York’s always a wonderful place to visit with kids, and 2026 is shaping up to be no exception. Whether, like us, you’re lucky enough to live here, or you’re planning a trip with your family, there are already lots of events, activities and attractions to get excited about. Here are our top picks for family-friendly fun in York and the surrounding area in 2026 so far, with plenty more to be confirmed.
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Things to do in York with kids 2026
York Residents Festival 2026
Get your big coats on and enjoy a weekend of free entry and special offers for York locals!
🗓 Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February 2026
📍 Across York
ℹ️ Find out more
York Ice Trail 2026
York Ice Trail is one of the city’s most popular events, and it’s returning for 2026 with brand new sculptures and a new theme.
🗓 Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th February 2026
📍 Across York
ℹ️ Find out more
Tales from Acorn Wood at York Theatre Royal
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience. Poor old Fox has lost his socks! Are they in the kitchen or inside the clock? And Rat-a-tat-tat! Who’s that keeping tired Rabbit awake? You can also join in with Pig and Hen’s game of hide-and-seek and discover the special surprise Postman Bear is planning for his friends.
🗓 Tuesday 3rd to Thursday 5th February 2026
📍 York Theatre Royal, St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD
ℹ️ Visit the website
JORVIK Viking Festival 2026
Immerse yourselves in all things Viking at the awesome JORVIK Viking Festival 2026. With events and activities galore, including lots of free options for families, there’s plenty to enjoy.
🗓 Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd February 2026
📍 Across York
ℹ️ Visit the website
Dark Skies Festival 2026
This annual celebration of the country’s dark skies returns to the North York Moors for 2026 with plenty of activities for families.
13th February to 1st March 2026 – Visit the website
Colour and Light 2026
Colour and Light, the fabulous, free outdoor light and sound show, is returning to York in 2026 to The Eye of York and we love it! It’s the perfect excuse for an evening trip into York with your kids.
February 12th to 2nd March 2026 – Visit the website
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at York Theatre Royal
The critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show created by Jonathan Rockefeller features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. The production faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and of course, the star of the show, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
🗓 Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th April 2026
📍 York Theatre Royal, St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD
ℹ️ Visit the website
WizardFest 2026
Returning to York from May 23rd to 25th 2026 is WizardFest, a magical family-friendly event that takes place across the city.
🗓 Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th May
📍 Across York
ℹ️ Find out more
The Enormous Crocodile, The Musical at York Theatre Royal
The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle to York Theatre Royal in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees… Only the other jungle creatures can foil his secret plans and clever tricks, but they’re going to have to find a large amount of courage to stop this greedy brute.
🗓 Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th June
📍 York Theatre Royal, St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD
ℹ️ Visit the website
Written by the Little Vikings team. Founded in 2013, Little Vikings is an award-winning York-based family guide sharing tried-and-tested ideas, insider tips and the best family-friendly things to do in and around the city.
