The summer holidays can be pricey at the best of times, what with the endless snack requests, demands to go out and do something fun and cries for ice cream. With prices rising, we’re all going to be watching the pennies more than usual this year, so we’ve put together this handy guide to try to save you some money. Have a look at our things to do for free, places with free child admission, places that you only need to pay to park and attractions where your ticket is valid for a year so your money goes further. We’ve also got some special discount codes on days out from York. Pack a picnic and enjoy!

Free events in York this summer

• – Summer nature trails and activities at York Minster – Nature trail and Wednesday activities – Read more
• – Summer Social at York Designer Outlet – Free outdoor fun and games – Read more
• – Summer Reading Challenge at Explore York libraries – Get your kids reading! – Read more

Special Little Vikings offers

Little Vikings Family Card discounts

One of the best ways for families to save money in York is to pick up a FREE Little Vikings Family Card. Collect yours from the Visit York Information Centre in Parliament Street and take advantage of special offers and perks – find the current offers HERE. Here are some of our most popular perks on days out in York:

• – FREE child admission to JORVIK DIG
• – 20% off admission to York’s Chocolate Story
• – £5 annual family ticket at York Army Museum
• – FREE chocolate frog at The Potions Cauldron
• – FREE Premium Upgrade at The Hole in Wand
• – £5 discount with City Cruises York
• – 10% discount at Rainbows Ceramics

Summer passes

Some of the family-friendly attractions around York are offering summer passes, keeping costs down if you think you’ll visit a few times. Our favourites are:

• – Piglets Adventure Farm – £25 per person – Visit as many times as you like during the summer
• – Stockeld Park – £30 per person – Unlimited visits
• – William’s Den – £29.95 per person – Unlimited visits

York Pride Wristband discounts

A York Pride wristband may set you back £5 per person BUT you’ll get some cracking discounts with it. Buy yours from York Station and you’ll get some great discounts including:

• – 20% off admission to Barley Hall
• – FREE entry to Beningbrough Hall between 1st June and 31st August 2023
• – 10% off sightseeing and dining cruises with City Cruises York
• – 10% off at City Screen
• – 20% off walk-up admissions to JORVIK DIG
• – 20% off walk-up admissions to JORVIK Viking Centre
• – 10% off The Potions Cauldron
• – 10% off walk-up admission at York’s Chocolate Story

Best free (and cheap) things to do in York this summer

Free admission for all at these York attractions

• – York city walls
• – Railway Museum
• – Shambles
• – York Museum Gardens
• – York Art Gallery
• – Rowntree Park
• – Dean’s Park
• – Picnic spots around York

Free admission for young children

1. – JORVIK Dig – Under 3s go free
2. – JORVIK Viking Centre – Under 5s go free
3. – York Castle Museum – Under 5s go free
4. – The Yorkshire Museum – Under 5s go free
5. – York Minster – Under 18s go free
6. – York’s Chocolate Story – Under 4s go free
7. – Beningbrough Hall – Under 5s go free
8. – Nunnington Hall – Under 5s go free
9. – RHS Harlow Carr – Under 5s go free
10. – Newby Hall – Under 2s go free
11. – Castle Howard – Under 2s go free

Free admission for York residents

1. – York Minster (adult and child residents go free)
2. – York Castle Museum (child residents go free)
3. – The Yorkshire Museum (child residents go free)

Just pay for parking at these lovely places

1. – Dalby Forest
2. – Bolton Abbey
3. – Brimham Rocks
4. – Sutton Bank
5. – Falling Foss
6. – Askham Bog
7. – Moorlands Nature Reserve
8. – Fairburn Ings Nature Reserve

Tickets valid for 12 months at these York attractions

• – JORVIK Viking Centre
• – The Yorkshire Museum
• – Dig York – An Archaeological Adventure
• – Barley Hall
• – Murton Park
• – The Deep, Hull