Spring break in Durham 2027: school dates, camps, things to do

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. School dates come from Durham Public Schools’ 2026-27 calendars; camp dates from Durham Parks and Recreation.

Durham Public Schools’ spring break is Monday, March 22, to Friday, March 26, 2027, on the traditional calendar. Easter is Sunday, March 28, so the break runs straight into the Easter weekend, and Monday, April 5, is also a day off for students (a teacher workday). Year-round schools have their own intersession weeks; check your school’s calendar.

Who to call

• Durham Public Schools: 919-560-2000
• Durham Parks and Recreation (break camp): 919-560-4355
• Museum of Life and Science: 919-220-5429
• Emergency: 911

School dates

More of the school year is on our schools guide.

City break camp

Durham Parks and Recreation runs full-day break care for ages 5 to 12, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with sports, games and crafts and an afternoon snack. It covers the traditional spring break and the year-round spring intersession weeks. All three 2027 weeks are at the Edison Johnson Recreation Center, 500 W. Murray Ave. (intersession page):

The department also runs a Fun Day on Monday, April 5, 2027, at the Edison Johnson Recreation Center, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., for ages 5 to 12; a day costs $23.50 for city residents with a Play More Card ($26 without) and $37 for nonresidents ($41 without) (Fun Days page). Register on the department’s ActiveNet site.

Things to do over the break

• Sarah P. Duke Gardens, 420 Anderson St., is free and open 8 a.m. to sunset every day. Parking in the gardens lot costs $2 an hour and often fills before 10 a.m. on nice days (visit page).
• Museum of Life and Science, 433 W. Murray Ave., is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Mondays until Memorial Day, so plan around Monday, March 22 (visitor page). Parking is free.
• Duke Lemur Center: visits are by prepaid tour reservation only, with no walk-ins; the general tour is the low-cost, family option (tours page).
• Egg hunts the Saturday before Easter: see our Easter page.
• Parks, playgrounds and trails: our kids’ activities guide and walking and biking trails guide.

What this means for you

• Working parents: break care is booked by the week on ActiveNet; register before the break.
• The museum is closed on the first Monday of the break, so make Monday a gardens or park day.
• Flying out? Airport and parking details are on our getting around page.

Frequently asked questions

When is spring break 2027 for Durham Public Schools?

On the 2026-27 traditional calendar, spring break is Monday, March 22, to Friday, March 26, 2027. Year-round schools follow their own calendar, and Monday, April 5, is also a day off for students.

Is there a spring break camp in Durham?

Yes. Durham Parks and Recreation runs break care for ages 5 to 12 at the Edison Johnson Recreation Center, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., the weeks of March 15, March 22 and March 29, 2027.

How much is Durham Parks and Recreation spring break camp?

For 2026-27, city residents pay $118.75 a week with a Play More Card or $132 without; nonresidents pay $141.25 or $157.

Is the Museum of Life and Science open on Mondays in March?

No. The museum is closed on Mondays from Labor Day to Memorial Day (May 31, 2027). It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Is Duke Gardens free?

Yes. Sarah P. Duke Gardens is free and open 8 a.m. to sunset every day. Parking in the gardens lot costs $2 an hour.