Family Friendly Halloween Fun in Durham

You're in for more of a treat than a trick this Halloween in Durham! 

We've pulled together some of the most spooky family friendly events and activities taking place this half term in Durham. From spooky fun to frighten the kids to tamer events for the more timid little monsters, you'll find there's lots of faBOOlous fun to be had this Halloween half term in Durham. 

Adventure Valley’s Pumpkin Festival

Head over to Adventure Valley and join in the spooky celebrations at their annual Pumpkin Festival. Get creative with pumpkin carving, watch daily magic shows and try out the new corn cob catapult! Plus enjoy hours of indoor and outdoor fun with soft play, animal hand feeding sessions, go karts and much more.

Every full paying children aged 2 and over receive their very own pumpkin to take home with them. Saturday 20 – Wednesday 31 October, 10am – 5pm. 

All Hallows Walk at the Auckland Project

Step into the shadows of Auckland Castle and come face to face with characters from local history, myth and fable with a walk through Auckland Castle’s grounds by torchlight. Saturday 27 October, 5.30 – 8.30pm 

Cedric Dragonscars World of Witchcraft and Wizardry at Holmside Park

Do you have what it takes to become a witch or wizard? Join Ermintrude Broomington and Professor Wandless on an interactive Halloween walk with wand making, spell casting and broom making. Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 October, 2-8pm and Wednesday 31 October, 5 – 8pm 

Fright Night in Wharton Park 

Following last year’s sell-out show, Let’s Circus will perform a brand new bewitching Fright Night show in Durham City’s Wharton Park.

The spook-tacular performance will take place in the park’s amphitheatre with chainsaw juggling, unicycling and sword-swallowing by Lucky Diamond Rich, the world’s most tattooed man, and famous wirewalker Señor Chris Bullzini, who will perform as ringmaster alongside circus artists from across the world. Pre-booking essential, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 October, 6pm – 8pm each night. 

Half Term Halloween fun at Raby Castle 

Throughout half term there’s lots of family fun to be had at Raby Castle. Explore the 200 acre deer park, search for spooky clues on the Halloween themed treasure trail in the castle’s gardens or join the friendly footman for special child friendly interactive castle tour. Saturday 20 October – Sunday 4 November, 9am – 4pm (Children’s Castle Tours every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday)

Halloween Special at Killhope

Bring your little monsters along to Killhope – the Lead Mining Museum of the North for a day filled with spooky scavenger hunts and prizes for best costume and carved pumpkin. Sunday 28 October, 12 – 3pm 

Harry’s Halloween Horrors at Walworth Castle Birds of Prey

Make your own activities in Ozzy Owl’s workshop, go bat hunting in the spooky woodland walk, meet the owls and enjoy birds of prey flying displays plus there’ll be ferret racing throughout the day. Saturday 27 and Sunday 28, 10.30am – 4pm 

Spooky Family Fun Day at the Bowes Museum 

Join in with the magic show and learn some new tricks, make a witch’s broom, create a potion and take part in the magician’s trail and create creepy crafts during this drop in session. Thursday 25 October, 11am – 4pm 
 

Tanfield Ghost Train 

Do you dare take a trip on the Tanfield Ghost Train? Visit Tanfield Railway this half term, for a spine tingling, hair-raising journey along the World's Oldest Railway. Pre-booking essential – Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 October, various times. 

To view the full list of Halloween events taking place in Durham, including adult only Halloween happenings visit our dedicated Halloween events page.