InYourArea

The 29 best things to do with your kids in County Durham

Keeping the kids entertained throughout the year can often be a cumbersome task. So to help parents here is a list of the 29 best things to do with kids in County Durham.

Khadija Taboada

By Khadija Taboada

Image by alteredego from Pixabay

Keeping the family entertained throughout the year isn't an easy task, especially when there is so much out there on offer.

From finding the best locations to figuring out what each venue offers, you can be overwhelmed with all the information, ratings and reviews.

So InYourArea.co.uk has created the ultimate list for things to do with kids in County Durham, in a bid to make your life a little easier!

From adventure parks to rescue centres, swimming pools, museums and farms, there is plenty of activities both indoor and outdoors, you won't be stuck with things to do.

Think there's anything missing from the list? Comment below or email info@inyourarea.co.uk and we'll add it to the list.

Best outdoor activities for your kids in County Durham

Beamish Wild Adventure Park

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Where: Coppy Lane, Beamish, Stanley, County Durham DH9 0YB

Swing, balance and jump your way through this treetop adventure with plenty of challenges and fun to be had.

This outdoor attraction offers the perfect mix of adrenalin, thrills and entertainment for the whole family.

Young and old adventurers can limb through the canopy using rope-bridges, zip-wires, swinging tyres and end the experience with a free-fall experience, the Powerfan!

This attraction also offers families archer, den building, tree climbing, crate stacking (this is harder than you might think) and a Leap of Faith.

The minimum age for treetop adventures is 10 years old, with gentler courses for little legs after big adventures.

Website: beamishwild.co.uk/


Crook Hall and Gardens

Where: Frankland Lane, Sidegate, Durham, County Durham DH1 5SZ

Wander through the incredible gardens at Crook Hall, each spot has its own history and personality waiting to be discovered.

Families can explore the Secret Walled Garden, Cathedral Garden, or walk around the Moat Pool or attempt to escape the Maze - there is plenty of fun to be had for kids with vivid imaginations.

This venue hosts a range of events that your children will love, from Superhero appearances to outdoor theatre productions, tours and festive celebrations.

When visiting, make time to visit the House, which is a Medieval Manor house built circa 1217 is one of the oldest inhabited houses in Durham City.

Admission is based on age, with reduced rates during off peak season. You can also purchase annual passes to visit throughout the year.

Website: crookhallgardens.co.uk/


Adventure Valley

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Where: Union Hall Farm, The Bungalows Finchale Abbey, Durham, County Durham DH1 5SG

Micro pigs, goats, ponies, rabbits and chipmunks are waiting to meet your little ones at Adventure Valley.

Your children will be endlessly excited by the animal handling sessions, jumping on the biggest jump pillow in the UK and driving their own mini-tractors.

When your family isn't grooming ponies, or watching owl shows they can burn some of their energy in the outdoor play area, zip line or climbing wall.

With designated jumping pillows and play areas for little ones, this is truly an attraction for the whole family.

Entry is based on peak and off peak prices split dependent on age, with savings made when booking online in advance. Annual memberships are also available.

Website: adventurevalley.co.uk/


The Durham Treasure Trail

Where: Millennium Place, Durham, County Durham DH1 1WA

Spend a few hours seeing what you can dig up along The Durham Treasure Trail!

While you take on the 2.5 mile walk, you'll be able to explore the area and discover new things you may have not noticed before!

Trails can be done at your own pace with children as young as six able to participate - plus there are dozens spread across the county, which means you can attempt to try them all.

The booklets are a set price, with one booklet enough to be shared between four to five people.

Website: treasuretrails.co.uk/durham/durham


Durham Botanic Garden

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Where: South Road, Durham, County Durham DH1 3DF

Durham University's 10 hectare Botanic Garden is the perfect place for a family day out.

There is a range of landscapes to explore and discover, with art scattered between the array of flowers and plants in the garden.

Families who love nature will be able to traipse through the woodlands, keeping their eyes our for bugs, insects and woodland animals.

You will also find a range of glass houses, nurturing plant life from across the globe.

Admission is based on age, with talks and children's trails also available to book.

Website: dur.ac.uk/botanic.garden/


Egglestone Abbey

Where: Abbey Lane, Bowes, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 9TH

Explore the charming ruins of a small monastery of Premonstratensian 'white canons' - yup it's a mouthful but stunning.

Here families can rediscover a little piece of history, at Egglestone Abbey you will find the remains of the 13th century and a range of living quarters.

When you aren't admiring the landscape and remains, why not set up a picnic and get creative with your imagination and make up your own games.

Admission is free, making this affordable day out for the family.

Website: english-heritage.org.uk/egglestone-abbey/


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Diggerland

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Where: Langley Park, Durham, County Durham DH7 9TT

Dumper trucks, mini Landrovers, diggers, robots and more to ride, drive and operate in Durham.

But it's not just about the construction machinery on site, with an indoor play area, dodgems and rides to enjoy as part of your Diggerland adventure.

So much adventure awaits families with something for everyone, making this the perfect attraction.

Prices vary dependent on age, with free entry for careers and children under a certain height. Tickets booked in advance are given a discount.

Website: diggerland.com/


Raby Castle

Where: Staindrop, Darlington, County Durham DL2 3AH

Breathe in the incredible landscape and impressive facade of one of England's finest medieval castles.

Built in the 14th century it's one of the best-preserved medieval castles around, with a range of special events that take place throughout the year for families.

Children can run wild in the Woodland Adventure Playground where they'll find an obstacle course that includes an army style zip wire! Those looking for a calmer adventure can explore the walled garden.

Youngsters can also pick up free activity sheets that will lead them through rooms of the castle and helps bring history alive in the vast halls and chambers.

Admission depends on whether families want access to the garden, castle or events.

Website: raby.co.uk/raby-castle/


Hamsterley Forest

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Where: Hamsterley Forest, Redford, Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL13 3NL

Watch wildlife, sky gazing and take in the incredible natural beauty of Hamsterley Forest.

Families can have their pick of four walking trails, four cycling trails and plenty of outdoor play areas to enjoy.

Youngsters can sign up for the Zog Activity Trail where you can follow panels and complete activities on a grand forest adventure.

Entry to the forest is free, but guests must pay for parking. Activities come at a cost, including the activity trails for kids.

Website: forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest


Beamish Open Air Museum

Where: Regional Resource Centre, Beamish, County Durham, DH9 0RG

Walk through life in the North East England in the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s, you'll feel as you were there at the time!

With tour guides dressed in character and kids able to relive the stories of yesteryear.

Guests will discover a 1940s farm, a 1900s town and what Pockerley was like in the 1820s.

Throughout the open air museum experience, children will find plenty to interact with and learn from.

Family will find a range of exciting activities during the holidays and weekends.

Admission is based on age, with admission also including re-entry for a year.

Website: beamish.org.uk/


Hall Hill Playbarn

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Where: Hall Hill Farm, Lanchester, Durham, County Durham DH7 0TA

Ride tractors and donkeys, feed lambs, hold rabbits and watch puppet shows at this attraction perfect for family days out.

Children will be able to interact with a wide range of farm animals, all the while learning how farms work.

Hall Hill has a fun outdoor play area with swings, slides and climbing frames for the thrill seekers within your family, with an indoor play area for the wet and cold days.

When your children have had their fill of outdoor playgrounds and adorable animals, they can try their hand at the nine hole adventure golf.

Admission is based on age, with children under the age of two allowed in free. Annual and summer passes are also available to purchase.

Website: hallhillfarm.co.uk/


Teesside White Water Centre

Where: Tees Barrage, Tees Barrage Way, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham TS18 2QW

Take on a thrill you won't forget at Teesside White Water Centre, with adrenalin and adventure guaranteed.

You will take on twists and drops, or skim across the river on a powerboat the choice is yours, catering for people of all abilities welcome.

Even children can get in on the adventure, with the minimum age for involvement being aged eight.

There are a range of activities on offer, including bell boating, paddlesports, raft building, powerboat trips, family rafting, white water rafting, and stand-up paddleboarding.

There is also a range of and based activities including an Air Trail, a massive climbing adventure course!

Prices are based on which activity you choose, booking in advance is encouraged.

Website: tbiwwc.com/


Tweddle Childrens Animal Farm

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Where: Filipoke Lane, Blackhall Colliery, Hartlepool, County Durham TS27 4BT

Bunnies, goats, cows, ponies and chipmunks are just some of the adorable animals waiting to meet your children at Tweedle Farm.

This attraction is designed with families in mind, with bottle feeding sessions, petting corners and bags of food available for 50p to feed a range of farm animals.

There's more to this spot than the cuteness of the animals that call Tweddle home, kids can have a game of adventure golf, enjoy barrel and tractor rides as well as zoom around the go karting track!

There's even an indoor soft play centre and indoor petting areas, making visiting possible whatever the weather.

Special events are hosted throughout the year, from Santas Grotto to Halloween Events and everything in between.

Admission is based on age, with family and annual passes also available to buy.

Website: tweddlefarm.co.uk/


Hardwick Park

Where: Sedgefield, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham TS21 2DN

Explore the great outdoors with your family, with the natural beauty of the lake, woodland and wildlife to keep you company.

While exploring keep your eyes out for the incredible range of habitats, buildings and sculptures which also opens up the park for learning experiences.

Events and activities are hosted at the park throughout the year, some of which my be charged a small fee.

Visiting the park is free.

Website: durham.gov.uk/article/1944/Hardwick-Park


Wetheriggs Animal Rescue

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Where: Barnard Castle, Thorpe Farm Centre, Greta Bridge, Durham, County Durham DL12 9TY

Head to this family run rescue centre in the heart of Durham for a day your children won't forget.

Guests will be able to get close and interact with a range of animals including feeding some of them - most of which have been rescued and rehabilitated.

Since opening in 2006 the farm has looked after rabbits, alpacas, horses, snakes, meerkats, raccoons, parrots, bats, chickens, goats, ferrets, owls, pigs, donkeys, lizards, rats, pigeons, hedgehogs, scorpions, tarantulas and much more!

A small entry fee is charged for guests with money going towards the rescue centre.

Website: wetheriggsanimalrescue.co.uk/


Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Where: Cowshill, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL13 1AR

Visit this multi-award winning 19th century mining museum, with thousands of objects on show and interactivity awaiting families.

With the chance to head underground on an incredible tour of the mines, or wander above ground to see the incredible mechanics of how mining took place in the Victorian era.

Experience life above ground working as a washer boy and see what minerals you can find amongst the silt - the possibilities are endless.

There is also an indoor museum you can explore with thousands of objects on display.

Admission is based on age, with annual passes also available to purchase.

Website: killhope.org.uk/


Best indoor activities for your kids in County Durham

Durham Climbing Centre

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Where: St John's Road, Meadowfield, Durham, County Durham DH7 8TZ

Challenge you and your family to a climbing adventure in this indoor centre, with plenty of climbing routes on offer.

Whether you're a climbing pro, or just giving it a go for the first time, there are plenty of options for those hoping to get into bouldering or have been climbing for years.

Climbing lessons for children run throughout the week, with kids clubs also offered encouraging your little ones to get active and push themselves to the limit.

Admission is based on which session you choose and whether or not you require lessons or not. Memberships are also available.

Website: durhamclimbingcentre.co.uk/


Laser Battlefield

Where: Third Avenue, Team Valley, Gateshead, County Durham NE11 0PR

Heroes, get ready for an adventure you won't forget with lasers, guns and adrenaline-pumping, nerve-jangling, heart pounding action!

Here kids will need to unleash their inner fearlessness, together the team's will have to tackle heavy-duty obstacles, abandoned vehicles and warren of passageways in the middle of a shoot out.

Rookies as young as six are encouraged to get involved and head into laser battle.

Prices are set per session, with package booking also available.

Website: battlezonelaser.co.uk/


TopGear Karting

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Where: Renny's Lane, Durham, County Durham DH1 2RS

Whizz around this fun unique go karting track in Durham, with 200 metres of track awaiting families looking for a thrill.

This venue offers a range of karting options, whether you're after a fast lap or Gran Prix options, this attraction is sure to pack a punch on the speedometre with children as young as eight able to get behind the wheel.

Race your way around with your friends or family for that adreanlin fueled adventure you've been waiting for.

The price ranges depending on age, with offers available for early bird options or unlimited karting.

Website: durhamkarting.co.uk/


Ruff N Tumble Adventure World

Where: 2000 Millennium Way, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham DL5 6AR

Imagination's will be able to run wild, just as your kids will with a range of indoor activities for children under the age of 12.

From bowling to bungee trampolines, rock climbing and play frames, there is plenty of fun waiting for families.

The main playframe is full of challenges with kids encouraged to work their way through the maze to overcome obstacles.

Children can also take aim and fire at opponents in the air cannon section, or build houses in the play area!

Admission is based on a two hour play session, with prices broken down for age.

Website: ruffntumble.co.uk/


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Planet Leisure

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Where: Maple Way, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham DL5 6BF

This all-round attraction is the perfect place for children to let themselves go and have fun!

Planet Leisure offers families the space to go bowling, throw axes and even try out their karaoke rooms.

Looking for even more thrill and adventure? Why not book into a trampoline session where you can bounce around on wall to wall trampolines.

So whether your child fancies taking on a Viking's favourite sports (axe-throwing) or burning off some energy on the trampolines this is the place to do it!

Prices varies depending on which activity you choose, with offers available for multiple bookings or options.

Website: planet-leisure.co.uk/


Locomotion

Where: Dale Road Industrial Estate, Dale Road, Shildon, County Durham DL4 2RE

Celebrate the past, present and future of the railways in Shildon and beyond, with plenty of educational stories displayed for avid train fans.

Children will be able to get close and personal with legendary locomotives from across the spectrum of railway history and engineering.

The museum is home to more than 70 heritage rail vehicles, with guided tours available, activities and art exhibitions.

Admission is free, with plenty of learning opportunities for families.

Website: locomotion.org.uk/


Infinite Air Trampoline Park

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Where: New Ferens Park, Belmont Industrial Estate, Durham, County Durham DH1 1GG

Laser games, trampolines and inflatables all in one adrenalin-fuelled space, this is bound to hold adventure for your family.

Infinite Air has a wide selection of inflatables for kids over the age of six, let the competition commence as you try tackle the Unclimbable Ladder, or see if you can be the Last One Standing.

Open Jump sessions welcome free reign over the wall to wall trampolines, with Infinite Tots hosting sessions strictly for children under the age of six, complete with access to the soft play area.

So there's plenty to do for the whole family, whatever age your children are!

Admission is based on age and which activity or session is selected.

Website: infiniteair.co.uk/


Durham Cathedral

Where: The College, Durham, County Durham DH1 3EH

Discover a slice of history and heritage at Durham Cathedral with two floors of interactive activities.

You'll be able to see and smell sights from the medieval world, with state of the art exhibitions and activities for families.

The site is perfect for children with a free backpack they can borrow that includes jigsaws, picture trails and lots of surprises to keep the little ones entertained!

While visiting, make sure you check out the incredible Lego brick replica of the Cathedral - made of 300,000 pieces.

During the summer, you may choose to let some steam off outside, exploring the surrounding woodlands and riverside trails.

Website: durhamcathedral.co.uk/


National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool

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Where: Jackson Dock, Maritime Avenue, Hartlepool, County Durham TS24 0XZ

Travel back in time and take in the 18th century seaport and its beautiful waterside setting.

See how tradesmen like tailors, printers and instrument makers earned a wage and how people spent their leisure time playing traditional games - it's all possible at this museum.

With live demonstrations and re-enactments, this is an interactive experience for the whole family with an outdoor play area for sunnier summer days!

It is also home to the HMS Trincomalee, the oldest warship still afloat in Europe.

Admission is based on age, with the cost going towards the conservation of HMS Trincomalee.

Website: nmrn.org.uk/national-museum-royal-navy-hartlepool


AMF Bowling Washington

Where: The Galleries Retail Park, Blackfell, Washington, County Durham NE38 7RZ

Dig our your bowling shoes and hit the lanes with your family, this is a game that everyone can enjoy the 26 lanes on offer.

Whether you strike every time, or struggle to throw bowling balls in a straight line, even with the sides up- it's fun for the whole family.

When you're not bowling, there are a range of arcade games to get involved in including air hockey, mini shoot out and pool.

Guests are charged per game, with specialist offers given to families and guests playing multiple games.

Website: hollywoodbowl.co.uk/washington


Spennymoor Leisure Centre

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Where: Unnamed Road, Spennymoor, County Durham DL16 6FB

Dip your toes in the water at this fun indoor pool, with a five setting wave machine, slides, floats and plenty of fun.

Grab your arm bands and get your swim on, Spennymoor is perfect for families, with sessions for your little ones, as well as open swim sessions encouraging you to splash for hours!

During fun sessions, toys, rafts and floats are thrown into the pool to create a splashing time for children.

Admission is based on which session is selected and age, with memberships also available to purchase.

Website: durham.gov.uk/spennymoorleisurecentre


Durham Museum and Heritage Centre

Where: North Bailey, Durham, County Durham DH1 3ET

Relive the story of Durham from Medieval times to the 20th century in this excellent local history Museum.

Families can enjoy models of the medieval city and 19th century Market Place and explore the reconstruction of a Victorian prison cell.

While wandering through the museum keep your eyed peels for the incredible detail showcased on the stained glass scattered through the heritage centre.

Kids can stuck in with history books, postcards and souvenirs, with plenty of activities hosted throughout the year to keep them entertained.

Visiting the museum is free, however, donations are welcome.

Website: durhammuseum.co.uk/


Funshack

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Where: Hall Dene Way, Seaham, County Durham SR7 0PU

Let your kids go wild at Funshack with four floors of exciting soft play fun, you'll be surprised at just how big the centre is.

Your kids can play across a network of tube tunnels, giant snake slides, net climbs and swings and giant river rapid slides.

When your children are done adventuring in the play complex, they can try their hand on the trampolines, play a game of laser tag, zoom around on Go Karts, shoot in the Cannonball arenas and even tackle a high ropes obstacle courses!

Admission is based on age, with prices separated for peak and off peak sessions.

Website: funshack.co.uk/


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