Looking for what’s on this weekend in York? You’ve come to the right place.
This guide is put together by the Little Vikings team, who spend their weekends doing exactly what you’re probably planning: finding great things to do with kids, making the most of the city or heading out on a day trip. We know that your time is precious – not to mention your money! – so we’ll only share recommendations that we think you’ll love.
Updated every week, this feature rounds up the best things to do in York this weekend, including family-friendly events, seasonal activities, shows, exhibitions, day trips and ideas for all weathers and ages.
If you’re visiting York or lucky enough to call it home, this is your insider guide to the best of York for kids every weekend. Why not bookmark the page and check back each week for inspiration for your weekend in York with kids? And while you’re at it, subscribe to the weekly Little Vikings newsletter and you’ll never miss a thing!
⭐ Our Top Pick
The Big Garden Birdwatch – This weekend, the RSPB is encouraging us to get outside and see how many feathered friends we can spot on our doorstep. If you fancy seeing even more birds, why not head to RSPB Bempton Cliffs, just outside Bridlington, which is home to thousands of sea birds. It’s a gorgeous place, and fun for kids. RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Cliff Ln, Bempton, Bridlington YO15 1JF – Find out more
💰 Free fun
Make the most of York without spending a penny! Discover the best free things to do in York with kids.
RSPB Fairburn Ings – Another brilliant place for birdwatching – as well as family walking trails, shop, loos and a play area – is Fairburn Ings. Even better, you only have to pay to park! RSPB Fairburn Ings Visitor Centre, Newton Ln, Castleford WF10 2BH – Find out more
☔️ Indoor fun
Perfect for when the weather’s not on your side. Here are lots of ideas for things to do on a rainy day in York, and this is our recommendation for this week.
Channel your inner gladiator at Agility – York’s only ninja warrior course is great fun for the whole family, and there’s even a really little version for really little ones. Agility, London Ebor Business Park, Millfield Ln, York YO26 6QY – Find out more
🌳 Day Trip of the Week
Fancy a little adventure beyond the city? Here’s a lovely day out.
Have you ever been to Ravenscar to see the seals? It’s a lovely little adventure, and you can combine it with a trip to Robin Hood’s Bay. Read our review to find out more.
🍰 Eat of the Week
There are loads of family-friendly places to eat in York, and here’s our recommendation of the week.
The Balloon Tree – You guys LOVE The Balloon Tree, and so do we. This lovely farmshop and cafe, just outside Stamford Bridge, has won more Little Vikings Awards than our kids have had gingerbread men (and that’s a lot). It’s a great option for a family-friendly breakfast or lunch. The Balloon Tree, Stamford Bridge Rd, Gate Helmsley, York YO41 1NB – Find out more
😊 Plan Ahead
Have you booked your Residents’ Festival tickets yet? If you’re a York local, don’t delay! Here are our highlights.
✨ Little Vikings Family Card offer
Save 10% on admission to the fabulous Stump Cross Caverns in the Yorkshire Dales.
Pick up your Little Vikings Family Card from the Visit York Information Centre for exclusive family discounts and offers across York.
For more inspiration for family days out, trails, events and places to eat, visit little-vikings.co.uk or follow us on Instagram @littlevikingsyork.
This guide was written by the Little Vikings editorial team. Little Vikings is an award-winning, independent guide to family-friendly activities in and around York, run by a local family with an in-depth knowledge of the best things to do and places to go.
About Little Vikings – York for Kids
Little Vikings is York’s award-winning family guide, run by a local family who know the city inside-out. We explore, review and recommend the best things to do, see, eat and experience with kids in York and beyond.
