Family days out in York needn’t be a head-scratcher. We’ve sussed out the best spots to entertain youngsters of all ages.
Tired of the same old activities? There are many great things to do in (and around) York with kids. The city is a history hotspot with top-notch museums to match. But with wildlife centres, quirky sports, al fresco adventures and artistic crafts also on the doorstep, the best of Yorkshire is at your family’s fingertips.
The York Dungeon
Thrill-seekers, get set for 75 minutes of pure adrenaline at The York Dungeon. This walk-through tour gets you within grabbing distance of the city’s scarier side through 10 mini-shows. Live actors and gruesome effects included.
From York Castle’s torture chambers to the haunted streets of The Shambles, it’s history on a hair-raising (and, often, hysterical) scale. Dark and with jump-scares aplenty, we recommend you take heed of the 8+ age guide.
If you’re not sure, you’re probably not ready. But for plucky youngsters it’s an exhilarating time. Super-immersive, unashamedly silly and, dare we say, pretty educational too. A perfect example of how local history can be hella fun.
Where? 12 Clifford Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9RD.
Why? A guaranteed good time for children ready to scream, laugh and jump through York’s dark past.
How much? Advance tickets start from £15.00 for children and £19 for adults.
Book it: thedungeons.com/york
Jorvik Viking Centre
For a more composed history trip, York’s Jorvik Viking Centre is a great family day out. Just the right mix of entertaining and educational, it blends bonafide Viking artefacts with immersive storytelling. Plus, tickets are valid for a full year.
The Viking village ride tops the bill. Hop on a six-person capsule-gondola-thing for a jolly whizz through daily life in 10th-century York. On-board narration brings each scene to life, the animatronics are excellent, the smells are… memorable.
Set on the site of a Viking excavation, there are artefacts to ogle after the ride (and knowledgeable staff to share their stories). Gimmick-free yet genuinely entertaining, this attraction is the real-deal for history lovers.
Where? 19 Coppergate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9WT.
Why? The sights, sounds and, by jove, the smells of Viking York brought to life with incredible detail.
How much? Tickets cost £12 for children, £17.50 for adults and include free re-entry for 12 months. Family tickets start from £46.50.
Book it: jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk
York’s Chocolate Story
York’s Chocolate Story is a delicious thing to do for kids in the city centre. It’s suitable for ages four and above. However, the interactive tour lasts 60-75 minutes so it’s best for children who can stay engaged for that length of time.
If they can, there are rich rewards in store. Friendly tour guides bring chocolate’s 4,000-year history to mouthwatering life through yummy tastings, virtual displays, lolly-making and even a Willy Wonka-esque live demonstration.
Mighty visual, our tour was well adapted to the group’s ages (six to 36!). The pace was snappy, questions welcomed and, crucially, the free-flowing samples helped any wandering attentions to snap right back. A real treat.
Where? 3-4 King’s Square, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LD.
Why? Discover York’s ooey gooey chocolate history through a guided tour with delicious tastings.
How much? Tickets cost £19 for children and £21.00 for adults. Family tickets start from £66.
Book it: yorkschocolatestory.com
Piglets Adventure Farm
Piglets Adventure Farm is the big daddy of Yorkshire animal farms and an epic day out for families. Truly, we’ve never seen a child anything less than ecstatic to be here, youngsters especially. It’s just so thoughtfully done.
From Highland cows to floppy rabbits, there are loads of furry friends to meet in the barn, plus seasonal experiences like chick-handling and lamb-feeding. Remember to pay a visit to the littlest oinkers in Piglets Maternity Ward!
But that’s not all. Ride-on tractors, obstacle courses, indoor slides, fairy trails, go karts – littles will be happier than a pig in, well, you know. Throw in plentiful seating and food options, and grown ups will be begging to come back too.
Where? Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, Towthorpe, York, North Yorkshire, YO32 9ST.
Why? An all-singing, all-dancing family farm with animals, rides, soft play and abundant outdoor activities.
How much? Advance tickets start from £7.95 for children and £6.95 for adults.
Book it: pigletsadventurefarm.com
National Railway Museum
Credit: Elenor Bentall
Got a train-mad tot or teen in your midst? York’s National Railway Museum is a chuffing delight. From a climb-aboard Japanese bullet train to the famous Mallard steam locomotive, the history-spanning exhibits are in tip-top condition.
The sheer scale is impressive, particularly in the Great Hall. But you don’t have to be an enthusiast to love it here. The Flying Scotsman VR experience is a sensory sensation, while memorabilia galore awaits in the North Shed.
Children over seven also have Wonderlab, an interactive gallery that shuns the ‘look but don’t touch’ rule. Wind tunnels, a pneumatic tube challenge, giant foam shapes – get stuck in and spark a lifelong love of engineering.
Where? Leeman Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 4XJ.
Why? An Aladdin’s cave of railway-related goodies and all-out celebration of Britain’s engineering past.
How much? Free, although donations are welcome. Wonderlab tickets start from £9.90.
Book it: railwaymuseum.org.uk
Rainbows Ceramics
Unleash your family’s arty side at Rainbows Ceramics. We love how many items there are to choose from at this walk-in pottery painting studio. Plates, plant pots, mugs, baubles, piggy banks, trinket dishes – you’re spoilt for choice.
Paints + enthusiastic young hands = a whole lotta mess. However, Rainbows minimises the mess and maximises the creativity by adding coloured stamps, stencils and paint pens to the experience. All non-toxic and safe for children.
There’s no time limit, so young Picassos have time to perfect their masterpiece. Just remember to forewarn them it takes a week to glaze, fire and prepare it for collection. Otherwise you may have a master meltdown on your hands.
Where? 15-17 Bootham, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 7BW.
Why? Crafty kids rejoice at this award-winning paint-your-own pottery studio.
How much? Items start from £15 with all painting materials included.
Book it: rainbowsceramics.co.uk
Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park
Open weekends and school holidays, Askham Bryan Wildlife Park is a delightful thing to do with kids and one of York’s hidden gems. Part of the agricultural college, it’s firmly embedded in the local community and unbeatable value too.
You won’t find big cats or elephant encounters here. Instead, there are crowd-pleasing favourites like meerkats, armadillos, otters, lemurs, marmoset monkeys and tortoises. Set aside around two to three hours to say hello to ‘em all.
There’s an on-site cafe, but the surrounding arboretum is picnic-perfect. If the weather’s fair, factor in extra time for an al fresco lunch. Just the fuel your young one needs for a pitstop at the adventure playground before heading home!
Where? Askham Bryan College, Askham Bryan, York, North Yorkshire, YO23 3FR.
Why? Small-but-perfectly-formed wildlife park on the grounds of a stunning arboretum.
How much? Tickets usually cost £6.50 for children and £8.50 for adults but during February half term, kids go free.
Book it: abcwildlifepark.co.uk
City Cruises York
Sail the high seas of the River Ouse on a City Cruises boat tour. York looks magical from the water. It’s a good idea to wrap up warm – even the drizzle couldn’t tempt our mini swashbucklers away from the open-air top deck.
Not only will you drift by famous landmarks like York Minster and Clifford’s Tower, you’ll learn about their history thanks to the captain’s lively commentary. Yes, there’s a little Yorkshire humour thrown in for good measure.
It’s a completely new way to experience the city. Plus, little ones love waving to the public as you glide beneath York’s beautiful bridges. Which may leave you just enough time to enjoy a bevvy from the on-board bar.
Where? There are two main boarding points in York, Lendal Bridge and King’s Staith. Check the exact landing upon booking.
Why? See York like never before and play pirate for the day. All aboard!
How much? Tickets for a 45-minute daytime sightseeing tour (our recommendation for families) start from £9 for children and £15 for adults.
Book it: cityexperiences.com
DIG: An Archaeological Adventure
From the brains behind Jorvik Viking Centre, DIG takes your kids’ curiosity and hands it a spade. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? It is, yet DIG does what many history attractions can’t – it lets children get stuck in. Literally.
Four excavation pits await, based on real-life digs from York’s past. After a rousing archaeologist intro, grab a trowel and delve into the synthetic sand to uncover replica treasures from Roman, Viking, Medieval and Victorian times.
Not only are staff fantastic at answering questions, they guide children to think like archaeologists themselves. Enthusiasm is nurtured, excitement is shared and every discovery gets the celebration it deserves.
Where? St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8NN.
Why? Unique, educational and bucket-loads of archaeological fun, DIG quenches that childhood thirst for discovery.
How much? Tickets cost £9.50 for children, £10.50 for adults and include free re-entry for 12 months.
Book it: digyork.co.uk
The Web Adventure Park
Don’t be misled by the name, The Web is so much more than just a park. Fusing soft play, a mini zoo, outdoor activities and unlimited fairground rides on weekends, it’s an action-packed thing to do in York for children of all ages.
Trust us, you’ll want to factor in a full day. Big kids may make a beeline for the rides and indoor ninja course, while younger ones have their own soft play and role-play village to explore. Even babies have a dedicated sensory room!
Prefer to stick together? No problem. Have a boogie at the disco, pet a guinea pig, hop on a go kart, bounce on a giant pillow or be wowed with a magic show – all included in the price of entry. Rain or shine, it’s a full-family winner.
Where? Wigginton Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO32 2RH.
Why? Part-adventure park, part-petting farm, part-fairground… this family day out in York serves up variety in a big way.
How much? Weekend tickets cost £14 for children and £10 for adults. School holiday tickets cost £18.95 for children and £12.95 for adults. Weekday term time tickets cost £8.95 for children and £3.95 for adults.
Book it: webadventurepark.co.uk
The Hole In Wand
Credit: Milner Creative
Got a Potter-head who loves to putt? The Hole In Wand is a magical mini-golf activity in York. Each of the nine holes is themed to within an inch of its life. Dragon eggs, hidden portals, swirling cauldrons – the detail is off the charts.
The staff are just as characterful. From checking your magic levels are up to par to dishing out hole-in-one badges, you feel totally immersed in the wizarding world. Which is a bonus, because the course itself is surprisingly tricky.
Children over the age of three are welcome. Just don’t go expecting any high scores! That said, every player gets treated to a free magic potion for completing the course. Ours was Unicorn Essence and it tasted wand-erful…
Where? 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9NT.
Why? Make your mini-golf experience totally magical on this imaginative course for children and adults.
How much? Standard tickets cost £8.49 for children and £9.99 for adults.
Book it: theholeinwand.com/york
York Castle Museum
Credit: Anthony Chappel-Ross
Historical attractions abound in York. But York Castle Museum has an ace up its sleeve – a recreated Victorian street. With cobbled lanes, costumed guides and genuine shops (selling genuine things!), Kirkgate is a hit with kids big and small.
Authentic artefacts and fastidious research breathes real life into Kirkgate. This is no prop store. From the timber-clad sweet shop to the pharmacy filled with mysterious medicine jars – it’s a captivating glimpse into the York of yore.
And that’s only part of the museum. Keep exploring for more immersive galleries including 18th-century prison cells (the site was once a Georgian prison), First World War exhibits, old-fashioned family dwellings and dress-up stations galore.
Where? 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9NT.
Why? Experience ‘the way things were’ on the indoor street dotted with York shops from times gone by.
How much? Tickets cost £10.80 for children, £18 for adults and include free re-entry for 12 months. Under 4s and local children under 16 years (with proof of a York address) go free.
Book it: yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk
York Bird of Prey Centre
Credit: Claire Green
Fans of our feathered friends will adore York Bird of Prey Centre. A 20-minute drive north of the city, it’s your chance to get up-close to a variety of magnificent birds including owls, falcons and, the big boy, Shadow the golden eagle.
Carefully controlled handlings, led by supremely passionate staff, give you a true appreciation for these creatures. It’s not every day you get to pet a snowy owl or have an eagle perch on your arm! Flying displays also run twice a day.
Got questions? The team’s knowledge is unmatched. Confident children are stimulated, quiet ones are encouraged and everyone leaves enthused about all things avian. For the best chance of seeing chicks, visit in spring or summer.
Where? Burn Hall, Tollerton Road, Huby, North Yorkshire, YO61 1JB.
Why? A family-run treasure where birds of prey soar and passion shines.
How much? Tickets cost £10 for children and £12.50 for adults. Family tickets cost £40.
Book it: yorkbirdofprey.co.uk
Agility York
Sometimes, all you need is an adrenaline-pumping activity to tucker out your tykes. Agility York is just the place. A Ninja Warrior obstacle course with sessions for different ages, it’s one of the best things to do in York for active children.
Scramble, balance and leap your way around the course, peppered with rope swings, monkey bars, slides, tunnels and inflatables. There’s even a Gladiator-style travelator (although it may only be your parents who remember that!).
Be warned, it’s a workout for grown ups too. But energy-rich children will be in their element. If your kid catches the ninja bug, there are weekly parkour classes. One tip – wear long sleeves. The friction burns are no joke.
Where? London Ebor Business Park, Millfield Lane, Poppleton, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 2QY.
Why? More dynamic than soft play and more diverse than a trampoline park, high-octane kids will fly high.
How much? Tickets start from £9.95 and vary depending on the game and duration of the session.
Book it: agilityparks.co.uk
Beningbrough Hall
Credit: James Beck
When itchy feet strike, The National Trust are kings of the fresh air fix. Beningbrough Hall on the western outskirts of York is an ideal spot to roam wild and free. Over 380 acres of parkland, woodland and riverside walks await.
A huge bonus is that there’s no entrance fee to enjoy the parkland. Parking is also free. Bluebells in spring, swallows overhead, roe deer if you’re lucky – it’s a haven of nature. Look out for herons fishing by the banks of the River Ouse!
There’s much to tempt you into Beningbrough itself though. The walled gardens are a riot of colour and blooming lovely in summer, although winter brings its own frost-tipped magic to the estate. And you can warm up in the cosy café!
Where? Beningbrough, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 1DD.
Why? Immaculate gardens, expansive grounds and a wilderness play area – and that’s before you’ve even stepped foot in the Baroque mansion!
How much? Tickets cost £7.50 for children and £15 for adults, although an entrance ticket isn’t required to access the parkland only.
Book it: nationaltrust.org.uk
York Leisure Centre
Rainy day on the horizon? Home to three pools, soft play, sports courts and a colourful Clip ’n’ Climb wall, York Leisure Centre is your woeful weather saviour. Just remember to bring a pound for the lockers.
Practise your strokes in the Learner Pool, or have a splash-tastic time playing with fountains in the toddler pool. Family Fun sessions take place in the main pool. The inflatables are excellent, although the water can be a little chilly.
Then, switch from big dolphins to little monkeys to scale the heights of Clip ’n’ Climb. These vibrant walls are straight out of a child’s imagination, but with all the crucial safety features you’d expect. Suitable for children over four.
Where? Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross, York, North Yorkshire, YO32 9AF.
Why? Modern swimming pools, epic climbing walls and, every parent’s dream, lots of free parking.
How much? Swimming costs £4.75 for children or £6.50 for adults. Clip ’n’ Climb costs £11 for 4-8 year olds, £12.90 for 8-16 year olds and £14.90 for adults.
Book it: better.org.uk
Minifigs & Bricks
Did you know that York is home to the world’s smallest LEGO shop? Minifigs & Bricks is testament to the phrase ‘good things come in small packages’ – a tiddly shop packed with new-fangled sets, pick ’n’ mix bricks and rare finds too.
Independent through-and-through, the staff go the extra mile to help you find the perfect pieces. More than just a shop to browse and buy, it’s a place to share passion and spark conversation. Super-affirming for LEGO-loving littles.
Whether you’re looking to top up your stash or enjoy a more low-key family day out in York, it’s pure pocket money fun. The shop opens during school holidays and select weekends. Make sure to check before taking a trip.
Where? Cliftongate Business Centre, The Fold Yard, Wigginton Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO32 2RH.
Why? A LEGO-fan’s dream. Go for bucket-loads of bricks, vintage finds and the warmest welcome.
How much? Free.
Book it: minifigsandbricks.co.uk
Yorkshire Air Museum
Yorkshire Air Museum is one of the best things to do in York with older children. Set on the site of a World War II bomber base, visitors walk among an awe-inspiring collection of wartime aircrafts, teamed with thought-provoking stories.
Don’t miss the rebuilt Halifax bomber (the only one in Europe) or the vast Victor tanker, both icons of the aviation world. Our child particularly loved pre-war exhibits like the ‘Flying Flea’, a tiny DIY-aircraft that was eventually banned!
Beyond the hangars are a collection of military vehicles. If you’re lucky, you may even spot one moving an aircraft. The history on offer is unparalleled, with helpful staff to boot. Oh, and the café does a mean Bakewell tart.
Where? Halifax Way, Elvington, York, North Yorkshire, YO41 4AU.
Why? A must for aviation enthusiasts, curious kids and everyone in between.
How much? Advance tickets cost £6.50 for children, £16 for adults and include free re-entry for 12 months. Family tickets cost £42.
Book it: yorkshireairmuseum.org
Beetle Bank Open Farm
If your mini-me loves meeting new animals, Beetle Bank is a must. This petting zoo is home to many farm favourites (and some rare breeds too), like kunekune pigs, pygmy hedgehogs and Shetland ponies. The awws are off the charts.
For extra cuddles, opt for a hands-on experience. There’s guinea pig petting, alpaca walking and lamb bottle feeding in spring. It’s exciting stuff, so make sure to take that pep to the adventure playground. It’s right next to the picnic area.
Look out for seasonal tidbits too. Extra perks like bouncy castles, craft activities and bird displays tend to pop-up during school holidays. The cafe is also excellent, serving homemade food at a decent price.
Where? Moor Lane, Murton, York, North Yorkshire, YO19 5XD.
Why? Charming family farm filled with friendly animals, outdoor play and special events.
How much? Tickets cost £8 per person. Family tickets start from £30.
Book it: beetlebankopenfarm.co.uk
Allerthorpe Lakeland Park
Credit: Shout Marketing
Outdoor enthusiasts, look no further! Allerthorpe Lakeland Park is your go-to for water sports. Kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, giant pedalos – it has it all. Even a summer-only inflatable obstacle course, all for children over eight.
The man-made lake is well-suited to open-water swimming. No weeds, (relatively) warm in summer and fully-supervised. It’s brilliant for beginners, but note that children can only access the water when it’s above 14 degrees.
Can’t tear your family away? You don’t have to. Make a proper weekend of it with a stay at the on-site campground. Tent pitches overlook the lovely wildlife lake. Even better, the Lakeside Cafe whips up a cracking cooked breakfast.
Where? Melbourne Road, Allerthorpe, Pocklington, York, North Yorkshire, YO42 4RL.
Why? A marvellous day out in York for water-loving families with plentiful watersports, top facilities and lakeside walks.
How much? Park admission costs £4 per person. Water sports can be booked separately and range from £12-£20. Open water swimming costs £6 per swim.
Book it: allerthorpelakelandpark.co.uk
York FootGolf
Your eyes do not deceive you. FootGolf has come to York and it’s a top notch thing to do for children. Imagine a golfing green with giant holes, plus footballs to kick rather than golf balls to hit. That’s FootGolf. And it’s hilarious.
Sounds silly, right? But laughter is at the heart of quality family time. And make no mistake, this is a sport with real skill involved. Open to all ages, no special kit or experience is needed. We do think it’s best-suited to older kids though.
There are 15 holes to tackle and, believe us, things can get a little competitive. Set aside a couple of hours, give it your best shot, then enjoy your post-match debrief in the clubhouse. It has a gorgeous terrace overlooking the greens.
Where? Skelton Park Golf Course, Shipton Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 1XW.
Why? Get ready to welcome FootGolf into your life. A strangely addictive sport that’s fun for all the family.
How much? Standard tickets cost £9 for children and £12 for adults (weekday term-time tickets cost £7/£10). Family tickets start from £35. Ball hire is £1, or bring your own!
Book it: yorkfootgolf.com
