Head to the National Railway Museum during February half term and rebuild the railway in LEGO®! This completely free event is perfect for LEGO® fans big and small. See magnificent railway layouts, follow the minifigure trail and add to the museum’s very own railway bricks layout.  Railway Bricks | 14 – 15 February We will […]

Forestry England is waving its wand over Dalby Forest this winter, with the launch of a brand new Room on the Broom Trail! Based on the much-loved Julia Donaldson picture book, Room on the Broom, this lovely new woodland trail has been created to celebrate the story’s 25th anniversary, and it’s the perfect excuse to […]

The Little Vikings Awards 2026 winners announced! What better way to kick off the new year than celebrating the very best that York has to offer for families? Once again, you voted in your thousands (thank you!) and now we’re delighted to reveal the Little Vikings Awards winners 2026, sponsored by Indie York. Now in […]

The JORVIK Viking Festival returns this February! York will be taken over by Viking warriors from Monday 16th February to Sunday 22nd February 2026. The world-renowned festival features living history encampments, workshops, tours, traditional crafts, feasts, family events, evening entertainment, and dramatic combat performances. This year’s Festival has so much for adults and children alike, […]

If you’re looking for a lovely day out on the Yorkshire Coast this year, here’s a two-location trip with double the joy: a spot of seal-spotting at Ravenscar followed by a meander around the pretty seaside village of Robin Hood’s Bay. It’s an area that can get busy during the warmer months, so we wrapped […]

York Residents Festival is the annual opportunity for York residents to explore their city for free (or a lot less) and it’s back for 2026! Taking place on Saturday 31st January and 1st February 2026, it’s just what we need to look forward to at the end of the bleakest time of the year. As […]

Looking for an unforgettable family outing in York in 2026? York’s much-loved Colour & Light event, brought to the city by The York BID, is back and set to dazzle visitors. Two York landmarks will be illuminated together for the first time, as York Castle Museum and Clifford’s Tower become a huge projection canvas for […]

Kids under 5 go free on Sightseeing Cruises this Feb half term, and for those looking for something more hands on, Self‑Drive Boats are now from just £10pp for a family of five. This February half term, discover York from the water with City Cruises York! It’s the perfect way to keep the whole family […]

February half term in York 2026 takes place from 14th to 22nd February 2026 February half term in York is great fun. Resist the urge to hibernate, wrap up warm and enjoy the best activities and events on offer in and around York this February. There’s lots to do in York with kids at this […]

March on down to York Army for some half-term fun including hands on object-handling, family trails and crafts.  Budding gamers can team up with parents and carers to tackle the museum’s much-loved Tank Arcade game and aim for the top score. Would-be artists can grab a copy of Kids in Museum’s Art School in a […]

Looking for the best things to do in York this February half term? York Castle Museum, York Art Gallery and the Yorkshire Museum are have a whole host of family-friendly activities going on, from immersive Victorian experiences and Viking performances to creative workshops and hands-on crafts. Whether you’re visiting for the day or planning a […]

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 […]

York’s always a wonderful place to visit with kids, and 2026 is shaping up to be no exception. Whether, like us, you’re lucky enough to live here, or you’re planning a trip with your family, there are already lots of events, activities and attractions to get excited about. Here are our top picks for family-friendly […]

From Vikings to Victorians, chocolate makers to history shapers, York is brilliant for families all year round. But if you’re wondering when is the best time to visit York with kids, the honest answer is: it completely depends on what kind of trip you want. Crowd-free exploring? Twinkly festive magic? Outdoor adventures or just hitting […]

The very best things to do in York with kids Discover the best family-friendly adventures in and around York York is one of the UK’s most family-friendly cities, with activities, hands-on museums and outdoor adventures galore. From dinosaurs to Vikings, chocolate-makers to history-shapers, York is bursting with unforgettable things to do with kids. Whether you’re […]

If you’re looking for family-friendly winter walks near York, you’re spoilt for choice. A walk works wonders for everyone’s moods, especially during winter. Even if the weather’s uninspiring, getting outside and letting the little ones run free is the perfect antidote to too much sofa time (for them or the grown-ups). Whether they’re tiny or […]

Kick off the holiday season with York’s 2025 Nutcracker Trail! It’s one of the best things to do in York at Christmas with kids, and it’s totally free. This year’s theme is a kids’ takeover. Each nutcracker has been designed by a school-aged child from York and re-created by talented local artist, MarcoLooks. RECOMMENDED 🎄 […]

This season, step inside the National Railway Museum’s cosy guard’s carriage to meet Father Christmas and his jolly elf in the newly reopened Station Hall.  Share your Christmas wishes with Father Christmas himself before taking away a special gift. Soak up the sparkle of Station Hall, brimming with twinkling lights, joyful Victorian carol singers and […]

Wondering where to eat in York with kids? Good news – you’re in the right city. From brilliant brunch spots to incredible independents serving dishes you won’t find anywhere else, York has plenty of places that make eating out with kids a pleasure rather than a chore. Whether you’re grabbing something on the go, or […]

Jingle bells! Christmas in York 2025 will be here before we know it, and it’s going to be another magical festive season for families. If you’re looking for the best family-friendly Christmas events in York, you’ve come to the right place. From enchanting Santa’s grottos to sparkling Christmas light trails, side-splitting pantomimes to festive days […]