Things to Do in Durham with Kids: 25 Family Days Out You'll Love
Looking for the best things to do in Durham with kids?
County Durham has something for everyone, and it’s one of the most varied and rewarding parts of the North of England for a family trip. The dramatic Durham dales and North Pennines, the heritage coast at Seaham, medieval castles, award-winning museums, and some of the best family attractions in the region are all within easy reach.
Kids can meet farm animals, explore castle ruins, head out on woodland adventures, or burn off energy in a soft play centre. Whatever age your children are, there are countless ways to keep them entertained across the county.
At Thorpe Farm, we’re lucky to be surrounded by some of the North East’s best family attractions. To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve rounded up 25 of our favourite family days out in and around Durham.
1. Visit Thorpe Farm
If you’re looking for a day out that has something for the whole family, Thorpe Farm is a great place to start for family fun.
Children can meet our friendly farm animals, burn off energy in the outdoor play areas, explore the woodland trail, or enjoy hours of fun in our indoor soft play. Meanwhile, parents can relax with coffee and cake in our dog-friendly café, browse The Peel House or enjoy lunch in the restaurant.
Planning a family visit? Take a look at our Outdoor Activities for Kids to see everything available on site.
2. Explore Raby Castle
Just a short drive from Thorpe Farm, Raby Castle is one of County Durham’s most impressive family attractions and one of the top things to do in Durham with kids. Set within the wider Raby Estate, children will love The Plotters’ Forest adventure playground, while adults can enjoy exploring the historic medieval castle, beautiful gardens, and deer park, home to red and fallow deer.
3. Meet the Animals at Thorpe Farm
Our friendly farm animals are always popular with younger visitors. Say hello to the goats, alpacas, sheep, donkeys and more before enjoying a treat from the café.
It’s one of the best farm attractions in the area and a firm favourite for kids in Durham of all ages.
If your little ones love animals, you’ll also enjoy our guide to Where to Meet Farm Animals in County Durham.
4. Discover Barnard Castle
The historic market town of Barnard Castle is perfect for a family stroll, with independent shops, riverside walks and the famous castle ruins to explore.
It’s a brilliant and easy-going addition to any Durham family itinerary.
If you’re staying nearby, don’t miss our guide to the Best Walks Near Barnard Castle.
5. Adventure at Hamsterley Forest
With walking trails, cycling routes and woodland play areas, Hamsterley Forest is perfect for adventurous families who love spending time outdoors.
6. Visit High Force Waterfall
One of England’s most spectacular waterfalls, High Force makes a fantastic family day out. The woodland walk is suitable for most ages and rewards visitors with breathtaking views.
7. Enjoy Soft Play at Thorpe Farm
Rain doesn’t have to stop the fun.
Our modern soft play centre provides hours of entertainment for toddlers and younger children, making it one of the most popular soft play centres near Durham.
8. Ride the Weardale Railway
Take a heritage train journey through the beautiful Durham countryside. Throughout the year, the railway hosts themed family events and seasonal experiences.
9. Explore Beamish Museum
Beamish ’The Living Museum of the North’ is one of the UK’s best open-air museums and one of the most famous attractions in Durham for families.
This award-winning museum brings history to life through immersive interactive exhibits, vintage transport, traditional shops, and a chance to travel back in time to the 1900s. Book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during school holidays.
10. Visit Locomotion Museum
Located in nearby Shildon, Locomotion is home to one of Europe’s largest collections of historic railway vehicles. Best of all, admission is free, making it one of the best-value family attractions in County Durham.
11. Wander Around Durham Cathedral
Explore one of Britain’s most famous cathedrals before wandering the charming cobbled streets of Durham City and riverside paths.
12. Take a Walk Around Hardwick Park
Beautiful lakes, accessible walking trails and children’s play areas make Hardwick Park ideal for a relaxing family afternoon.
13. Visit Hall Hill Farm
Feed friendly animals, enjoy tractor rides and watch farming demonstrations at this popular family attraction.
14. Explore The Bowes Museum
Home to the famous Silver Swan, The Bowes Museum regularly hosts family-friendly exhibitions and school holiday activities.
15. Enjoy Adventure Valley
Adventure Valley combines outdoor play, indoor attractions, farm animals and seasonal events, making it a favourite with families across the North East.
16. Picnic at Eggleston Hall Gardens
These peaceful gardens are ideal for younger families looking for a quieter afternoon surrounded by nature.
17. Visit Finchale Priory
Historic ruins beside the River Wear provide plenty of open space for children to explore and enjoy a picnic.
18. Cycle Along the Teesdale Way
Several sections of the Teesdale Way are suitable for families wanting a gentle walk or cycle through beautiful countryside.
19. Go Paddleboarding at Tees Barrage
For older children and teenagers, Tees Barrage offers exciting paddleboarding and other water sports during the summer months.
20. Visit Auckland Palace
Discover hundreds of years of history while exploring beautiful gardens, exhibitions and family-friendly events.
21. Explore Gibside
National Trust’s Gibside is packed with woodland walks, adventure play areas, and panoramic countryside views across the North of England, a reliable choice for outdoor family fun near Durham.
22. Visit Killhope Lead Mining Museum
Take an underground tour, pan for minerals and discover what life was like in one of Durham’s historic lead mines.
23. Take a Family Walk at Low Barns Nature Reserve
Nature lovers will enjoy spotting birds and wildlife while exploring the accessible trails around Low Barns.
24. Enjoy Durham’s Seasonal Events
Throughout the year you’ll find Easter trails, summer festivals, Halloween experiences and Christmas events taking place across County Durham, giving families plenty of reasons to return.
25. Finish the Day at Thorpe Farm
After a busy day exploring, Thorpe Farm is the perfect place to unwind.
Relax with homemade food in our Courtyard Café, let the children enjoy another adventure in our soft play, or discover why we’re one of the most popular destinations for family days out in the North East.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, indoor play, animal encounters or somewhere to enjoy lunch together, Thorpe Farm has something for every family.
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Visit Thorpe Farm
If you’re planning a trip to Durham with kids, Thorpe Farm makes an ideal base. We’re situated on the border of County Durham and North Yorkshire, within easy reach of most of the attractions on this list, and with plenty to keep the family busy right here on site too.
Whether you’re spending a full day exploring everything Thorpe Farm has to offer or using us as your starting point for adventures further afield, you’ll find a warm welcome, great food, and plenty of family fun waiting for you.
Come and see us soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do in Durham with kids?
Several of the attractions on this list are completely free, including Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon, Low Barns Nature Reserve, Finchale Priory, and many of Durham’s parks and riverside walks. Durham Cathedral is also free to enter, though donations are welcomed.
What is there to do in Durham with kids on a rainy day?
County Durham has plenty of indoor options for wet weather days. Thorpe Farm’s soft play centre is a popular choice for toddlers and younger children, while Beamish Museum, Locomotion, The Bowes Museum, and Adventure Valley all offer indoor activities whatever the weather.
How far is Thorpe Farm from Durham?
Thorpe Farm is located near Barnard Castle, around 25 miles from Durham City centre. It makes a great day out in its own right, and is well positioned for exploring the wider County Durham and North Yorkshire area.
Are the attractions in Durham suitable for toddlers?
Many of the attractions on this list are very toddler-friendly, including Thorpe Farm, Hall Hill Farm, Hardwick Park, Beamish Museum, and Adventure Valley. Our soft play centre is specifically designed for younger children, with age-appropriate play zones and a relaxed, safe environment.
When is the best time to visit Durham with kids?
County Durham has something to offer throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor attractions, walks, and picnics, while autumn and winter bring seasonal events, festive experiences, and cosier indoor days out. School holiday periods can be busy at the most popular attractions, so booking ahead is recommended where possible.