Looking for a hands-on family day out in York this summer? Head to DIG, where children can become archaeologists, uncover York’s fascinating past and, for a limited time, step into the world of dragons too! DIG has expanded its Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon School Exhibition, giving families even more interactive activities to enjoy, all included with standard admission.
Get hands-on with archaeology
DIG is designed to get children actively involved in archaeology rather than just looking at objects behind glass. Kids can dig for real artefacts in specially designed excavation pits, uncover the layers of York’s history and discover how archaeologists piece together clues from the past. We’ve been with our own kids loads of times, and always have a really good time. It’s rarely crowded and is off the beaten track, too, which makes it more relaxing than some city centre attractions. DIG is divided into three zones, Learn, Uncover and Explore, taking families through every stage of the archaeological journey.
Join Hiccup and friends
To celebrate the latest book in Cressida Cowell’s bestselling series, Flight of the Flamestrike, the popular How to Train Your Dragon School Exhibition has been expanded to explore another fascinating part of archaeology: conservation.
Children can pull on a lab coat and safety goggles before investigating X-rays, discovering how harmful salts are removed from objects recovered from the sea and examining specimens under microscopes. Along the way, they’ll learn how experts care for historic discoveries and perhaps even uncover evidence that dragons once existed. There are also plenty of ideas to inspire families to continue exploring and experimenting at home.
A great family day out this summer
Combining archaeology, history, science and plenty of imagination, DIG offers something different for families visiting York this summer. If your children love getting hands-on, asking questions and discovering how things work, it’s well worth adding to your summer holiday list. It also has an excellent gift shop! We really can’t recommend it highly enough.
The expanded Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon School Exhibition is included with admission to DIG throughout the summer holidays.
Essential info
🛡️ Where – DIG, St Saviour Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN
🐉 When – Opens 21st July 2025 and runs throughout the summer holidays
📚 Who’s it for? Families with dragon fans aged 5–12
🎟️ Book your visit now – Click here for the DIG website
The How to Train Your Dragon School series is written and illustrated by Cressida Cowell and published by Hodder Children’s Books. Text and illustrations © Cressida Cowell. Reproduced by permission of Hodder Children’s Books, an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group, Carmelite House, 50 Victoria Embankment, EC4Y 0DZ.
