The temperature’s falling and the nights are drawing in, but let’s not be gloomy. Not only does that mean it’s easier to get your little ones to bed (in theory, at least), but it’s also the season for lovely light trails near York. From twinkling gardens to illuminated abbey ruins, Yorkshire’s packed with dazzling displays […]

York Christmas Market – also known as St Nicholas Fair – is set to return from November 13th to December 21st 2025, with twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine and lots of unique gift ideas. The famous alpine chalets will return to line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, creating a festive wonderland of local traders […]

It’s time for a spooktacular Halloween at Mother Shipton’s – and one lucky family can win tickets to experience it for themselves. They’re creepy and they’re kooky…Step into the shadows this Halloween at the wonderfully weird and witchy Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough, Yorkshire! From the 25th October to the 2nd November 2025, head to Mother […]

The National Railway Museum is turning 50, and everyone’s invited to the party! Families can enjoy a packed programme of free activities across the birthday weekend, with something for train lovers of all ages. Highlights include: Some activities (like the Flying Scotsman VR and Signalling School) are already sold out, so early booking is advised. […]

After the expense of the summer holidays, Heritage Open Days 2025 couldn’t come at a better time. The event takes place from 12th to 21st September, but dates for free entry vary and some require pre-booking, so do check online before you travel. As always, there are lots of lovely places to explore around York […]

We’ve got some excellent eerie news for you if you’re looking for something fun – and free – to do in York during October half term: the Little York Ghost Hunt is back for 2025! It’s part of York Ghost Week, which runs from Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025. The city will […]

The North York Moors is brimming with amazing things to do with children, and lots of them are free. Enjoy a day packed with adventures without spending a penny: explore family-friendly walking trails, see majestic waterfalls and ancient ruins, keep an eye out for wildlife and visit villages that are straight out of the storybooks. […]

However well you think you know York, chances are that there are iconic buildings you’ve walked past thousands of times but have no idea what’s hiding behind the front door. If, like us, you’d relish the opportunity to have a little look around, we’ve got just the event for you: York Unlocked. Here’s what you […]

Don’t let rain stop play! There are plenty of things to do on a rainy day in York, and these are some of the best, whether you fancy visiting an attraction, losing yourselves in a movie or getting creative and making something lovely to take home with you. There are a lot of indoor activities […]

York Ice Trail is returning for 2026 and we couldn’t be more excited! One of the city’s coolest events, York Ice Trail – organised by Make It York’  – will take place on February 7th and 8th 2026 and the theme will be ‘An Enchanted City’, with each sculpture telling a unique story. As always, the […]

At Stonegate Medical Clinic, they specialise in private GP services for families, offering gentle, child-friendly care in the heart of York. Whether you’re a new parent, juggling school runs, or seeking same-day appointments, the expert team is here to support your family’s health, every step of the way. 🌿 Why Families Choose Stonegate Medical 🍼 […]

We’re thrilled to announce that Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon School exhibition, inspired by a brand-new story by the bestselling author, is opening at York’s DIG from 21st July! Based on Cressida Cowell’s spin off How to Train Your Dragon School series, this immersive exhibition brings the Isle of Berk to life with […]

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 […]

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 […]

That’s right good people of York, this summer the York Dungeon are giving up to 50% discount off entry to all residents in YO post code areas! You can take advantage of this amazing summer discount by clicking here. The York Dungeon first opened in 1986 as a waxwork museum with jump scares, but has […]

This year’s York Maze theme has been revealed, and it’s Toy Story! Everyone’s favourite gang of toys is taking over the UK’s biggest maize maze, and it’s set to be one of the most magical, memory-making days out of the summer. Whether you grew up with Woody, Buzz and Jessie or your kids are just […]

Looking for the perfect family escape this summer? Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside, the National Trust’s Beningbrough Hall offers a magical blend of history, nature, and play that promises to delight visitors of all ages. 🌿 Explore, discover, and play Beningbrough is more than a country estate – it’s a playground for […]

Take off on a summer adventure to the Yorkshire Air Museum, the perfect day out for aviation fans of all ages and all curious kids. Head out to Elvington, just a short drive or bus ride from York, and discover incredible aircraft, fascinating stories and even an aeroplane-themed playground. Set on the site of an […]

Join us at the National Railway Museum for a summer of discovery, free family fun and a unique orchestral performance! We’re celebrating 200 years of rail, as well as our 50th birthday. Step into the shoes of the inventors and engineers who shaped our past, and journey through the remarkable story of rail.  In 1825, ‘Locomotion […]

Summer in York is a magical time for families, with long days, sunny skies (we’re manifesting🤞), and a city packed with brilliant ways to keep your kids happy and entertained. Whether you’re local or planning a summer break in North Yorkshire, there’s no shortage of family-friendly things to do in York during the summer holidays […]