Skip To Main Content

  • Accommodation
    • Don't Miss
      • City Breaks
      • Spa Breaks
      • Dog Friendly
      • Stunning Stays
    • Hotels
    • B&B and Guest Houses
    • Inns & Pubs
    • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages
      • Self Catering Agencies
    • Caravan, Camping & Glamping
    • Hostels
    • Accessible Accommodation
  • Things to Do
    • Don't Miss
      • Binchester Roman Fort
      • Beamish Museum
      • Bishop Auckland Town Hall
      • Bowlees Visitor Centre
      • Crook Hall Gardens
      • Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre
      • Durham Castle Tours
      • Durham Cathedral
      • Durham Cricket
      • Durham Town Hall
      • Durham University Botanic Garden
      • Durham University Oriental Museum
      • Hamsterley Forest
      • Hardwick Park
      • High Force
      • Killhope
      • Kynren- An epic Tale of England
      • Locomotion
      • Palace Green Library
      • Raby Castle
      • Redhills Durham Miners Hall
      • Seaham Harbour Marina
      • The Auckland Project
      • Spennymoor Town Hall Bob Abley Art Gallery
      • The Bowes Museum
      • Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens
      • Wharton Park
    • Attractions
      • Castles & Historic Houses
      • Cathedral & Churches
      • Hands on History
      • Gardens & Parks
      • Family Fun
      • Museums & Galleries
      • Waterfalls & Reservoirs
    • Activities
      • Adventure Activities
      • Cycling
      • Family Fun Activities
      • Festival & Events Organisers
      • Fishing
      • Golf
      • Horse Riding
      • Spas
      • Walking
    • Entertainment
      • Cinema
      • Theatre
    • Shopping
      • Antiques
      • Farm Shops & Markets
      • Garden Centres
      • Only in Durham
      • Independent Shops & Boutiques
      • Shopping Centres
    • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides
      • Attraction Tours
      • Tour Guides
      • Scenic Tours
      • Cycling Tours
      • Durham on Screen
      • Walking Tours
      • Durham City Guide - Churches, Chapels and Cafes
    • Weddings
      • Historic Wedding Venues
      • Hotel Wedding Venues
      • Wedding Fairs & Events
      • Stag & Hen Party Ideas
      • Wedding Packages
  • What's On
    • What's on this Week
    • Family Events
      • Free Events
      • Bonfire Night
      • Festive Fun
    • 2027 Unmissable Events
    • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events
      • Cinema Venues
      • Theatre Venues
    • Sports
    • Dark Skies Events
    • Food & Drink
    • Exhibitions
  • Food & Drink
    • Don't Miss
      • Bishop’s Kitchen at Auckland Palace
      • Botanic Garden Café
      • Cafe Bowes at The Bowes Museum
      • Durham Dales Centre Tea Room
      • El Castillo
      • Gala Lounge
      • High Force Hotel and Waterfall
      • Hotel Indigo Rotunda Bar
      • Jozef’s Riverside Bar & Restaurant
      • Killhope Lead Mining Museum Cafe and Shop
      • Lumley Castle - Knight's Restaurant
      • Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill
      • Geko at Seaham Hall
      • The Dining Room
      • The Dunes Café
      • The Falls Café at Bowlees Visitor Centre
      • The Garden Gate Café at Crook Hall Gardens
      • The Hamsterley Cafe and Ice Cream Kiosk
      • The Neighbourhood @ Hotel Indigo Durham
      • The Oak Room Restaurant
      • The Tower Cafe
      • The Vinery at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
      • Undercroft Restaurant
      • Ushaw Café
    • Restaurants
    • Tearooms & Coffee Shops
    • Pubs & Bars
    • Get a Taste of Durham
    • Afternoon Tea in Durham
  • Inspire Me
    • Short Break Ideas
      • Classic Christmas
      • Dark Skies
      • Dog Friendly Durham
      • Romantic Getaways
      • Spa Breaks
      • Golf Breaks
      • Weddings
      • City Break
    • Seasonal
      • Spring Breaks
      • Summer Breaks
      • Autumn Breaks
      • Winter Breaks
    • Budget-Friendly Days Out in Durham
    • Explore From Your Door
    • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors
    • Discover Wellness in Durham
    • Go Car Free in Durham
    • Only in Durham
    • Delve Into Our Heritage
    • Durham's Unmissable Highlights
    • Itineraries
  • Explore Durham
    • Durham City
    • Durham Dales
    • Vale of Durham
    • Durham Coast
    • Durham Towns
      • Barnard Castle
      • Bishop Auckland
      • Chester-le-Street
      • Seaham
      • Stanhope
    • North Pennines National Landscape
    • North East England
  • Visitor Information
    • Maps of Durham
    • Getting to Durham
    • Getting Around Durham
      • Car Hire
      • Taxis
      • Electric Car Charging Points
    • Accessible Durham
    • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham
    • Visitor Guides
    • Durham Apps
    • Discover Durham Digitally

Don't Miss

  • Stars at Hardwick Park

    Dark Skies

  • Durham Cathedral and riverbanks in the snow

    Winter Breaks

  • Santa and elves at Raby Castle

    Classic Christmas

  • A couple looking at High Force Waterfall

    Next Stop, Durham

A German Flag
This is Durham logo
Menu
  • Durham the Culture County logo
  • Print Logo
Close Navigation

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.

Loading..

Number of results:

Number of results: 97

, currently showing 61 to 80.

  • Previous Prev
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • Next Next
Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest
  1. Illustrated characters from the Wizard of Oz, included Dorothy in the center, surrounded by Scarecrow, Tinman and the Lion, on a yellow background.

    Add Cinema Grand Cinema: Wizard of Oz (U) to your Itinerary

    Cinema Grand Cinema: Wizard of Oz (U)

    Type

    Type:

    Film

    Stanley

    Young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others’ wishes. Transport…

    Dates

    From:
    31 Dec 2026Open 14:00 -
    More info for Cinema Grand Cinema: Wizard of Oz (U)
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Santa Clause in a sleigh pulled by a light up reindeer.

    Add Santa Visits to your Itinerary

    Santa Visits

    Type

    Type:

    Discover Durham Christmas Event

    Durham

    During 2026 the farm will once again be open for Santa visits!

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
    From:
    17 Dec 2026to23 Dec 2026
    More info for Santa Visits
  5. Father Christmas sitting in an armchair greeting a young family in the cafe

    Add Breakfast with Father Christmas - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Breakfast with Father Christmas - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Stanley

    Kick off your day with something magical! Join Father Christmas for breakfast in the Coffee Pot Café at the Entrance Building, before he heads off on his Christmas duties.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 10:00
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 10:00
    From:
    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 10:00
    More info for Breakfast with Father Christmas - Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
  6. A statue of Taweret, an Egyptian god in the shape of a combination of a hippopotamus, lion and crocodile.

    Add Family Activities: Build a Beast to your Itinerary

    Family Activities: Build a Beast

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Durham

    Learn about the powerful ancient Egyptian goddess Taweret and build your own mythological creature!

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026Open 13:00 - 15:00
    More info for Family Activities: Build a Beast
  7. Photograph of an elaborate cardboard castle and town display arranged against bright orange walls and a large window. Central tan castle features whit

    Add Parkland Explorer: Build Bowesville to your Itinerary

    Parkland Explorer: Build Bowesville

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Barnard Castle

    Help us transform The Bowes Museum into a city this February half term! Join us to Build Bowesville, our very own cardboard kingdom, taking inspiration from the museum's magnificent architecture and surrounding parkland. Get creative as you design,…

    Venue

    The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

    Dates

    From:
    9 Feb 2027Open 11:00 - 12:15
    From:
    16 Feb 2027Open 11:00 - 12:15
    More info for Parkland Explorer: Build Bowesville
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. Photograph showing a young girl examining an open book or project during a classroom activity. Bright orange walls, large windows, tables and chairs c

    Add Wonder Workshop: Perspective Drawing to your Itinerary

    Wonder Workshop: Perspective Drawing

    Type

    Type:

    Family Fun

    Barnard Castle

    Wonder Workshop explores The Bowes Museum's collection through art, science, technology, engineering and maths, from how mechanisms work to the meaning of symbols in paintings and the history of well-known pieces. This session encourages young…

    Venue

    The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

    Dates

    From:
    9 Feb 2027Open 12:15 - 13:45
    More info for Wonder Workshop: Perspective Drawing
  11. A close up image of Santa smiling with a bucket of popcorn.

    Add Movies and Magic - The Grinch to your Itinerary

    Movies and Magic - The Grinch

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Durham

    Snuggle up in your PJ’s, get comfy to watch the fabulous festive movie The Grinch, be in awe and entertained by our magician and enjoy endless popcorn, hot dogs, pizzas, potato wedges and Christmas stotties!

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026Open 14:30 - 18:00
    More info for Movies and Magic - The Grinch
  12. A festive view of a historical stone house, in the snow with a small festive elf looking up to the house.

    Add Little Elves Christmas Hunt to your Itinerary

    Little Elves Christmas Hunt

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Chester le Street

    Get ready for a festive adventure on the beautiful Castle grounds! Our Little Elves Hunt invites children to follow a trail of Christmas-themed clues, solving puzzles and discovering hidden surprises along the way. It’s the perfect way for little…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Dec 2026to23 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    More info for Little Elves Christmas Hunt
  13. The Snowman with Live Brass Band. The Snowman and the boy, in his dressing gown, flying through the night sky. © Snowman Enterprises Limited

    Add The Snowman with Live Brass Band - Redhills Durham Miners Hall to your Itinerary

    The Snowman with Live Brass Band - Redhills Durham Miners Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Flass Street, Durham

    Fly away on a magical journey with The Snowman…
    After the snow settles on a cold winter’s day, a little boy builds a Snowman. Later that night, under the glittering stars, the Snowman comes to life! Together they fly through the night sky on a…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2026Open 15:00 - 16:30
    More info for The Snowman with Live Brass Band - Redhills Durham Miners Hall
  14. 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
  15. A historic stone room with low curved ceilings and fairy lights

    Add Medieval Knight Dinner - Lumley Castle to your Itinerary

    Medieval Knight Dinner - Lumley Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Food & Drink

    Chester le Street

    Seated on wooden benches, at wooden tables in the Castles Baronial Hall. A 5-course feast is served with mead & wine, whilst being entertained by Ladies of the court, Court Chamberlain & Herald, with musicians, all in traditional costume.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Nov 2026Open 18:30 - 00:00
    More info for Medieval Knight Dinner - Lumley Castle
  16. Landscape view of Raby Castle with the open starry sky

    Add Stargazing at Raby Castle to your Itinerary

    Stargazing at Raby Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Stargazing Events

    Staindrop

    History Meets The Heavens. Step Into the Past… and Look to the Stars. Experience the magic of the night sky in one of the North East’s most iconic settings. Set within the historic grounds of Raby Castle, this unique stargazing event pairs centuries…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026
    From:
    12 Dec 2026
    From:
    9 Jan 2027
    From:
    13 Feb 2027
    More info for Stargazing at Raby Castle
  17. 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
  18. Elegant font depicting "The Fairytale Pantomime: Beauty and the Beast," with an extravagant interior background and a rose

    Add Beauty and the Beast - Pantomime - Empire Consett to your Itinerary

    Beauty and the Beast - Pantomime - Empire Consett

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas and New Year

    Consett

    Leah Bell and company return in 2026 with a tale as old as pantomime – Beauty and the Beast.

    Dates

    From:
    27 Nov 2026to31 Dec 2026
    More info for Beauty and the Beast - Pantomime - Empire Consett
  19. 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
  20. 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
  • Previous Prev
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • Next Next
Loading..Loading..
  • Enewsletter Sign Up

  • Contact Us

  • Print Page
  • Email Page
Home Accommodation
  • Hotels,
  • B&B and Guest Houses,
  • Inns & Pubs,
  • Self Catering & Holiday Cottages,
  • Caravan, Camping & Glamping,
  • Dog Friendly,
  • Hostels,
Things to Do
  • Attractions,
  • Activities,
  • Shopping,
  • Sightseeing, Tours & Guides,
What's On
  • Family Events,
  • 2027 Unmissable Events,
  • What's on this Week,
  • Cinema, Theatre & Music Events,
  • Dark Skies Events,
Food & Drink
  • Restaurants,
  • Tearooms & Coffee Shops,
  • Pubs & Bars,
  • Get a Taste of Durham,
  • Tasty Places to Stay,
  • Foodie Events,
Inspire Me
  • Short Break Ideas,
  • Discover Durham's Great Outdoors,
  • Delve Into Our Heritage,
  • Durham's Unmissable Highlights,
  • Itineraries,
Explore Durham
  • Durham City,
  • Durham Dales,
  • Vale of Durham,
  • Durham Coast,
  • Durham Towns,
  • North East England,
Visitor Information
  • Maps of Durham,
  • Getting to Durham,
  • Getting Around Durham,
  • Accessible Durham,
  • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Durham,
  • Visitor Guides,
Submit Event
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Submit Event
  • Terms & Conditions

© Copyright Visit County Durham. All Rights Reserved

Registered Office: Visit County Durham, East Wing, 1st Floor, Corten House, Aykley Heads, Durham, DH1 5TS

  • North East England logo

Ratings & Reviews

Powered By

tripadvisor

  • Durham County Council