Looking for a family escape near York this summer? The Hideaway at Baxby Manor offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, beautiful countryside and memorable places to stay, all just a short drive from York. Set in the heart of North Yorkshire, The Hideaway is a much-loved destination for families wanting to swap screens for […]

Father’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday 21 June, and if you’re looking for things to do in York for Father’s Day, you’re in the right place. It’s that time of year again when those of us lucky enough to have our dads around (or someone who does those fatherly things for us) scrabble to find […]

While we might disagree on what constitutes a sensible meal, a nice outfit or a reasonable bedtime, there’s one thing parents and kids can generally agree on: freshly baked goods make life a little bit brighter. York’s bakery scene is booming, so whether you fancy a tasty local breakfast, trying a local delicacy or need […]

Looking for family-friendly things to do in York this summer? York Castle Museum has a packed programme of summer events and activities, with the whole museum transformed to celebrate two unforgettable eras: the elegant Victorian galas of the 1860s and the colourful, flower-power spirit of the 1960s. From 22 June to 6 September, families can […]

Could you survive a Viking sea voyage? Come and find out! From 10th July 2026, embark on a summer expedition over the high seas to find out how Vikings survived long journeys, what they ate, whether they got bored, and what they did when they got to York. When you arrive at JORVIK Viking Centre, […]

Looking for hands-on activities for your kids in York this summer? DIG is the place to be. If your family loves learning through play – and who doesn’t like dragons? – then DIG is made for you! Dig for Hidden Treasures At DIG your children can: DIG is split into three zones: Learn, Uncover, and […]

Looking for summer holiday clubs in York? From sports and drama to art and forest school, there’s plenty to keep children busy, happy and genuinely excited through the long summer break. Whether you need reliable childcare cover or just want your kids doing something fun while you get things done, we’ve got you covered. Let’s […]

It’s officially picnic weather, so shake out your blankets, dust off the Tupperware and enjoy some meals in the great outdoors. No need to worry about crumbs or restaurant meltdowns – hooray! There’s no doubt that eating outside is, on the whole, more relaxing than attempting a proper sit-down meal where kids are involved. There […]

York might be one of the UK’s best cities for families, but that doesn’t mean every family day out goes smoothly. Over the years, despite knowing York inside out, we’ve made plenty of mistakes ourselves, from battling the cobbles of the Shambles with a buggy to promising the kids a York Ghost Merchants ghost in […]

York Minster might sound like one for the grown-ups, but it’s a brilliant family experience when you get it right (and that’s where we come in!). York Minster is a historic cathedral in the heart of York that’s surprisingly family-friendly if you know how to approach it. York Minster is a historic cathedral in the […]

Yorkshire doesn’t do views by halves, and it’s always good to have something gorgeous to look at while you try to persuade your kids to eat what’s on their plate. Whether it’s a riverside table in York, a sea view on the Yorkshire coast or a waterfall in the woodland, they’re all lovely options. Here […]

Money might not buy happiness, but it can buy ice cream – and in York, that’s almost the same thing. We’ve explored the city’s best ice cream parlours, gelaterias, dessert cafés and hidden gems to bring you the ultimate guide to where to get ice cream in York. Whether you’re after the best gelato in […]

With the May half-term arriving and summer just around the corner, spending an afternoon on the Ouse is hard to beat when the sun is shining in York. Whether you’re a resident, or just visiting with the kids, getting out on the river offers a lovely change of pace! If you want to take things […]

Looking for what’s on this weekend in York? You’ve come to the right place. If you’re visiting York or lucky enough to call it home, this is your weekly guide to the best things to do in York with kids this weekend. We update it every week with handpicked family events, free fun, rainy-day ideas […]

May half term in York is packed with fun things to do with kids, so why go anyhere else?! It runs from 25th May to 29th May 2026 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 […]

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 […]

If you’re looking for a magical family day out this May half term, there’s no place like Mother Shipton’s Cave. From 23rd to 31st May, the award-winning attraction is inviting families to step into an Emerald Adventure inspired by the timeless world of The Wizard of Oz and the spellbinding charm of Wicked. Expect woodland […]

What do families really think about visiting York Minster? Whether you’ve been recently, it’s been years, or you’ve never visited with the kids, we’d love your input. Take part in our quick York Minster Family Survey to help shape future family-friendly experiences, with the chance to win an annual family ticket and a York Minster […]

Something big and colourful is heading to York this summer: Acomb Fest! This new event is set to transform Acomb into an open-air gallery and creative playground from 3rd to 5th July 2026, with a packed programme where families are warmly welcomed. A whole weekend of creativity Across three days, Acomb Fest will include: At […]

All aboard for a family adventure like no other! Thomas the Tank Engine is steaming into the North Yorkshire Moors Railway this May for the Day Out With Thomas: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour. Every ticket includes a real steam train ride behind Thomas himself, plus a full day of live shows, character meet-and-greets, hands-on […]