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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. 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
  2. 2 vibrant fireworks

    Add Fireworks Extravaganza - Hardwick Hall Hotel to your Itinerary

    Fireworks Extravaganza - Hardwick Hall Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Bonfire Night

    Sedgefield

    Hardwick Hall Hotel present the annual FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA! Experience the annual Fireworks Extravaganza at Hardwick Hall Hotel on Thursday 5th November and Saturday 7th November!

    Dates

    From:
    5 Nov 2026to7 Nov 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Fireworks Extravaganza - Hardwick Hall Hotel
  3. Children watching a demonstration in a park

    Add Creepy Creations - Wharton Park to your Itinerary

    Creepy Creations - Wharton Park

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Durham

    Create a creepy vibe in your house or garden by joining us to make your own handmade Halloween decorations.  Using mainly natural materials you can design your own nightmare catcher and wooden spooky character totem pole. All materials are provided…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    More info for Creepy Creations - Wharton Park
  4. A wintery landscape of Santa's cosy grotto surrounded by  festive animals playing in the snow.

    Add Santa’s Grotto at Dalton Park to your Itinerary

    Santa’s Grotto at Dalton Park

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Seaham

    Ho, ho, ho! Step into the magic of Christmas at our brand-new Santa’s Grotto. Embrace the festive spirit and make family memories as little ones meet Santa in his magical woodland hideaway, enjoy a festive encounter with his cheerful singing…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026to24 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Santa’s Grotto at Dalton Park
  5. A large pumpkin patch, with a welcome sign in the shape of a pumpkin to the left.

    Add Kinley Hill Pumpkin Patch to your Itinerary

    Kinley Hill Pumpkin Patch

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Seaham

    Come and explore our family-run, home-grown pumpkin patch, set in the beautiful coastal town of Seaham, County Durham. We’re a local family farm that started our pumpkin patch in 2022, and each year we’re growing, improving, and welcoming more…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
    More info for Kinley Hill Pumpkin Patch
  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. Two people smiling dressed in Halloween themed pumpkin outfits in front of a bright Halloween castle

    Add Tommy & Tilly’s Magic Castle: A Spooktacular Pantomime! - The Witham to your Itinerary

    Tommy & Tilly’s Magic Castle: A Spooktacular Pantomime! - The Witham

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Barnard Castle

    Step into a world of wonder, laughter, and a little bit of spooky sparkle this half term with Tommy & Tilly’s Magic Castle: A Spooktacular Pantomime!

    Dates

    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 13:00 -
    More info for Tommy & Tilly’s Magic Castle: A Spooktacular Pantomime! - The Witham
  8. A Child digs at an archaeological excavation

    Add Eagle Eyed Excavators: Become an Archaeologist for the Day to your Itinerary

    Eagle Eyed Excavators: Become an Archaeologist for the Day

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Palace Green, Durham City

    Become an archaeologist for the day this half term at the Museum of Archaeology! Dig into a family-fun packed day on Thursday 29th October and camp out in our brand-new Archaeology Skills Tent in the newly refurbished upstairs gallery!

    Venue

    Museum of Archaeology at Palace Green Library, Durham City

    Dates

    From:
    29 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    More info for Eagle Eyed Excavators: Become an Archaeologist for the Day
  9. A dark starry sky

    Add Spooky Star Gazing to your Itinerary

    Spooky Star Gazing

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Shildon

    Learn more about the wonders of the night sky in an evening of stargazing with Bishop Auckland Astronomical Society. As it’s Halloween—spooky or space themed fancy dress is welcome!

    Dates

    From:
    31 Oct 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
    More info for Spooky Star Gazing
  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. A handmade paper autumn wreath on a tree.

    Add Autumn Leaves - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Autumn Leaves - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Bearpark, Durham

    Ready for an Autumnal Celebration of Leaves at Ushaw? Join us this October Half Term for two days packed with autumn-inspired creativity, colour and craft.

    Dates

    From:
    26 Oct 2026to27 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Autumn Leaves - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
  12. A group of children gathered around a wooden frame filled with sticks and bricks on grass, engaged in a hands-on outdoor activity.

    Add Parkland Explorers: Hedgehog Houses - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Parkland Explorers: Hedgehog Houses - The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Barnard Castle

    Head to the wildflower meadow behind the museum to discover hidden wildlife and make habitats for hibernating hedgehogs using recycled materials.

    Venue

    The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

    Dates

    From:
    27 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 11:30
    More info for Parkland Explorers: Hedgehog Houses - The Bowes Museum
  13. An adult holding a baby in festive clothes, looking at a light installation of a bear.

    Add AGLOW 2026 - Auckland Palace and Gardens to your Itinerary

    AGLOW 2026 - Auckland Palace and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Bishop Auckland

    Bishop Auckland’s AGLOW light trail is alive!  
    Walk in wonder through one and a half magical miles of light and sound. Imagine a place where an ancient palace overlooks 150 acres of Deer Park that, as the sun sets, comes alive with wonderful lights…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Nov 2026to3 Jan 2027Open 16:30 - 19:30
    More info for AGLOW 2026 - Auckland Palace and Gardens
  14. A spooky poster which reads ' A Family Halloween Trail,' decorated with purple smoke, carved pumpkins, bats and cobwebs.

    Add St Cuthberts Hospice Halloween Trail to your Itinerary

    St Cuthberts Hospice Halloween Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Durham

    The Halloween Trail is back... and this year it's even bigger! We're delighted to be teaming up with Poplar Tree Garden Centre & Brambles Coffee Shop once again as their fantastic Family Halloween Trail returns to St Cuthbert's Hospice for not one,…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Oct 2026to29 Oct 2026Open 16:00 - 18:00
    More info for St Cuthberts Hospice Halloween Trail
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. A Wednesday Addams character standing in front of a Stanhope railway sign with a fake severed hand.

    Halloween Family Fun Days

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Stanhope, Bishop Auckland

    Join us for a ride onboard our spooktacular ghost train!

    Dates

    From:
    30 Oct 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 17:00
    More info for Halloween Family Fun Days
  18. Yellow cricket stumps being hit by a yellow cricket ball, on a green lawn.

    Add Free Indoor Cricket Taster Session to your Itinerary

    Free Indoor Cricket Taster Session

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    North Lodge, Chester-le-Street

    Looking for a fun, active activity for your child to try this half-term? North Durham Cricket Academy (NDCA) is inviting children aged 5-11 to attend a FREE cricket trial session. Designed specifically for beginners, these sessions are a great…

    Dates

    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 15:00 - 16:00
    More info for Free Indoor Cricket Taster Session
  19. A lilac poster for Lumley Castle's Children's Halloween Disco, decorated with a cartoon bat, ghost, Frankenstein's Monster and a spooky full moon.

    Add Children's Halloween Disco to your Itinerary

    Children's Halloween Disco

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Chester le Street

    Get ready for a spooktacular afternoon of Halloween fun! Join us for games, dancing, music, prizes and plenty of spooky surprises. Come dressed in your favourite Halloween costume and show off your spooky style, there’ll be a prize for the best…

    Dates

    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 14:00 - 16:00
    More info for Children's Halloween Disco
  20. 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
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