May half term in York is packed with fun things to do with kids, so why go anyhere else?! It runs from 25th May to 29th May 2026 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, Instagram and TikTok for daily inspiration too. And if you’ve not signed up for our newsletter yet, what are you waiting for?
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Day Out With Thomas on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Thomas the Tank Engine is rolling into the North Yorkshire Moors Railway this May for a brilliant day out with the kids. Climb aboard for a real steam train ride behind Thomas, enjoy lively shows, meet favourite characters and get stuck into crafts and fairground fun. Every child leaves with a special Thomas & Friends gift to remember the day.
📍 North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering
🗓 23–27 & 29–31 May 2026
ℹ️ nymr.co.uk
WizardFest 2026
York’s festival of wizardry returns this half term, conjured up by The Wizard Walk of York and co-hosted with Little Vikings. Expect a spellbinding mix of magical activities popping up across the city, from wand-waving fun to enchanting entertainment.
📍 Across York city centre
🗓 23–25 May 2026
ℹ️ wizardwalkofyork.com
Wonderlab & Railway Adventures at the National Railway Museum
Have your mind blown this May half term at the National Railway Museum. Get hands-on in Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery with 18 interactive challenges, explore the Great Hall’s legendary locomotives including Mallard and the Japanese Bullet Train, and discover more in North Shed. Don’t miss the Flying Scotsman VR Experience for a journey back in time.
📍 National Railway Museum, Leeman Rd, York YO26 4XJ
🗓 23–31 May 2026
ℹ️ railwaymuseum.org.uk
A magical Maytime adventure at Mother Shipton’s Cave
Follow the yellow brick road to an enchanting half term at Mother Shipton’s Cave. Wander through a woodland inspired by The Wizard of Oz and Wicked, with dazzling displays, magical characters and plenty of surprises along the way. Meet the Green Witch, the Good Witch and a jolly Scarecrow, then explore the historic cave, Petrifying Well, playground and riverside walk.
📍Mother Shiptons, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
🗓 23–31 May 2026
ℹ️ mothershipton.co.uk
Meet the Romans at York Minster
Chat to costumed Roman soldiers, handle replica weapons and artefacts and discover the ancient barracks buried beneath York Minster. Drop-in sessions run daily during May half term, and they’re included with a sightseeing ticket. Tickets valid for 12 months, and all under 16s go free (as do York residents).
📍 York Minster, Deangate, York
🗓 May half term, daily, 10am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–3.30pm
ℹ️ yorkminster.org
May half-term adventures at Piglets Adventure Farm
Watch gravity-defying stunts at the Circus, take part in exciting Circus workshops and Animal Encounters sessions and splash into action at the Beach at Piglets Adventure Farm this half term!
📍 Piglets, Towthorpe Moor Ln, York YO32 9ST
🗓 23–31 May 2026
ℹ️ pigletsadventurefarm.com
River Cruises & Self-Drive Boats with City Cruises York
Ahoy there! Take to the water with City Cruises York for a memorable family adventure. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the River Ouse with live commentary, or captain your own self-drive boat for a bit more freedom. We’ve tried both and loved them equally. Don’t forget your Little Vikings Family Card for a discount on self-drive hires.
📍 King’s Staith Landing, King’s Staith, York YO1 9SN
🗓 Cruises daily
ℹ️ citycruises.com/york
May Half Term at York’s Chocolate Story
Unwrap the history of chocolate at York’s Chocolate Story this half term. Taste your way through York’s sweet past on a guided tour, then get hands-on and make your own chocolate creation. It’s a treat of an experience for all ages, with plenty of samples along the way.
📍 York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
🗓 23–31 May 2026
ℹ️ yorkschocolatestory.com
Eboracum Roman Festival
Step back in time as the Eboracum Roman Festival returns, celebrating York’s fascinating Roman past. Once known as Eboracum, the city comes alive with living history, family activities, guided walks and hands-on experiences across a range of venues. With plenty happening over half term, it’s a brilliant way to bring history to life for all ages.
📍 York Museum Gardens and other locations
🗓 16–31 May 2026
ℹ️ yorkshiremuseum.org.uk
Viking Adventures at JORVIK Viking Centre
Travel back to Viking-age York at the award-winning JORVIK Viking Centre. Hop aboard the time capsule to 10th-century streets, packed with sights, sounds and even the smells of the past. Meet knowledgeable Viking hosts, handle fascinating artefacts and discover what life was really like over 1,000 years ago. Don’t forget you can save 20% on admission with our special Little Vikings Family Card offer.
📍 19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk
Hands-on History at DIG
Get stuck into York’s past at DIG, where kids can become archaeologists for the day. Explore four excavation pits packed with Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian finds, grab a trowel and uncover clues to how people lived through the ages. Use your Little Vikings Family Card to save 20% on admission.
📍 DIG, St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ digyork.co.uk
Potion-Making at The Potions Academy
Enjoy a magical experience at The Potions Academy, perfect for young wizards. Join a spellbinding Potions Class led by a potion master, uncover the secrets of famed alchemist Phileas Fry and mix your own magical creation. Every budding wizard or witch leaves with a potion and a graduate badge.
📍 1st Floor (entrance to rear), 37–38 Shambles, York YO1 7LX
🗓 Selected dates (pre-booking required)
ℹ️ potionscauldron.com
Discover Dreamery Gardens
Explore the magic of Dreamery Gardens (formerly Northwood Trail), a wonderfully enchanting spot for a family day out. Wander woodland paths, spot fairy doors, get lost in the willow maze and enjoy a well-earned stop at the Dreamery Kitchen. A Little Vikings Award winner and a firm family favourite.
📍 Dreamery Gardens, Buttercrambe Moor Woods, Buttercrambe, York YO41 1AP
🗓 Open daily during half term
ℹ️ dreamerygardens.co.uk
Beasts at Barley Hall
Step back in time at Barley Hall, a beautifully restored medieval townhouse tucked away in the city centre. Discover Beasts at Barley Hall, an engaging exhibition exploring the role of animals in medieval life, from everyday pets to mythical creatures. With hands-on activities, audio stories and family-friendly displays, it’s a real hidden gem.
📍 Barley Hall, 2 Coffee Yard, York YO1 8AR
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ barleyhall.co.uk
Wizard Mini Golf at The Hole in Wand
Have a go at magical mini golf at The Hole in Wand. Tackle nine enchanting indoor holes filled with wizarding twists and turns, but keep an eye out for the mischievous Grobblenook watching your every move. A fun, immersive activity for all ages, especially on rainy days. Booking ahead is highly recommended during the holidays.
📍 The Hole in Wand, 14–16 Coppergate Walk, York YO1 9NT
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ theholeinwand.com
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.
