Railway to your Itinerary

    Santa Express - Weardale Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Bishop Auckland,

    Santa Express – A Magical Christmas Journey. Create unforgettable Christmas memories aboard the Santa Express at Weardale Railway. Running on selected dates throughout November and December, this festive heritage train departs from Stanhope Station…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026to24 Dec 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
    More info for Santa Express - Weardale Railway
  5. A group of people wearing steam-punk style victorian clothing on a station platform.

    Add Steampunk Weekend to your Itinerary

    Steampunk Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Darlington

    Goggles at the ready! Steampunk Weekend returns bringing two days of fantastical invention, live entertainment, eccentric characters, unique traders and Victorian-inspired adventure. Step into an extraordinary world where steam powers the future,…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026to15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Steampunk Weekend
  6. Traditional prayers to goddess Lakshmi at the Diwali celebrations at the Oriental Museum.

    Add Diwali to your Itinerary

    Diwali

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Durham

    Celebrate the Indian festival of lights with this special late night opening. Everyone is welcome to join us for this spectacular evening Diwali celebration at the Oriental Museum. There will traditional puja prayers to goddess Lakshmi, delicious…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    More info for Diwali
  7. 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
  8. Photograph of an ornate silver swan sculpture displayed in an art-filled interior. Curved neck, textured feathers and leafy trim stand out against pal

    Add Family Story Tour: The Story of the Swan to your Itinerary

    Family Story Tour: The Story of the Swan

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Barnard Castle

    Explore the mechanics behind how the iconic automaton works, watch it come to life during a performance, then get creative and make your own Silver Swan out of clay. Inspired by Rebecca Moss: Dream Machines, discover the fascinating story of the…

    Venue

    The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

    Dates

    From:
    10 Feb 2027Open 11:30 - 12:30
    More info for Family Story Tour: The Story of the Swan
  9. A scene from the Miracle of 34th Street, a small child smiling at Santa with a snowy landscape through a window in the background.

    Add Afternoon Tea at the Movies - Miracle on 34th Street to your Itinerary

    Afternoon Tea at the Movies - Miracle on 34th Street

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester le Street

    Get into the Christmas spirit with an Afternoon at the Movies. The perfect festive experience to enjoy with family and friends. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a beloved Christmas classic on the big screen before indulging in a delicious afternoon tea…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Dec 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
    More info for Afternoon Tea at the Movies - Miracle on 34th Street
  10. An illustration of Mary Poppins and Bert, smiling on a white background.

    Add Grand Cinema: Mary Poppins (1964) (U) to your Itinerary

    Grand Cinema: Mary Poppins (1964) (U)

    Type

    Type:

    Film

    Stanley

    In turn of the century London, a magical nanny employs music and adventure to help two neglected children become closer to their father. Transport yourself to the golden age of cinema with a nostalgic afternoon in our beautifully restored 1950s…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Dec 2026Open 13:30 -
    More info for Grand Cinema: Mary Poppins (1964) (U)
  11. Children watching a demonstration in the park.

    Add Christmas Creations to your Itinerary

    Christmas Creations

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Get creative this December in our festive workshop to make your own Santa's little helper. Children can hammer, glue, drill, paint and decorate their own festive wooden figure to take home to display during the festive season and leave treats for…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    More info for Christmas Creations
  12. A large circular standing wreath in an autumnal forest landscape.

    Add The Mischievous Elves of High Force Waterfall to your Itinerary

    The Mischievous Elves of High Force Waterfall

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Forest In Teesdale, Barnard Castle

    This Christmas, step into a world of festive magic at High Force Waterfall. As you wander through the enchanting woodland trail,  you’ll discover that something has gone terribly wrong…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026to1 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
    More info for The Mischievous Elves of High Force Waterfall
  13. An adult and small child walking hand in hand down an autumnal path.

    Add Grimm’s Fairy Tales Reimagined Art Trail to your Itinerary

    Grimm’s Fairy Tales Reimagined Art Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Step into a world where familiar fairy tales are transformed into imaginative works of art this winter. Explore a collection of fairytale-inspired art installations at Crook Hall Gardens. Art students from Durham Sixth Form Centre drew inspiration…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026to28 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Grimm’s Fairy Tales Reimagined Art Trail
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. A group of cartoon characters from The Grinch, surrounded by green sparkles.

    Add The Grinch & Friends Festive Family Show to your Itinerary

    The Grinch & Friends Festive Family Show

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Carville, Durham

    Join The Grinch and friends live on stage. Enjoy magical fun and games played with on stage characters like Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Elsa singing LIVE! Numerous stage games and prizes, balloon drops and more, includes photographs and meet and…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Dec 2026Open 12:00 - 16:00
    More info for The Grinch & Friends Festive Family Show
  17. Santa giving a present to a small child in front of two ornate Christmas trees

    Add Father Christmas at Raby Castle to your Itinerary

    Father Christmas at Raby Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Staindrop

    Experience the Magic of Christmas with Father Christmas in Raby Castle’s Barons’ Hall. Cherish and create new family traditions with a special visit to see Father Christmas at Raby Castle. Bells will ring and footmen will guide you up to the…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026to24 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Father Christmas at Raby Castle
  18. Photograph showing children examining a small animal specimen inside a glass display cabinet, using a magnifying glass.

    Add Gallery Takeover: Map Makers to your Itinerary

    Gallery Takeover: Map Makers

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Barnard Castle

    Inspired by the landscapes and terrains of Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa – Le Havre and The Bowes Museum, collect ideas and inspiration to use in creating your own map. Consider the nature and terrain in the museum's landscape…

    Venue

    The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

    Dates

    From:
    9 Feb 2027Open 14:30 - 15:30
    From:
    16 Feb 2027Open 14:30 - 15:30
    More info for Gallery Takeover: Map Makers
  19. Stalls in a Christmas market, full of handmade goods and crafts.

    Add Christmas Markets - South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Christmas Markets - South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    Our Christmas Markets are filled with twinkling lights, beautifully dressed stalls, and the comforting scent of mulled wine and seasonal treats in the air. Wander through a handpicked selection of independent traders offering unique gifts,…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 20:00
    From:
    1 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 20:00
    From:
    8 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 20:00
    From:
    15 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 20:00
    From:
    22 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 20:00
    More info for Christmas Markets - South Causey Inn
  20. A green steam train in the snowy wilderness.

    Add North Pole Express - Tanfield Railway to your Itinerary

    North Pole Express - Tanfield Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Tanfield Lea, Stanley

    Step aboard the Tanfield Railway’s famous North Pole Express for a steam train journey to the North Pole! Tanfield Railway’s famous North Pole Express is one of the most popular and magical festive experiences in the North East, perfect for families…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026to20 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    22 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026Open 10:25 - 16:25
    More info for North Pole Express - Tanfield Railway
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