The very best things to do in York with kids
Discover the best family-friendly adventures in and around York
From dinosaurs to Vikings, chocolate-makers to history-shapers, York is bursting with unforgettable things to do with kids. Whether you’re visiting for the day, exploring during the school holidays, or lucky enough to call York home, here’s your ultimate insider guide to the 50 best family things to do in York, whatever the weather.
Oh, and keep these handy guides to the best things to do in York with kids up your sleeve too, for when you’re next wondering what to do in York with kids!
📍 Plan Your Family Trip to York
York is one of the UK’s most family-friendly cities, with activities, hands-on museums and outdoor adventures galore.
☔️ The best things to do on a rainy day in York
💰 The best free and cheap things to do in York
🪄The best Harry Potter things to do in York
🛌 The best places to stay in York with kids
🤪 The best unusual things to do in York
👶 The best things to do in York with a baby/toddler
😀 Read the Little Vikings Family Guide to York
💶 Save money with the Little Vikings Family Card
💰 Free & Cheap Family Fun in York
1. Walk the City Walls
Take in centuries of history on a free walk around York’s ancient city walls. Kids love spotting the Minster towers and counting the gateways (bars). Start at Bootham Bar for brilliant views and railings along the whole section. Read our guide to walking York’s city walls for kids here.
2. Explore the National Railway Museum
Home to world-famous locomotives and interactive exhibits, the National Railway Museum is free to visit and brilliant for train-mad kids. Don’t miss the Wonderlab gallery and outdoor miniature railway.
3. Visit the Museum Gardens
Pack a picnic and wander among the ruins in York’s beautiful Museum Gardens. Spot the friendly squirrels and let your kids roam free.
4. Do the Little Vikings I Spy Trail
Our Little Vikings I Spy Trail, recommended by The Sunday Times, is a fun, free walking trail for families around York. Pick up your free copy from Visit York Information Centre or download it.
5. Meet the ducks at Rowntree Park
A favourite with York families, Rowntree Park is gorgeous, with two play areas, skate park, basketball courts, pond and a lovely Reading Café for hot chocolate and cake.
6. Visit York Minster
Free for under 17s, iconic York Minster is a wonderful place to visit with children. York residents go free, too.
7. Discover York with the Snickelways & Silly Street Names Trail
The brand-new Little Vikings walking trail leads families on a self-guided adventure through York’s famous twisty passages and takes in the top sights and silliest street names, too. Pick up your free map from the Visit York Information Centre and find out more here.
☔ Rainy Days in York
8. Step back in time at DIG: An Archaeological Adventure
Kids can grab a trowel and dig for artefacts in this hands-on experience from the team behind JORVIK Vikings Centre. It’s great fun for kids.
9. Wizard minigolf at The Hole in Wand Wizard Golf
Wands at the ready! Putt your way through a magical mini-golf adventure inspired by York’s wizarding legends, and use your Little Vikings Family Card for a free upgrade.
10. Discover York’s chocolate history at York’s Chocolate Story
Unwrap York’s sweetest story with interactive exhibits, tasting and live chocolate-making demonstrations at York’s Chocolate Story. You’ll even make your own chocolate creation.
11. Go back in time at the Yorkshire Museum
Explore fossils, Roman artefacts and even dinosaurs at this fantastic museum, right in the heart of York Museum Gardens.
12. Visit The Potions Cauldron
This wizard-themed apothecary looks like something straight out of Diagon Alley. Why not pick up a butterbeer or some magical souvenirs of your trip?
13. Do the ninja warrior course at Agility
Agility York is a brilliant place to run off some energy, with two ninja warrior courses and even a little soft play area for younger ones.
14. Run around at The Web Adventure Park
The best place in York for soft play, The Web Adventure Park is a full day out for primary aged kids (and younger). Expect massive slides, ball pits and a huge indoor and outdoor play area.
🌳 Outdoor Things to do in York
15. Head to Castle Howard
Explore the beautiful grounds and gardens, play at the Skelf Island adventure playground and don’t miss the house itself. The Christmas at Castle Howard experience is fantastic, and attracts families from across the country.
16. Explore Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens
Beningbrough is a lovely National Trust place that’s really popular with local families. Enjoy the natural play areas, have a go at den-building and have a go at regular children’s activities.
17. Enjoy a summer day out at York Maze (summer only)
York Maze is one of the most fun days out in York for families, with loads to do and see. It’s a full day out, and a total laugh.
18. Meet the animals at Beetle Bank Farm
Animal mad? Beetle Bank Farm is for you! Get involved with hands-on animal encounters, play in the play areas and refuel at the cafe.
19. Have an alpaca encounter at Sheriff Alpacas
Meet the alpacas, feed them and even take them for a walk at this lovely place in the North York Moors. Pre-booking required for most activities, so plan ahead.
20. Head to Homestead Park
A favourite with locals, this peaceful park in York’s Clifton has loads of green space, excellent play areas and regular family activities.
21. Feed the fish at Burnby Hall Gardens, Pocklington
The huge fish at Burnby are legendary, and you can even buy food to give them their lunch!
🧠 History, Science & Culture
22. Meet the Vikings at JORVIK Viking Centre
Step back 1,000 years and meet York’s original residents at the iconic JORVIK Viking Centre. You’ll even take a ride through a Viking village!
23. Visit The Potions Academy
Young wizards will adore the potions class at The Potions Academy, where they’ll learn all things magic!
24. See what Georgian life was like at Barley Hall
Hidden down one of York’s famous snickelways, this restored medieval townhouse brings York’s history vividly to life. There are some fun hands-on activities for kids, too.
25. Walk down a Victorian street at York Castle Museum
One of our favourite museums in York, York Castle Museum will take you on a journey back in time. We love Kirkgate, the recreated Victorian street, with all the shops as they would have been. Don’t miss the sweet shop (take change!).
26. Take in a show at York Theatre Royal or the Grand Opera House York
York’s two theatres are excellent for kids, with regular children’s shows and brilliant pantomimes at Christmas.
27. Get arty at York Art Gallery
Don’t miss York Art Gallery, where local kids go free. With regular exhibitions, hands-on activities and a cracking cafe, it’s a lovely place.
28. Up, up and away at Yorkshire Air Museum
Get up close to aircraft, engines and history at Yorkshire Air Museum!
Seasonal events
29. York Ice Trail (February)
One of the coolest events in York’s calendar, York Ice Trail is great fun and completely free.
30. JORVIK Viking Festival (February)
Immerse yourselves in all things Viking at this brilliant festival, with lots of activities for children.
31. Easter Egg Hunts around York
From National Trust properties to city trails, Easter’s a great time to explore York.
32. WizardFest (May)
WizardFest is the country’s only wizard-themed festival, bringing together lots of magical activities for the whole family.
33. Holiday events at York attractions (year-round)
All of York’s attractions run additional activities during the holidays, so keep an eye on our website, socials and newsletter for all the details.
34. Pumpkin picking and ghost hunting
October is a great time to visit York, with lots of spooky things to do and plenty of gentle autumn experiences like pumpkin-picking, too.
Day trips from York
35. North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Ride a real steam train through the moors! It’s such a gorgeous thing to do, and you can combine it with a trip to Whitby, one of our favourite seaside towns on the Yorkshire coast.
36. Visit Whitby
Climb the 199 steps, explore Whitby Abbey and explore the pretty town.
37. Head to sunny Scarborough
Okay, so sunshine isn’t guaranteed, but we love Scarborough whatever the weather. The beach is fab, the amusements are fun and there are some great family-friendly attractions too (Scarborough Castle, Sea Life and Alpamare).
38. Get active at Dalby Forest
Dalby Forest is amazing for kids, with loads of great walking trails designed with kids in mind, as well as cycling trails and a brilliant adventure playground.
39. Wander through the Enchanted Forest at Stockeld Park
Stockeld Park is one of the most fun places near York for kids, with its Enchanted Forest (complete with loads of adventure playgrounds), giant maze and loads of great seasonal activities. Their indoor play area, PlayHive, is incredible.
40. Spend the day at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Fountains Abbey is one of the most beautiful places near York, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site too. Explore the water gardens, enjoy seasonal activities and see if you can spot a deer.
41. Have a day out at Piglets Adventure Farm
Kids adore Piglets Adventure Farm, a family-run attraction designed with younger children in mind. There are lots of outdoor and indoor play opportunities, and regular seasonal activities too.
More ideas for things to do in York with kids
42. Skipper your own boat
Hop aboard a City Cruises self-drive boat and ride along the river. Don’t fancy doing the driving? Book onto one of the river cruises instead, then sit back and relax!
43. Tuck into Wizard Afternoon Tea at The Grand
Afternoon tea can be hit and miss with kids, but the wizard-themed afternoon tea at The Grand, York is a gorgeous experience that’s ideal for young wizards and witches.
44. Climb at York Leisure Centre
York Leisure Centre, at Monks Cross, is the only place in York for a full clip and climb experience, and it’s a great way for kids to challenge themselves.
45. Paint something lovely at Rainbows Ceramics
Head down to Bootham, in the heart of York, and paint something at Rainbows Ceramics. It’s a lovely independent place where families are warmly welcomed.
46. Find a fairy at Dreamery Gardens
There’s nowhere quite like Dreamery Gardens, England’s Fairy Sanctuary. Do the woodland walk, count the fairy doors and listen out for fairies along the way.
47. Climb at Red Goat
Red Goat is an excellent place for kids to try their hand at bouldering. There’s a cracking cafe, too.
48. Do the Wizard Walk of York
Harry Potter fans will adore this award-winning tour of York that focuses on fun over frights
49. Take your bookwork to Explore York Libraries
Join the library, borrow books and join free storytime sessions across the city.
50. Wander down the Shambles
Channel your inner Potter and walk along York’s very own Diagon Alley!
📍 Plan Your Family Trip to York
York is one of the UK’s most family-friendly cities, with loads of free activities, hands-on museums and outdoor adventures.
Explore more:
- – Free Things to Do in York with Kids
- – Rainy Day Ideas
- – The Little Vikings Family Card – Discounts and perks
- – Snickelways & Silly Street Names Trail
