The sun’s back, and so are The York BID’s colourful seating areas and grass animals! We’re big fans: these spaces are the perfect place for families to relax, sit down with a snack or snap a sunny selfie when York’s brimming with summer visitors. The grass animals are always a big hit with kids (but […]

Visiting York Minster with kids is an awe-inspiring experience that you won’t forget, but did you know it can also be a bit of a family workout? Families fit – and brave – enough can embark on the York Minster Tower Challenge, climbing to the top of Central Tower for some of the most spectacular […]

Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and connect with nature after the long, dark winter months, and what could be more uplifting than spending some time in the company of adorable animals? Days out that involve anything furry tend to please the whole family, from tiny toddlers to tired teens, so there’s a […]

If you’re looking for a lovely walk in York or the surrounding Yorkshire countryside with your children, look no further. There’s a lot to love about going on a family walk: it’s great exercise, gets everyone off their screens and gives you a great chance to chat and connect. There are lots of great walks […]

If you’re looking for a magical and mind-bending adventure in York with the kids, we’ve found just the place. We recently stepped into The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring, York’s newest family attraction, and it’s a really fun experience for anyone who loves magic, mystery and a little bit of trickery. Right in the heart […]

If you’ve got a Bluey fan (or two!) in your house, we’ve got exciting news: Bluey’s Big Play, the smash-hit theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children’s series, is heading to York’s Grand Opera House. It’s taking place from Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 March 2026, and it’s going to be brilliant. This is Bluey […]

If your little ones love Paddington (who doesn’t?), you need to (b)earmark the 3rd and 4th May in your diary. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is rolling out the red carpet for one of the most charming bears from deepest, darkest Peru, and you’re invited! Meet Paddington at Pickering Station Head to the wonderful North […]

Karen Kilkenny, Head of Chapter House and Queen’s Kindergarten shares how natural spaces and child-led authentic learning make their EYFS provision so special. If you step into our Early Years setting, you will see happy children who are curious about the world and who love coming to school. Children learn best through an inquisitive and […]

Plans are well underway for WizardFest, York’s first festival of wizardry coming to the city during May half term (May 24th to 26th 2025). Conjured up by The Wizard Walk of York, this enchanting event is co-hosted with Little Vikings, for the most magical match! As a fun, family-friendly event that champions York’s magical side […]

May half term in York is packed with fun things to do with kids. It runs from 24th May to 1st June 2025 and there’s plenty going on for families to enjoy. Take a look at our handy guide for our pick of the best, and keep checking back as we’ll keep updating it. Make […]

Fancy a fun family day out this half-term? Here’s just the thing: Piglets Adventure Farm’s Mayhem Circus, which returns from 24th May to 1st June 2025, with a week of high-energy entertainment for the whole family Each day, the big top will come alive with gravity-defying stunts, dazzling performances and circus magic, all included in […]

York’s annual Chocolate Festival is back this Easter with a five-day celebration of all things sweet and a packed programme of events (see what else is going on this Easter in York for families here). From hands-on chocolate-making workshops to live demonstrations, tasting trails and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone (unless you’re not keen […]

Head to York Theatre Royal this Christmas for a spectacular family pantomime! CBeebies superstar, Jennie Dale, will be taking to the stage as Fairy Moonbeam. Jennie is no stranger to the spotlight, with an impressive career spanning TV and theatre. Alongside entertaining little pirates on Swashbuckle, she’s also the face of Jennie’s Fitness in 5 on […]

From the cobbled charm of The Shambles to potion workshops and wizard mini golf, York is the ultimate city for families who love magic (so that’s all of us, right?). Whether your kids are budding witches and wizards or just love exploring somewhere that feels straight out of a storybook, York’s bound to cast a […]

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 that children will love. Here’s our pick of the best […]

A family day out in York doesn’t have to cost a fortune! With so many wonderful things to do in York for families, you can enjoy a fun-filled adventure without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for free or cheap things to do in York, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top picks for […]

Just had a baby and think you’ll never go to the cinema again? Fear not! Your movie-going days aren’t over. In fact, you’re in the lucky position of being able to head along to a baby screening, which is one of the best maternity leave activities! York has some fantastic baby and toddler-friendly cinema screenings […]

Exciting news! Everyone’s favourite forest character, Stick Man, is returning to Dalby Forest! Families looking for a fun outdoor adventure – minus the moaning – are in for a treat when the new trail opens at Dalby. Inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved picture book, this interactive trail will run from February 2025 […]

Looking for free things to do in York? Well, good news: York’s a great place to visit with kids, and it’s bursting with free things to do. Children are easily pleased, so you don’t need to spend a fortune in York to have a good time – in fact, there are lots of things to […]

Exciting things are happening at The Balloon Tree in Stamford Bridge, York! You might have spotted that the front of the Farm Shop is undergoing some major improvements, and it’s all in a good cause. The old veg marquee is being replaced with a brand-new permanent structure, which will not only house fresh fruit and […]