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 love you like starting the day with burnt toast and crumbs in the bed), if you’d like to do something extra, here are some ideas for things to do around York and some lovely things to give this Father’s Day.
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 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
Dads go free at Stockeld Park – Stockeld Park is one of the best family days out near York, with adventure playgrounds galore, an epic adventure playground and much more. Dads and father figures go free on Sunday 15th June, just add a free ticket to the cart. Don’t forget our 15% Stockeld Park discount, too.
Father’s Day Rally at Murton Park – Head to Murton Park on Sunday 15th June for their annual Father’s Day car rally. With a selection of classic vehicles spread throughout the park and much more, it’ll be a great day out. The event is FREE to enter with a valid annual pass. Visit the Murton Park website
Free park entry for daddy bears at Yorkshire Wildlife Park – Show Daddy Bear that he’s absolutely PAWsome with a walk on the WILD side at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Dads enjoy free entry during Father’s Day weekend (14th and 15th June) with any pre-paid guest. Visit the website for all the details.
Tuck into a Dad pork pie from The Balloon Tree – Edible treats are hard to beat, and what carnivore wouldn’t love one of these Dad pork pies? Order yours as soon as possible for collection before the Father’s Day weekend. Visit The Balloon Tree website
FREE pizza for Dads at Piglets Adventure Farm – Visit Piglets on 14th or 15th June and every dad visiting with a pre-booked child, adult, concession ticket or Piglets Annual Pass holder will receive a FREE delicious pizza to enjoy during your day out. Take part in an animal encounter, find the hidden fairies, hop on the tractor trailer ride, enjoy outdoor play and even relax at the beach! Follow Piglets on Facebook for the details
Free beer for dads at Ate O’Clock – Sign up for the Ate O’Clock newsletter and show the email about their Father’s Day offer of a free bottle of beer (offer valid from June 13th to 15th). Ate O’Clock, 13a High Ousegate, York YO1 8RZ – Visit the website
Have a round of wizard golf at The Hole in Wand (and enjoy a free upgrade) – We LOVE minigolf, and it’s even better with a magical twist. Head to The Hole in Wand in York’s Coppergate (pre-booking strongly advised) and enjoy a family game of golf this Father’s Day (up to you if you let Dad win…). Show your Little Vikings Family Card for a special upgrade!
£5 off self-drive boat hire with City Cruises York – Enjoy a unique and memorable experience with City Cruises’ self-drive boat hire, and get £5 off with our Little Vikings discount. Explore the waterways at your own pace and make unforgettable memories with family and friends. If you’d rather climb aboard one of the big boats and let someone else do the driving, why not check out the daytime and early evening cruises? Visit the website
Dads climb free at Freeklime – Get the family together and climb some walls this Father’s Day at Freeklime, one of York’s brilliant bouldering centres. No excuses for standing on the sidelines – Dads climb free! Follow Freeklime on Instagram
Father’s Day Classic Car Show at Castle Howard – Enjoy a spectacular day of motoring heritage at Castle Howard, ideal for enthusiasts, families, and day-trippers, featuring exciting displays of vintage vehicles to classic motorcycles, trade and autojumble stalls, food and drink. 15th June 2025 – Visit the Castle Howard website for more details
Take a trip on a steam train – All aboard for a family trip to remember on the North York Moors Railway! Our favourite route is Pickering to Whitby so we can have a few hours at the seaside (and some fish and chips) too. Visit the NYMR website for details and to book.
Gift a cookery class – Let your dad channel his inner Gordon Ramsay (or, let’s hope, Jamie Oliver), on a cookery course at The Cookery School at The Grand. From Weber barbecue classes to how to master a Thai curry or whip up the ultimate Sunday lunch, there’s plenty to choose from. Visit the website for details.
Classic car weekend at Brodsworth Hall – Vroom vroom! Visit Brodsworth Hall on 14th and 15th June (10am to 5pm) for a weekend of classic cars. See a variety of cars, from vintage vehicles to modern motors from the 1980s and 1990s. Book in advance to save. Visit the Brodsworth Hall website for more info.
Father’s Day Gift Bag from Bettys – This selection of Bettys teatime treats is delightful: a tasting selection of hand-finished artisan chocolates joins craft bakers’ buttery Yorkshire Shortbread and indulgent Chocolate & Orange biscuits, to be enjoyed with delicious Colombian coffee. Visit the Bettys website for details and to order.
Go for a lovely walk – If the weather’s good, why not pack a picnic and head out for a walk together? Take a look at our guide to the best places for a family walk in and around York.
Head to the seaside – Grab your buckets and spades and head off to the Yorkshire Coast. Whether you fancy hunting for fossils or hiring a pedalo, here’s our guide to the Yorkshire coast for kids.
