October is here – which means only one thing! It’s officially spooky season! We’re sure many parents and guardians will be looking for fun-filled activities! Here are our top picks for Halloween days out in Durham to get the whole family involved.
Diggerland Theme Park
This Halloween are you brave enough to take a ride on the spin-chilling Spindizzy? A visit to Diggerland is really an unmissable day out for the whole family. Our theme parks are mainly for children aged between 4 and 14 however, we know lots of adults who enjoy Diggerland just as much!
We have over 20 different activities for guests to ride, drive and enjoy. From Dippy Ducks and Buried Treasure to Groundshuttle and Skyshuttle, Diggerland has something to offer everyone! All of our parks have an indoor soft play area for smaller children to enjoy, while the bigger kids can get digging!
Unlike other UK theme parks, you don’t need to worry about the weather! As we’re an outdoor attraction, all of our rides and drives operate as usual in the rain. You may just need to wear wellies!
For thrilling days out in Durham this Halloween, you need to visit Diggerland! We are a family friendly attraction, at the moment we do not have any themed open days planned. For more information on our Durham park, please click here.
Adventure Valley’s Pumpkin Festival
It’s not Halloween without pumpkins! This October why not head over to Adventure Valley’s Pumpkin Festival with the family? Open from 16th – 31st October, it’s the perfect place to pick out your pumpkins. Plus, every child over the age of 2 will receive their own pumpkin from the patch for free! You can decide whether to carve your pumpkins at the Pumpkin Festival or you can take them home to save for Halloween evening.
As well as pumpkin picking, the festival is also home to family friendly activities and games, including the Corn Cob Catapult. A game to see who can hit the most targets with their corn cobs – guaranteed to leave the whole family a-maized.
You can also check out their hilarious daily shows and creepy Halloween trail. Plus, solve the Ghastly Ghost Hunt to win a treat and marvel at the Bird of Prey Shows!
Halloween Fun at The Bowes Museum
There’s some drama and magic at The Bowes Museum this October! With lots to do to keep mischief at bay, The Bowes Museum had to make our list of the best days out in Durham! Throughout the half term week, the museum is holding tons of mystical themed events, including visits from Clara the Ghostbuster rhino!
Get the family involved in their LEGO robotics and coding workshops or join a Halloween themed drama workshop by the Mad Alice Theatre Company. Don’t forget to book your place to take part in the spectacular Spooky Family Fun Day with magic workshops, potion making and willow lantern making as well as a mysterious lantern trail around the grounds.
Toddler Tales and Trails
Finding activities for the whole family can be difficult, especially with toddlers! This Halloween Durham County Council are holding fun tales and trails for younger children. Based on the book “We’re Going on a Pumpkin Hunt”, children can enjoy craft activities, storytelling and interactive park trails.
The activities last 1 hour and 30 minutes and are suitable for children aged 2-5. As all these activities are outside, we would recommend dressing for the weather! It is October, in England after all!
Halloween at Raby Castle
Get ready for a spooktacular October half term at Raby! You and the family can take on the haunted Halloween trail and meet the weird and wonderful creatures of the Walled Gardens. Raby Castle runs trails during the day and the evening, depending on how brave you are.
Just collect an activity sheet from the Coach Yard and see what hidden critters you can find. Steer clear of the Witch’s caldron and brave the scary spiders to find all the clues to complete the puzzle. You can even bring your best carved pumpkin along to compete in the competition! When the sun sets, you can visit wearing your creepiest outfits and find double the trouble.
Plan your visit to Diggerland Durham
For guests pre-booking on the Diggerland website, tickets cost:
- £22.80 for anyone over the height of 90cm
- £11.40 for visitors over 65
- Anyone under 90cm will enter free of charge
- One free carer entry per disabled visitor
For guests paying on the same day as their visit, tickets cost:
- £28 for anyone over the height of 90cm
- £14 for visitors over 65
- Anyone under 90cm will enter free of charge
- One free carer entry per disabled visitor