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. Rainy days in York […]

Looking for what’s on this weekend in York? You’ve come to the right place. If you’re visiting York or lucky enough to call it home, this is your weekly guide to the best things to do in York with kids this weekend. We update it every week with handpicked family events, free fun, rainy-day ideas […]

Looking for hands-on activities for your kids in York this summer? DIG is the place to be. If your family loves learning through play – and who doesn’t like dragons? – then DIG is made for you! Dig for Hidden Treasures At DIG your children can: DIG is split into three zones: Learn, Uncover, and […]

Whether you’re meeting Santa on the Santa’s Christmas Tour or creating delicious treats in the Christmas Family Masterclass, make this Christmas one to remember at York’s Chocolate Story! Santa’s Christmas Tour Santa has arrived in York to collect Christmas chocolate for all the girls and boys, because some of the world’s best chocolate originates right […]

While we might disagree on what constitutes a sensible meal, a nice outfit or a reasonable bedtime, there’s one thing parents and kids can generally agree on: freshly baked goods make life a little bit brighter. York’s bakery scene is booming, so whether you fancy a tasty local breakfast, trying a local delicacy or need […]

York’s best free family walking trails are the Little Vikings I Spy Trail, the Snickelways & Silly Street Names Trail, the York Cat Hunt, the York Rivers Trail (older children) and a walk along York’s City Walls (ages 5+). All are free, self-guided and can be downloaded or picked up in the city centre. If […]

York Christmas Market – also known as St Nicholas Fair – is set to return from Thursday 12 November to Monday 21 December 2026, 10.30am to 5pm (closed on Tuesdays). The famous alpine chalets will return to line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, creating a festive wonderland of local traders and artisan products. Organised by […]

The summer holidays in York 2026 are from 17th July to 8th September 2026 Summer in York is a magical time for families, with long days, sunny skies (we’re manifesting🤞), and a city packed with brilliant ways to keep your kids happy and entertained. Whether you’re local or planning a summer break in North Yorkshire, […]

A brand new way to explore York with the family has just launched, and it’s lovely! The York rivers trail follows the River Ouse, linking parks, green spaces and stories across the city. Even better, it’s completely free. Kids can talk to the river on your phone, spot the sculptural viewing frames at Leeman Park […]

York Minster is open throughout the school summer holidays, offering sightseeing, family activities, and adventures that are jam-packed full of fun! Discover everything the cathedral has in store for families to enjoy this summer. Don’t forget, every adult sightseeing ticket includes FREE entry for up to four children aged 17 and under! Plus, you can […]

Stockeld Park’s Summer of Fun is back, and you’re going to need to arrive early to fit it all in! It’s open every day from 18th July to 6th September 2026, with 40 acres of activities, adventure play and live entertainment to explore. Open from 9.30am until 6pm, there’s plenty to keep children of all […]

Visit Castle Howard this summer and save on family and child tickets. Families can enjoy a day out like no other and visit the House, Gardens, award-winning Skelf Island Adventure Playground, and get lost in nature at the Arboretum, home to its new resident red squirrel.  With plenty of shaded spots across the gardens and […]

York might be one of the UK’s best cities for families, but that doesn’t mean every family day out goes smoothly. Over the years, despite knowing York inside out, we’ve made plenty of mistakes ourselves, from battling the cobbles of the Shambles with a buggy to promising the kids a York Ghost Merchants ghost in […]

Summer Events, Activities & Adventures Great news – Kids Go Free on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway this summer, and the school holiday savings mean better value fares for the whole family. With events and activities stretching along the line from Pickering all the way through to Grosmont and travel through to the seaside town of Whitby, there’s never been a better time […]

Looking for a lovely day out in York this summer? Look no further than The National Railway Museum, where you can enjoy a summer holiday in a day, with a packed programme of free activities. From 20th July to 6th September 2026, families can travel to the countryside, seaside and destinations around the world, all […]

Calling all witches, wizards and magical creatures! One of York’s most enchanting family experiences has returned, and this year there’s even more reason to visit. The Grand, York has relaunched its much-loved Wizarding Afternoon Tea, inviting families to step into a world of spells, potions and magical surprises in one of the city’s most beautiful […]

Step into history this summer at Eden Camp Modern History Museum with a programme of interactive family activities celebrating the extraordinary women who helped Britain during the Second World War. Children and adults alike can discover the stories of the Women’s Land Army, nurses, factory workers and other wartime heroes through hands-on experiences across the […]

One of York’s favourite festive destinations is getting even better – and more sparkly – this Christmas, with the arrival of a brand new outdoor ice rink in the heart of Museum Gardens! THOR’S on ICE will open alongside THOR’S tipi, combining delicious drinks, food and live entertainment with one of the most Christmassy of […]

Looking for summer holiday clubs in York? From sports and drama to art and forest school, there’s plenty to keep children busy, happy and genuinely excited through the long summer break. Whether you need reliable childcare cover or just want your kids doing something fun while you get things done, we’ve got you covered. Let’s […]

Follow the Yellow Brick Road at Mother Shipton’s this Summer There’s a touch of magic in the woodland at Mother Shipton’s this summer, as the Little Vikings Award-winning attraction takes inspiration from the wonderful world of Oz. Wander through the enchanted forest and meet the radiant Good Witch of the Glade and the ever-cheerful Scarecrow, […]