Is York family-friendly?

Yes! York is a brilliant place to visit and live with children. There are world-class attractions like the JORVIK Viking Centre and the National Railway Museum, lovely parks, and plenty of cafes and restaurants that welcome families. It’s small enough to explore on foot, and it’s ideally placed for days out in the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors and on the coast. York was also named the Best Place to Live by The Sunday Times in 2018.

What can you do in York for free?

There are loads of free things to do in York. Here are some of our favourites:

• Visit the National Railway Museum
• Walk York’s city walls
• Have a picnic in York Museum Gardens
• Explore the ancient streets and quirky snickelways
• Follow the Little Vikings I Spy Trail or the York Cat Trail
• Wander down the Shambles, the medieval street said to have inspired Diagon Alley
• Play at Rowntree Park, one of York’s best parks for kids
• Enjoy York’s festivals, from the JORVIK Viking Festival to the York Ice Trail

For more ideas, read our guide to the best free things to do in York.

What are the best things to do in York with kids?

The most popular family attractions in York city centre are:

• JORVIK Viking Centre
• National Railway Museum
• York Castle Museum
• York’s Chocolate Story
• JORVIK DIG
• The Yorkshire Museum
• York Minster

Our Family Map of York has our pick of the best, from must-see attractions to hidden gems.

What can you do in York on a rainy day?

Plenty! The National Railway Museum is known as “York’s umbrella”, and the JORVIK Viking Centre, York’s Chocolate Story, York Minster and the Yorkshire Museum are all good options too. You could also try pottery painting at Rainbows Ceramics or Bish Bash Pot, see a film at City Screen or Everyman York, or let off steam at The Web Adventure Park. McArthurGlen York Designer Outlet has a covered play area as well.

Is York pushchair-friendly?

Mostly, yes. The city centre is compact and largely pedestrianised, although some streets, including the Shambles, are cobbled. Most of the city walls can only be reached by steps, so they’re easier with a baby carrier.

Where can I get the Little Vikings Family Map of York?

Our free, pocket-sized Family Map of York is packed with the best things to do in and around the city, from top attractions to hidden gems and adventures beyond the city walls. You can pick one up from the Visit York Information Centre on Swinegate.

What are the Little Vikings walking trails?

We’ve created two free walking trails to help families explore York:

• The Little Vikings I Spy Trail sends you hunting for landmarks, details and hidden clues around the city. It’s been recommended by The Sunday Times. Pick up a printed map from the Visit York Information Centre, hotels and attractions.
• The Snickelways and Silly Street Names Trail, our newest trail, leads you through York’s hidden alleyways and wonderfully weird street names. 

What is the Little Vikings Family Card?

The Little Vikings Family Card gives you discounts and special offers at family-friendly businesses in and around York, from classes to cafes and attractions. It’s free! Pick one up from the Visit York Information Centre on Parliament Street. Find out more about the Family Card.

What are the Little Vikings Awards?

The Little Vikings Awards celebrate the very best of family-friendly York, as voted for by families. Nominations and voting take place online between September and January, and you’ll see winners’ stickers and certificates proudly displayed across the city. 

How do I get the Little Vikings newsletter?

Sign up on our website to get the best of York and beyond straight to your inbox every week, with ideas for the weekend, insider tips and more.

Who runs Little Vikings?

Little Vikings is an independent, award-winning guide to York for families, founded in 2013 and run by a local York family. York is our home town, and we love helping families make the most of their time here through our website, newsletter, social media and print guides.

How can my business work with Little Vikings?

We work with attractions, venues and family-friendly businesses across York and North Yorkshire to connect them with families. To find out more or request a copy of our media pack, email hello@little-vikings.co.uk.