Could you survive a Viking sea voyage? Come and find out!
From 10th July 2026, embark on a summer expedition over the high seas to find out how Vikings survived long journeys, what they ate, whether they got bored, and what they did when they got to York. When you arrive at JORVIK Viking Centre, you’ll experience our portal to the past, where you’ll catch your first glimpse of Viking-age York (then known as Jorvik) before stepping aboard our Time Cars and travelling back to the spring of AD 960.
Viking activities for kids in York
Ran, goddess of the sea, has been up to her mischievous tricks and has transported part of a Viking-age wharf into our gallery. Learn from our Viking hosts and discover:
- – How ships were built
- – What goods the Vikings traded
- – What they really thought about the sea
Is this suitable for my little Vikings?
Absolutely! We want the whole family to have a wonderful time learning about Viking travel and trade so we have created an activity pack designed for little Vikings, but get adults curious too! Follow Unnr and Grom as they prepare to set sail, in our beautifully illustrated comic book style guide. Your children will learn what was used to make a Viking ship, how Vikings navigated in a time before Google maps and what they packed. You’ll also meet some mischievous Norse gods trying to set them off course! You’ll find hints of objects to find in the gallery as well as activities such as a word search and a star constellation dot-to-dot, too.
Check out our web hub and book in advance
Booking is essential for JORVIK Viking Centre, especially for the summer holidays. The easiest way to do this is on our website jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk where you’ll also find our Summer Voyage: Travel and Trade hub, which will have even more information to help your family make the most of their visit or learn more after you’ve been.
What to expect
You’ll be inside for your visit so if the Great British weather does its thing you won’t need to worry. We do have spare brollies for while you’re queuing though, so just ask! JORVIK Viking Centre is actually underground, so we have a lift in reception and we have buggy storage if you need it. We have costumed Vikings on-hand to help bring the experience to life for you and the family, and if you need anything else, just ask.
JORVIK Viking Centre is a multi-sensory experience, including a range of smells on the ride. If this might prove a challenge for anyone we have sensory packs as well as a smell map so they know what’s coming and when their environment might change.
The experience includes an area with a glass floor and big screen, our ride, which has a wheelchair compatible pod if you need it (please let us know in advance) and our artefact gallery. It’s a brilliant way to bring topics from the Key Stage 1 and 2 history curriculum to life. There’s plenty more information, including any accessibility requirements that might be helpful, on our website. So, if you’re looking for things to in York with the kids, look no further: book your trip to Viking-age York today!
📍 JORVIK Viking Centre, 19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT
📅 Open daily
🔗 Book online at jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk
This is a promotional feature in partnership with our friends at York Archaeology
