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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. Santa reading a list in a festive grotto

    Add Santa Sunday's - South Causey Inn to your Itinerary

    Santa Sunday's - South Causey Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    Step into the magic of Christmas at South Causey Inn’s Santa Sundays... Join us in the enchanting Old Barn on 6th, 13th or 20th of December for a truly unforgettable festive experience the whole family will love. From the moment you arrive, the…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2026Open 11:30 -
    From:
    13 Dec 2026Open 11:30 -
    From:
    20 Dec 2026Open 11:30 -
    More info for Santa Sunday's - South Causey Inn
  2. An illustrated poster for A Christmas Carol, with Scrooge in a top hat.

    Add A Christmas Carol with Alfie Joey - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens to your Itinerary

    A Christmas Carol with Alfie Joey - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Children/Family events

    Bearpark, Durham

    This December, feel the chill of Christmas past, the urgency of the present, and the hope of a future redeemed as Alfie Joe, performs his own solo version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens; a timeless tale, told like you’ve never seen it…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2026
    More info for A Christmas Carol with Alfie Joey - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
  3. A miniature scale of two red train signals.

    Add Twilight Trains to your Itinerary

    Twilight Trains

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Shildon

    Discover links between light, communication and the railways, with spooky surprises along the way. As the clocks change and the nights draw in—we’re exploring how railways used signals and colours to send messages across great distances.

    Dates

    From:
    31 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Twilight Trains
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. A vibrant firework display

    Add Firework Display - Spennymoor to your Itinerary

    Firework Display - Spennymoor

    Type

    Type:

    Bonfire Night

    Spennymoor

    Our annual Firework display will be held on Thursday 5th November at 6pm. Details to be confirmed

    Dates

    From:
    5 Nov 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    More info for Firework Display - Spennymoor
  7. Poster for The Big Blaze, of a large bonfire with performers either side.

    Add The Big Blaze - Lintz Hall Farm to your Itinerary

    The Big Blaze - Lintz Hall Farm

    Type

    Type:

    Bonfire Night

    Join us at Lintz Hall Farm For a Bonfire Spectacular! Expect a fun evening out for the whole family.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Nov 2026to7 Nov 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for The Big Blaze - Lintz Hall Farm
  8. 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
  9. Cartoon silhouettes of runners with Halloween pumpkin decorations.

    Add Halloween Fun Run - Thorpe Farm Centre to your Itinerary

    Halloween Fun Run - Thorpe Farm Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Barnard Castle

    Join us for a spooktacular morning of fitness and fun at Thorpe Farm Centre. all in support of The UTASS (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Service). Come and enjoy Thorpe's answer to a park run. 

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026Open 09:00 -
    More info for Halloween Fun Run - Thorpe Farm Centre
  10. A spooky green grave in the forest saying "Dr.Acula 1897" with a skeleton coming out of the ground

    Add Halloween After Dark in The Plotters’ Forest - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Halloween After Dark in The Plotters’ Forest - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Darlington

    Halloween After Dark Illuminated Trail in The Plotters Forest. As dusk descends, The Plotters’ Forest stirs with an eerie excitement. Adventurers don their spookiest costumes and venture into the shadows, where spiders spin webs and witches and…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    29 Oct 2026to31 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Halloween After Dark in The Plotters’ Forest - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  11. A pretend spider crawling in a large spiderweb at Hopetown.

    Add Into the Wild! - A Halloween Bushcraft Experience - Hopetown Darlington to your Itinerary

    Into the Wild! - A Halloween Bushcraft Experience - Hopetown Darlington

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Darlington

    Venture into the shadowy corners of Hopetown for a Halloween-themed bushcraft adventure where strange things lurk in the woods and only the bravest little monsters will thrive.

    Dates

    From:
    26 Oct 2026Open 10:15 - 15:15
    More info for Into the Wild! - A Halloween Bushcraft Experience - Hopetown Darlington
  12. A vibrant firework display

    Add Barnard Castle Bonfire Night - Upper Demesnes to your Itinerary

    Barnard Castle Bonfire Night - Upper Demesnes

    Type

    Type:

    Bonfire Night

    Barnard Castle

    Barnard Castle Christmas Lights in association with The Clique present Bonfire Night with traditional fireworks on Upper Demesnes (opposite The Bowes Museum).

    Dates

    From:
    6 Nov 2026Open 17:30 -
    More info for Barnard Castle Bonfire Night - Upper Demesnes
  13. An adult and small child walking hand in hand down an autumnal path.

    Add Leaves, Lanterns and Baskets, Family Crafts - October Half Term 2026 to your Itinerary

    Leaves, Lanterns and Baskets, Family Crafts - October Half Term 2026

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Durham

    Get creative and join our cosy, autumnal-themed drop-in crafts session. This October half-term, make lanterns and baskets inspired by autumn leaves, harvest colours, and pumpkins. Drop in for a hands-on activity that everyone can enjoy.

    Dates

    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    More info for Leaves, Lanterns and Baskets, Family Crafts - October Half Term 2026
  14. Poster for Halloween scare nights, decorated with horror characters and circus tents.

    Add SCARE NIGHTS - Thorpe Farm Centre to your Itinerary

    SCARE NIGHTS - Thorpe Farm Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Barnard Castle

    Two Spooktacular Experiences – Choose Your Scare!

    Dates

    From:
    29 Oct 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 16:00 - 21:00
    More info for SCARE NIGHTS - Thorpe Farm Centre
  15. White painted pumpkins with bats, on a table surrounded by candles

    Add Little Ones Pumpkin Painting - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to your Itinerary

    Little Ones Pumpkin Painting - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Darlington

    Celebrate the autumn season with a fun and creative pumpkin painting workshop! Little artists will receive their own pumpkin along with a variety of paints and brushes to design a unique creation – no carving required! From spooky faces to colourful…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026to25 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
    From:
    29 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
    More info for Little Ones Pumpkin Painting - Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. Cartoon characters, including a person with a guitar, a dog, dinosaur, robot and a lizard on a polka dot orange background.

    Add The Nick Cope Family Show 2026 - Gala Durham to your Itinerary

    The Nick Cope Family Show 2026 - Gala Durham

    Type

    Type:

    October Half Term

    Durham

    Come and join Nick Cope for a brand new, delightful family concert, featuring all your favourite Nick Cope hits and more. Nick has been writing and recording his beautiful and totally unique songs for children and their families for over 10 years,…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Oct 2026Open 11:30 -
    More info for The Nick Cope Family Show 2026 - Gala Durham
  19. 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:
    23 Oct 2026Open 20:00 - 23:00
    From:
    31 Oct 2026Open 20:00 - 23:00
    More info for Saturn - Lord of the Rings - North Pennines Stargazing Festival
  20. Scene from The Polar Express (2004) Small child looking up a towering steam train in the snow

    Add Grand Cinema: Polar Express - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Grand Cinema: Polar Express - 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:
    21 Nov 2026Open 14:00 -
    More info for Grand Cinema: Polar Express - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
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