May half term in York runs from 25th May to 2nd June 2024 and there’s plenty going on for families to enjoy . Take a look at our handy guide for our pick of the best, and keep checking back as we’ll keep updating it. Make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for daily inspiration too.
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Minibeasts in May – Visit Castle Howard throughout May half term for a marvellous Minibeast adventure at Skelf Island Adventure Playground. Enjoy the great outdoors and learn all about impressive invertebrates with daily activities, including searching for bugs, mud pie making, and helping to create a Castle Howard bug hotel. Plus, young explorers can navigate rope bridges, whizz down slides, and discover ingenious treetop nests at Skelf Island Adventure Playground. Visit the website for more info
Have your mind-blown this May at the National Railway Museum! This half term explore the wonders of science and create unforgettable family memories at Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery. Experience the thrill of science in action with the electrifying live shows. Roll up your sleeves and have a go yourself with 18 interactive challenges! Explore Great Hall and meet locomotive giants including Mallard and the Japanese Bullet Train. Discover a huge collection of railway items in North Shed or take a trip back in time to relive the story of the Flying Scotsman with Flying Scotsman VR Experience. Visit the National Railway Museum website to book your tickets.
See Monet’s waterlilies at York Art Gallery – Claude Monet’s incredible waterlilies are coming to York Art Gallery this spring as part of a new exhibition! The iconic painting The Water-Lily Pond will be the centrepiece of an amazing exhibition that we’re lucky to have on our doorstep. The exhibition will run from 10th May to 8th September 2024 and it’s not to be missed. On 29th May, 1 to 5-year-olds can join Wicked Wednesday, with games, songs and stories. Booking required. Visit the York Art Gallery website for all the details
Lost Boys at Mother Shipton’s – This May Half Term, all you need is faith, trust and pixie dust! Head to Mother Shipton’s from 25th May to the 2nd June and step into the enchanting world of Peter Pan with ‘Lost Boys’. Embark on an adventure like no other as you explore themed displays inspired by the wild children from the beloved story of Peter Pan. From shipwrecks to pirate hideouts and fairy-themed displays, pose amidst scenes straight out of a storybook. Visit the Mother Shipton’s website for more info and to book
Tales from the Trail at York Castle Museum – Two slightly madcap Victorian characters will be on Kirkgate at various times during half term, interacting with each other and visitors. Short scenes take place, each concerning a story or a bit of fun about objects to be purchased from the shops of Kirkgate, all from the Time Travellers museum trail. Prepare for silliness, stories and urgent shopping with the Kirkgate characters. Pick up a copy of the free Time Travellers Trail at the ticket desk so you can get involved too! 25th, 29th and 30th May and 1st June – Find out more
May half-term adventures at Piglets Adventure Farm – From exploring The Beach to getting up close to farmyard friends, jumping on the bumpy Barrel Train Ride and burning off energy in the indoor play area, there’s lots to enjoy this half-term. Open daily; visit the Piglets website
May the games begin at Oxygen York – Prepare for MAYhem during the half-term with the Winners’ Pass at Oxygen York, offering more Activeplay for less. Challenge yourself daily and join the fun with the hero crew. Valid at all Oxygen Parks from Monday 27th May to Friday 31st May 2024, providing 1 hour of jumping per day, Monday to Friday. See what else is going on at Oxygen York this half term.
Star Carr: Life After the Ice at The Yorkshire Museum – Explore what human life was like 11,000 years ago, a few hundred years after the last Ice Age, through an exciting new exhibition at the Yorkshire Museum, which brings together wonderful artefacts from one the most famous Mesolithic sites in the world. On 25th May and 1st June, Meet Me at The Yorkshire Museum will see costumed characters in the museum. On 29th May, join a Creative Family Wednesday (free!). Included in admission – www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/
Unwrap the history of chocolate at York’s Chocolate Story (and save 20%) – Join York’s Chocolate Story for an unforgettable May half-term celebration! Guests can immerse themselves in a world of sweet delights as expert guides lead them on an enchanting tour through the history of chocolate making in the heart of York. The tour unveils the secrets behind the city’s chocolate heritage. May half-term is a time of joy, and the team has crafted an array of delightful, upgraded experiences to make each visit truly special. From hands-on chocolate-making masterclasses to Truffle Rolling, and even the new Family Tour Package – there’s something for chocolate enthusiasts of all ages. Save 20% with your Little Vikings Family Card – Visit the website
The Big Hob Hunt at York Mansion House – Hobs are little household faeries (old English) who 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 the little friends. The Hob Trail is included in admission. Visit the website
The Spring Adventure at Stockeld Park – Spend the day exploring the Enchanted Forest and its many play areas, laughing through the magical maze, bouncing on the outdoor inflatables, whizzing around the go kart track and much more. Why not visit the epic PlayHive indoor play area too? It’s one of the biggest in Europe and so much fun. 25th May to 2nd June 2024 – Visit the website
May half term at Raby Castle – There’s loads going on at Raby Castle, from a Tiny Creatures Trail at High Force Waterfall to a Mini Mindfulness Trail in the Deer Park and a Farmyard Fun Trail in the Plotters’ Forest. Kids go free into Raby Castle this May half term with a valid Plotters’ Forest ticket, too. Visit the Raby Castle website for all the details.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Sewerby Hall – See incredible photographs of animals and the natural world at the world-famous Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at Sewerby Hall and Gardens in Bridlington. It runs from 4th May to 14th July 2024 and is the perfect excuse for a day out (or longer) on the Yorkshire Coast. There’s a play area, zoo and gardens to explore too. Visit the Sewerby Hall and Gardens website.
Stay with the family at Middletons Hotel – Fancy a family break to York this half term? Middletons Hotel – part of Daniel Thwaites – is the perfect base for a family escape in York. The award-winning hotel also boasts the ultimate family-friendly ‘VI Little P’ package, expertly designed for little guests on-the-go. The Cottage rooms include a big king-size bed for adults and bunk beds for under 12s, so there’s plenty of space to unwind after a busy day. Look out for Terry’s Chocolate Oranges too! Visit the Middletons website
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. Visit the City Cruises York website for more details
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+. Find out more about York Golf Range >
Great British Food Festival at Harewood – The Great British Food Festival is returning to Harewood for 2024. Take a good helping of local and artisan producers, a big serving of tasty hot food vendors, add a dash of bars, a sprinkling of children’s activities, a dollop of top chef demos, stir in some competitions, with lashings of excellent live music, and mix to make a fabulous foodie family day out. Saturday 25th to Monday 27th May 2024, 10am to 5.30pm – Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG – Visit the Harewood website for more details
Malton Food Lovers Festival – Home to artisan producers and award-winning independent businesses, visitors to the Malton Food Lovers’ Festivals this year can expect a huge array of unique stalls with tasty treats and gorgeous gifts, celebrity chef talks and demonstrations, live music and fun for all the family. 25th to 27th May 2024 – Visit the Visit Malton website for details
Experience Viking-age York – Take your little Vikings to discover York’s Viking legacy at the award-winning JORVIK Viking Centre. Hop aboard our time capsule to 10th-century York, and take in the sights, sounds and even the smells – including rotting fish and cabbages – 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. Ask them what Vikings had for tea or if they did homework! This Spring is your last chance to see the Herefordshire Hoard at JORVIK! See 29 silver coins a beast’s head gold bracelet, a gold ring and a rock crystal pendant when you visit. Visit the website
See Clifford’s Tower transformed York’s iconic Clifford’s Tower has reopened after a £5m transformation by English Heritage and it’s amazing. It’s also a lot easier to visit with children, and has some of the best views of the city. Read our review here. Open daily – Clifford’s Tower, Tower St, York YO1 9SA – Visit the Clifford’s Tower website for all the details
Head to JORVIK DIG – At DIG, kids get to discover 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, so… DIG IT! SHAKE IT! SEE IT! FEEL IT! FIND IT! Spring is the best time to explore the garden at DIG! See what plants and wildlife you can spot when you visit – it’s also a great spot to tuck into some lunch. Use your Little Vikings Family Card to save 20% on admission.
DIG, St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NN – booking recommended – Visit the DIG website
Explore the woods at the Dreamery Gardens (formerly Northwood Trail) – Dreamery Gardens is a magical place to visit with children (winner of the Little Vikings Award for Most Magical Experience, no less), especially during spring. Enjoy the woodland walk, spot the fairy doors, embark on the willow maze and refuel at the lovely Dreamery Kitchen.
Dreamery Gardens, Buttercrambe Moor Woods, Buttercrambe, York, North Yorkshire, YO41 1AP – Visit the website for more info
Explore medieval life at Barley Hall – 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. Explore medieval rooms, dress up like Shakespeare and sit at table in the Great Hall, ready for a feast. Visit the Barley Hall website
Discover the City Walls Experience at Micklegate Bar – A brand new museum for York, City Walls Experience at Micklegate Bar, is now open. 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! Visit the City Walls Experience website for info
The Witch’s Hex at The Hole in Wand –Head to The Hole In Wand York and take on 9 holes of magical mini golf and win a potion depending on your score. However, Yorkshire’s most notorious witch, Mary Bateman, has placed a hex on hole 3 and it’s up to you to try and break the curse! The Witch’s Hex runs from Saturday 25th May until Sunday 2nd June 2024. Visit The Hole in Wand website to book
Go for a family walk around York – Spring is the perfect time for a family walk: see the flowers in bloom, keep an eye out for butterflies and enjoy some fresh Yorkshire air. Take a look at our guide to the best places for a family walk in and around York for inspiration for all ages and abilities.
Do the Little Vikings I Spy Trail – Recommended by The Sunday Times, the free Little Vikings I Spy Trail is one of the best ways to explore York on foot with children. Collect a map from the Visit York Information Centre or click here to download it from our website.
Do something active – From clip’n’climb to aqua parks, soft play and swimming, you’ll find a selection of some of the most fun activities in York on our website. Take a look here for our pick of the best.
