If you know of any other great historical and educational attractions in Durham which aren't listed on DAYoutWITHtheKIDS, please get in contact with us, so we can add them to the website and share the fun places to go with other children - thanks a lot
Family Days Out in Durham
HMS Trincomalee 1817
Hartlepool
HMS Trincomalee 1817 The classic British frigate, HMS Trincomalee, built in Bombay for the Admiralty in 1817, is the oldest ship afloat in the UK and the last of the commissioned frigates of the Nelson era. Berthed at Hartlepool's Maritime Experience it is now fully restored.
Crook Hall and Gardens
Durham
Crook Hall and Gardens A stunning Grade 1 listed Medieval Manor House with a banquetting hall and 17th century Jacobean room, surrounded by stylish cottage gardens which are relaxed, lush and quintessentially English.
Durham Cathedral
Durham
Durham Cathedral The present Cathedral has stood on this spot as a place of prayer and pilgrimage for over 900 years. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in England (Bill Bryson called it 'the best Cathedral on planet earth'), and is part of a World Heritage Site.
Hartlepool's Maritime Experience
Hartlepool
Hartlepool's Maritime Experience All children love pirates and this maritime visitor attraction is the perfect place to take them. Travel back to the days of Nelson, Napoleon and the Battle of Trafalgar. With our many attractions, costumed guides and weaponry displays, any kids (of whatever age) will enjoy this day out. So all ye landlubbers make your way to Hartlepool.
Barnard Castle
Barnard Castle
Barnard Castle With fantastic views over the Tees Gorge this fortress is grand for exploring, has a sensory garden and sits on the fringe of an attractive working market town for a nice wander round after.
Egglestone Abbey
Barnard Castle
Egglestone Abbey The charming ruins of a small monastery of Premonstratensian 'white canons', picturesquely set above a bend in the River Tees, a pleasant stop for budding artists and photographers.
Beamish Wild Adventure Park
Stanley
Beamish Wild Adventure Park Located half way between Durham and Newcastle the center is brimming with amazing new activities. Tractor Rides, Archery, Tree Climbing and the aerial acrobatics of our Birds of Prey shows are to name but a few. Check out our listing and website for full details.
Adventure Valley
Durham
Adventure Valley Located in Brasside, Durham and comprising six action packed play zones (with 3 undercover), you'll discover the very best in family adventure, farm fun and indoor play.
Beamish Open Air Museum
Beamish
Beamish Open Air Museum - makes the past comes to life. Beamish is unique. This is no ordinary museum but a living, working experience of life as it was in the Great North in the early 1800s and 1900s set in over 300 acres of beautiful countryside. A great family day out.
Killhope Lead Mining Museum
Bishop Auckland
Killhope Lead Mining Museum Voted the Most Family Friendly Museum, take a guided tour of the mine, become a washerboy and find galena. Woodland walks, Red Squirrels, exhibitions, shop and cafe a great day out in the country for the whole family. Winner of Tourism award 2008 Small Attraction of the year, Gold standard Green Tourism Business and quality badge holder of Learning outside of the Classroom 2009
The Bowes Museum
Barnard Castle
The Bowes Museum A wonderful day of discovery awaits you and your family at The Bowes Museum! Explore the stunning galleries through interactive displays and get arty with our hands-on activities and events. From marvellous masterpieces to curious collections there's something for everyone at The Bowes Museum!
Dorman Museum
Middlesbrough
Dorman Museum With ever changing exhibitions - 8 galleries and 3 exhibition spaces, there's something for everyone and plenty of hands-on activities, objects and children's trails.
Preston Park and Museum
Stockton On Tees
Preston Park and Museum As well as the museum, Preston Park also has a range of permanent attractions including exotic bird life in the aviary and wildfowl pond and many riverside and woodland paths. You can walk amongst hundreds of beautiful butterflies at Butterfly World, take a ride on the Tees Small Gauge Railway or boat on the river. There's also a safe surface play area for children and a cafe.
Spennymoor Leisure Centre
Spennymoor
Spennymoor Leisure Centre has a free - form Leisure Pool with a large shallow water area and a maximum depth of 1.8 metres. A water slide and wave machine are also available, but these only operate during evening, weekend and school holiday sessions. The pool is approximately 18 metres wide and 30 metres long.
Splash
Stockton-on-Tees
Splash Stockton's newest leisure facility has been designed to meet 21st century needs. The complex includes a 25 metre pool with wave machine and water features, offering leisure and training facilities for swimmers at all levels. a learner pool, spa pool and flume slide complete the water based features.
The Dolphin Centre
Darlington
The Dolphin Centre An outstanding pool complex that includes an
8-lane, 25m competition standard swimming pool, Training Pool, Interactive Toddler Pool, 1m, 3m and 5m Board Diving Pool and two water-slides as well as an Under The Sea themed indoor play area.
Mill House Leisure Centre
Hartlepool
Mill House Leisure Centre Offers a range of activities and facilites including swimming pools.
Weardale Open Air Swimming Pool
Bishop Auckland
Weardale Open Air Swimming Pool Come and enjoy the pleasures of outdoor swimming in a warm (tropical water temperature of 80+ degrees Fahrenheit), safe, family environment.
Funshack
Seaham
Funshack Maybe largest indoor playground in the north of England. Here you will find a wide range of fun activities in a safe and secure surrounding. New indoor go kart track and bowling alley 2012!
Fuzzy Eds at Coulby Farm
Middlesbrough
Fuzzy Eds at Coulby Farm Children can enjoy the large Fun House with ball pools, slides, climbing frames, all in brightly coloured surroundings. Children's birthday parties are bookable, taking place in the Fun House, with a height restriction of 4ft 9ins, we also hold regular Toddler sessions during term time.
Jumbo Jungle
Consett
Jumbo Jungle Over 11000 sq ft of non stop fun and games and its all under one roof to keep both the adults and children happy for hours, we have something for all ages from babies to twelve year olds
Mister Twisters
Hartlepool
Mister Twisters 13,000 sq ft indoor play centre with a Pirate themed climbing frame. Suitable for 2-5 year olds, 5-12 year olds and a separate gated toddler/infant area for the more delicate of our visitors. Bouncy castle, football court, Xbox games, 5* cafeteria and parking for 70+ cars.
The Play Shack Indoor Play Centre
Shildon
The Play Shack Indoor Play Centre The Indoor Play facility is the Biggest Indoor Soft Play frame in the area featuring 3 Lane Astra Slide, 540 Degree Tube Slide, ball-pools, Rope Bridges, Spooky Corner, Gliders, 5 a Side Football Pitch, separate Toddler Area and much, much more
Crazy Corner
Stockton-on-Tees
Crazy Corner From Ball Cannons to Shoot Slides, Gaint Bouncing Balls to Tarzan Gliders, Crazy Corner has something for all.
Whitworth Hall - Bobby Shaftos
Spennymoor
Whitworth Hall - Bobby Shaftos The restaurant offers a fantastic menu and children can play in the indoor or outdoor play area. In the summer months you can dine on the patio at the lakeside and watch the deer and the ducks at play. The park abounds with wild life with squirrels, wild geese, swans and even the odd heron.
Ruff 'N' Tumble Adventure World
Newton Aycliffe
Ruff 'N' Tumble Adventure World - is a haven for your kids to play and wear themselves out. It has all the latest equipment to put the biggest smiles on your children’s faces. They can race their friends down the three lane giant Waterfall Slide, climb to the top of the Castle and experience the thrill of the scary Drop Slide, or prepare for battle in the Ball Blast Cannon Arena.
Play 'n' Krazy
Bowburn
Play 'n' Krazy ball pools, play frame, slides, football and basket ball areas, and tiny tots explore too, in their own safe space
Boyne Play Pit and Cafe
Langley Moor
Boyne Play Pit and Cafe The centre can take up to 35 children, This is extreamly clean and has a sound proof cafe with viewing into the play area. Not the bigest but you'll go a long way to beat it.
Adventure Point Ltd
Darlington
Adventure Point Ltd Fantastic indoor & outdoor adventure play centre with huge play frame, bumper cars, 3 tree climbers, slides, rope bridges, ball cannon arena, multi-sports court, separate toddler play areas and lots more!
Krazy Kingdom
Annfield Plain
Krazy Kingdom 17,500 sq ft of non stop fun and it's all under one roof to keep you and your children happy for hours, we believe we have something for all ages from babies to twelve year olds
Fun City
Stockton On Tees
Fun City With its 7000sq ft of play area Fun city is dedicated to family fun! The play frame includes 3 tier levels of ball pools, curly slides, rope bridges, swing ropes, spooky areas, jelly mountain, trampoline and the 20ft drop slide!
Toddlers have a small area on the ground floor with its own ball pool, small curly slide, rope bridge and soft play toys and puzzles.
Bamboozles Adventure World Ltd
Bishop Auckland
Bamboozles Adventure World Ltd Fully equipped activity frame, pedal carts, toddler area and themed parties. Junior climbing wall coming soon!
Crackerjax
Crook
Crackerjax An indoor adventure play and children's party venue, with 10,000 sq. ft. of family fun and children's activities for kids of all ages up to 12 years old.
Noahs Ark Family Centre
Thornaby
Noahs Ark Family Centre Three levels of adventure soft play with craft, role play, reading and activity corners besides. Also has an outdoor play area for summer.
Brewers Fayre Preston Farm
Stockton on Tees
Brewers Fayre Preston Farm Indoor and outdoor play areas with plenty of fun colourful features attached to a family friendly restaurant with a healthy, appetising menu for children.
Summerhill
Hartlepool
Summerhill Summerhill Nature Reserve and Outdoor Sports Centre has plenty to keep the kids entertained. They can visit the trim trail, the boulder park, the junior adventure and fitness area, the BMX course and the high level ropes course.
Climb North East
Ferryhill
Climb North East Send the kids along to one of their weekend sessions. They will be running sessions for 3 different age groups starting at just 3 years old!
Durham Climbing Centre
Durham
Durham Climbing Centre Indoor rock climbing in Durham City for ages 2+. Suitable for beginner and advanced junior & adult climbers. An activity for the whole family! Book one of our Rock Stars Children's Sessions in advance (see website for timetable) or drop into the centre and supervise children yourself!
Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre
Newton Aycliffe
Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre Climbing is very good for developing balance, co-ordination, strength and confidence, whilst giving the child a great learning experience.
Teesside White Water Centre
Stockton on Tees
Teesside White Water Centre e is based at the Tees Barrage Artificial White Water Course. The Centre is ideally placed to provide canoeing to a broad range of paddlers from complete beginners to Olympic aspirants.
Quads '4' All
Billingham
Quads '4' All Quads '4' All offers different sizes of quad bikes to suit any age group and three different types of tracks for childrens varying abilities. Experienced marshals provide training on a one to one basis and the riders are fully supervised at all times whilst on the tracks. All of the safety equipment is provided.
Battle Stations
Sedgefield
Battle Stations Low impact foam shot paintball game with NO PAIN OR BRUISING! Suitable for 7yrs+ which is the lowest age restriction in the UK. Other game options for 11+.
GROUP ARRANGEMENTS ONLY
Teesdale Sports Centre
Barnard Castle
Teesdale Sports Centre Swimming, skateboarding, climbing, and an indoor play area, within a modern, family friendly sports centre.
R Kade Indoor Skatepark
Redcar
R Kade Indoor Skatepark 20,000 square feet packed with a street course, mini ramps, rhythm section, jump boxes and much more. Under 12s must have parental supervision at all times.
AMF Hollywood Bowl Stockton
Stockton-on-Tees
AMF Hollywood Bowl Stockton Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. This Hollywood Bowl has over 20 lanes!
Top Gear Karting
Durham
Top Gear Karting They give you karting in a disco atmosphere with ultra violet tubes, strobe and spotlights with music and smoke machines, but most importantly safety This is karting and entertainment in one!
Teesside Karting Centre
Middlesbrough
Teesside Karting Centre Race your friends at the longest and most exciting kart circuit in the WORLD. Enjoy the thrill of motor racing in a safe yet exciting environment, with karts to suit novices as well as the professional driver. From 8 yrs and over 4ft 6.
Stanhope Mystery Treasure Trail
Stanhope
Stanhope Mystery Treasure Trail Looking for a fun and interesting way to explore Stanhope? Don't just wander around aimlessly, do a Treasure Trail! These fun treasure hunts will teach you fascinating facts about the area and show you some beautiful scenery. Enjoy a fun family walk in the fresh air and solve an intriguing mystery at the same time.
City of Durham Treasure Trail
Durham
City of Durham Treasure Trail These self-guided treasure hunts challenge you to explore and solve intriguing mysteries. Search for clues and find treasure or crack the code to save the world on a spy mission. You’ll find out fascinating facts, see special places and enjoy a family walk; all in the fresh air.
Tweddle Childrens Animal Farm
Blackhall Colliery
Tweddle Childrens Animal Farm Kids will have a great time at the farm visiting the animals. There is also a Play Area, which offers a fantastic range of fun activities to keep them busy. Great idea if you are looking for family days out in Durham
Newham Grange Country Farm
Middlesbrough
Newham Grange Country Farm Come and make friends with the rare breeds of farm animals, enjoy a walk around the fields, and why not bring along a picnic for a treat.
Broom House Farm Adventure Farm
Witton Gilbert
Broom House Farm Adventure Farm The Broom House Adventure has 10 acres of fun for all the family. Follow the trails, attempt the woodland challenges...climbing, hanging, zipping and balancing...
Down at the Farm
Houghton Le Spring
Down at the Farm You can see a wide range of farm animals including goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys, ponies and chickens, plus a few unusual ones. There is plenty of hands-on fun including reptile handling, sheep/pig racing and washing the sheep. Kids can also climb their way round the adventure trail, pedal round the tiny tots tractor course, dig their way out of the giant sandpit or go mad on the jumping pillow + tractor rides.
Mini and Maxi Moos Adventure Land
Edmondsley
Mini and Maxi Moos Adventure Land With over 50,000 square feet of indoor space, and almost 100 acres of farm and park land, there's room for the whole family, and a range of activities to suit everyone from miniature animals to go karts and almost everything in between.
Tanfield Railway
Gateshead
Tanfield Railway With an unparalleled history dating back to 1725, spectacular scenery and a truly unique atmosphere,
it is no wonder that the Tanfield Railway is the North East's biggest and most popular steam railway.
Bowes Railway
Gateshead
Bowes Railway Bowes Railway was originally a colliery railway built to carry coal mainly from pits in north west Durham to the Tyne at Jarrow. The earliest section was designed by George Stephenson and opened on 17 January 1826, making it one of the world's first modern railways.
Prince Bishop River Cruiser
Durham City
Prince Bishop River Cruiser The Prince Bishop River Cruiser is a one hour cruise that takes in many of the city's sights from the unique perspective of the River Wear. On the trip to the Cathedral you will take in some spectacular views of the cities bridges, the castle and many of the Durham University buildings.
Hamsterley Forest
Bishop Auckland
Hamsterley Forest - trail marked walks and mountain bike routes, all of varying difficulty and durations - a visitor centre, tearoom, children's adventure play area and mountain bike hire - events/activities held in the forest including Den Building, organised mountain bike rides and bird feeding, at various times throughout the year - plenty of picnic areas and BBQs are allowed.
Natures World
Middlesbrough
Natures World A fun and inspiring hands-on experience learning about simple, artistic and futuristic gardening concepts. Several outdoor play areas plus pedal karts and arial runway!
High Force Waterfall
Middleton
High Force Waterfall England's largest waterfall, suddenly and spectacularly drops 70 feet into the plunge pool below. The woodland walk leads to this breathtaking sight. As you begin the descent down the gentle slope the well-maintained path twists and turns giving a different view every few yards. The muffled rumble suddenly turns to a roar and the sight astounds you.
Durham Botanic Garden
Durham City
Durham Botanic Garden - has plant collections from around the world as well as a woodland garden, alpine garden and bamboo grove. In the glasshouses there's a collection of tropical rainforest plants, desert plants, and more familiar plants from the mediterranean. It also has some tropical bugs, scorpions and tarantulas. In late summer to early spring the arboretum is grazed by rare breed sheep.
Stuart Park
Tees Valley
Stuart Park Several lakes containing wildfowl, with animals in pet's corner such as llamas, deer, peacocks, pheasants and guinea pigs. An orienteering course, tree trail and discovery trail is provided alongside a museum and cafe.
Buttercups Ceramic Studio
Hurworth-on-Tees
Buttercups Ceramic Studio you can paint a piece of functional pottery such as a mug, plate, bowl, platter and much more or how about a fun item like a money box, figurine or fun home accessory.
Thanks for all the great things to do and Historical and Educational Attractions in Durham with kids you keep sending in.
Now the school half term is upon us are with winter and the christmas holidays fast approaching, we're trying to find as many fun things to do with kids as possible, especially cheap and free family friendly places to visit this year - theme parks, waterparks and swimming pools, museums, indoor playcentres and softplay for toddlers, petting farms, wildlife parks and zoos, aquariums, castles, steam railways, pottery making and ceramic cafes, roller and ice skating rinks, karting tracks, snowdomes, dry and indoor ski slopes, climbing walls, activity centres, ten pin bowling alleys and all the other best family tourist attractions, that you can visit at the weekend.
Also teachers may find the site useful for ideas for the best places to take their classes on school journeys with many historical and educational atractions listed
So, if you've been for great days out with the kids, or a school trip, which isn't shown above, just send in an email and we'll add it on so people visiting on holidays and all the other children in Durham can enjoy the great day out as well.
Family fun in Tyne and Wear | Fun days out in Northumberland | Fun with kids in North Yorkshire
Things to do in Cumbria | Historical and Educational Attractions in Tyne and Wear | Attractions in Lancashire
Things to do in Durham | Middlesbrough Educational Attractions | Historical Sites in Durham
Places to visit in Middlesbrough | Places to go in Hartlepool | Historical and Educational Attractions in Northumberland
Historical and Educational Attractions in Hartlepool | Educational Attractions near Stockton on Tees | Historical Sites in Bishop Auckland
