Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy delicious ice cream, and that’s almost the same thing. We’ve indulged in scoops and sprinkles to test out the many and various ice cream offerings in York so we can bring you the very best. Whether you’re picking up a cone to lick while you wander the […]

With over 800 years of history and boasting one of the best views in the city, Clifford’s Tower has long been one of the best places to visit in York. It hasn’t, though, always been the most enjoyable of places to go, especially with children. We can’t be the only ones who’ve shimmied around the […]

For the best part of a decade, our mission has been to connect families to the very best things to do in and around York, pointing them in the direction of the places where they’ll be warmly welcomed and have a positive experience. We make those connections through our school holiday guides, annual Family Guide […]

The North York Moors National Park is on York’s doorstep, and it’s one of the most stunning areas of the country. It’s amazing walking country for families with children old enough to enjoy exploring, and there are some lovely family-friendly attractions too. Hop on a steam train, count the butterflies at a lavender farm, embark […]

If there were ever two words guaranteed to divide the generations, it’s these: soft play. Toddlers, pre-schoolers and older kids love it, parents tolerate it, hoping that it’ll keep their children happy, dry and occupied for a couple of hours while they have a quiet cup of something hot (dream on). Whether soft play conjures […]

Here are six words guaranteed to bring joy to any child’s heart: ‘Feel free to lick the spoon!’ Especially when that spoon happens to be covered in warm, sweet, freshly melted chocolate made at York Cocoa Works. With Easter fast approaching, we were invited along to the only place in York that makes its own […]

Just a short drive from York, Allerthorpe Lakeland Park is the ideal destination to take energetic children. Set in 53 acres of grounds, it’s THE place to visit for watersports near York. Even if your little ones are too young to enjoy the pleasures of falling off a paddleboard, there’s still plenty for them to […]

The Yorkshire Dales is one of the most spectacular areas of the country to walk in, but unless you’re a seasoned walker with good knowledge of the area it can be hard to know where to start and what will suit your family’s ability. And let’s not talk about how easy it is to get […]

Hold onto your pointy hats! York’s cauldron is overflowing with experiences for young wizards on a trip to York, from potion making to wizard minigolf. Put your cloaks on, grab your wands and enjoy some fantastically enchanting things to do with children that you’ll only find in York. 1. Discover Diagon Alley (aka Shambles) Popular […]

When it comes to choosing somewhere to stay in York, there’s a lot to consider. Do you want to be a stone’s throw from the attractions? Would you like an interconnecting room, rather than all squeezing into one space (and having an argument about who gets the sofa bed)? And – a big one – […]

What a year it’s been! Throughout all the ups and downs, York has remained one of the very best places for families to live and visit. From incredible attractions to an amazing array of children’s classes, birthday parties and places to eat and drink, we’re spoiled for choice. This year’s Little Vikings Awards represents the […]

Once upon a time, the words ‘stately home’ wouldn’t necessarily have conjured up images of a child-friendly day out. All together now, ‘IT’S BORING!’. But things have changed, and there must be barely a grand house in the country that doesn’t also have an adventure playground and a children’s offering in the cafe. We’re spoiled […]

We’re always on the lookout for new places for a family walk near York and, after some late-night research, it sounded as though RSPB Fairburn Ings would tick all the boxes. A short drive from York, located between Leeds, York and Wakefield, the site of a former coal face is now a brilliant wildlife site […]

Activities just got more exciting for young children in York with the launch of Toddlers World soft play at York Leisure Centre at Monks Cross. After months of delay – thanks to you-know-what – it’s finally up and running and is a fun, active thing to do in York with children from 6 months to […]

Birthday parties are back! Not Zoom parties or little gatherings at home, but big celebrations where someone else provides the entertainment and tidies up the mess. And York has loads of choice for birthday parties. We’re all for keeping it simple and budget-friendly, but after spending so much time at home, there’s definitely something to […]

Tempting as it is to hide under the duvet to avoid unsettling news updates, we’d recommend doing something joyful instead. When we were invited along to try out festive afternoon tea at The Grand, York – the city’s only five star hotel – it sounded like the perfect escape from reality. We’ve been lucky enough […]

The secret’s out! There’s a new family attraction in town and it’s magic! Tucked away at the back of The Potions Cauldron at 9¾ Shambles – one of York’s most famous streets – is a hidden chamber where potions experiences are now on offer, and we went along to try it before it opened. We […]

If you want to spread a little love as you work down your Christmas shopping list, shop local. It’s been another topsy turvy year for local businesses, so put away your phone, turn off your tablet and enjoy a shopping trip around York (go early or late if you’re not a fan of crowds). Enjoy […]

Having heard the rumour of the opening of a new Bluebird Bakery cafe and bakery in Acomb, we watched the transformation of the old Bathstore shop with greedy anticipation during the summer months. After giving it a polite week or so after the grand opening for the manic queues to calm down (it’s fair to […]

There’s no birthday that our children look forward to quite as much as their tenth. Not because they’re finally in double figures or they’re edging towards the end of primary school, but because they can finally go to York’s only cat cafe, The Cat’s Whiskers on Goodramgate.  Our eldest anticipated his 10th birthday with the […]