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. 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.

Fairy Folk at Mother Shipton’s – This May half term, it’s all about fairies at Mother Shipton’s in Knaresborough. Enjoy a majestic Maytime journey through an ancient woodland alive with fairyfolk and folklore at Mother Shipton’s Cave. Dress as your favourite fairy, elf or goblin and join the Fairyfolk for a magical woodland adventure! Expect themed displays and magical characters, as well as a gorgeous woodland walk, the famous cave and an outdoor adventure playground. Visit the Mother Shipton’s website for more info and to book

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

Unwrap the history of chocolate at York’s Chocolate Story – Taste your way through York’s rich chocolate history this May half-term on a guided
tour, or get hands-on with a Family Chocolate-Making Masterclass experience – Visit the website

The Spring Adventure at Stockeld Park – There’s a Wizard of Oz theme to proceedings at Stockeld Park this May half term. Journey through the enchanted forest and meet four wonderful characters, each hosting a unique activity to entertain guests of all ages. Why not visit the epic PlayHive indoor play area too? It’s one of the biggest in Europe and so much fun. 24th May to 1st June 2025 – Visit the website

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 3rd May to 13th July 2025 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.

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

Great British Food Festival at Harewood – The Great British Food Festival is returning to Harewood for 2025. 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 24th to Monday 26th May 2025  – 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. 24th to 26th May 2025 – 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 the 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! Save 20% on admission with our special offer. Visit the JORVIK Viking Centre website

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

Step back in time at Barley Hall – Step back in time and discover this Hidden Gem of York! Barley Hall is a medieval townhouse, restored to its former glory after being rediscovered in the 1980’s.

You’ll also find Beasts at Barley Hall, which tells the stories of animals in medieval life, from domestic pets (and pests) and livestock to lions, bears and even dragons, using artefacts found in and around the city of York. This exhibition includes hands-on activities for children, accessible interpretation boards, audio stories and much more. Barleyhall.co.uk

Have a round of wizard minigolf at The Hole in Wand – Explore the nine indoor magical crazy golf holes in the heart of York, but beware the Grobblenook! This local gargoyle will be watching your every move. Holiday slots are very popular, so book in advance to avoid disappointment. 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.