York’s summer can be summed up in two words: glorious and short (okay, three words if you count ‘unpredictable’). If there’s one thing we know, it’s that you’ve got to make the most of it while it’s here, and that means enjoying the sun while it shines and splashing about near the water. No matter […]

We’re going on an adventure! This summer (Saturday 19th July to Sunday 31st August 2025), head to Mother Shipton’s Cave, where magic dwells deep, with hobbit-esque themed displays and plenty of fairy magic. It’s an adventure to rule them all, happening in the heart of Yorkshire! Keep an eye out for an enchanting fairy and curiously […]

York’s much-loved rivers, the Ouse and the Foss, wind right through the heart of the city and are a must-visit for families exploring York with kids. As well as boat trips with the brilliant City Cruises and lovely riverside walks, it’s also a perfect place to eat with kids in tow. There’s something magical about […]

Looking for a joyful family day out in York this summer? You’re warmly invited to Homestead Park Festival: Here is Hope – a free, family-friendly festival packed with music, creativity and connection, all set in the beautiful grounds of Homestead Park. It’s taking place on 5th and 6th July 2025, and it’s completely free. Whether […]

Christmas at Stockeld Park is packed with festive magic and loved by all ages, just a short drive from York, and we’re giving one lucky family (up to 2 adults and 3 children) the chance to experience it all with gold tickets! To celebrate the launch of Stockeld Park’s magical Gold Christmas tickets this summer, […]

If you’re looking for afternoon tea in York for the whole family, The Potions Academy has recently launched Wizard Afternoon Tea and it’s proving more popular than a Harry Potter costume on World Book Day. Run by the expert team behind The Potions Cauldron and The Hole in Wand, it’s an experience that brings the […]

The Make Space Festival is back for 2025 and it’s bigger, bolder and has more events than ever! The festival is all about empowering teenage girls to take up space, try new things and have fun. From creative workshops to active outdoor sessions, the festival is packed with free events designed to spark curiosity and […]

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 a way to thank them for what they do for us. While there’s a lot to be said for keeping it simple (and nothing says I […]

There’s a new reason to explore York with kids this summer, and it’s wild, wonderful, and completely free: the Tommy Treebark Trail! Families living in or visiting York are invited to take part in this fun city centre trail, which promises to be fun for all ages. Running from 25th April to 14th September 2025, […]

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 […]

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 […]