Last updated November 2025 Don’t let the rain stop play! There are plenty of things to do on a rainy day in York, and these are some of the best indoor activities, whether you fancy visiting an attraction, losing yourselves in a movie or getting creative and making something lovely to take home with you. […]

Snow is forecast in York this November, and this time, it’s guaranteed! Running from 10 November 2025 to 22 February 2026, JORVIK Viking Centre has been transformed into a spectacular snowy scene for A Winter Adventure at JORVIK. We stepped back in time to AD 960 to experience how York’s Vikings braved the cold, kept […]

Looking for fun things to do in York with kids this weekend? From hands-on workshops and theatre shows to family-friendly eats, there’s plenty happening, and lots of it’s free! Here’s our round-up of the best family events and activities in and around York this weekend. ⭐ Our Top Picks York Christmas Market is open! For […]

About the Santa Express at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway A Brand-New Christmas Experience from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway! This Christmas, get ready for a festive journey like no other. Step into a world of twinkling lights, joyful music, and seasonal cheer as The Santa Express makes its enchanting debut. Start your experience at […]

The Little Vikings Awards 2026 shortlists announced! Voting is now open Drumroll, please… We’re thrilled to unveil the Little Vikings Awards 2026 shortlists, proudly sponsored by Indie York! Huge thanks to our sponsors Indie York, The York Proms, Stockeld Park, Mint Sauce Media, The Bloody Tour of York, Stonegate Medical Clinic, Yorkshire Foundry and Caramel […]

Your dreams have come true… The 2025/26 York Theatre Royal pantomime with Evolution Productions will be the enchanting Sleeping Beauty! A timeless tale of adventure, magic and festive family fun. Jennie Dale will be bringing more than a sprinkle of magic as Fairy Moonbeam. Jennie is known for playing Captain Captain in the beloved CBeebies TV series Swashbuckle and for presenting […]

The temperature’s falling and the nights are drawing in, but let’s not be gloomy. Not only does that mean it’s easier to get your little ones to bed (in theory, at least), but it’s also the season for lovely light trails near York. From twinkling gardens to illuminated abbey ruins, Yorkshire’s packed with dazzling displays […]

Silent night? Not in York! This festive season, enjoy full-throttle family fun at one of the brilliant Christmas shows and pantomimes in York. From laugh-out-loud performances to heart-warming stories, there’s something to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. For a more traditional start to your celebrations, York Minster’s Crib Service is a magical must-see and […]

Following the success of The Little Vikings I Spy Trail (as recommended by The Sunday Times!), we’re thrilled to launch a brand new family walking adventure: The Snickelways & Silly Street Names Trail. This fun, free, self-guided adventure takes families through York’s maze of magical snickelways – those narrow, winding passages that are easy to […]

Jingle bells! Christmas in York 2025 will be here before we know it, and it’s going to be another magical festive season for families. If you’re looking for the best family-friendly Christmas events in York, you’ve come to the right place. From enchanting Santa’s grottos to sparkling Christmas light trails, side-splitting pantomimes to festive days […]

York Christmas Market – also known as St Nicholas Fair – is set to return from November 13th to December 21st 2025, with twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine and lots of unique gift ideas. The famous alpine chalets will return to line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, creating a festive wonderland of local traders […]

This October half term, discover York from the water with City Cruises York! It’s the perfect way to keep the whole family entertained. Set sail on a Sightseeing Cruise and enjoy fascinating live commentary as you drift past historic landmarks, from Clifford’s Tower to the city’s medieval walls. Kids and adults alike will love spotting […]

From spooky tales to hands-on family activities, there’s something for everyone this October half term at the National Railway Museum – mystery, history, and plenty of fun along the way! Step inside our newly reopened and restored Station Hall to see Royal carriages and explore the stories of station life. Enjoy playful storytelling inspired by […]

October half term in York 2025: Monday 27th October to Friday 31 October 2025 (for most schools). Always check your school’s dates! October half-term in York is glorious, with so many things to do with kids. There’s a wide variety of activities going on, from pumpkin festivals to pumpkin picking and even the odd event […]

When it comes to autumn days out in York, few things beat the fun of pumpkin picking. Instead of grabbing one from the supermarket, head to one of the brilliant pumpkin patches near York where you can wander the fields, hunt for the perfect pumpkin, and soak up the autumn atmosphere. From family-friendly farms to […]

This October half term in York, step inside a museum of mysteries at York Castle Museum and uncover a world of curious stories, crafts and performances that bring York’s past to life. From hands-on creative sessions to live music and immersive theatre, it’s the perfect place for a family day out. Here are our highlights. […]

It’s that time of year again – your chance to show your love and appreciation for the many fantastic family-friendly places in and around York! Now celebrating its 11th year, the Little Vikings Awards – this year sponsored by Indie York – recognises the very best York has to offer for children and families. It’s […]

Fancy a family meal out in York without breaking the bank? York Restaurant Week is back from 13th to 26th October 2025, and it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy eating out with the kids (or even sneaking in a well-deserved date night – anyone else feeling the middle-of-term exhaustion setting in already?!). With more than […]

As part of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s Railway 200 celebrations, get ready for an unforgettable journey with a true British legend: the world-famous Flying Scotsman! This October half term, the Flying Scotsman will be steaming through the beautiful North York Moors between Grosmont and Pickering, and you can hop on board. Thanks to the […]

Have you heard the exciting autumn news?! There’s a new pumpkin patch in town! Farmer Ed’s Pumpkin Patch, from the team behind Piglets Adventure Farm, launches on Saturday 27th September and it sounds like a lovely seasonal experience in York that’s definitely not just for kids. Expect pumpkins galore, marshmallow toasting, tasty street food and […]