October is a magical time to visit County Durham, where autumn colours paint the countryside and cobbled market towns with gold and crimson hues. As half term approaches, this scenic northern county becomes a playground for families — filled with pumpkin patches, spooky trails, creative workshops, and historical adventures that blend fun with a touch of mystery.
From the majestic Durham Cathedral to the rolling hills of the Durham Dales, every corner offers a chance for children to learn, explore, and play. Whether you’re searching for light-hearted Halloween fun, hands-on crafts, or outdoor adventures surrounded by crisp autumn air, County Durham delivers unforgettable family experiences.
Here’s your guide to the top October half-term and Halloween activities for kids in County Durham (2025) — all arranged in order for easy planning.
1. Beamish Museum’s Halloween Evenings
When: 25 – 31 October 2025
Where: Beamish Museum, near Stanley
Step back in time this Halloween at Beamish Museum, where history and hauntings collide. The museum’s evening openings are full of atmosphere — think lantern-lit streets, eerie storytelling, and vintage fairground rides. Children can trick-or-treat through recreated 1900s towns and meet costumed characters from the past.
Why families will love it:
- Combines fun and education in a truly immersive setting.
- The vintage fairground and tram rides are perfect for little ones.
- Great mix of gentle spookiness and historical charm.
2. Adventure Valley Pumpkin Festival
When: 19 – 31 October 2025
Where: Union Hall Farm, Brasside, Durham
One of County Durham’s most popular family attractions, Adventure Valley transforms into a pumpkin wonderland during half term. Kids can pick their own pumpkins, join the Pumpkin Barn craft sessions, and take part in the friendly fancy-dress parade. There’s also an indoor play barn and animal zone to enjoy rain or shine.
Why families will love it:
- Huge variety of activities — from pumpkin picking to indoor slides.
- Interactive and safe for younger children.
- Great on-site café for parents to relax while kids play.
3. Locomotion Museum – Steam and Spooks Week
When: 26 October – 2 November 2025
Where: Shildon
At Locomotion Museum, trains and Halloween collide for a week of family-friendly fun. Children can explore decorated carriages, follow a spooky railway trail, and join free arts-and-crafts sessions. The highlight is the “Ghostly Steam Engine Parade” with costumed staff and music.
Why families will love it:
- Ideal for train-loving kids.
- Free admission and parking make it a budget-friendly outing.
- Interactive exhibits that bring local railway history to life.
4. Raby Castle – Half Term Autumn Adventures
When: 19 October – 3 November 2025
Where: Staindrop, Darlington
Set among stunning parkland, Raby Castle offers a mix of outdoor exploration and Halloween-inspired fun. Children can enjoy forest trails, den building, storytelling, and pumpkin carving workshops. Keep an eye out for deer roaming the grounds — a magical sight for little adventurers.
Why families will love it:
- Combines outdoor fun with light Halloween touches.
- Great for active kids who love nature.
- Excellent café and gift shop on site.
5. Hall Hill Farm – Spooky Farm Fun
When: 19 October – 2 November 2025
Where: Lanchester
Hall Hill Farm is famous for its hands-on animal experiences, and during Halloween it becomes a paradise for children. Kids can dress up, take tractor rides, and join the daily pumpkin carving contests. The farm is decorated with friendly ghosts and scarecrows — perfect for little ones who prefer giggles over scares.
Why families will love it:
- Adorable animals and farmyard fun.
- Great for toddlers and primary-aged kids.
- Plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for any weather.
6. Durham Cathedral – Spooky Storytelling Evenings
When: Selected dates, 25 – 31 October 2025
Where: Durham City
By candlelight and under the Cathedral’s vaulted ceilings, families can experience spooky (but family-friendly) tales inspired by Durham’s medieval legends. Children are invited to dress up, bring a torch, and join guided tours that reveal the hidden history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why families will love it:
- Inspiring setting that sparks curiosity about history and storytelling.
- Short tours suitable for young attention spans.
- A peaceful and atmospheric evening activity for families.
7. Hardwick Park – Halloween Trail and Creepy Crafts
When: 26 October – 3 November 2025
Where: Sedgefield
Hardwick Park hosts a self-guided Halloween trail through its scenic lakeside paths. Families can follow spooky clues, spot woodland creatures, and enjoy themed craft sessions at the visitor centre. It’s a great way to get kids outdoors while keeping the theme light and engaging.
Why families will love it:
- Beautiful setting with accessible paths and play areas.
- Encourages creativity and nature exploration.
- Perfect for families who prefer a gentle Halloween vibe.
8. Durham Botanic Garden – Autumn Discovery Week
When: 26 October – 2 November 2025
Where: South Road, Durham University Campus
At Durham Botanic Garden, half term means a celebration of autumn’s natural wonders. Children can join leaf-identification walks, make nature collages, and learn about creepy-crawly garden residents through microscope sessions and bug hunts.
Why families will love it:
- Encourages curiosity about the natural world.
- Calm, educational setting ideal for school-aged children.
- Free for Durham University students and discounted family tickets.
9. Bowes Museum – Creative Halloween Workshops
When: 26 – 31 October 2025
Where: Barnard Castle
The elegant Bowes Museum hosts a week of interactive workshops where children can craft Halloween masks, design autumn collages, and explore art exhibitions with family activity packs. Each day ends with storytelling in the grand Picture Gallery.
Why families will love it:
- Mixes creativity and culture in an inspiring setting.
- Ideal for rainy autumn days.
- The museum café serves delicious family lunches and cakes.
10. Auckland Castle – The Enchanted Lantern Trail
When: 28 October – 2 November 2025
Where: Bishop Auckland
Round off the half term at Auckland Castle, where the grounds transform into a lantern-lit wonderland. Follow the illuminated trail through ancient trees and discover glowing woodland creatures and musical performances along the way.
Why families will love it:
- A beautiful, magical way to end the half-term week.
- Family-friendly timings and easy walking paths.
- Stunning photo opportunities at every turn.
Stay with Pass the Keys – County Durham
Make your family getaway to County Durham comfortable and stress-free by staying with Pass the Keys. Their locally managed holiday homes offer everything a family needs — spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and flexible check-in options.
Whether you’re staying in Durham City for easy access to museums and cathedrals, or near the Durham Dales for outdoor adventures, Pass the Keys ensures your visit is smooth, stylish, and family-friendly. Each property is professionally cleaned, fully managed, and backed by local expertise — giving you more time to enjoy the best of County Durham this October.
