Things to do at May half term 2025
Looking for things to do at May half term in Darlington? There's absolutely loads going on, from free events to workshops, and even a pool party! Take a look at our list to start planning your half term.
Motorsport Day in the town centre - Saturday 24
Petrolheads and curious kids alike will love this display of motor vehicles and activities in the town centre.
Whirlybird Woof-Fest at Hurworth Grange Community Centre - Sunday 25
Paws and play at the Great North Air Ambulance's family-friendly dog show extravaganza and help keep their whirlybirds in the sky.
Free Bowls as part of Bowls Big Weekend at South Park - Sunday 25
Bowls Big Weekend, sponsored by Aviva, is returning for a fifth year from 23 - 26 May and you can take part with free sessions in South Park on Sunday 25.
Thornton Hall Gardens Open Day - Monday 26
A great day out for all ages, Thornton Hall opens its doors for the first time this year. Explore the beautiful gardens, shop plants and enjoy countryside charm.
Birds of Prey at Hopetown Darlington - Monday 26
Witness majestic birds of prey including owls, hawks, eagles and falcons in a safe, managed and controlled environment with professional bird keepers and trainers.
Tractor Tuesday in the town centre - Tuesday 27
Always a hit with little ones! Check out agricultural vehicles and machinery up close in the town centre. Opportunities to see real agricultural equipment, try out ride on tractors and diggers and take part in lots of other themed activities.
Half Term Pool Party at The Dolphin Centre - Tuesday 27
Dive into the May holidays with this fun-filled Pool Party at the Dolphin Centre. It includes a live DJ on poolside and floats in the main pool, plus diving boards, slides and the toddler pool will be open to enjoy too! No booking required, normal admission applies.
Poetry with Dommy B at Theatre Hullabaloo - Tuesday 27
This fantastic, fun-filled session invites children to explore drama, poetry, and performance. With Dommy’s brilliant guidance, they’ll create their own words and rhythms, and maybe even see their ideas come to life in the show!
Railway Storytelling at Hopetown Darlington - Tuesday 27
Celebrate 200 years since the birth of the modern railway by joining Megan as she reads 'There’s a Tiger on the Train’. This fun workshop helps to engage children with books and reading and opens their imaginations to wonderous stories and ideas.
Summer T-shirts at Darlington Library - Tuesday 27
Design and create your personalised Summer T-Shirt and give it the wow factor using Cricut Design Space. T-Shirts will be provided, so please choose correct size when purchasing a ticket.
Make Some Noise at Theatre Hullabaloo - Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28
Make some Noise! suitable for ages 5+ is written and performed by award-winning poet Dommy B who also performed the show at last summer’s Hullabaloo in the Park. There’ll be rhymes, jokes, plus lots of opportunity to make some noise and get involved in this celebration of the power of sound and friendship.
Farmyard Fun Animation Workshop at Darlington Library - Wednesday 28
Using Stop Motion Studio, you will be shown how to create your very own 2D animation. Aimed at younger children, the session will be themed around Farmyard Fun, and you will be given a range of props to create your own farmyard adventure.
Animal Experience at Cornmill Shopping Centre - Thursday 29
Meet and learn about a range of fascinating creatures in this free interactive session taking place in the Cornmill Shopping Centre.
Trendy Tote Bags at Darlington Library - Thursday 29
Customise your very own Summer Tote bag using Cricut Design Space using fabric pens and cutout vinyls. Library tote bags, templates and all materials provided.
Rhymetime Adventure Play at Darlington Library - Friday 30
Join Darlington Library for a space adventure with songs, rhymes and adventure play. 3, 2, 1... blast off!
GemArts Mini Mela at Hopetown Darlington - Saturday 31
A colourful and creative day out for the whole family with arts, music and dance workshops for all ages. Mini Mela is a great chance to spend time as a family with everything from Bollywood dance, steel pan workshops and creative workshops to light up the imagination. There'll be henna artists on hand so you can take home your own art pieces and feel like a piece of art yourself!
Emergency Services Day in the town centre - Saturday 31
Get hands-on with fire engines, police cars, ambulances and more as the town centre plays host to our local heroes and their incredible vehicles.
Slime Making Workshop at Hall Garth Hotel - Sunday 1
Get ready to get sticky, gooey and messy at a Slime Making Workshop at Hall Garth Hotel. Tickets include slime workshop with three slimes to take away, plus a snack and a drink.
Find lots more events across the whole of the year in our What's On listings.