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 […]

This feature is part of Little Vikings Great Yorkshire Family Escapes, a whole year of inspiration for anyone looking for a family break in Yorkshire. Over the next few months, we’ll introduce you to the best places to stay on the Yorkshire Coast, in the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and the towns and cities in between. You’ll […]

This feature is part of Little Vikings Great Yorkshire Family Escapes, a whole year of inspiration for anyone looking for a family break in Yorkshire. Over the next few months, we’ll introduce you to the best places to stay on the Yorkshire Coast, in the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and the towns and cities in […]

Tucked away in Shambles Market, The Dark Horse Espresso Bar has been a magnet for coffee lovers since Laura and family opened the hatch of the horse box a few years ago. We’ve long been fans of their incredible coffee, delicious toasties and sweet treats (the chocolate-dipped Anzac biscuits are so good), so we were […]

There’s something really exciting about fossils, so we’re really excited about a new exhibition heading to The Yorkshire Museum this summer, celebrating history’s unsung hero and fossil hunter, Mary Anning. ‘Mary Anning Rocks’ opens on 14th July 2023 and will celebrate the inspiring story of the renowned palaeontologist. Best known for discovering Jurassic marine fossils […]

Whether bonding with a bunny, giggling at goats or ogling an octopus, a family day out involving wildlife is usually a hit with all ages. The good news for animal lovers is that York and the surrounding area are home to several fantastic animal attractions and around that children will love. Here’s our pick of […]

Attention young Romans! The ever-popular Eboracum Roman Festival is returning to York Museum Gardens for 2023. Taking place on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th July 2023, there’s plenty for children to enjoy at this free, family-friendly event. Explore the day-to-day lives of citizens and centurions through living history demonstrations, expert talks, hands-on activities and storytelling […]

Visit Lotherton for May half term and delve into stories old and new, travelling around the world in 80 stories. There’ll be stories for all ages, excitement and adventure around the estate for families to get involved in. Pick up a trail and follow the stories around the estate using your map. Pop into the […]

Hey Duggee is coming to York! Everyone’s favourite big lovable dog Hey Duggee is touring for the first time ever and here’s your chance to see him in York this summer (Thursday 29th June to Sunday 2nd July 2023). Winner of the ‘Best Family Show’ at the 2023 Olivier Awards, Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show features Duggee and the Squirrels plus many more of your favourite characters! Be part of […]

Well, this is exciting: the world-famous Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is now open at Sewerby Hall and Gardens in Bridlington! Running from 4th May to 14th July 2024, this exhibition of incredible photography captures amazing animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the […]

Autumn days when the grass is jewelled…Whizz back in time to your school days with social media superstar James B. Partridge in York this summer. Join James for Primary School Bangers Live, an evening of pure nostalgia, stepping back in time for some joyous singalong tunes to take you back to your primary school days. […]

After a DECADE of doing other kids’ parties… top York family entertainer ‘just Josh’ (and two-time winner of the Little Vikings Award for Best Birthday Party Entertainer) has decided that it’s time he had his own! Tickets are now available for this special show which takes place on Sunday 18th June 2023 at Joseph Rowntree […]

Long gone are the days when afternoon tea was an adults-only experience, a chance for the grown-ups to indulge in some child-free time over tea and cake. While you might like to keep it to yourselves – we promise not to tell your kids if you’d rather reserve it for yourselves – there are lots […]

School’s out, plans are in. For those searching for a half-term adventure in York, Middletons Hotel – part of Daniel Thwaites – provides the perfect base for a family escape. The award-winning hotel also boasts the ultimate family-friendly ‘VI Little P’ package – expertly designed for little guests on-the-go. The Cottage rooms include a great […]

Beetle Bank Farm is a lovely farm park near York, famous for offering a good value family day out. But did you know that, once a year, you can stay longer and make a weekend of it? Beetlefest is Beetle Bank Farm’s annual camping extravaganza, and it’s returning from 18th to 20th August 2023. Arrive […]

Malton’s boutique summer music festival, Meadowfest, returns for 2023 and we’re giving away a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) for one lucky winner. A music festival like no other, Meadowfest returns this year with a whole host of epic street food, family entertainment and eclectic music across two stages that’s guaranteed to get you up and […]

A hop, skip and jump from Castle Howard, The Yorkshire Arboretum is a spectacular garden located on the edge of the North York Moors that’s a lovely place for a family day out in the great outdoors. Set in 120 acres, the arboretum has over 6,000 trees and shrubs from around the world, including rare […]

Ever since our 10-year-old went to a birthday party at Sheriff Alpaca Experience in Sheriff Hutton near York, she’s been asking to go back as a family so we can see why she enjoyed it so much. Eventually, the persuasion paid off and we booked her and her sister (aged 8 and 10) for an […]

The sweeter side of York’s history is well known, from charming chocolate makers to legendary locomotives. Lurking beneath the candy-coated surface, though, is a murkier, more murderous past that will make you see the pretty city gates in a whole new light (just imagine them decorated with decapitated heads…). None of this is for younger […]

Here’s a magical opportunity for one lucky family – the chance to win a Cauldron Experience at York’s tiniest attraction, The Potions Cauldron AND a goody bag worth £50! The Cauldron Experience takes place in the Secret Potion Room in the famous Shambles shop and includes a few surprises and a chance to make some […]