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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. Two people looking up to a starry sky with a telescope

    Add Family Astronomy - Grassholme Observatory to your Itinerary

    Family Astronomy - Grassholme Observatory

    Type

    Type:

    Stargazing Events

    Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle

    Due to popular demand, we have laid on this exclusive event to educate the little ones on all things spacey! What better way to get the kids into astronomy and science than a visit to the UK’s newest public observatory. Your little ones will enjoy…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 19:30
    More info for Family Astronomy - Grassholme Observatory
  2. Cartoon monsters in front of a red stage curtain with text that reads, "There's a Monster in your Show."

    Add There’s A Monster In Your Show - Gala Durham to your Itinerary

    There’s A Monster In Your Show - Gala Durham

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Durham

    Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series comes to Durham in a brand-new musical show.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Oct 2026to30 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for There’s A Monster In Your Show - Gala Durham
  3. Children playing with a science experiment.

    Add Celebrate Science - Locomotion to your Itinerary

    Celebrate Science - Locomotion

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Shildon

    Calling all young scientists! Locomotion is the next stop for the annual festival to celebrate science. Get inspired by science this autumn! Durham University is partnering with Locomotion to host an exciting three-day festival. Join us for live…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Oct 2026to29 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Celebrate Science - Locomotion
  4. A bearded person, wearing a black and yellow striped top and blue jacket, screaming whilst holding a skull next to their face on a black background.

    Add Ghastly Stories for Gruesome Gremlins - Middleton-in-Teesdale to your Itinerary

    Ghastly Stories for Gruesome Gremlins - Middleton-in-Teesdale

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle

    Boggarts, ghosts & things that go burp in the night... Ghastly Stories for Gruesome Gremlins is a silly & spooky storytelling show for ages 6+ and their families from master storyteller, Gav Cross!

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026Open 13:45 - 15:45
    More info for Ghastly Stories for Gruesome Gremlins - Middleton-in-Teesdale
  5. An orange pumpkin sat amongst the green leaves in a field.

    Add Pumpkin Patch - East Grange Farm to your Itinerary

    Pumpkin Patch - East Grange Farm

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    This year we will grow over 100,000 pumpkins spread out over 20 acres. There will be 17 varieties, 6 different colours and sizes ranging from 500g to 12kg. Don't worry about carrying all those pumpkins; we will have plenty of wheelbarrows to help.

    Dates

    From:
    11 Oct 2026to12 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    18 Oct 2026to19 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    24 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Pumpkin Patch - East Grange Farm
  6. 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
  7. Images of farm yard animals, tractors and flowers

    Add 150th Eggleston Agricultural Show! - Hayberries Farm to your Itinerary

    150th Eggleston Agricultural Show! - Hayberries Farm

    Type

    Type:

    Agricultural Show

    Barnard Castle

    We're celebrating the 150th Eggleston Agricultural Show. We've got a fun-packed day planned for everyone, so make sure you turn up nice and early.
    Gates open to the public at 9am. A country show with something for everyone of all ages, from the…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 09:00 - 18:00
    More info for 150th Eggleston Agricultural Show! - Hayberries Farm
  8. Poster from the 1951 'A Christmas Carol,' Scrooge wearing a long coat, top hat and yellow scarf, looking glumly on the left of the image

    Add Grand Cinema: A Christmas Carol (1951) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Grand Cinema: A Christmas Carol (1951) - 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:
    22 Nov 2026Open 14:15 -
    More info for Grand Cinema: A Christmas Carol (1951) - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  9. 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
  10. Family Stargazing. Starry night's sky over High Force Waterfall.

    Add Family Stargazing at High Force - High Force Hotel and Waterfall to your Itinerary

    Family Stargazing at High Force - High Force Hotel and Waterfall

    Type

    Type:

    Stargazing Events

    Forest in Teesdale, Barnard Castle

    Looking for a unique and educational family activity in October? Join us for a Family Stargazing Adventure at High Force, a professionally hosted evening designed especially for young explorers aged 5–15.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    More info for Family Stargazing at High Force - High Force Hotel and Waterfall
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. Grand historic door surrounded by beautiful bushes of flowers in Ushaw House.

    Add Ushaw Flower Festival - Ushaw, Historic Houses, Chapels and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Ushaw Flower Festival - Ushaw, Historic Houses, Chapels and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Bearpark, Durham

    Experience the sound of the North East reimagined in flowers. Discover breathtaking floral displays inspired by our region’s rich musical heritage, filling the spectacular buildings of Ushaw with colour, creativity and charm.

    Dates

    From:
    10 Sept 2026to13 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    More info for Ushaw Flower Festival - Ushaw, Historic Houses, Chapels and Gardens
  14. Heritage Open Days Logo

    Heritage Open Days 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage Open Days

    Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,000 local people and organisations, and thousands of volunteers.

    Dates

    From:
    11 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026
    More info for Heritage Open Days 2026
  15. 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
  16. A wooden easel holding a drawing pad with a charcoal sketch of a sphere against a dark shaded background. Natural light from a window behind.

    Add Make an Impression! The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Make an Impression! The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Barnard Castle

    Inspired by Impressions of Light: Masterpieces from MuMa – Le Havre and The Bowes Museum, look out from the Create Space and make their own artwork based on what they can see.

    Venue

    The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

    Dates

    From:
    26 Oct 2026to30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    27 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    28 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    29 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Make an Impression! The Bowes Museum
  17. Santa giving a present to a small child in front of two ornate Christmas trees

    Add Father Christmas at Raby Castle - Raby Castle, Park & Gardens to your Itinerary

    Father Christmas at Raby Castle - Raby Castle, Park & Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Darlington

    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 - Raby Castle, Park & Gardens
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. Film posters for The Grinch, Its A Wonderful Life and Elf on a background of red cinema chairs.

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

    Christmas Movies - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Bearpark, Durham

    This December, settle in for some much-loved Christmas movies in the Exhibition Hall Theatre. Experience the festive mischief of The Grinch, the timeless magic of It’s a Wonderful Life and the hilarious Christmas spirit of Elf—all on the big screen,…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026Open 12:30 -
    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 12:30 -
    More info for Christmas Movies - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
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