Father’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday 21 June, and if you’re looking for things to do in York for Father’s Day, you’re in the right place. 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.
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Meet the Gruffalo AND enjoy a 50% discount at Stockeld Park
One of the best family days out near York, Stockeld Park is packed with adventure playgrounds, zip wires, an enchanted forest and much more. This weekend, the Gruffalo will be making appearances too! This Father’s Day weekend, dads and father figures get 50% off entry, and don’t forget our 15% Stockeld Park discount, too.
📍 Stockeld Park, Wetherby Road, Wetherby, LS22 4AN
🗓 Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June
ℹ️ stockeldpark.co.uk
Father’s Day Classic Car Show at Castle Howard
Enjoy a spectacular Father’s Day out against one of Yorkshire’s most iconic backdrops. This year’s show features over 500 vintage, classic and modern classic cars and motorcycles on display, with live commentary, vehicle judging and awards, live music, trade and autojumble stalls, plus food, drinks and ice cream. Included with standard House and Garden or Garden tickets.
📍 Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
🗓 Sunday 21 June, 10am – 4pm
ℹ️ castlehoward.co.uk
Dads go free at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Show Daddy Bear he’s paw-some with a walk on the wild side at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Dads, stepdads and grandads get free entry over Father’s Day weekend with any pre-paid guest. Book online in advance as tickets are limited, with the discount applied at checkout. A brilliant excuse for a wild family day out.
📍 Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster Road, Branton, Doncaster, DN3 3NT
🗓 Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June
ℹ️ yorkshirewildlifepark.com
Tuck into a Dad pork pie from The Balloon Tree
Hard to beat as a Father’s Day treat, The Balloon Tree’s personalised Dad pork pie is just the gift. It’s £7.50 and available to order online now, with collection from Thursday 19th June.
📍 The Balloon Tree, Stamford Bridge Road, Gate Helmsley, York, YO41 1NB
🗓 Order now, collect from Thursday 19 June
ℹ️ theballoontree.co.uk
Classic car weekend at Brodsworth Hall
Here’s a great Father’s Day option just a short drive from York, as Brodsworth Hall showcases an impressive collection of vehicles spanning from the 1920s through to the 1980s and 1990s. Explore the gardens, let the kids loose on the adventure play area, and book early to save 15%.
📍 Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, Brodsworth, Doncaster, DN5 7XJ
🗓 Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June, 10am – 5pm ℹ️ english-heritage.org.uk
Free entry for dads at Piglets Adventure Farm
Piglets Adventure Farm is a brilliant family day out just outside York, and this Father’s Day weekend, dads go free with a full-paying child. With animal encounters, a tractor trailer ride, fairy trail, outdoor play and even a beach, there’s plenty to keep you busy all day.
📍 Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Moor Lane, Strensall, York, YO32 9ST
🗓 Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June
ℹ️ pigletsadventurefarm.com
Dads go free at Monk Park Farm
A brilliant Father’s Day weekend option near Thirsk, with piglet snuggling included this year. For every full-paying child, dad gets free entry (add a dad ticket when booking online). Enjoy Tractor Town, pedal carts, electric go-karts, a mini train, goat feeding, Highland cows and much more. Monkparkfarm
📍 Monk Park Farm, Green Lane, Thirsk, YO7 2AG 🗓 Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June
ℹ️ monkparkfarm.co.uk
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 wizard golf this Father’s Day weekend. It’s up to you if you let Dad win. Show your Little Vikings Family Card for a free upgrade!
📍 The Hole in Wand, 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York, YO1 9NT
ℹ️ theholeinwand.com/york
Take a Father’s Day river cruise with City Cruises York (and save 20%)
This is a brilliant way to see York from a different angle, and it’s not just for tourists! City Cruises runs sightseeing cruises along the River Ouse with live on-board commentary from local skippers, covering the city’s history and Viking heritage. There’s an on-board bar if you’re feeling peckish. Pre-book your tickets and use code VIKING20 at checkout for 20% off.
📍 City Cruises York, Kings Staith, York, YO1 9SN ℹ️ cityexperiences.com/york/city-cruises
Take a trip on a steam train
All aboard for a Father’s Day to remember! Our favourite route on the North York Moors Railway is Pickering to Whitby, leaving time for a few hours at the seaside (and some fish and chips) once you arrive. Pre-booking recommended.
📍 North York Moors Railway, Pickering Station, Park Street, Pickering, YO18 7AJ
ℹ️ nymr.co.uk
Gift a cookery class at The Cookery School at The Grand
Let dad channel his inner chef with a class at one of York’s finest cookery schools: The Cookery School at The Grand. From Weber barbecue sessions to Thai curry and the ultimate Sunday lunch, there’s loads to choose from, with classes for all skill levels.
📍 The Cookery School at The Grand, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GD
ℹ️ thegrandyork.co.uk/the-cookery-school
Father’s Day Gift Selection from Bettys
What could be more delicious – or more York – than this? Bettys’ Father’s Day Gift Selection (£34.95) pairs a half bottle of Fonseca Bin 27 port with classic tomato chutney and a box of four of their new Cheesy Rascals. Order online for delivery to the door.
📍 Bettys, St Helen’s Square, York, YO1 8QP (and online)
ℹ️ bettys.co.uk/fathers-day-gift-selection
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.
