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 Tees Valley
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BookTrust Storytime Prize
5th March-2nd April 2026
Time: 1.30 - 2.30
Venue: Billingham Library
Address: Billingham Town Centre, TS23 2LN
Website: www.stockton.gov.uk/book-library-event
Looking for a fun and easy way to entertain your little ones? Bring your under 5s to our exciting BookTrust Storytime sessions at the library! Booking essential.
BookTrust Storytime Prize
6th March-10th April 2026
Time: 10 - 11am
Venue: Norton Library
Address: 87 High Street, Norton, TS20 1AE
Website: www.stockton.gov.uk/book-library-event
Looking for a fun and easy way to entertain your little ones? Bring your under 5s to our exciting BookTrust Storytime sessions at the library! Booking essential.
Bowes Bug Club
7th March-7th April 2026
Time: 2:30 - 4:30pm
Venue: The Bowes Museum
Address: The Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Website: https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/bug-club/
Join us as we investigate the effects of insects on collection items. We will look at a variety of different materials in the museum and find out what happens when bugs take over! Drop-in activity, recommended...
The Magic Faraway Trail
28th-28th March 2026
Time: 11:00 to 15:00
Venue: Town Centre
Address: Darlington, DL1
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115822
Activity trail to mark the release of the new movie The Magic Faraway Tree
Arty STEAM
31st-31st March 2026
Time: 1:30-3:30pm
Venue: The Bowes Museum
Address: The Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Website: https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/arty-steam-2/
Explore the exciting world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) through the museum’s fascinating collections, featuring wonders like the Silver Swan, intricate clocks and the weaving...
Bowes Bug Club
31st-31st March 2026
Time: 2:30 - 4:30pm
Venue: The Bowes Museum
Address: The Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Website: https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/bug-club/
Join us as we investigate the effects of insects on collection items. We will look at a variety of different materials in the museum and find out what happens when bugs take over! Drop-in activity, recommended...
Nature Spotters
31st-31st March 2026
Time: 11am-12:30pm
Venue: The Bowes Museum
Address: The Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Website: https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/nature-spotters/
Gather with us in an outdoor-inspired campsite in the Conversation Gallery. Discover the fascinating world of wildlife in the parkland, delve into the natural wonders that influenced some of the museum’s...
Ripon Cathedral Easter holiday activty mornings
31st March-1st April 2026
Time: 10:30am-12pm
Venue: Ripon Cathedral
Website: riponcathedral.org.uk/family/
Join us at Ripon Cathedral this Easter for creative, hands-on children's activities on Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week. Make your own Easter basket, create decorative crosses, and much more. £4 per...
Art as Protest: A Vivienne Westwood-Inspired Workshop
1st-1st April 2026
Time: 2:30-3:40pm
Venue: The Bowes Museum
Address: The Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Website: https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/art-as-protest/
Fashion isn’t just what you wear – it’s a statement. A form of protest. Explore pieces from Vivienne Westwood’s collection and uncover how she used fashion to challenge power and how you can use...
Family Story Tour: Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary
1st-1st April 2026
Time: 10:30-11:15am
Venue: The Bowes Museum
Address: The Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Step into the world of Vivienne Westwood, the ultimate rule-breaker of fashion, in a family-friendly tour that brings her exhibition to life. Discover the stories stitched into her most daring outfits...
Artist Makers
4th April-9th May 2026
Time: Every Saturday 1-3pm
Venue: The Bowes Museum
Address: The Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Website: https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/artist-makers/
Get creative with a relaxed drop-in workshop where young makers can craft unique artworks inspired by The Bowes Museum’s collection. For ages 5+ with grownups.
Arty STEAM
7th-7th April 2026
Time: 1:30-3:30pm
Venue: The Bowes Museum
Address: The Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Website: https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/arty-steam-2/
Explore the exciting world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) through the museum’s fascinating collections, featuring wonders like the Silver Swan, intricate clocks and the weaving...
Nature Spotters
7th-7th April 2026
Time: 11am-12:30pm
Venue: The Bowes Museum
Address: The Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Website: https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/nature-spotters/
Gather with us in an outdoor-inspired campsite in the Conversation Gallery. Discover the fascinating world of wildlife in the parkland, delve into the natural wonders that influenced some of the museum’s...
Art as Protest: A Vivienne Westwood-Inspired Workshop
8th-8th April 2026
Time: 2:30-3:40pm
Venue: The Bowes Museum
Address: The Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Website: https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/art-as-protest/
Fashion isn’t just what you wear – it’s a statement. A form of protest. Explore pieces from Vivienne Westwood’s collection and uncover how she used fashion to challenge power and how you can use...
Family Story Tour: Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary
8th-8th April 2026
Time: 10:30-11:15am
Venue: The Bowes Museum
Address: The Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Step into the world of Vivienne Westwood, the ultimate rule-breaker of fashion, in a family-friendly tour that brings her exhibition to life. Discover the stories stitched into her most daring outfits...
Arty STEAM
14th-14th April 2026
Time: 1:30-3:30pm
Venue: The Bowes Museum
Address: The Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Website: https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/arty-steam-2/
Explore the exciting world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) through the museum’s fascinating collections, featuring wonders like the Silver Swan, intricate clocks and the weaving...
Bowes Bug Club
14th-14th April 2026
Time: 2:30 - 4:30pm
Venue: The Bowes Museum
Address: The Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Website: https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/bug-club/
Join us as we investigate the effects of insects on collection items. We will look at a variety of different materials in the museum and find out what happens when bugs take over! Drop-in activity, recommended...
Nature Spotters
14th-14th April 2026
Time: 11am-12:30pm
Venue: The Bowes Museum
Address: The Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Website: https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/nature-spotters/
Gather with us in an outdoor-inspired campsite in the Conversation Gallery. Discover the fascinating world of wildlife in the parkland, delve into the natural wonders that influenced some of the museum’s...
Art as Protest: A Vivienne Westwood-Inspired Workshop
15th-15th April 2026
Time: 2:30-3:40pm
Venue: The Bowes Museum
Address: The Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Website: https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/art-as-protest/
Fashion isn’t just what you wear – it’s a statement. A form of protest. Explore pieces from Vivienne Westwood’s collection and uncover how she used fashion to challenge power and how you can use...
Family Story Tour: Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary
15th-15th April 2026
Time: 10:30-11:15am
Venue: The Bowes Museum
Address: The Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Step into the world of Vivienne Westwood, the ultimate rule-breaker of fashion, in a family-friendly tour that brings her exhibition to life. Discover the stories stitched into her most daring outfits...
Birthday Cards for Joséphine Bowes:
18th-26th April 2026
Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Venue: The Bowes Museum
Address: The Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP
Website: https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/birthday-cards-for-josephine-bowes/
Create a birthday card for Joséphine Bowes, to celebrate what would have been her 201 birthday on 26 April. Drop-in activity in the Create Space, children under 14 must be accompanied.
K-POP Day
18th-18th April 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Groovefest
16th-17th May 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Emergency Services Day
30th-30th May 2026
Time: 11:00 - 15:00
Venue: Town Centre
Address: Darlington, DL1
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115804
Annual Emergency Services Day organised by the Darlington Borough Council’s events team, the event welcomes a host of emergency services vehicles and staff including Durham Constabulary, County Durham...
Eid al-Adha Celebrations
31st-31st May 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Eco Fair
6th-6th June 2026
Time: 11:00 - 16:00
Venue: Town Centre
Address: Darlington, DL1
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115805
Find out more about living a sustainable and eco-friendly life? Come and join us in the Market Square for our Sustainability Event. This event explores how you can impact the future of the world we live,...
Wool Fair
7th-7th June 2026
Time: 11:00 - 16:00
Venue: Town Centre
Address: Darlington, DL1
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115806
The Darlington Wool Fair is a unique event that brings together traders, craft experts, and wool enthusiasts for a day full of creativity, learning, and shopping. This year there will be a wide range of...
The Swiftie Trail
13th-13th June 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Dance Festival
20th-20th June 2026
Time: 13:00 to 15:00
Venue: Town Centre
Address: Darlington, DL1
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115824
The mass dance event is organised by Darlington Dance Festival Association who are a voluntary group who come together to get everyone dancing,
World Cup Activities Day
20th-20th June 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Armed Forces Day
26th-26th June 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Community Carnival North Lodge Park to Hopetown
27th-27th June 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Dance Festival
4th-4th July 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Proms in the Park
5th-5th July 2026
Time: 15:00 - 18:00
Venue: South Park
Address: South Park, Darlington, DL1 5TD
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115808
Proms at the Park held in South Park's bandstand every year is set to be held this Sunday, July 5. The event is held 3pm until 7pm and visitors can expect music for all ages and tastes. No tickets are...
Vintage Vehicle Rally
11th-11th July 2026
Time: 11:00 - 16:00
Venue: Town Centre
Address: Darlington, DL1
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115809
Darlington's Vintage Vehicle Rally takes the town back in time as it was filled with classic vehicles over the weekend. The town centre will be showcasing a vast collection of vintage vehicles this July....
World Cultural Day
12th-12th July 2026
Time: 11:00 to 17:00
Venue: Town Centre
Address: Darlington, DL1
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115814
An event celebrating the rich diversity of cultures from around the world, promises to bring an explosion of colour, rhythm and flavour to Darlington town centre.
GOLD Tea Dance
15th-15th July 2026
Time: 10:00 to 15:00
Venue: Town Centre
Address: Darlington, DL1
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115811
Waltz down to Darlington for the annual GOLD (Growing Older Living in Darlington) Tea Dance. Live music, dancing and lots of stalls with info on services for older people and for people of all ages. GOLD...
Darlington By The Sea
18th-26th July 2026
Time: 11:00 to 17:00
Venue: Town Centre
Address: Darlington, DL1
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115812
Darlington by the Sea’s beach-themed event runs from Saturday 18th to Sunday 27th July 2026. From 11am until 4pm each day, families can enjoy free sandcastle building in a giant sandpit in the market...
Move More Mondays
27th-27th July 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Darlington 10K + Running Festival + Family Runs
2nd-2nd August 2026
Time: 11:00 to 17:00
Venue: Darlington Market Square
Address: Market Square, Darlington, DL1 5QA
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115820
Darlington 10k, 5k, Junior 3k and Family Fun Run, Sunday 3 August. Please note all runs are online advance entry only. Cash and voucher prizes are available.
Library Takeover Day
4th-4th August 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Discovery Festival
7th-7th August 2026
Time: All Day
Venue: Mowden Park RFC (Northern Echo Arena)
Address: Neasham Rd, Darlington DL2 1DL
Website: https://www.discoveryfestival.co.uk/
Get ready to party with an incredible line-up of the best music from the greatest decade. Featuring Level 42, Marc Almond, Heaven 17, Go West and Jake Graham.
Darlington Pride
8th-8th August 2026
Time: 11:00 to 17:00
Venue: Town Centre
Address: Darlington, DL1
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115819
Darlington Pride will be an all-inclusive, community event held on Sat 8 August 2026, and the weekend will involve an exciting programme of events. Darlington’s Pride celebrations are starting with a...
Move More Mondays
10th-10th August 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
S&DR Heritage Day
11th-11th August 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Making Sense Together
13th-13th August 2026
Time: 11:00 to 15:00
Venue: Town Centre
Address: Darlington, DL1
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115807
Join us in the market square to support people with learning disabilities or autism, to promote inclusivity for all, and to join in some calm, sensory, free, fun. The free event aims to offer a safe and...
Mega Misfit Market
15th-16th August 2026
Time: 11:00 to 17:00
Venue: Town Centre
Address: Darlington, DL1
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115825
The Mega Misfit Market in Darlington is a popular alternative market held, featuring independent traders selling unique, weird, and wonderful items like gothic clothing, accessories, art, collectibles...
Fairy Tales & Legends Day
20th-20th August 2026
Time: 11:00 to 15:00
Venue: Town Centre
Address: Darlington, DL1
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115813
Dress to impress! Be a part of Darlington’s Fairytales & Legends Day. Meet and greet some of your favourite characters, enjoy a dazzling live theatre production, and join in with crafts and games.
Durham Big Band and Jazz Music
22nd-22nd August 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Dinosaur Day
27th-27th August 2026
Time: 11:00 to 15:00
Venue: Town Centre
Address: Darlington, DL1
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115815
Whether you're a fan of the terrifying Tyrannosaurus Rex, the three-horned Triceratops or the swift-footed Velociraptor, there will be something for everyone in the town centre on Thursday 27 August, from...
Darlington Disco Day
5th-5th September 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Hurworth Concert Band
5th-5th September 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Rhythm & Tunes Festival
12th-13th September 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Restaurant Week
24th-30th October 2026
Time: Varies
Venue: Varies
Address: Varies
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115817
If you’re after something delicious to do, why not get a slice of the action at Darlington Restaurant Week? This bi-annual event will be back from Friday 23rd to Friday 30th October giving you the opportunity...
Diwali Celebrations
30th-30th October 2026
Time: 16:00 to 19:00
Venue: Darlington Market Hall and Open Market
Address: Darlington, DL1
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115803
Join us for a vibrant celebration of Diwali in the Market Hall — a day filled with colour, creativity, music, and dance!
Halloween
31st-31st October 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Christmas Lights Switch On
15th-15th November 2026
Time: 16:00 to 18:30
Venue: Darlington Market Square
Address: Market Square, Darlington, DL1 5QA
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/what-s-on/details/?id=115818
Come down to the Market Square to join in the free fun with live music and special guests. The festive entertainment starts at 4pm counting us down to the big switch on. The switch on will take place just...
Sensory Switch On
16th-16th November 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Beauty and the Beast Pantomime
11th December-3rd January 2027
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Ice Sculpture Trail
12th-12th December 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC
Quiet Christmas Lights
16th-17th December 2026
Time: TBC
Venue: TBC
Address: TBC
Website: https://www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/
TBC - ticket required
Board Games (Saturdays)
Time: 10AM - 12.30PM
Venue: Yarm Library
Address: 41 High Street, Yarm, TS15 9BH
Website: www.stockton.gov.uk/book-library-event
Spend some quality family time playing a choice of traditional board games. All ages. Free, drop in
Crafts @ Kirkleatham
Time: 10am - 3pm
Venue: Kirkleatham Museum
Address: Kirkleatham, Redcar TS10 5NW
Website: www.facebook.com/kirkleathammuseumandgrounds
Pirate themed crafts at Kirkleatham Museum. Charge applies
Junior book club (Tuesdays)
Time: 4 - 5pm
Venue: Yarm Library
Address: 41 The High Street, Yarm, TS15 9BG
Website: www.stockton.gov.uk/book-library-event
Are you aged 8-11? Do you enjoy reading? Do you enjoy talking about books and doing activities with others? Contact library for details of next meeting dates.
Junior Book club (Wednesdays)
Time: 5.30 - 6.30pm
Venue: Ingleby Barwick Library
Address: IB Leisure, Blair Avenue, TS17 5BL
Website: www.stockton.gov.uk/book-library-event
Are you aged 8-11? Do you enjoy reading? Do you enjoy talking about books and doing activities with others? Contact library for details of next meeting dates.
Mini challenge
Time: 9.30AM - 1PM
Venue: Yarm Library
Address: 41 High Street, Yarm, TS15 9BH
Website: www.stockton.gov.uk/book-library-event
See if you can complete our Saturday Mini Challenge and win a sticker. All ages. Free, drop in
More sessions and seasonal specials added to the booking system regularly - term time and holidays
Time: Various times
Venue: Woodland/Beach/Enclosed garden
Address: Redcar & Cleveland
Website: https://bookwhen.com/woodswaves
Campfire cooking - Beach fun - Special visitors - Natural Crafts - Tool use - Free play - Nature connection - Rockpooling - Pond dipping - Bug hunting - Balance equipment - Hammock - Mud kitchen - Scavenger...
Rubik's Cube club (Mondays)
Time: 5 - 6PM
Venue: Ingleby Barwick Library
Address: IB Leisure, Blair Avenue, Ingleby Barwick, TS17 5BL