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    What's on at Thorpe Farm

    Family Friendly Events, maize maze & more!

    Family Friendly Events 2026 | Seasonal Maize Maze and More at Thorpe Farm

    At Thorpe Farm, there’s always something exciting happening for families to enjoy throughout the year. We pride ourselves on offering a packed calendar of family-friendly events designed to delight visitors of all ages, creating lasting memories for children and adults alike.

    One of the highlights of our annual events is the Maize Maze, which kicks off each July and runs through to October. This isn’t just any maze—it’s a fun, challenging adventure complete with an activity sheet that kids can follow as they make their way through the twisting paths. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer day outdoors, encouraging problem-solving, exploration, and plenty of laughter. As autumn approaches, the Maize Maze transforms into our spooky Halloween Maize Maze, offering an extra layer of festive fun with seasonal decorations and surprises around every corner.

    October also brings the beloved Pumpkin Patch, where families can pick their perfect pumpkin straight from the patch. It’s a wonderful seasonal tradition that gives kids the chance to get hands-on with nature, and provides fantastic photo opportunities amid rows of vibrant orange pumpkins. Whether you’re planning a pumpkin-carving session at home or just want to soak up the autumn atmosphere, this event is a must-visit.

    As the festive season arrives, Thorpe Farm truly comes alive with Christmas magic. Our Santa’s Grotto is a firm favourite with little ones, offering a magical meet-and-greet with Santa himself, along with festive treats and surprises. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season and fill the kids with wonder and excitement.

    But family fun at Thorpe Farm goes beyond these marquee events. Throughout the year, we host a variety of live entertainment, food pop-ups, themed trails, and hands-on animal encounters—all designed to engage children and adults alike. Whether it’s learning new skills, enjoying tasty treats, or meeting some friendly farm animals, there’s always something new and exciting happening.

    We’re committed to creating a warm, welcoming environment where families can relax, play, and enjoy quality time together. Our event calendar is regularly updated with new activities and special celebrations, so be sure to check back often or follow us on social media to stay in the loop on the latest news and announcements.

    No matter the season, Thorpe Farm is the place to be for unforgettable family-friendly experiences that bring everyone closer together.

     

    Tickets for all of our ticketed events can be found here on our Digiticket page

    Halloween Scare Maze

    Our Halloween Scare Maze is back for 2026 and we can’t wait! This year, we’ll be running it over 3 nights so it can be bigger and better than ever before!

    Take a look at our official Scare Maze Page to find out more! Tickets available now!

    maize maze durham

    Maize Maze

    Open 25th July – 20th Sept

    Teddy Bear Hunt Thorpe Farm

    Teddy Bears Hunt

    Running 1st – 31st August

    Open from 9am daily

    halloween events durham

    Halloween Trail

    1st October – 23rd October

     

    Family Halloween Events County Durham

    Pumpkin Patch

    10th October – 28th October

    Halloween Fun Run

    18th October | 9am

    Halloween scare night

    Halloween Scare Maze

    29th, 30th, and 31st October

    Tickets available now

    Other family friendly events & activities to enjoy at Thorpe Farm ...

    Durham Soft Play

    Soft Play

    Our kids Soft Play is open 7 days a week and is also available for private functions such as birthday parties and kids events. Get in touch to find out more or book your slot in the Soft Play here. 

    Cafe With Outdoor Play Area Barnard Castle

    Outdoor play area

    Enjoy our café with outdoor play area any day of the week, the perfect spot for family fun and relaxation. While the kids explore the fantastic range of play equipment, parents can unwind comfortably on the benches nearby. Grab a delicious coffee or a tasty treat from the café, then head out to the safe, engaging outdoor play area for some fresh-air fun everyone will love!

    Restaurant With Outdoor Play Area Barnard Castle

    Explore

    Head out to the paddocks and say hello to the many animals including alpacas, pigs, sheep and much more! Thorpe Farm offers some great free activities for kids and families, come and find out for yourself.