Durham half term events and activities this May 2019 for the whole family

The Durham half term events and activities calendar is still packed if you're looking for ways to fill the last few days of school holidays. Here's what's on in Durham.

There are Durham half term events to suit most interests across a variety of venues so, if the children are getting restless, take a look below at what's on for the rest of the May half term.

Durham half term events #1: Robot building workshop, Wharton Park

This Wharton Park event - near to Durham station - lasts for two hours and gives children a chance to turn recycled materials into a little robot that they can take home, all with a focus on the importance of recycling.

It takes place in Wharton Park's education room on May 29 between 1-3pm, and costs £6.

Durham half term events #2: Durham Uniformed Services Fun Day, Durham city centre

This should be pretty exciting - climb on board the Fire Service aerial platform and explore inside a police van. It takes place on Friday May 31 in Durham city centre - you can read all the details in our Durham Uniformed Services Fun Day story.

Durham half term events #3: Harambee Pasadia Festival, Barnard Castle

The Harambee Pasadia Festival is a four-day family camping extravaganza in celebration of the diverse cultures, foods, music, artists, and fusions of the African diaspora. It's the first Afro Fusion Arts Festival in the North East of England. Featuring 200 artists, there are events happening from Thursday, May 30 to Sunday, June 2.

The Harambee Pasadia Festival events are taking place at the Hub in Barnard Castle. Full weekend Harambee Pasadia Festival tickets cost £70 adults, £18 children, £210 families and £45 teenagers. Under fives go in for free. There are also day tickets. You can buy tickets on the Harambee Pasadia Festival website.

Read next: Take a Durham beekeeping course this June

Durham half term events #4: Genie Slime, Lanchester Garden Centre

Lanchester Garden Centre's event features sparkly slime - what's not to love?

Make your own blue glitter genie slime and turn it into a genie lamp charm that you can take home in your own genie egg capsule. Lanchester Garden Centre genie slime events is suitable for ages four and older, and takes place on Friday May 31 from 10-10.45am and 11-11.45am. It costs £10 per child, which includes a voucher for free entry to Potter's World.

Another Lanchester Garden Centre half term event is Jafar's Crystal Balls. Taking place on Friday May 31 between 1-2pm and 2.30-3.30pm, you can paint and glitter your own globe. It's suitable for ages five and over, and costs £15, which includes a voucher for free entry to Potter's World.

The final Lanchester Garden Centre event at half term, also taking place on Friday May 31, is Jasmine Hairbands. Wrap your hairband with ribbon and add a jewel to it. It's suitable for ages four and over and costs £10 per child, which includes a voucher for free entry to Potter's World.

For more information about any of the Lanchester Garden Centre half term events, you can call them on 01207 521669.

Durham half term events #5: Spring Corner - The Tiny Seed, Wharton Park

This second Wharton Park half term event is all about growing. Listen to the story of 'The Tiny Seed' by Eric Carle, then take part in a planting trail, plant your own seed and enjoy a spring craft. It takes place on Friday May 31 between 10-11.30am and 1-2.30pm, and costs £4. Prebook on 03000 262 655.

Read next: Seaham Food Festival celebrity chefs are announced

Durham half term events #6: Fabulous Flowers, Durham Botanic Gardens

Taking place from Saturday June 1 and throughout the month, pick up a leaflet from the visitor centre and take a self guided walk around Durham Botanic Garden to see what flowers are appearing.

Tickets for entry into the Durham Botanic Garden, which is on South Road, cost £4 for adults and £3 for concessions. Seniors and student tickets are £1.50. Carers and infants go free. The Durham Botanic Gardens are open every day, 10am-5pm. For more information, contact Durham Botanic Gardens on botanic.garden@durham.ac.uk or 0191 334 2887.

Durham half term events #7: Celebrating Eid, Durham Oriental Museum

Prepare for Eid, the Muslim festival marking the end of Ramadan, and make a glittery moon and star decoration. Celebrating Eid at Durham Oriental Museum takes place on Saturday June 1 between 1-3pm, and entry to the museum costs £1.50 adults, 75p children and over 60s, £3.50 family of two adults and three children.

For information contact Durham Oriental Museum on oriental.museum@durham.ac.uk or 0191 334 5694.

Durham half term events #8: Northern Crafts, Barnard Castle

Head to Barnard Castle for the Northern Crafts fair. Taking place at the Whitham Arts Centre on Saturday June 1 between 10am and 3.30pm, entry is free and there will be jewellery, prints, jams, toys, cards, scarves, hats, chocolate, soaps, knitted-gifts, puzzles, wooden-gifts, bags and vintage goods.

Durham half term events #9: Shildon Model Railway Club Exhibition, Locomotion

Locomotion, the free County Durham railway museum in Shildon, is hosting the Shildon Model Railway Club, which will have model railway displays, demonstrations and trade stands. The Locomotion exhibition takes place on Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2, between 10am and 5pm.

You can call Locomotion on 01904 685780.

Durham half term events #10: Summer in the City Festival, Durham city centre

The Durham Summer in the City Festival takes place throughout June to celebrate the best of the city's theatre, music and art.

Events include 25 theatre productions from groups such as Durham Student Theatre and Durham Dramatic Society, music from venues such as Durham Cathedral and the Old Cinema Launderette, and art exhibitions, tours, family workshops and talks, such as the art market on June 22 in Durham Town Hall. You can find out more on the Facebook page.

Durham half term events #11: Wilderness Survival Challenge, Hamsterley Forest

Suitable for children aged eight to 13, the Wilderness Survival Challenge at Wild North Discovery in Hamsterley takes place on Sunday June 2 between 1.30-4.30pm.

Your light airplane has crash-landed in dense forest hundreds of miles from civilisation. It is bitterly cold and wet and there are grizzly bears in the forest; you need fire and shelter to get you through till the rescue teams arrive. How will you survive?

The Wilderness Survival Challenge costs £15 and prebooking is essential on 01388 529154 or www.natureholiday.co.uk

Durham half term events #12: Durham Doggy Social, Whisky River

From 12-5pm on Sunday June 2, enjoy a dog walk along the Durham riverside, then have a hot drink and slice of cake in the company of other dog owners - all for a good cause.

Run by Whisky River bar and cafe which is on the riverside in Prince Bishops Shopping Centre near Elvet Bridge, they will be handing out Durham city walking maps and collecting donations for their nominated charity, Stray Aid. A chance to socialise with your best pal in the company of like-minded people. Remember to take leads and poo bags. Call 0191 384 9511 for more information.

Durham half term events #13: Bushcraft skills, Consett

Fancy learning how to forage for food, or build a shelter out in the wilderness? Then these courses are for you. Suitable for anyone aged eight or above, these Durham bushcraft courses and foraging courses cater for all skills levels.

There are Durham bushcraft courses throughout June. Tickets cost £50 and there are discounts for groups. For more details call Andy's Outings Bushcraft and Foraging on 07756644616.

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