Whether you’re hunting for action-packed outdoor adventures or budget-friendly rainy day culture, these are the best summer holiday activities in Yorkshire for families.
The school summer holidays are the perfect time to explore everything Yorkshire has to offer. This year, venues across North, West, South, and East Yorkshire are hosting an incredible line-up of family-friendly festivals, immersive museum exhibitions and outdoor trails designed to keep kids of all ages entertained.
To help you plan your summer break without the stress, we’ve brought together a comprehensive roundup of the most engaging and varied activities running across the region this summer.
Looking for Leeds-based inspiration? Check out our dedicated guide to what to do during the summer holidays in Leeds.
Quick picks: Best summer holiday activities in Yorkshire
- Best summer holiday activity in North Yorkshire – Summer at Stockeld Park
- Best summer holiday activities in West Yorkshire – Family Adventures at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
- Best summer holiday activities in South Yorkshire – Dig, Dino, Discover at Magna
- Best summer holiday activities in East Yorkshire – Rock Pools and Rocky Shores at The Deep
Best summer holiday activities in North Yorkshire
A Summer in Oz at Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough
Credit: Mother Shipton’s
Follow the yellow brick road to Knaresborough this summer as Mother Shipton’s transforms its famous woodland attraction into a magical world inspired by Oz. Families can meet the Good Witch of the Glade and the ever-cheerful Scarecrow while discovering themed displays and unique photo opportunities.
Beyond the seasonal event, visitors can explore the enchanting forest as characters bring a little midsummer magic to life. You can also explore the historic Mother Shipton’s Cave itself, see the famous Petrifying Well, enjoy the adventure playground, and follow scenic lakeside paths.
Why families love it: The combination of magical characters, woodland walks and one of Yorkshire’s most famous attractions makes this an easy day out for children who love stories and imaginative play.
When: 9:30am, Friday 18th July – 5:30pm, Sunday 6th September 2026. (Last admission at 4pm daily).
Where: Mother Shipton’s Cave, High Bridge, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8DD.
Cost: Admission charges apply. Advance booking is essential.
Summer Adventure Festival at Stockeld Park, Wetherby
Credit: Stockeld Park
Stockeld Park’s summer festival programme combines live entertainment, outdoor adventure, and family-friendly activities throughout the school holidays. Children can join Scout and the Stockeld Stars for games, dancing, and silent discos.
Daily live performances range from family magicians to tribute acts celebrating pop icons including Taylor Swift and Harry Styles. Away from the main stage, families can explore the Enchanted Forest, navigate the Magical Maze, tackle giant inflatables, race pedal go-karts, and try the brand-new crazy golf course.
Why families love it: The mix of high-energy live entertainment and expansive outdoor play areas means there’s always something new to do, keeping even easily bored children completely gripped.
When: Throughout the summer holidays from Saturday 18th July to Tuesday 1st September 2026.
Where: Stockeld Park, Wetherby Road, Wetherby, North Yorkshire, LS22 4AN.
Cost: Included with admission. Selected activities carry an additional charge.
Summer Holiday in a Day at the National Railway Museum
Credit: National Railway Museum
Travel from the rolling countryside to the seaside and even overseas without ever leaving York at the National Railway Museum’s free summer programme. Children can collect stamps in their bespoke holiday passport as they explore interactive activity zones, help run a railway ticket office, and solve luggage mysteries.
The museum will also host special events including live storytelling, giant train tracks, brass bands, and traditional Punch and Judy performances. It’s a fantastic way to introduce kids to engineering history through hands-on play.
Why families love it: Free entry and plenty of interactive activities make this one of Yorkshire’s best-value family days out during the summer holidays.
When: Saturday 18th July to Sunday 6th September 2026.
Where: National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 4XJ.
Cost: Free entry. Some attractions, including Wonderlab, carry an additional charge.
Summer Nostalgia at York Castle Museum
Credit: Anthony Chappel Ross
Victorian galas and the swinging sixties are the inspiration behind York Castle Museum’s summer programme. The event celebrates the sweet nostalgia of historic childhood holidays through vintage games, creative crafts, immersive experiences and colourful displays.
Families can explore Kirkgate, Britain’s oldest recreated Victorian street, and discover whimsical hot-air-balloon installations. New projections, atmospheric soundscapes, and costumed characters help bring York’s rich social history vividly to life throughout the holidays.
Why families love it: Costumed characters, interactive displays and a recreated Victorian street make history feel far more like an adventure than a lesson.
When: Daily from Monday 22nd June to Sunday 6th September 2026, with additional activities throughout the school holidays.
Where: York Castle Museum, Eye of York, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9RY.
Cost: Included with annual admission tickets.
Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard at Yorkshire Museum
Credit: Anthony Chappel Ross
One of the most significant archaeological discoveries ever made in Britain is now on display at the Yorkshire Museum. The exhibition reveals part of the extraordinary Melsonby Hoard, a collection of around 800 Iron Age objects uncovered right here in North Yorkshire.
Young history hunters can marvel at real chariot parts, intricate horse harnesses, and ancient weapons. Interactive displays and digital exhibits help families understand exactly how modern archaeologists investigate major discoveries.
Why families love it: Young archaeologists can get up close to one of Britain’s most important recent discoveries and learn how real historical mysteries are solved.
When: Now open until Summer 2027.
Where: Yorkshire Museum, Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7FR.
Cost: Included with general admission.
Making Waves Exhibition at York Art Gallery
Credit: Lee McLean Photography
Take a captivating journey through more than 300 years of Japanese art and culture at York Art Gallery’s major summer exhibition. Making Waves features over 100 historical woodblock prints, including world-famous works by renowned artists such as Hokusai and Hiroshige.
Alongside the artwork, families can view authentic samurai armour, elegant kimonos, and rare printed books. You can also explore a specially created Japanese dry garden in York Museum Gardens for a peaceful moment outdoors.
Why families love it: The colourful prints, striking samurai armour, and peaceful Japanese garden offer something unique to spark the imagination of creative kids.
When: Open until Sunday 30th August 2026.
Where: York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7EW.
Cost: Included with general admission.
Brick Explorers at RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Credit: Josh Kemp-Smith
Wildlife meets creativity at RHS Garden Harlow Carr this summer as larger-than-life brick-built animals take over the gardens for a brand-new family trail. Created in partnership with Iconic Bricks, Brick Explorers invites visitors to hunt for ten wildlife ‘superheroes’ hidden throughout the grounds, discovering the remarkable skills and behaviours that help different species survive in the natural world.
Along the way, children can collect superhero superpowers in an activity booklet, learn how plants, animals and fungi work together in nature, and get hands-on at Brick Explorer Build Stations where they can create their own nature-inspired designs.
Why families love it: The combination of outdoor exploration, wildlife discovery and hands-on building activities makes it a great way to keep children engaged while exploring one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful gardens.
When: Saturday 18th July to Sunday 6th September 2026.
Where: RHS Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1QB.
Cost: Included with general admission.
Wild Superhero Mission at Woldies
Credit: Woldies
Award-winning family attraction Woldies is inviting children to become wildlife heroes this summer with its brand-new Wild Superhero Mission. Young explorers can follow a nature trail to find eight British wildlife characters, including barn owls, hedgehogs, dragonflies and red foxes, collecting superhero stamps as they discover the remarkable abilities that help each species survive.
Beyond the trail, families can build woodland dens, ride the miniature railway, play giant garden games, splash in the sand and water play areas, and explore the outdoor mud kitchen. July visitors can also enjoy the lavender fields in full bloom, buzzing with bees and butterflies, while budding nature lovers can take part in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count.
Why families love it: With a full day of outdoor play included in the ticket price and summer passes available for repeat visits, it’s an ideal choice for families looking to swap screens for nature throughout the school holidays.
When: Open daily from 10am to 5pm from Tuesday 1st July to Sunday 6th September 2026.
Where: Woldies, Wintringham, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 8HW.
Cost: Online day tickets cost £12.70 for adults and £11.85 for children (price shown includes 15% saving when booked online). Under 1s and essential carers go free. Summer passes are available from £25 per person.
Summer family package at York’s Chocolate Story
Credit: York’s Chocolate Story
Discover why York is famous for chocolate with a family day out that’s packed with sweet treats and fascinating stories. York’s Chocolate Story’s new Summer Family Package includes a guided tour through the city’s chocolate-making heritage, where families can uncover the stories behind famous confectionery brands before enjoying a hot or iced chocolate together.
The package also includes a souvenir photo booklet with digital keepsakes, 10% off in the gift shop and an additional 10% saving on top of the Government’s Summer of Savings discount.
Why families love it: It combines an engaging, interactive attraction with plenty of chocolate tasting and take-home treats, making it a hit with children and adults alike.
When: Available until Tuesday 1st September 2026.
Where: York’s Chocolate Story, 3-4 King’s Square, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LD.
Cost: Summer Family Package starts from £59 when booked online.
Women at War at Eden Camp Modern History Museum
History comes to life this summer at Eden Camp with Women at War, a family programme celebrating the remarkable women who helped keep Britain running during the Second World War. Alongside exploring the museum’s immersive wartime huts, families can enjoy hands-on activities including the Poo Clues Trail, Little Evacuees Workshop and even try their hand at cow milking.
It’s an engaging way for children to learn about the vital roles women played on the Home Front through interactive experiences designed to bring history to life.
Why families love it: The mix of immersive exhibits and hands-on activities makes learning about the Second World War fun, memorable and accessible for children of all ages.
When: Until Monday 31st August 2026.
Where: Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Freehold Lane, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 6RT.
Cost: Included with standard museum admission (from £17 for adults and £15 for children). Children can also eat for £6 throughout the summer holidays.
Best summer holiday activities in West Yorkshire
Family Adventures at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Credit: Paolina Hurry
Art, nature, and outdoor play come together beautifully at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Families can easily spend an entire day exploring 500 acres of historic parkland filled with more than 90 world-class sculptures.
During the school holidays, children can get hands-on with sculpture building, creative woodland activities, and practical family workshops. Younger visitors can let their imaginations run wild in the Little Wild Wood natural play space, designed specifically for den building among the trees.
Why families love it: It’s one of Yorkshire’s finest destinations to combine fresh air, boundless creativity, and outdoor play with plenty of safe space for children to roam.
When: Summer activities run throughout July and August 2026.
Where: Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 4LG.
Cost: Children aged 18 and under enter free. Adult admission is £10.
Helios Exhibition at Wakefield Exchange
Credit: JMA Photography
Experience the awe of the cosmos at Wakefield Exchange, where artist Luke Jerram’s spectacular Helios installation brings our nearest star indoors. The six-metre, internally illuminated sculpture reveals extraordinary high-definition detail captured directly from the Sun’s surface.
The installation is accompanied by an out-of-this-world summer programme of family activities. Visitors can step inside a pop-up planetarium, train to become junior astronauts, enjoy creative space workshops, and even try indoor roller skating beneath the glowing artwork.
Why families love it: The spectacular glowing Sun installation grabs children’s attention immediately, while the space-themed activities add plenty of educational, hands-on fun.
When: Friday 12th June to Sunday 6th September 2026.
Where: Wakefield Exchange, Union Street, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 3AE.
Cost: Exhibition admission is free. Some activities carry a small charge.
Summer of family fun at the National Coal Mining Museum
Credit: National Coal Mining Museum
The National Coal Mining Museum is bringing the seaside to Yorkshire’s coalfield this summer with six weeks of family entertainment, creative workshops and hands-on activities. Children can build sandcastles on the pop-up beach, ride the Paddy Train, tackle interactive trails, watch explosive science shows and meet the museum’s pit ponies.
Special events throughout the holidays include Minecraft-themed escape rooms, nature craft workshops, outdoor theatre performances, LEGO building displays and a Yorkshire Day gala inspired by traditional miners’ celebrations. Families can also explore the colourful Jason and the Coal Mining Adventure exhibition, featuring giant inflatable sculptures, animation and a remarkable tapestry inspired by Britain’s mining communities.
Why families love it: With most activities included in the admission price and unlimited Paddy Train rides thrown in, it’s a great value family day out in Yorkshire this summer.
When: Saturday 18th July to Sunday 30th August 2026. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Where: National Coal Mining Museum for England, Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 4RH.
Cost: £10 per car (early bird offer of £7.50 per car available until Saturday 11 July). Some workshops and tours carry an additional charge and can be booked online in advance.
Emmerdale village star tours
Credit: Emmerdale Village Tours
Fans of one of Britain’s best-loved soaps can step behind the scenes this summer with an Emmerdale Village Star Tour. Explore the famous outdoor set where generations of dramatic storylines have unfolded, stopping for photos outside iconic locations including The Woolpack and David’s Shop while learning behind-the-scenes secrets from expert guides.
Star Tours also include the chance to meet a surprise cast member for a selfie, with tickets including admission to Harewood House and its Cecil Beaton exhibition.
Why families love it: It’s a unique opportunity for Emmerdale fans to visit the real filming location, meet a cast member and enjoy a day out at Harewood House all with one ticket.
When: Selected weekends and Bank Holidays throughout summer 2026.
Where: Emmerdale Village Tour, Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 9LG (tour departure point).
Cost: Ticket prices start at £52.50. Admission to Harewood House and the Cecil Beaton exhibition is included.
Best summer holiday activities in South Yorkshire
Dig, Dino, Discover at Magna Science Adventure Centre
Credit: Magna
Dinosaurs take over Magna this summer with a packed programme of prehistoric adventures designed for curious young explorers. Families can enjoy live dinosaur walkabouts, interactive theatre shows, fossil digs, volcano workshops, and dramatic storytelling sessions.
Special Ferocious Fridays bring visiting animatronic dinosaurs and live “How to Train Your Dinosaur” performances throughout August. Alongside the Jurassic fun, visitors can cool off in the Aqua-Tek splash park and tackle the massive Sci-Tek adventure playground.
Why families love it: Few places combine dinosaurs, hands-on science elements, splash parks, and giant adventure playgrounds under one roof, making it simple to fill an entire day.
When: Friday 18th July to Friday 4th September 2026. Ferocious Fridays take place weekly throughout August.
Where: Magna Science Adventure Centre, Sheffield Road, Templeborough, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S60 1DX.
Cost: Included with general admission. Some workshops carry an additional charge.
Collecting Rotherham at Clifton Park Museum
Credit: Clifton Park Museum
Discover hidden treasures and unusual objects from more than 130 years of local history at Clifton Park Museum’s major new summer exhibition. Spread across six grand galleries, Collecting Rotherham showcases everything from ancient archaeology to natural history and fine art.
The collection includes rare items that have never been displayed to the public before. Clever interactive elements encourage visitors to think about how museums preserve history, allowing families to share their own local stories.
Why families love it: Free entry and an array of unusual, quirky objects make this a brilliant rainy-day option for curious children who love weird stories from the past.
When: Tuesday 23rd June 2026 until Spring 2027.
Where: Clifton Park Museum, Clifton Lane, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S65 2AA.
Cost: Free.
Best summer holiday activities in East Yorkshire
Rock Pools and Rocky Shores at The Deep, Hull
Credit: The Deep
Young marine explorers can learn all about Yorkshire’s fascinating, rugged coastline through a dedicated summer programme of hands-on activities at The Deep. Rock Pools and Rocky Shores introduces families to local marine wildlife through interactive touch-displays and fossil hunting.
Additional events running across the holidays include coastal safari sessions and shark egg case hunts. Kids can even contribute to real conservation projects alongside the aquarium’s resident marine biologists.
Why families love it: The hands-on activities help children connect what they see in the aquarium with the wildlife they can discover on Yorkshire’s coastline.
When: Saturday 18th July to Sunday 6th September 2026.
Where: The Deep, Tower Street, Hull, East Yorkshire, HU1 4DP.
Cost: Included with admission. Some off-site events are free but require booking.
Den Fest and Summer Fun at William’s Den, North Cave
Credit: William’s Den
William’s Den is packing the school summer holidays with dinosaurs, mini music festivals, and nostalgic outdoor adventures. Den Fest returns to the venue with live music, family stage entertainment, and overnight camping options for adventurous families.
Meanwhile, the Dino Den Takeover introduces massive walking dinosaurs, fossil digs, and prehistoric challenges. For the rest of the holidays, The Big Summer Rewind celebrates classic outdoor fun with giant games, epic water fights, and woodland adventures across 50 acres.
Why families love it: Whether your kids love massive dinosaurs, festival dancing, or simply running wild in the mud, there is enough space and variety here to keep them active for hours.
When: Den Fest runs from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th July 2026. The Big Summer Rewind runs from Tuesday 21st July to Sunday 6th September 2026.
Where: William’s Den, Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave, East Yorkshire, HU15 2LS.
Cost: Admission charges apply.
