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 […]

Something spooky is coming to the National Railway Museum this half term… discover The Ghosts of Station Hall, and the ghostly stories of the railways! In collaboration with master purveyors of ghouls, York Ghosts Merchants, scores of the iconic ceramic ghosts will be hidden high and low amidst the carriages and trains of Station Hall. […]

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 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 […]

York Minster might sound like one for the grown-ups, but it’s a brilliant family experience when you get it right (and that’s where we come in!). York Minster is a historic cathedral in the heart of York that’s surprisingly family-friendly if you know how to approach it. York Minster is a historic cathedral in the […]

Yorkshire doesn’t do views by halves, and it’s always good to have something gorgeous to look at while you try to persuade your kids to eat what’s on their plate. Whether it’s a riverside table in York, a sea view on the Yorkshire coast or a waterfall in the woodland, they’re all lovely options. Here […]

Money might not buy happiness, but it can buy ice cream – and in York, that’s almost the same thing. We’ve explored the city’s best ice cream parlours, gelaterias, dessert cafés and hidden gems to bring you the ultimate guide to where to get ice cream in York. Whether you’re after the best gelato in […]

Father’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday 21 June, and if you’re looking for things to do in York for Father’s Day, you’re in the right place. It’s that time of year again when those of us lucky enough to have our dads around (or someone who does those fatherly things for us) scrabble to find […]

May half term in York 2027 runs from Saturday 29 May to Sunday 6 June for most York families, and it’s one of the best times of year to get out and explore. With family festivals, outdoor adventures, hands-on history and plenty of free things to do, there’s something for everyone. Events for 2027 are […]

Spring is in the air, and there’s no better time to head out on a family adventure in York. With longer days, blooming flowers and (hopefully) a bit of sunshine, you’re spoilt for choice this springtime. Whether you fancy meeting some animals, getting out into nature or enjoying North Yorkshire’s best adventure playgrounds, we’ve rounded […]