Resist the urge to hibernate, wrap up warm and enjoy the best activities and events on offer in and around York this February half term. There’s lots to do in York with kids at this time of year, from the JORVIK Viking Festival to a magical fairy trail. We’ve got things to do for free, and some good options for things to do if it rains, too. Here are our February half term highlights.
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The best things to do in York this February half-term 2024
Colour and Light at York Art Gallery
Colour and Light is a FREE light installation that will run from 7th to 25th February 2024 and no booking is needed. Using various animation techniques and styles, the outdoor after-dark projection show will illuminate York Art Gallery. It’s another York Bid initiative to brighten up the city during the darker months and we love the sound of it. Children love heading out after dark and it’s a great way to see the city without the crowds. 7th to 24th February 2024 – York Art Gallery – Free, no booking required – More here
Dark Skies Festival 2024
Look to the skies this February half-term with the Dark Skies Festival 2024 in the glorious North York Moors. Taking place from 9th to 25th February 2024, activities include stargazing, nocturnal walks, nighttime trail runs, crafts, trails and more. Here’s the full programme >
Special Wonderlab activities at the National Railway Museum
Head to the National Railway Museum and enjoy extra activities at Wonderlab, the new interactive gallery. There’s an additional charge, and pre-booking is recommended. There’s plenty to see in the rest of the museum, too, including The Flying Scotsman, and general admission is free. Find out more >
February half term at Murton Park
February half term will be all about kindness at Murton Park, with kindness prompts around the park, kindness activities to get stuck into and even a party at the end of the week! To celebrate Chinese New Year, you’ll help make Chinese dragons out of boxes and then everyone will join together to make a train of dragons to do a conga around the park (10th Feb, 10.30 – 12.30pm)! The event is FREE with a valid annual pass. Find out more >
Kids go free at Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park – Head to Askham Bryan this half term for a week full of crafts, events and games. This is a ticketed event, so pre-book through the website and stick to your arrival time. Find out more
Explore the woods at Dreamery Gardens
Dreamery Gardens (formerly Northwood Trail), England’s Fairy Sanctuary, is a magical place to visit with children, just outside Stamford Bridge. Set in 100 acres of stunning woodland, spot the fairy doors, get lost in the maze and enjoy the peace and quiet. Don’t miss the little fairy museum, and make sure you have time to stop at Dreamery Kitchen for a drink or something to eat. They do kids’ parties too! Find out more >
Oxygen York opens
The brand new trampoline park, Oxygen, opens in York just in time for February half term. Book before 12th February and you can save 25% on a family pass with our special Little Vikings discount code. Visit the Oxygen York website
JORVIK Viking Festival 2024
The Vikings are back for the JORVIK Viking Festival in 2024! They will once again be pitching their tents in central York in February for five days of living history, hands-on fun, craft workshops and many other activities. Find out more >
February frolics at Piglets Adventure Farm
Reopening on 10th February for the 2024 season, Piglets Adventure Farm is the place to be for lots of baa-rilliant fun! See lambs being born (and bottle feed them), do the farmyard trail, watch the hilarious ‘Bo Peep’s Lost the Flock Again’ live show (and meet Bo Peep and friends), explore the adventure playground, run off steam in the indoor play barn and much more. Note that the beach and fairy tale trail will be closed. Find out more >
Freddie’s Deer Park Adventure at Raby Castle
Join Freddie the Frog on an exciting Deer Park Adventure! Help as he sets out to find his friends, including the lovable Henry Hedgehog and the charming Phil the Pheasant. Jump, run, and play amidst the picturesque parkland that surrounds the iconic Raby Castle. This low-cost family adventure promises boundless fun for all ages. The trail is included in standard Deer Park admissions. 17th to 25th February 2024 – Visit the website
Harness the power of a basilisk at The Hole in Wand
Head to The Hole In Wand for 9 holes of magical mini golf this February half-term. but beware the presence of the Basilisk! The legendary serpent king, venomous and with a lethal gaz,e is coming to the Hole In Wand to capture unsuspecting wizards in its deathly stare. But don’t fear, there’s a fresh supply of Basilisk Blood potion on hand to combat the threat. One sip will deflect the fatal glare, harness the power of the renowned reptile and turn the meekest of mouse into a fearless lion. The potion provides protection, but remember, be aware, do not look into the eyes and of course, have the most magical time. Visit the website for more info.
Soar to the skies at the Yorkshire Air Museum
Bring the family and experience the tremendous atmosphere of this award-winning attraction based on former RAF Elvington, a WWII Bomber Command base. Explore the exhibitions, visit the control tower and see all the incredible aircraft. Admission tickets are valid for 12 months! Open daily. Find out more >
In the footsteps of Mary Ward at The Bar Convent
Take The Bar Convent’s family-friendly trail to discover the story of the trailblazer Yorkshire woman, Mary Ward. Find out how she paved the way for equality in education, against all the odds, this February half term! Included in admission, and there’s the chance to win a voucher for the cafe. Throughout February. Find out more >
Eat somewhere new!
York’s packed with amazing places to eat and drink with kids, but it can be hard to know where to start. Take a look at our handy guide to family-friendly places to eat around the city. Read our guide >
Chocolate masterclass at York’s Chocolate Story
Join York’s Chocolate Story for a fun-filled chocolate masterclass on the 13th and 15th of February. Led by a expert chocolatier, this activity promises a delightful experience for the entire family where you can unleash your creativity and craft delicious chocolates together! Visit the website to book.
Take a river cruise or hire a self-drive boat
Ahoy there! For a fun and memorable family experience in York, look to the river. Choose from a relaxed cruise along the Ouse with commentary from your captain, or brave the waters with a self-drive hire boat. We’ve done both and loved them equally. Use your Little Vikings Family Card for a discount on self-drive hires.
Experience Viking-age York
Take your little Vikings to discover York’s Viking legacy at the award-winning JORVIK Viking Centre. Hop aboard the time capsule to 10th-century York and take in the sights, sounds and even the smells of the Viking Age city. Dig deeper into the Viking story of York by getting close-up with a rare collection of 1,000-year-old-artefacts whilst talking to friendly Viking hosts. The Vikings are also back in York for JORVIK Viking Festival this February half-term.
Discover a hidden medieval gem
Barley Hall is a picturesque medieval townhouse tucked away down one of the oldest streets in York. Once home to the Priors of Nostell, Barley Hall has now been lovingly restored to its original splendour. Little ones can make themselves at home, join in dress-up fun and activities in a Tudor School Room and experience what it would have been like to live in medieval England. Don’t miss the new exhibition, Bard at Barley Hall, featuring costumes from famous films and an interactive stage!
The Hobs are back at York Mansion House!
Hobs are little household faeries that have been haunting Yorkshire homes for centuries. There have been hobs in the Mansion House since it was built in 1725! They are extremely friendly and like to help with the cleaning and the chores… but they also have a mischievous side! Head to York Mansion House to help find our little friends and complete some fun Hob-stacles! The Hob Trail is included in admission. Find out more
Explore the history of York’s walls this February half-term
Take the kids to visit one of the historic gateways into the city – and discover 2,000-year stories involving battles, imprisonment and near destruction of the walls! Meet some of the characters whose stories are intertwined with Micklegate Bar: a princess, a Royalist in the English Civil War and an early 20th-century policeman who made the gatehouse his home.
Dig into some archaeological fun
At DIG, kids get to discover only the most exciting archaeological artefacts from the 2000 years of history hidden under the streets of York. Four excavation pits are filled with Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian finds, so you can grab a trowel and dig up the clues that show how people lived in these times. This is a one-of-a-kind! Don’t miss Poo Day at DIG! Kids can make their very own replica Viking poo, as part of JORVIK Viking Festival 2024.
Stay in a cottage at Middletons York
Middletons is one of York’s most family-friendly hotels – they even have gorgeous family cottages in the grounds! Children will love all the extra touches, and the central location is hard to beat.
Tee off at York Golf Range
Have some fun in the fresh air at York Golf Range. Navigate the obstacles on the crazy golf course (just £12 for a family of four) or have a go at footgolf, ideal for kids age 4+.
Have a round of wizard golf at The Hole in Wand
For something totally different to do with your kids this half term, how about a round of wizard-themed minigolf? The Hole in Wand is great fun for older kids who can wield a club (kids aged 6+ will probably enjoy it most), and there are lots of surprises along the way. Each participant gets a potion to enjoy too, making it really good value. Click here to use your Little Vikings Family Card for a FREE premium upgrade!
Go for a winter walk
There’s nothing better than a bracing winter walk, and we’ve got plenty to choose from. From a circular walk at Askham Bog to the Little Vikings I Spy Trail around York city centre and the white horse walk at Sutton Bank, we’ve got it covered (but it’s up to you to remember the snacks).
