Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
What's On in Sunderland & Durham
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SWIMMING LESSONS WITH EVERYONE ACTIVE
1st January-31st December 2024
Venue: Sunderland
Address: SR1-SR6
Website: https://www.everyoneactive.com/courses-lessons/swimming-lessons/
Award-winning swimming lessons at your local Everyone Active leisure centre, for children aged from just 4 months old. Available at Hetton Community Pool and Wellness Centre, Houghton Sports Centre, Silksworth...
DURHAM CATHEDRAL NATURE TRAIL
31st January-31st December 2024
Venue: Durham Cathedral
Address: The College, DH1 3EH
Website: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
This nature trail has been developed with local school children to help you explore the woodlands & riverbanks around the cathedral. Look out for animals, birds, trees & flowers on your way round. The...
WILDLIFE SPOTTERS
10th February-1st June 2024
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Address: SR1 1PP
Website: www.sunderlandmuseum.org.uk
Families can collect a free wildlife spotters activity sheet filled with puzzles & challenges to help them explore the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.
WWT WASHINGTON APP
11th March-31st December 2024
Venue: WWT Washington Wetlands Centre
Address: NE38 8LE
Website: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington
Browse the NEW WWT Washington app – your digital pocket journey to enjoy before, during and after a visit. Download from Apple & Google Stores now & get 10% off admission.
BING'S NATURE EXPLORERS
23rd March-2nd June 2024
Venue: WWT Washington Wetlands Centre
Address: NE38 8LE
Website: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington
Learn all about wetland nature & wildlife with a little help from Bing & his friends. Join Bing & Flop to become a Nature Explorer with activity trails, storytelling, character appearances & much more....
KILLHOPE MUSEUM OPENS
29th March-29th October 2024
Time: 10am-4.30pm
Venue: Killhope - The North of England Lead Mining Museum
Address: DL13 1AR
Website: www.killhope.org.uk.
A visit to Killhope is a unique & unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Why not go on an underground mine trip, visit the fascinating exhibition & new addition the Weardale Tub, look for lead...
ACTIVE SUNDERLAND BIG 3K RUN
12th-12th May 2024
Time: 9am
Venue: Keel Square,
Address: SR1 3LH
Website: www.mysunderland.co.uk/big3krun
This well-established event is suitable for families, beginner runners, junior club runners, & anyone wanting to give running 3k on closed roads through the city centre a go! Entry is just £10 per adult...
LITTLE LOCOS
16th-16th May 2024
Time: 10.30-11.30am
Venue: Locomotion - The National Railway Museum at Shildon,
Address: DL4 1PQ
Website: www.locomotion.org.uk
Taking place every month, Little Locos is a special session for young visitors aged five & under, & their families & carers. Little Locos is the perfect place for you & your little ones to play & learn...
BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY
18th-18th May 2024
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Oriental Museum
Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH
Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum
Drop-in between 10am & 5pm to celebrate the most important day in the Buddhist calendar & take part in making, meditation, talks on Buddhism & traditional Buddha Bathing. Suitable for all the family &...
SATURDAY ART CLUB
18th May-20th July 2024
Time: 1-3pm
Venue: Arts Centre Washington,
Address: NE38 8AB
Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/our-venues/arts-centre-washington/whats-on/
This Saturday Art Club is suitable for children aged 8+ with an interest in art who would like to develop their skills further. Often taking inspiration from exhibitions & artists working within the arts...
ETERNAL ASCENT:BENTLEY BEETHAM & THE 1924 EVEREST EXHIBITION
24th May-15th June 2024
Time: 10am-5pm
Venue: Oriental Museum
Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH
Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum
This FREE exhibition marks the centenary of the 1924 Mount Everest Expedition, the first Western, & ultimately tragic, attempt to climb the highest mountain in the world. The story is told from the perspective...
CELEBRATING DURHAM PRIDE
25th-25th May 2024
Time: 1-3pm
Venue: Oriental Museum
Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH
Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum
Get ready for Durham Pride Festival & find out about the Ancient Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut & why she wore a beard then join in with making some pride bunting. Free event.1-3pm.
CLASSIC CAR & BIKE SHOW
25th-25th May 2024
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Ushaw Historic House
Address: Woodland Rd, Durham DH7 9RH
Website: www.ushaw.org
Ushaw Classic Car Show returns for its 4th year with an expected 500 plus vehicles! An outstanding exhibition of classic & retro vehicles, live music & delicious street food. Normal admission charges apply....
COLOURING IN THE CAFÉ
25th May-2nd June 2024
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Ushaw Historic House
Address: Woodland Rd, Durham DH7 9RH
Website: www.ushaw.org
There will be print-themed templates & colouring pencils in Ushaw's Café throughout Half Term. No pre-booking required, included with Ushaw Annual Pass and Daily Admission.
FAMILY WELLBEING DAY
25th-25th May 2024
Time: 11am-3pm
Venue: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Address: SR1 1PP
Website: www.sunderlandmuseum.org.uk
A day of family activities promoting the development of positive mental health of our children, emotional literacy & body wellness including story-time with the Brain Besties, mindful garden walks, kids...
FESTIVAL OF BLOSSOM
25th May-2nd June 2024
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Gibside NT
Address: NE16 6BG
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside
Enjoy the Festival of Blossom this May Half Term. Flutter & fly your way around Gibside on a scavenger hunt to find butterflies & moths. Learn about some of our most important pollinators and why we need...
HALF TERM ACTIVITIES
25th May-2nd June 2024
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Ushaw Historic House
Address: Woodland Rd, Durham DH7 9RH
Website: www.ushaw.org
From completing a globetrotting passport to colouring in the café, toy takeovers & discovering spring themed animals in the ornamental garden, ther's something for everyone at Ushaw this Half Term. Full...
SPOT & SEARCH INDOOR TRAIL
25th May-2nd June 2024
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Ushaw Historic House
Address: Woodland Rd, Durham DH7 9RH
Website: www.ushaw.org
Globetrotters unite! Explore the Maps exhibition, take a journey through time by completing your globetrotting passport. No pre-booking required, included with Ushaw Annual Pass and Daily Admission.
SPRING OUTDOOR ARTISAN MARKET
25th-26th May 2024
Time: 10am-6pm
Venue: Dalton Park
Address: Seaham, SR7 9HU
Website: www.dalton-park.co.uk
Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of local creativity & flavours with the much-anticipated Spring Outdoor Artisan Market! A weekend full of fun with bustling stalls that will showcase the best...
SPRING SPOTTERS
25th May-2nd June 2024
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Ushaw Historic House
Address: Woodland Rd, Durham DH7 9RH
Website: www.ushaw.org
Find & Discover the Spring-themed animals & nature around the ornamental gardens? No pre-booking required, included with Ushaw Annual Pass and Daily Admission.
TOY TAKEOVER
25th May-2nd June 2024
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Ushaw Historic House
Address: Woodland Rd, Durham DH7 9RH
Website: www.ushaw.org
Toy Takeovers are back once again, with heaps of track & trains for your young engineers to construct & play to their hearts content. No pre-booking required, included with Ushaw Annual Pass and Daily...
NOSTALGIA DAY
27th-27th May 2024
Time: 11am-4pm
Venue: Durham Market Place,
Address: DH1
Living history tableaux & exhibitions in Durham Market Place on Bank Holiday Monday, from 11am to 4pm. Go along & travel back in time. Ideal for families.
CREATURE COLLECTIONS
28th-28th May 2024
Time: 1-2.30pm
Venue: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Address: SR1 1PP
Website: www.sunderlandmuseum.org.uk
Drop-in between 1pm & 2.30pm & explore brilliant birds and other taxidermy creatures from the Museum collections and find out how they are cared for by the Museum team.Free.
PLAY WITH PRINTS
28th-29th May 2024
Time: 10:30am - 12pm & 1pm - 2:30pm
Venue: Ushaw Historic House
Address: Woodland Rd, Durham DH7 9RH
Website: www.ushaw.org
Inspired by the art in Ushaw's new Library Gallery,go along & d try your hand at making your own pieces of printmaking in two 90 minute sessions at 10.30am & 1pm each day. £5-£7 pp, pre-booking online...
SANDCASTING : CAR, CAT, HEDGEHOG, OWL or FISH
28th-28th May 2024
Time: 9.30 & 10.30am
Venue: National Glass Centre
Address: Liberty Way, SR6 0GL
Website: www.nationalglasscentre.com
Create a glass car, cat, owl, fish or hedgehog using sand to make a mould. Add your own colour & decoration to make your design unique. Watch as your design is transformed by our studio team who will pour...
BEAR'S MUSEUM ADVENTURES
29th-29th May 2024
Time: 1-2pm & 2-3.30pm
Venue: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Address: SR1 1PP
Website: www.sunderlandmuseum.org.uk
Join Hannah Graham, storyteller, & follow Bear on a new adventure to defeat the Wear Monsters, with help from the History Heroes of Sunderland.This activity includes a story with Hannah & Bear from 1pm...
CERAMIC COASTER PAINTING
29th-29th May 2024
Time: 10am-12pm & 1-3.30pm
Venue: National Glass Centre
Address: Liberty Way, SR6 0GL
Website: www.nationalglasscentre.com
Put your drink down on your own work of art! No need to book, simply drop in & customise a circular ceramic coaster to transform it into a mini masterpiece that will stand out on your desk or coffee table....
HIGH & MIGHTY
29th-29th May 2024
Time: 1-3pm
Venue: Oriental Museum
Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH
Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum
Explore the new photography exhibition all about the first attempts to climb Mount Everest & make your own cool mountain collage. Free event.1-3pm.
GLASS PAINTING PETS
30th-30th May 2024
Time: 10am-12pm & 1-3pm
Venue: National Glass Centre
Address: Liberty Way, SR6 0GL
Website: www.nationalglasscentre.com
Drop in between 10am-12pm & 1-3pm to create a beautiful glass painting inspired by your pets or animals that you love. Will you paint a cat or an ignuana, a fish or a zebra? Ages 4+, £5 per session.
MAY HALF TERM SPORTS
30th-30th May 2024
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Crook Hall & Gardens,
Address: Frankland Lane, DH1 5SZ
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/crook-hall-gardens
Have a go at outdoor games & mini-sports activities for all the family. Activities are self-led in the morning, so you can join in whenever you fancy. Challenge a family member to a kickabout or a race...
FUSED GLASS FISH
31st-31st May 2024
Time: 11.30am & 1.30pm
Venue: National Glass Centre
Address: Liberty Way, SR6 0GL
Website: www.nationalglasscentre.com
Make a fabulous glass fish using coloured glass grains & mosaic tiles. Ages 6+. £12pp. 11.30am & 1.30pm. Booking online essential.
GARDEN MANIA
31st-31st May 2024
Time: 11am, 1pm & 2.30pm
Venue: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Address: SR1 1PP
Website: www.sunderlandmuseum.org.uk
Make newspaper pots, plant seeds to grow at home & learn about the importance of soil and worms! Free child places but pre-booking essential.
MYTHICAL BEASTS
31st-31st May 2024
Time: 1-3pm
Venue: Oriental Museum
Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH
Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum
Spot the mythical beasts or lion dogs in the galleries? Try creating your own mythical creature using lino printing blocks & learn about the legendary Chinese lion-dog.Free event.1-3pm.
PERFECT PERFUME
1st-1st June 2024
Time: 1-3pm
Venue: Oriental Museum
Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH
Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum
Explore the beautiful Ancient Egyptian perfume jars, make up items & jewellery. Learn how the Ancient Egyptians kept themselves smelling sweet & make perfume cone with flower petals.Free event.1-3pm.
SACRISTON PARTY IN THE PARK
1st-1st June 2024
Time: 11am-3pm
Venue: The Fulforth Centre,
Address: Front St, Sacriston DH7 6JT
Free family 'Party in the Park' to celebrate summer together including Inflatables, fairground rides, face-painter, cafe, market stalls, raffle & tombola, crafts, sports &games, Birds of Prey demonstration,...
SUNDERLAND FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL
7th-9th June 2024
Time: 10am-7pm
Venue: Sunderland SR1
Address: www.mysunderland.co.uk/article/30579/Food-Drink-Festival-2024
Website: www.mysunderland.co.uk/article/30579/Food-Drink-Festival-2024
The Sundrland Food & Drink Festival is back! From local food & produce to a continental street market, plus a jam-packed music & entertainment line-up for a fun-filled weekend! More details online
DURHAM REGATTA 2024
8th-9th June 2024
Venue: City Boathouse
Address: Green Lane, DH1 3JU
Website: www.durham-regatta.org.uk
The 191st Durham Regatta. A spectacular weekend of racing & bank-side entertainment. The Durham Regatta not only offers a spectacular weekend of thrilling racing, but also a variety of attractions for...
MAKE A RANGOLI
8th-8th June 2024
Time: 1-3pm
Venue: Oriental Museum
Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH
Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum
Find out about the Indian tradition of Rangoli art & make your own. Free event.1-3pm.
WONDERFUL WEATHER DOLLS
15th-15th June 2024
Time: 1-3pm
Venue: Oriental Museum
Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH
Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum
Find out about teru teru bozu - the famous Japanese weather doll & have a go at making one.Free event.1-3pm.
LITTLE LOCOS
20th-20th June 2024
Time: 10.30-11.30am
Venue: Locomotion - The National Railway Museum at Shildon,
Address: DL4 1PQ
Website: www.locomotion.org.uk
Taking place every month, Little Locos is a special session for young visitors aged five & under, & their families & carers. Little Locos is the perfect place for you & your little ones to play & learn...
SUNDERLAND SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL 2024
20th-20th June 2024
Time: 1.30pm
Venue: Sunderland Empire
Address: SR1 3EX
Website: http://sunderlandempire.net.
A one-day, non-competitive dance festival open to all schools in Sunderland LEA. Tickets from £13.75
MINI SCIENCE CLUB
21st-21st June 2024
Time: 1.30-2.30pm
Venue: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Address: SR1 1PP
Website: www.sunderlandmuseum.org.uk
Join the team from Big Science UK for fun activities for 1 - 4 year olds. During each session your child will not only play & explore, but they will also be actively learning, creating & thinking critically...
PLAY TIME!
22nd-22nd June 2024
Time: 1-3pm
Venue: Oriental Museum
Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH
Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum
Explore the new exhibition all about play & toys, then try making your own game. Free event.1-3pm.
FARES PLEASE! PUBLIC TRANSPORT WEEKEND
29th-30th June 2024
Venue: Beamish Museum
Address: Beamish, DH9 0RG
Website: www.beamish.org.uk
Ding Ding! All aboard for a fantastic weekend celebrating public transport with some impressive visiting transpport plus the museum's own home fleet.
MAGNIFICENT MANGA
29th-29th June 2024
Time: 1-3pm
Venue: Oriental Museum
Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH
Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum
Explore the Oriental Museum's collection of Japanese Manga comics & create your own to take home. Free event.1-3pm.
MINI PRIDE
29th-29th June 2024
Venue: Ushaw Historic House
Address: Woodland Rd, Durham DH7 9RH
Website: www.ushaw.org
Join Curious Arts at Ushaw for Mini Pride, a celebration of everything that’s unique & wonderful about families! Take part in fun, creative activities from colourful arts & crafts to an interactive storytime...
DURHAM COUNTY SHOW
6th-7th July 2024
Time: 9am-5pm
Venue: Durham County Show
Address: Showfield Thornley, DH6 3LY
Website: www.durhamcountyshow.com
The annual Durham County Show with so much to see & do over the show weekend. Be sure to keep checking the website for updates on all the events. Adults £12, Child £5.
TANABATA FESTIVAL
6th-6th July 2024
Time: 1-3pm
Venue: Oriental Museum
Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH
Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum
Tanabata is the Japanese summer star festival. Find out about this special time of year & make tanabata decorations. Free event.1-3pm.
MG CAR DISPLAY
7th-7th July 2024
Time: 10am-3pm
Venue: Durham University Botanic Garden,
Address: Hollingside Lane, DH1 3TN
Website: www.dur.ac.uk/botanic.garden
The Durham MG & Classic Car Club was formed in 2001 for local car enthusiasts interested in MG cars, both classic & modern. This informal gathering will showcase cars representing models produced from...
ACTIVE SUNDERLAND BIG BIKE RIDE
14th-14th July 2024
Time: 9am-4pm
Venue: Beacon of Light,
Address: SR5 1SN
Website: www.mysunderland.co.uk/bigbikeride
The Active Sunderland BIG Bike Ride, a staple of the city's cycling calendar, is back for 2024 & & there is a brand new family ride! Take the family on a 5 mile traffic free led ride, attempt a 12-mile...