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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AMAZING ART TRAIL
7th February-28th March 2026
Time: 10am - 4pm
Venue: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Address: SR1 1PP
Website: www.sunderlandmuseum.org.uk
Follow the Amazing Art Trail & discover what inspired artists from Sunderland & beyond to create their amazing art. Try some art challenges & claim a prize sticker. £1 per trail.
SATURDAY ART CLUB
7th February-31st December 2026
Time: Sat 1-3pm
Venue: Arts Centre Washington,
Address: NE38 8AB
Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/events/saturday-art-club
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...
WASHINGTON YOUTH THEATRE
7th February-31st December 2026
Time: Sat 10am - 12pm
Venue: Arts Centre Washington,
Address: NE38 8AB
Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/washington-youth-theatre-ages-8-12/
Build life-long skills in performance & confidence while making new friends! Join these weekly sessions for 8- to 12-year-olds. Develop theatre skills like presentation, improvisation & cooperation, while...
GOZZLE
20th March-31st May 2026
Time: 10am-5.30pm
Venue: WWT Washington Wetlands Centre
Address: NE38 8LE
Website: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington
Discover a season of firsts this spring, on a fun-filled wetland adventure with Gozzle the gosling. Explore the wonderful world of wetlands with Gozzle the gosling, from Julia Donaldson & Sara Ogilvie’s...
BLUEY'S BIG PLAY
25th-29th March 2026
Venue: Sunderland Empire
Address: SR1 3EX
Website: http://sunderlandempire.net.
Bluey, Bingo, Bandit & Chilli are heading to Sunderland! Featuring brilliantly created puppets, this theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series is packed with music,...
EASTER EGG HUNT
28th March-7th April 2026
Time: 10am-3pm
Venue: Gibside NT
Address: NE16 6BG
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside
This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Gibside on an Easter trail. Make your way along the trail 7 find 10 activities for the whole family. Hop along the Avenue 7 through the Walled...
TERRIFIC TRADERS
28th-28th March 2026
Time: 1-3pm
Venue: Oriental Museum
Address: Elvet Hill, Durham, DH1 3TH
Website: www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum
Learn about gold & silver coins then make your coins, complete with a dinky money pouch. Free event. 1-3pm.
THE GREAT DINOSAUR ESCAPE
28th March-27th September 2026
Venue: Life Science Centre, Times Square,
Address: NE1 4EP
Website: www.life.org.uk
Dinosaurs have taken over Life Science Centre this Easter with the North’s biggest collection of animatronic dinosaurs. Follow the trail around the centre to hunt them down, from towering four-metre-high...
HOLY WEEK & EASTER SERVICES
29th March-5th April 2026
Venue: Durham Cathedral
Address: The College, DH1 3EH
Website: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
Everyone is welcome to join a service during the holiest week of the Christian Year including Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday & the Easter Eucharist. More information at www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
GLASS PAINTING
30th-30th March 2026
Time: 10-10.45am or 2-2.45pm
Venue: National Glass Centre
Address: Liberty Way, SR6 0GL
Website: www.nationalglasscentre.com
Decorate your choice of glass shapes including animals, birds & vehicles. Paint your designs on glass tiles to take home. Ages 4+. £5pp. Book online.
GLASS FUSING
31st-31st March 2026
Time: 10.30-11.30am or 2-3pm
Venue: National Glass Centre
Address: Liberty Way, SR6 0GL
Website: www.nationalglasscentre.com
Inspired by the exhibitions at the National Glass Centre, create your own glass fused tile using pattern & texture. Ages 6+. £12pp. Book online.
GLASS FUSING
2nd-2nd April 2026
Time: 10.30-11.30am or 2-3pm
Venue: National Glass Centre
Address: Liberty Way, SR6 0GL
Website: www.nationalglasscentre.com
Inspired by the exhibitions at the National Glass Centre, create your own glass fused tile using pattern & texture. Ages 6+. £12pp. Book online.
WASHINGTON FOLK FESTIVAL
2nd-4th April 2026
Venue: Arts Centre Washington,
Address: NE38 8AB
Website: www.mysunderland.co.uk/article/38923/Washington-Folk-Festival
An unforgettable celebration of music & community at Arts Centre Washington over the Easter Weekend. This brand-new family-friendly event brings together some of the biggest names in the folk scene, including...
DINO EGG HUNT
3rd-25th April 2026
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Address: SR1 1PP
Website: www.sunderlandmuseum.org.uk
Can you find all the baby dinosaurs that have hatched from their eggs? There are 8 to find, hidden around the Museum Galleries & Winter Gardens. Find them all & claim a prize sticker. £1 per trail from...
EASTER EGG HUNT
3rd-6th April 2026
Time: 10.30am-4pm
Venue: Crook Hall & Gardens,
Address: Frankland Lane, DH1 5SZ
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/crook-hall-gardens
Treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Crook Hall Gardens on an Easter trail. Make your way along the trail & find activities for the whole family & explore the beautiful gardens around Crook...
EASTER EGG HUNT
3rd-6th April 2026
Time: 11am-3pm
Venue: Washington Old Hall NT
Address: NE38 7LE.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/washington-old-hall
Treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Washington Old Hall on an Easter trail. Make your way along the trail & find activities for the whole family & explore the beautiful garden at Washington...
GLADIATOR WEEKEND
3rd-6th April 2026
Venue: Arbeia Roman Fort,
Address: Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB
Website: www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk
Immerse yourself in a Roman encampment, explore living history demonstrations, try your hand at traditional crafts like clay work, leather stamping & candle making (small fees apply), & enjoy a thrilling...
GLASS PAINTING
3rd-3rd April 2026
Time: 10-10.45am or 2-2.45pm
Venue: National Glass Centre
Address: Liberty Way, SR6 0GL
Website: www.nationalglasscentre.com
Decorate your choice of glass shapes including animals, birds & vehicles. Paint your designs on glass tiles to take home. Ages 4+. £5pp. Book online.
COMMUNITY GARDEN WEEK
5th-11th April 2026
Venue: Mowbray Park Community Garden,
Address: SR1 1PP
Website: www.mysunderland.co.uk/article/38916/Community-Garden-Week
Community Garden week will take place from 5 - 11 April & will include the launch of the Blossom Project. Also lookout for the Charles Muir Floral artwork Collection touring from the Museum & Winter Gardens...
EASTER CHICK HUNT
5th-6th April 2026
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Durham University Botanic Garden,
Address: Hollingside Lane, DH1 3TN
Website: www.dur.ac.uk/botanic.garden
Easter Chicks are hiding in the Garden over Easter Weekend. Pick up your spotter sheet & see how many you can find in this fun family event. Self-led activity. Normal admission charges apply.
EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
6th-19th April 2026
Venue: Durham Cathedral
Address: The College, DH1 3EH
Website: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
Every weekday during the Easter break, get crafty painting your own pebble to reflect on the Easter message of the empty tomb or for the first week (6 - 10 April) join a free family-friendly mini tour...
GLASS PAINTING
6th-6th April 2026
Time: 10-10.45am or 2-2.45pm
Venue: National Glass Centre
Address: Liberty Way, SR6 0GL
Website: www.nationalglasscentre.com
Decorate your choice of glass shapes including animals, birds & vehicles. Paint your designs on glass tiles to take home. Ages 4+. £5pp. Book online.
BLOSSOM BOMBING
8th-8th April 2026
Time: 1-3pm
Venue: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Address: SR1 1PP
Website: www.sunderlandmuseum.org.uk
Celebrate the Blossom Festival by helping to make garlands of tissue blossom to decorate the Mowbray Park Community Garden. Try some flower origami & follow the blossom trail to find out about the amazing...
SPRING-TIME ACTIVITY TRAIL
8th-19th April 2026
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Gibside NT
Address: NE16 6BG
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside
Step into spring at Gibside with a family‑friendly activity trail. Along the way you’ll learn fun seasonal facts, take part in playful challenges, & enjoy the sights, sounds, & fresh air of nature...
ANIMAL HANDLING
9th-9th April 2026
Time: 11am-12pm & 12.30-1.30pm
Venue: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, Ocean Road,
Address: NE33 2JA
Website: www.southshieldsmuseum.org.uk
Exciting animal handling & interaction sessions at 11am & 12,30pm, where you can meet amazing creatures, learn fascinating facts & enjoy hands-on crafty fun! Perfect for little explorers aged 4+. Book...
PUPPET MAKING WORKSHOP
9th-9th April 2026
Time: 2pm
Venue: Arts Centre Washington,
Address: NE38 8AB
Website: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/the-tale-of-the-loneliest-whale-puppet-making-workshop/
Join Gemma from Hoglets Theatre for a fun, hands-on craft session inspired by The Tale of the Loneliest Whale. Children can create their very own paper puppet, then learn how to make it “swim” through...
GLASS PAINTING
10th-10th April 2026
Time: 10-10.45am or 2-2.45pm
Venue: National Glass Centre
Address: Liberty Way, SR6 0GL
Website: www.nationalglasscentre.com
Decorate your choice of glass shapes including animals, birds & vehicles. Paint your designs on glass tiles to take home. Ages 4+. £5pp. Book online.
PAINT A REBEL WOMAN
10th-10th April 2026
Time: 11am & 1pm
Venue: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Address: SR1 1PP
Website: www.sunderlandmuseum.org.uk
Be inspired by the Rebel Women of Sunderland exhibition, paint portraits of your favourite rebels in these 60 minute sessions. Ages 7+. £1pp. Book online.
GLASS PAINTING DROP-IN
11th-11th April 2026
Time: from 10.30am
Venue: National Glass Centre
Address: Liberty Way, SR6 0GL
Website: www.nationalglasscentre.com
Drop into National Glass Centre from 10.30am & paint your own glass animal or shape. Ages 4+. £4pp. No booking required.
HISTORY MONDAY
13th-13th April 2026
Time: 11am & 1.30pm
Venue: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Address: SR1 1PP
Website: www.sunderlandmuseum.org.uk
Travel back in time to meet the Rebel Women of Sunderland & explore different objects & costumes from the past in our history story box. Design & make rebel pin badges & medals & vote for your favourite...
CRAZY CREATURES
14th-14th April 2026
Time: 10.30am-4pm
Venue: Durham University Botanic Garden,
Address: Hollingside Lane, DH1 3TN
Website: www.dur.ac.uk/botanic.garden
Get interactive with the Crazy Creatures who are visiting the Garden for the day. Enjoy hands-on, animal encounters with rabbits, frogs, snakes, spiders, mice & other animals. Normal admission charges...
NATURE TALES & CURIOUS CREATURES
15th-15th April 2026
Time: 1pm & 2.30pm
Venue: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Address: SR1 1PP
Website: www.sunderlandmuseum.org.uk
Step into a world of stories & small wonders as Stacey Bone brings her much-loved tale of the Wonderful Woodlouse to life – snail costume & all.These interactive 60 minute sessions includes story-time,...
ANIMAL HANDLING
16th-16th April 2026
Time: 11am-12pm & 12.30-1.30pm
Venue: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, Ocean Road, NE33 2JA
Address: NE33 2JA
Website: www.southshieldsmuseum.org.uk
Exciting animal handling & interaction sessions at 11am & 12,30pm, where you can meet amazing creatures, learn fascinating facts & enjoy hands-on crafty fun! Perfect for little explorers aged 4+. Book...
HORRIBLE HISTORIES
17th-18th April 2026
Venue: Sunderland Empire
Address: SR1 3EX
Website: http://sunderlandempire.net.
For the very first time, your favourite songs & actors from the award-winning Horrible Histories TV series will be appearing live on stage in Sunderland! When William Shakespeare is asked to create the...
THE GOOD DINOSAUR
17th-17th April 2026
Venue: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Address: SR1 1PP
Website: www.sunderlandmuseum.org.uk
Make a dinosaur puppet & enjoy a film screening of the film The Good Dinosaur. In a world where dinosaurs & humans co-exist, an Apatosaurus named Arlo forms an unlikely friendship with a human boy named...
DURHAM WORLD HERITAGE DAY
18th-18th April 2026
Venue: Durham University Palace Green Library
Address: DH1 3RN
Website: www.dur.ac.uk/palace.green.
Durham’s World Heritage Day will see a range of exciting & interactive activities happening in the beautiful & historic surroundings of Palace Green, to celebrate this amazing World Heritage Site. More...
BRILLIANT BIRDS TRAIL
2nd May-4th July 2026
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Address: SR1 1PP
Website: www.sunderlandmuseum.org.uk
Discover the birds of the Sunderland coast with this fun, family-friendly trail at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens. Follow the clues, explore the galleries & learn about Sunderland’s brilliant birds...
TUESDAY MUSEUM CLUB
5th-5th May 2026
Time: 10am
Venue: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Address: SR1 1PP
Website: www.sunderlandmuseum.org.uk
The Tuesday Museum Club is Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens monthly 90 minute session for home educated families with children aged 5 – 11 years old. It takes place on the first Tuesday of each month...
ACTIVE SUNDERLAND BIG 3K RUN
17th-17th May 2026
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! The minimum age is 5 years...
ADVENTURES IN SCIENCE
23rd-23rd May 2026
Time: 2pm
Venue: Gala Theatre Durham,
Address: DH1 1WA
Website: www.galadurham.co.uk.
Join The Magical Mr West on an incredible adventure into the world of science! Aided by his corvid companion Crowbert & a collection of curious contraptions, Mr West demonstrates the fundamental principles...
TUESDAY MUSEUM CLUB
2nd-2nd June 2026
Venue: Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Address: SR1 1PP
Website: www.sunderlandmuseum.org.uk
The Tuesday Museum Club is Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens monthly 90 minute session for home educated families with children aged 5 – 11 years old. It takes place on the first Tuesday of each month...