Deciding between a family walk around York city centre or a woodland walk nearby? It’s a dilemma! We’re lucky to have lots of great options for places to walk with kids. York itself is a very walkable city – all of the main attractions, from York Minster at one end to the JORVIK Viking Centre […]

Christmas in York is wonderful, but after a busy morning in the shops, a warm seat and a change of scenery can feel like a gift in itself. This year, City Cruises York has two ways to enjoy the festive season on the River Ouse: a Santa Experience for families and a Festive Sightseeing Cruise […]

Looking for things to do in York with kids this weekend? Here’s our handpicked selection of the best family-friendly events and activities in and around York, from free fun to brilliant days out. Updated for 3 & 4 October. The best things to do in York this Weekend Explore York Unlocked Think you know York? […]

Think you know York? Think again! York Unlocked returns on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026, giving families the chance to explore historic buildings and hidden spaces across the city for free. Forgot to book in advance? Don’t panic! Many places are open for drop-in visits, so head out and see what you can […]

Looking for something fun to do with the family in the city this October Half-Term?  York Castle Museum is bringing Yorkshire’s fascinating past to life with a week of storytelling, historic traditions, seasonal activities and immersive family experiences. Special seasonal activities Join HistoryRiot on Kirkgate, Britain’s oldest recreated street, for Tales of Nut-Crack Night. Performances […]

Families take centre stage at Aesthetica Film Festival 2026, running from 4-8 November. Across York, children and parents can discover a world of creativity and imagination, with experiences designed to inspire, entertain and bring families together. From film screenings and workshops to VR, games, music and interactive events, the festival offers young audiences the chance […]

Fancy eating out in York without spending a fortune? Of course you do! York Restaurant Week returns from 5th to 18th October 2026, with two whole weeks of tempting offers at restaurants, cafés, pubs and street food spots across the city centre. With hundreds of offers to choose from, deciding where to eat might be […]

There’s something spooky going on in York this autumn as Ghosts in the Gardens returns for 2026, and it’s bigger than ever. From Saturday 19 September to Sunday 1 November 2026, 70 ghostly wire-mesh sculptures will appear in gardens, ruins and historic locations across York. The trail is completely free, making it a brilliant way […]

Choosing a school is a big decision, and an open day is one of the best ways to get a feel for the places you’re considering. It’s a chance to explore the facilities, meet teachers and pupils, ask questions and discover what makes each school different. We’ve brought together the latest independent school open days […]

Grab your broomsticks and cauldrons, it’s time for spooky season on the NYMR! This October half term, Kids Go Free on standard services, with one free child ticket per fare paying adult, so bring the whole family along for a day of Halloween fun. Steam Through the Moors for Less First, the good news for […]

Looking for the best places to see Santa in York in 2026? From magical grottos and festive farms to Santa trains, Christmas cruises and chocolate-filled adventures, there are some wonderful ways to meet Father Christmas in York and North Yorkshire. And if you’re looking for more things to do in York this festive season, click […]

September marks the beginning of an exciting new era at St Peter’s School as pupils return to a completely transformed Junior School, now housed in newly renovated facilities on their 50-acre campus, designed to inspire learning, creativity and discovery. The launch of the new Junior School represents a significant milestone for the school and is […]

We’ve got some excellent eerie news if you’re looking for something fun and free to do in York during October half-term. The Little York Ghost Hunt is back, and this year there will be even more ghosts to find! The hunt is part of York Ghost Week 2026, which runs from Saturday 24 October to […]

October half term in York 2026: 24 October to 1 November 2026 (for most York schools). Always check your school’s dates! Looking for the best things to do in York this October half term? The school holidays run from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026 for most York families, with Halloween falling on […]

From meeting medieval pilgrims to designing stained glass, there’s plenty for families to discover at York Minster this October half-term. Between Monday 26 and Saturday 31 October 2026, visitors can enjoy living history, hands-on activities, family trails and an immersive cinematic experience, all included with a standard sightseeing ticket. Better still, each adult ticket costs […]

Looking for something spooky to do with the kids in York this October half term? Barley Hall is recruiting trainee ghost hunters to help track down the spirits hiding in its medieval rooms. And once the kids are tucked up in bed, there’s an adults-only evening of ghost stories too. Quick, book a babysitter! Haunted […]

York’s much-loved ghosts will gather in York Museum Gardens once again this November, and Ghosts After Dark promises to be bigger, spookier and more atmospheric than ever. Taking place from Wednesday 4th to Sunday 8th November 2026, the event will bring all 70 sculptures from York BID’s Ghosts in the Gardens trail together in one […]

One of York’s favourite festive destinations is getting even better – and more sparkly – this Christmas, with the arrival of a brand new outdoor ice rink in the heart of Museum Gardens! THOR’S on ICE will open alongside THOR’S tipi, combining delicious drinks, food and live entertainment with one of the most Christmassy of […]

Mother Shipton’s is preparing to cast a spell over families this Halloween with a bewitching new adventure inspired by Hocus Pocus. Taking place from 24 October to 1 November, the ancient woodland attraction in Knaresborough will be transformed with themed displays, witches and plenty of magical mischief. Keep an eye out for an iconic trio […]

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 […]