A brand new way to explore York with the family has just launched, and it’s lovely! The York rivers trail follows the River Ouse, linking parks, green spaces and stories across the city. Even better, it’s completely free. Kids can talk to the river on your phone, spot the sculptural viewing frames at Leeman Park […]

Stockeld Park’s Summer of Fun is back, and you’re going to need to arrive early to fit it all in! It’s open every day from 18th July to 6th September 2026, with 40 acres of activities, adventure play and live entertainment to explore. Open from 9.30am until 6pm, there’s plenty to keep children of all […]

Visit Castle Howard this summer and save on family and child tickets. Families can enjoy a day out like no other and visit the House, Gardens, award-winning Skelf Island Adventure Playground, and get lost in nature at the Arboretum, home to its new resident red squirrel.  With plenty of shaded spots across the gardens and […]

The summer holidays in York run from Tuesday 27 July to Sunday 5 September 2027 for most York schools. Dates can vary between schools and academies, so always check directly with your child’s school. Summer in York is a magical time for families, with long days, sunny skies (we’re manifesting🤞), and a city packed with […]

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 […]

Summer Events, Activities & Adventures Great news – Kids Go Free on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway this summer, and the school holiday savings mean better value fares for the whole family. With events and activities stretching along the line from Pickering all the way through to Grosmont and travel through to the seaside town of Whitby, there’s never been a better time […]

Looking for a lovely day out in York this summer? Look no further than The National Railway Museum, where you can enjoy a summer holiday in a day, with a packed programme of free activities. From 20th July to 6th September 2026, families can travel to the countryside, seaside and destinations around the world, all […]

Whether you’re meeting Santa on the Santa’s Christmas Tour or creating delicious treats in the Christmas Family Masterclass, make this Christmas one to remember at York’s Chocolate Story! Santa’s Christmas Tour Santa has arrived in York to collect Christmas chocolate for all the girls and boys, because some of the world’s best chocolate originates right […]

Calling all witches, wizards and magical creatures! One of York’s most enchanting family experiences has returned, and this year there’s even more reason to visit. The Grand, York has relaunched its much-loved Wizarding Afternoon Tea, inviting families to step into a world of spells, potions and magical surprises in one of the city’s most beautiful […]

Step into history this summer at Eden Camp Modern History Museum with a programme of interactive family activities celebrating the extraordinary women who helped Britain during the Second World War. Children and adults alike can discover the stories of the Women’s Land Army, nurses, factory workers and other wartime heroes through hands-on experiences across the […]

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 […]

Follow the Yellow Brick Road at Mother Shipton’s this Summer There’s a touch of magic in the woodland at Mother Shipton’s this summer, as the Little Vikings Award-winning attraction takes inspiration from the wonderful world of Oz. Wander through the enchanted forest and meet the radiant Good Witch of the Glade and the ever-cheerful Scarecrow, […]

As lovely as the summer holidays are, they are expensive, so we’re really pleased to say that there’s a way to save money on days out in the weeks ahead. Thanks to the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, some attractions are enjoying a VAT cut that they’re passing onto visitors. Some of our favourite […]

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, […]

Pick up your punnets, fruit fans! The sun is shining (most of the time) and we’re getting ready for a sweet summer filled with fruit-picking forays. The suggestion of strawberry picking is one of those rare things: a trip out that all of our children can agree on. After all, what’s not to love? Rolling […]

If you’re looking for one of Yorkshire’s most magical Christmas days out, Stockeld Park should be right at the top of your list. From meeting Santa in his cosy log cabin to exploring spectacular Winter Illuminations, skating under cover and getting lost in the giant Snowflake Maze, it’s a festive adventure that packs an incredible […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]