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 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 23
Bluey’s Big Play Comes to York!

If you’ve got a Bluey fan (or two!) in your house, we’ve got exciting news: Bluey’s Big Play, the smash-hit theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children’s series, is heading to York’s Grand Opera House. It’s taking place from Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 March 2026, and it’s going to be brilliant. This is Bluey […]

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 20
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 20
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 […]

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 10
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 […]

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 […]

Mar 22
All aboard for a bear-y special day out! Meet Paddington at Pickering Station this May

If your little ones love Paddington (who doesn’t?), you need to (b)earmark the 3rd and 4th May in your diary. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is rolling out the red carpet for one of the most charming bears from deepest, darkest Peru, and you’re invited! Meet Paddington at Pickering Station Head to the wonderful North […]

Mar 20
Easter in York – The Ultimate Family Guide 2025

Spring is in the air, and Easter in York is bursting with fun things to do. Whether you’re searching for the biggest and best Easter egg hunts in York, excited to meet newborn lambs or want to get out into nature, there’s something for everyone. From chocolate-related activities to themed days out, York is the […]

Mar 19
A Natural Approach to Learning at Chapter House School

Karen Kilkenny, Head of Chapter House and Queen’s Kindergarten shares how natural spaces and child-led authentic learning make their EYFS provision so special. If you step into our Early Years setting, you will see happy children who are curious about the world and who love coming to school. Children learn best through an inquisitive and […]

Mar 10
Plan Your Easter Holiday Adventure at Eden Camp Modern History Museum!

Spring is in the air, and Easter is just around the corner! If you’re looking for a fun-filled, educational, and interactive experience for the whole family, then look no further than Eden Camp Modern History Museum in Malton, just a short drive from York. From 5th to 21st April 2025, they’re bringing history to life […]

Mar 10
Easter at York Minster – An inspiring day out for families

This Easter, keep the whole family entertained with an unforgettable visit to York Minster. With free activities designed to spark curiosity and adventure, there’s something for every young explorer to enjoy. Best of all, kids go free! Up to four children aged 17 and under can visit the Minster for free with a paying adult, […]

Mar 07
Secrets of Dress at York Castle Museum this Easter

Explore York Castle Museum this Easter holiday – the perfect day out for the whole family! Here’s what’s coming up. Secrets of Dress Enjoy the newly updated ‘Secrets of Dress’ display and discover fashion through the centuries by following a family-friendly exhibition trail. You can even try on replicas of your favourite costumes! Easter holiday events […]

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