​ ​As the day turns to night, soak up the atmosphere and get ready for cinema under the stars. ​ It’s time for summer and the UK’s No.1 outdoor cinema experience and everything is perfectly scripted to make this a summer to remember.  Oscar-winning blockbusters, feel-good classics and family favourites: there’s something for everyone in the majestic surroundings of the UK’s most stunning stately homes, castles, and green […]

The longest holidays of the year are upon us, but don’t panic! It’s a long time to keep children entertained, but there are lots of things going on in and around York this summer. As always, we’ve handpicked the very best events and activities, with plenty of ideas for every budget and weather condition (but […]

If you’re looking for a performing arts class near York, look no further! QE’s Saturday morning performing arts club, The King’s Academy, develops skills in acting, singing, comedy, stage combat, and dancing for 5-to-11-year-olds. Each year in June, the students rehearse and perform a full-length play or musical in front of an audience of friends […]

You’re invited to Uncover York Central this summer! Discover what’s been found hiding underneath the site so far, come and meet the team and get the latest updates on York Central. With photos and exhibits, a discovery sand pit and a chance to dress up as an engineer or an archaeologist, there’s fact-finding fun for […]

There’s a somewhere in York that’s got everyone talking, but it’s not a shiny new tourist attraction, fancy restaurant or quirky shop. Quite the opposite. The place on everyone’s lips is Pool Bridge Farm, a family-run wild swimming spot and campsite in Wheldrake, just a 15-minute drive from the city centre. We headed along to […]

Whether you’re in York for a day, a weekend, a week or a lifetime, it’s no secret that there’s plenty of things to do with kids. As locals ourselves, we’ve gone beyond the guidebooks to pick some of the most interesting and inspiring things to do and places to go, whatever the age of your […]

The Railway Museum has long been a top family-friendly destination in York, but it’s set to get even better with the opening of Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery this summer. This new interactive experience is specifically aimed at families and tickets are on sale now. Here’s what you need to know about this new and unique […]

Much as we love the summer holidays – no pack-ups to make, uniforms to iron or PE kits to remember – they are LONG. The majority of parents will need, or want, a holiday club or camp for a few days or more so they can work or get stuff done without little people in […]

Art of Protest Projects’ insanely popular spray paint classes are back at one of York’s most exciting venues. The AOP Projects team have teamed up again with SPARK* to deliver more exciting, hands-on, high-energy spray paint and stencil workshops designed just for kids ages 7+. With new and exciting stencils and themes, these classes are […]

Awash with animals of all shapes, colours and sizes, Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park has been a top spot for families in York since it opened five years ago. This summer there’s an extra reason to head along: the first York Pride Family Fun Day! Head to the wildlife park on Saturday 22nd July […]

Families are spoilt for choice when it comes to parks, gardens and green spaces in and around York. From award-winning local parks to botanical gardens, nature reserves and gardens with big fish to feed, there’s lots to discover (and plenty of places for a game of hide-and-seek!). Here are our favourite parks, gardens and gorgeous […]

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 […]

This feature is part of Little Vikings Great Yorkshire Family Escapes, a whole year of inspiration for anyone looking for a family break in Yorkshire. Over the next few months, we’ll introduce you to the best places to stay on the Yorkshire Coast, in the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and the towns and cities in between. You’ll […]

This feature is part of Little Vikings Great Yorkshire Family Escapes, a whole year of inspiration for anyone looking for a family break in Yorkshire. Over the next few months, we’ll introduce you to the best places to stay on the Yorkshire Coast, in the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and the towns and cities in […]

There’s something really exciting about fossils, so we’re really excited about a new exhibition heading to The Yorkshire Museum this summer, celebrating history’s unsung hero and fossil hunter, Mary Anning. ‘Mary Anning Rocks’ opens on 14th July 2023 and will celebrate the inspiring story of the renowned palaeontologist. Best known for discovering Jurassic marine fossils […]

York is THE place to be with kids this summer! Bursting with family-friendly attractions and with a packed calendar of fun events for children, there’s something for every age, weather and budget (take a look at our guide to the summer holidays in York here >). One of our top picks for kids is Piglets […]

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 and around that children will love. Here’s our pick of […]

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 […]

Attention young Romans! The ever-popular Eboracum Roman Festival is returning to York Museum Gardens for 2023. Taking place on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th July 2023, there’s plenty for children to enjoy at this free, family-friendly event. Explore the day-to-day lives of citizens and centurions through living history demonstrations, expert talks, hands-on activities and storytelling […]

As part of the Make Space for Girls campaign, The Friends of Rowntree Park are hosting a month of events in Rowntree Park during June 2023 to inspire and empower girls. From sports and fitness classes to art and craft workshops, music and dance performances, and nature-related activities. It’s time to reclaim the public space, […]