Articles

Dec 27
New! Little Vikings I Spy Trail – a free walking trail of York for families

I spy with my little eye a clock, a cat and a flag! We’re so excited to launch a brand new family walking trail for York: the Little Vikings I Spy Trail. For some time we’ve wanted to create a fun walking trail for families that’s available all year round, encourages families to explore York […]

May 15
Make Space for Girls at Rowntree Park and Homestead Park – Fun activities for older girls in York

The Make Space Festival is back for 2025 and it’s bigger, bolder and has more events than ever! The festival is all about empowering teenage girls to take up space, try new things and have fun. From creative workshops to active outdoor sessions, the festival is packed with free events designed to spark curiosity and […]

May 15
May half term in York: The Ultimate Family Guide

May half term in York is packed with fun things to do with kids. It runs from 24th May to 1st June 2025 and there’s plenty going on for families to enjoy. Take a look at our handy guide for our pick of the best, and keep checking back as we’ll keep updating it. Make […]

May 14
Discover the Power and Treasure of the Vikings at Yorkshire Museum’s New ‘Viking North’ Exhibition

Viking fans, this one’s for you! The Yorkshire Museum’s exciting new exhibition, Viking North, opens on Friday July 11th, just in time for the summer holidays. Step back into the dramatic Viking Age and discover the captivating – and often fierce – history of northern England. Viking wonders galore The Yorkshire Museum has brought together […]

May 13
The Romans are returning to York Museum Gardens! Eboracum Roman Festival 2025 for kids

Eboracum Roman Festival 2025: Living History Camp – 24th and 25th May 2025 in York Museum Gardens | 10am – 5pm, Free – Visit the website for the whole programme The Romans are returning to York Museum Gardens for an exciting family family-friendly and free event for everyone to enjoy! Find the full programme here. Discover the day-to-day lives of citizens and […]

May 12
The best places for swimming, paddling and splashing about near York

If there’s one thing that most children adore, whatever their age, it’s splashing about in the water. Whether they’re a toddler dipping their toes in the water or a slide-loving tween, swimming and paddling are one of those activities that everyone usually enjoys. There are lots of places in York and nearby where you can […]

May 11
May Half Term Family Fun on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Looking for a special day out this May half term? Hop on board the North Yorkshire Moors Railway – one of Britain’s most beloved heritage railways – for a week of unforgettable family adventures! With interactive activities, imaginative play, and thrilling bird encounters, young adventurers will be engaged all week long. Plus, enjoy the added […]

May 10
Mayhem Circus at Piglets Adventure Farm this May half term (and win a family ticket)!

Fancy a fun family day out this half-term? Here’s just the thing: Piglets Adventure Farm’s Mayhem Circus, which returns from 24th May to 1st June 2025, with a week of high-energy entertainment for the whole family Each day, the big top will come alive with gravity-defying stunts, dazzling performances and circus magic, all included in […]

May 10
May half term at York Minster – Romans and a carnival of animals!

This May half term, keep the whole family entertained with activities designed to help young explorers discover York’s medieval Minster. Don’t forget, kids go free! Up to four children aged 17 and under can visit the Minster for free with a paying adult. The Carnival of the Animals: A family-sized exploration of the organ – Wednesday […]

May 08
Free Things to Do in York – Your Ultimate Family Guide

York’s a great place to visit with kids, and it’s bursting with free things to do. Children are easily pleased, so you really don’t need to spend a fortune in York to have a good time – in fact there are lots of things to do in York that are free or cheap (even by […]

May 05
Half term fun at the National Railway Museum!

No half term is complete without a visit to see the trains and rail vehicles in the huge halls of the National Railway Museum. Entry to the main museum remains free, so if you’re planning a visit, here are our top five things to see and do. 1. Explore HUGE vehicles! As you enter Great […]

Apr 28
May half term at Mother Shipton’s – Fairyfolk!

This May half term, enjoy a majestic journey through an ancient woodland alive with fairyfolk and folklore at Mother Shipton’s Cave. From Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June, follow the flutter of wings and the glimmer of fairy dust into a magical realm where Fairyfolk roam free! Inspired by ancient folklore, fairytales, and the […]

Apr 25
Tommy Treebark’s Wild Adventure: A new free summer trail in York

There’s a new reason to explore York with kids this summer, and it’s wild, wonderful, and completely free: the Tommy Treebark Trail! Families living in or visiting York are invited to take part in this fun city centre trail, which promises to be fun for all ages. Running from 25th April to 14th September 2025, […]

Apr 23
Grass animals and family seating return to York this summer

The sun’s back, and so are The York BID’s colourful seating areas and grass animals! We’re big fans: these spaces are the perfect place for families to relax, sit down with a snack or snap a sunny selfie when York’s brimming with summer visitors. The grass animals are always a big hit with kids (but […]

Apr 20
10 Super Spring Days Out In York For Families

Spring is in the air, and there’s no better time to head out on a family adventure in York. With longer days, blooming flowers and (hopefully) a bit of sunshine, you’re spoilt for choice this springtime. Whether you fancy meeting some animals, getting out into nature or enjoying North Yorkshire’s best adventure playgrounds, we’ve rounded […]

Apr 15
Five reasons to climb York Minster Tower with kids

Visiting York Minster with kids is an awe-inspiring experience that you won’t forget, but did you know it can also be a bit of a family workout? Families fit – and brave – enough can embark on the York Minster Tower Challenge, climbing to the top of Central Tower for some of the most spectacular […]

Apr 15
WizardFest – Our Guide to York’s Most Magical Family Festival

Plans are well underway for WizardFest, York’s first festival of wizardry coming to the city during May half term (May 24th to 26th 2025). Conjured up by The Wizard Walk of York, this enchanting event is co-hosted with Little Vikings, for the most magical match! As a fun, family-friendly event that champions York’s magical side […]

Apr 07
Animal Experiences in York – Lamb-feeding, alpaca walking and polar bears!

Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and connect with nature after the long, dark winter months, and what could be more uplifting than spending some time in the company of adorable animals? Days out that involve anything furry tend to please the whole family, from tiny toddlers to tired teens, so there’s a […]

Apr 03
The best family walks in and near York: The ultimate guide

If you’re looking for a lovely walk in York or the surrounding Yorkshire countryside with your children, look no further. There’s a lot to love about going on a family walk: it’s great exercise, gets everyone off their screens and gives you a great chance to chat and connect. There are lots of great walks […]

Apr 01
Review – The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring, York’s newest attraction

If you’re looking for a magical and mind-bending adventure in York with the kids, we’ve found just the place. We recently stepped into The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring, York’s newest family attraction, and it’s a really fun experience for anyone who loves magic, mystery and a little bit of trickery. Right in the heart […]

Apr 01
Review – Wizard Afternoon Tea at The Potions Academy, York

If you’re looking for afternoon tea in York for the whole family, The Potions Academy has recently launched Wizard Afternoon Tea and it’s proving more popular than a Harry Potter costume on World Book Day. Run by the expert team behind The Potions Cauldron and The Hole in Wand, it’s an experience that brings the […]

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