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 cheap things to do in York for less than £10 per person (prices correct at the start of 2025 but check before you book as things can change!).
RECOMMENDED
💰 The best free and cheap things to do in York
🪄The best Harry Potter things to do in York
🛌 The best places to stay in York with kids
🤪 The best unusual things to do in York
👶 The best things to do in York with a baby/toddler
📗 Read the Little Vikings Family Guide to York
😎 The best things to do with older kids and teens in York
Cheap things to do in York – Our Ultimate Guide
Try wizard golf at The Hole in Wand – From £7.49 per child
Enter a world of wizardry at The Hole in Wand, an enchanting mini-golf experience in York city centre. Tickets cost £8.99 per adult and £7.49 per child, making it an affordable and spellbinding adventure for the whole family. Visit The Hole in Wand York’s website.
Meet the dinosaurs at The Yorkshire Museum – From £4.75 per child
Discover dinosaurs, explore York’s rich history and enjoy hands-on activities at The Yorkshire Museum. Tickets cost £9.50 per adult and £4.75 per child, while York resident children can enter for free. Plus, tickets are valid for 12 months! Visit The Yorkshire Museum website.
Get stuck in at JORVIK DIG – From £8.75 per child
For hands-on history, JORVIK DIG is a must-visit for curious kids. Entry costs £9.90 per adult and £8.75 per child, with family tickets available from £30.50 for four people or £35.25 for five. Visit the DIG website.
Visit the National Railway Museum (FREE!)
All aboard for a brilliant family day out at the National Railway Museum, where entry is completely free! Step inside the historic Great Hall and marvel at famous locomotives like the Mallard and the Japanese bullet train. There’s plenty for little ones too, with hands-on activities and a small indoor play area. If you’re feeling like pushing the boat out, the interactive Wonderlab gallery is fantastic but does cost extra. Visit the National Railway Museum website.
Go on a Wizard Walk – £10 per person
Step into a world of mystery and magic with the Wizard Walk of York‘s famliy-friendly tour of the city. A multi-Little Vikings Award-winner, it’s great fun. Tickets cost £10 per adult and £10 per child. Visit the Wizard Walk of York website
Walk York’s city walls (FREE!)
No visit to York is complete without a walk along the famous city walls. Not only is it free, but it’s also a fantastic way to see the city. With 2.6 miles of walls to explore, kids will love spotting landmarks like York Minster and the River Ouse, and there are plenty of places to hop on and off if you get tired. Open daily, dawn until dusk, except in bad weather.
Pick up a Little Vikings Family Card for offers and discounts
For offers and discounts from a variety of family-friendly businesses in York, why not collect a FREE Little Vikings Family Card? You’ll access offers from York’s attractions, shops, cafes, classes and more – here’s what’s currently on offer.
Meet the animals at Askham Bryan Wildlife Park – £6.50 per child
If you love animals, Askham Bryan Wildlife Park is for you! The park is home to over 100 species of mammal, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Meet the meerkats, keep an eye out for the otters and enjoy regular holiday activities. Adults are £8.50, and children are £6.50, while under 3s go free. Visit the Askham Bryan Wildlife Park website
Be inspired at York Art Gallery – From £5.10 per child
Take your little artist to York Art Gallery, which has a wonderful collection of paintings, ceramics and much more from across the ages, and some hands-on activities too. Entry costs £8.50 per adult and £5.10 per child, while under-4s go free. Visit the York Art Gallery website
Become a Wizard at The Potions Academy – From £6.49 per child
Mix up a magical potion at The Potions Academy, where little witches and wizards can enjoy an interactive potion-making experience under the watchful eye of a potion master! Tickets cost £8.49 per adult and £6.49 per child. Visit the Potions Academy website
Feed the animals at Beetle Bank Farm – £8 per person
You’ll fall in love with the creatures at Beetle Bank Farm, but there are other activities to do too at this family-run attraction where it’s £8 per person. There’s an outdoor play area, plenty of space to run about, a cafe serving homemade food and regular holiday activities. Visit the Beetle Bank Farm website
Do the Little Vikings I Spy Trail (FREE!)
Recommended by The Sunday Times! Want to explore York on foot with your children, but minus the moaning? Then the Little Vikings I Spy Trail of York is just the thing! Our free walking of York is available all year round – all you have to do is collect the map and get your shoes and coats on! Find out more about the I Spy Trail.
Climb Clifford’s Tower – From £4 per child
For just £7.70 per adult and £4 per child (or £19.40 for a family of five), climb to the top of Clifford’s Tower for breathtaking views across York. Kids will love seeing what they can spot, while adults will enjoy hearing about the history of this iconic building. Visit the Clifford’s Tower website
Explore Fairfax House – £8.50 per adult, Free for under-16s
Step back in time at Fairfax House, one of England’s finest Georgian townhouses. Entry costs £8.50 per adult, but under-16s can visit for free! It’s particularly fun at Christmas, when there’s usually a themed event. Visit the Fairfax House website.
Uncover a hidden gem at Barley Hall – £9 per adult, £5.25 (5 to 16), under 5s free
Discover one of York’s hidden gems! Barley Hall is a beautifully restored medieval townhouse offering a glimpse into medieval life. Learn about its fascinating former residents and get hands-on with interactive activities, from trying on medieval costumes to trying children’s games. Visit the Barley Hall website
Have a game of bowling at Hollywood Bowl York – from £8 per person
Great active fun, especially on a rainy day, bowling is also good value. Hollywood Bowl also has arcade games, pool tables and free parking. Visit the Hollywood Bowl York website
Try York’s only kids’ escape room, Star Street Escapes – Less than £10 per person
It’s £50 for six kids to try to puzzle their way out of York’s first and only children’s escape room, Star Street Escapes! Visit the Star Street Escapes website.
Just pay to park at Bolton Abbey
For a day trip from York that won’t cost the bank, Bolton Abbey is an excellent choice for fresh air, lovely walks, stepping stones and seasonal activities. Visit the Bolton Abbey website.
Parking charges only at Dalby Forest
Dalby Forest is another one of our favourite places for a day out, with lots of fabulous walking and cycling trails and regular children’s activities. Visit the Dalby Forest website
