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 ages busy, whatever the British weather has in store.

Live festival entertainment every day

Especially for the summer holidays, Stockeld Park has created a packed programme of live entertainment for the whole family. There’ll be something happening throughout the day, every day, including magicians, tribute acts, silent discos, giant bubble fun and more. Head to the festival field and enjoy the show. Hungry? There’ll be delicious barbecue specials served on the festival field throughout the summer event.

Outdoor adventures and indoor play

Beyond the live entertainment, there are loads of outdoor activities, adventure playgrounds and places to explore across Stockeld Park’s 40-acre site. Make time to visit Woodsands Cove, where children can discover the brand new sand and water play installation. It’s the perfect place for digging, splashing and getting hands-on. There’s plenty of indoor fun too, including the Playhive, Stockeld Park’s enormous indoor adventure playground. Don’t miss it – it’s incredible.

Fun whatever the weather

Whether the summer brings sunshine or showers, Stockeld Park is ready! On hot days, families can cool off at the new misting station, join in with a water fight or head inside the air-conditioned Playhive. Rain doesn’t have to spoil the day either. If the inflatables have to close for a period of time because of the weather, Stockeld Park’s Inflatables Guarantee means you can return for free, subject to the terms and conditions.

Plan your visit

With live entertainment, outdoor adventures, indoor play, sand and water fun and plenty of places to refuel, Stockeld Park has all the ingredients for a brilliant summer day out. It’s just a short drive from York, and one of our top recommendations (we’ve been there A LOT!) so why not add it to your list?

📍 Stockeld Park
🗓 18th July to 6th September 2026
⏰ Open daily, 9.30am to 6pm
🎟 Advance booking recommended
ℹ️ Book summer entry tickets through the Stockeld Park website

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 grounds, and at the Arboretum, Castle Howard is a great place to stay cool while still getting out in nature on sunny days.

New for 2026

Playshapes: Castle Constructors is a fantastic interactive installation which invites visitors to experience architecture through play with interactive and colourful artwork inspired by the bold imagination of Sir John Vanbrugh.

Save this summer

Following the Government announcement on the temporary reduction in VAT for eligible visitor attractions, Castle Howard is delighted to be passing this saving directly on to its visitors.  Enjoy Great British Summer Savings with 15% off child and family tickets until 1st September.

Save on children’s meals, too: enjoy 15% off items from the children’s menu at the Courtyard Cafe, Boathouse Cafe and the Arboretum. Includes Skelf Island Bags and children’s pizzas. Discount does not apply to takeaway items.

Save Money on Your Visits with Membership

If you’d like a place to visit regularly over the summer, why not purchase a Castle Howard Membership? Members enjoy unlimited access to the house, gardens and adventure playground in the main season, which means regular visits to Skelf Island! Members also get additional benefits, like priority booking for Christmas events, and loyalty points on purchases in the shops and cafés.

This is a promotional feature in partnership with Castle Howard. We love a day out there so much that we have bought a family membership ourselves!

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 the middle of the summer holidays.

So, in the spirit of helping other families avoid the same chaos, here are some of the biggest mistakes families make when visiting York with kids, plus a few tips that might save your day, your budget and possibly your sanity too. Whether you’re planning a weekend break in York with kids, a day trip or simply trying to make the most of a sunny Saturday, here’s what we’ve learned the hard way.

❌ Attempt the Shambles with a buggy
✅ Some streets are baby-carrier territory

Iconic? Yes. Buggy friendly? Absolutely not, unless you visit early or late when it’s crowd-free (and even then, your wheels won’t thank you for it.

❌ Making everyone sit down for a proper lunch
✅ Sometimes a bakery treat and a bench will do

It’s cheaper and quicker to eat on the move, and you can crack on with your next adventure.

❌ Taking a buggy onto the city walls
✅ It’s another one for the baby carrier

We’ve seen so many families struggling with buggies on the walls – don’t do it! Dogs aren’t allowed either, so leave your furry friend behind. Here’s our guide to walking York’s city walls.

❌ Getting on the big wheel with a child who’s scared of heights.
✅ Check one last time that they’re keen before the doors close

Take a photo of it from the bottom, and then do something else!

❌ Promising a ghost from York Ghost Merchants during the summer (or any other busy time of year)
✅ The queues are famously long, so wait for another quieter time or go to the secret dispensary.

The dispensary at St Anthony’s Gardens usually has a shorter queue (but check opening hours before you go).

❌ Don’t drive into York if you can avoid it. The spaces are scarce and the parking charges are high
✅ Public transport is your friend.

Take the train, cycle, walk or catch the Park & Ride – all are more relaxing options than attempting to park.

❌ Trying to fit too much into a single day
✅ Allow yourselves loads of time, and stay longer if you can

There’s so much to do in York, and nobody likes rushing. Give yourselves longer, stay an extra day or two and enjoy. You’ll never do it all in a day! Here are our best things to do in York with kids.

❌ Paying full price everywhere
✅ Using your Little Vikings Family Card for discounts and perks

We genuinely forget to take advantage of our own discounts and perks. Don’t be like us! Pick up your FREE card from Visit York and take a look at the latest offers.

❌ Taking a nervous kid to The York Dungeon
✅ Wait until they’re older and book the walking tour

Many friends have taken their younger kids and had to leave halfway through. Book the walking tour instead and wait until they’re older.

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 for artefacts in our specially designed dig pits
• – Explore York’s history layer by layer
• – Discover what archaeologists found beneath the city streets

DIG is split into three zones: Learn, Uncover, and Explore, each one taking you through a different part of the archaeological journey. Whether it’s your first time digging or you’re already into archaeology, there’s something here for everyone.

Visitors told us they wanted to get their hands even dirtier. Challenge accepted.

Step Into the World of Dragons

Now with even more interactive activities and still included in your entry to DIG is our Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your DTo celebrate the release of the next book in this beloved series, Flight of the Flamestrike we have extended the exhibition to include another area of archaeology: conservation.

Your little explorers will be able to put on their lab coat and safety goggles and join Hiccup and the gang to investigate X-rays, how harmful salts are removed from precious items found in the sea and peer into microscopes looking for sea life and maybe – just maybe – evidence that dragons really did exist! 

With plenty of information to help them along the way, as well as activities you can try at home we think your family will love their trip to DIG more than ever. What are you waiting for? Make a play date!

Inspired by the New Dragon School Series

DIG is open all through the summer holidays and our new exhibition launches on 20th July 2026. There’s even more to look forward to as we’re planning some fun family events throughout the holidays so keep an eye on our website digyork.co.uk

We recommend booking in advance during school holidays to avoid disappointment. Book directly at digyork.co.uk – it’s that easy.

Make It a Full York Adventure

Families visiting DIG can also extend their Viking experience with a PastPort, which gives access to two other popular York attractions:

• – JORVIK Viking Centre
• – Barley Hall

Together, these attractions offer a fascinating journey into York’s Viking past.

Ticket Information

The dragon exhibition is included with standard DIG admission. Even better, your ticket is treated as a donation, meaning you can return as many times as you like for free within 12 months.

Plan Your Visit

📅 Open daily
📍 DIG: An Archaeological Adventure, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN
🔗 Visit the DIG York website

Don’t miss the chance to dig for treasure, meet dragons, and step into an exciting adventure this summer.

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 to make a day of it.

Free fun along the line

Hunt down Railway Heroes with our self-led Ticket Trail across Pickering, Goathland and Grosmont, or unleash your inner storyteller at Goathland’s Story Creation Station. Little ones under five can enjoy themed Stay & Play sessions at Pickering on the first Wednesday of every month or enjoy a free Station Storytime on 30 July.

Calling All Young Engineers

Budding engineers can take on bridge-building challenges inspired by the film star engine Tornado and the famous inventor Isambard Kingdom Brunel, drop in for Tiny Engine Tuesdays and Train Track Thursdays every week in August, or book a place at our ticketed Build Like Brunel Workshop on 12 and 26 August. There’s something to keep every young explorer busy this summer.

Don’t miss Tornado

For one week only, film star locomotive No. 60163 Tornado joins us on the line from 27th July to 1st August. Whether you’re booking a ride behind it or testing your bridge-building skills inspired by its visit, this is a date for the diary.

Kids go free, better value fares in the school holidays, and free events and activities. There’s something for every young explorer along the line this summer.

This is a promotional feature in partnership with our friends at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

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 without leaving the museum.

☀️ Pick up your summer holiday passport

Visitors can collect a free Summer Holiday Passport when they arrive and then gather stamps as they explore the museum and take part in the different activities. It’s a fun way to celebrate the excitement of travel, with plenty of opportunities for children to play, create and use their imaginations.

🌳 Begin your adventure at the station, then escape to the countryside

Every great holiday begins at the station, and young visitors can start their journey in the museum’s interactive ticket office. Children can dress up, sell tickets, sort through lost luggage and even have a go at making their own station announcements before setting off to explore.

Next stop is the countryside, where families can try birdwatching, browse the produce at a pretend countryside market and sketch the surrounding scenery. It’s a lovely way for children to slow down, look closely and enjoy a taste of rural life right in the heart of York.

⛱️ Have fun at the seaside

Families dreaming of a traditional British seaside holiday can make their own Punch and Judy puppet show or design a classic carousel to take home as a souvenir. There will also be live Punch and Judy performances on selected dates during August.

🌍 Travel around the world

Visitors can head further afield with a specially created card game that challenges them to match trains from around the world with their countries and landscapes. Families can also write postcards about their travels and pose for photographs in front of a giant vintage-style travel poster.

😎 Special summer events

Alongside the daily activities, the museum will host a selection of special events throughout the holidays.

🚂 Giant Track Layout

Mini engineers can use track pieces to build their own railway layouts, follow challenge cards or play with sections of pre-built track. There will be motorised trains and carriages available to test each design.

Dates: 3rd to 5th August
Location: Great Hall
Suggested age: 2 years and over, with adult supervision

🛤️ Immersive storytelling aboard the Shinkansen

Step aboard the Shinkansen, the only preserved Japanese bullet train outside Japan, for a special storytelling adventure. The experience will explore how railways connect people, places and cultures around the world.

Dates: 11th to 13th August
Location: Great Hall

🌊 Punch and Judy shows

Enjoy the fun of a traditional British seaside holiday with classic Punch and Judy performances for the whole family.

Dates: 18th, 21st and 25th August
Location: South Yard or Station Hall

🎶 York Railway Institute Band

The York Railway Institute Band will perform an hour-long programme of brass band music inspired by holidays and trains.

Date: 29th August at 2pm
Location: Great Hall

A free summer day out in York!

Admission to the National Railway Museum is free, and all of the main summer holiday activities are included. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during the school holidays.

📍 National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ
🗓 20th July to 6th September 2026
🎟 Free admission, advance booking recommended
🌐 railwaymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/summer-holiday-fun

This is a sponsored article in partnership with our friends at the National Railway Museum

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, there’s no shortage of family-friendly things to do in York during the summer holidays (Saturday 17th July to 8th September 2026).

We know from years of experience that seven weeks is a very long time to fill, so we’ve done the hard work for you, curating the ultimate guide to the best summer events and activities for kids in and around York with insider insights and top tips. From free days out and budget-friendly fun to indoor rainy-day ideas and big days out, there’s something all ages, budgets and weathers.

We’ll be updating our list all summer long with even more ideas for things to do with kids in York, so why not bookmark this page and keep checking back? Make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, and sign up for our newsletter through our website, too, so you never miss a thing.

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☀️ Summer holidays in York – The best things to do ☀️

Summer at York Castle Museum

York Castle Museum’s summer programme runs from 22 June to 6 September, and it’s lovely. Kirkgate has had a full Victorian gala makeover, complete with flowers, bunting and a new soundscape. There’s a 1960s gallery packed with nostalgia, outdoor games in the Exercise Yard, and free paper hot air balloon workshops every Saturday in August. It’s all included in general admission.

📍 York Castle Museum, Tower St, York YO1 9RY
🗓 22 June – 6 September 2026
ℹ️ yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

Kids go free on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Kids go free on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway this summer, making family adventures even better value. Travel between heritage stations, take part in the Discover Your Heroes Ticket Trail, enjoy story sessions and hands-on activities or try engineering challenges inspired by famous locomotives. With free and ticketed events across the line, there’s plenty to keep young explorers entertained.

📍 North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Pickering Station), Park Street, Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 7AJ
🗓 Operating days vary
ℹ️ nymr.co.uk

Summer holidays on the homefront at Eden Camp

Discover the remarkable stories of the women who helped Britain during the Second World War at Eden Camp this summer. Follow the Women at War trail, meet Connie from the Women’s Land Army, join the Little Evacuees workshop, and enjoy the spectacular Living History Weekend (29 to 30 August). Reduced summer ticket prices make it even better value.

📍 Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 6RT
🗓 Check website for opening hours
ℹ️ edencamp.co.uk

A Summer in Oz at Mother Shipton’s

Step into the magical world of Oz at Mother Shipton’s this summer. Meet the Good Witch of the Glade and the Scarecrow as they bring a touch of midsummer magic to the woodland, with themed displays, enchanting photo opportunities and plenty of chances to follow the yellow brick road through England’s oldest tourist attraction.

📍 Mother Shipton’s, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD
🗓18th July to 6th September 2026
ℹ️ mothershiptons.co.uk

Summer fun at Castle Howard

Visit the house, gardens and award-winning Skelf Island Adventure Playground, cafes with locally sourced produce on the menu, and the farm shop, gift shop, and garden centre. Playshapes: Castle Constructors is a giant hands-on installation where children and grown-ups can build towers, dens and colourful creations using oversized geometric shapes, inspired by the bold architecture of Castle Howard.

📍 Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ castlehoward.co.uk

Explore The Secret Forest

Step into a world of woodland wonder at The Secret Forest! Follow magical trails, solve puzzles, discover fairy villages, meet dragon guardians and enjoy interactive play hidden beneath the trees. Perfect for curious explorers aged 2 to 12, it’s a magical family day out on the Hazlewood Castle Estate.

📍 The Secret Forest, Hazlewood Castle Estate, LS24 9NJ
🗓 Wednesday to Monday throughout the summer
🎟 Tickets from £9
ℹ️ Find out more and book online

Step Back in Time at York Castle Museum

This summer, York Castle Museum will transform Kirkgate – the recreated Victorian street – into a vibrant Victorian gala, with live music, theatre, circus shows, crafts, floral fun and the new Art of Motion exhibition. Tickets are valid all year, with free entry for under-5s and York children. It’s a joyful day out for the whole family!

📍 York Castle Museum, Tower Street, York YO1 9RY
🗓 Open daily
➡️ yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

Summer holiday in a day at the National Railway Museum (Free!)

Enjoy a summer holiday in a day at the National Railway Museum, with a passport to collect and free activities inspired by the countryside, seaside and destinations around the world. Children can dress up, make puppets, play games and write postcards, with special storytelling, performances and giant track-building sessions on selected dates.

📍 National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ railwaymuseum.org.uk

Enjoy an enchanting experience at The Potions Academy

The Potions Academy is York’s newest experience for young wizards and you’ll find it on the famous Shambles. Brought to you by the expert team behind The Potions Cauldron and The Hole in Wand, you’ll learn the art of magic and receive a magical potion to celebrate your graduation. You can even book a special afternoon tea experience (read our review here)!

📍 The Potions Academy, 1st floor, 37 to 38 The Shambles, York YO1 7LY
🗓 Opening times vary
ℹ️ thepotionscauldron.com

Explore York by boat with City Cruises York

City Cruises York has a wide range of cruises to keep your children entertained all year round, and it’s a great way to see York from another perspective. The river is one of York’s biggest and best attractions, and no visit to York is complete without spending some time walking by it or sailing on it! Take a river cruise or pack a picnic and hire a self-drive boat. There are early evening cruises too. Why not use our City Cruises York discount code?

York Rivers Trail

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 and Tower Gardens, and collect a trail sticker along the way, keeping them engaged and involved. There’s no booking needed, just start anywhere along the river and go at your own pace.

Visit the website to find out more

Take a jeep ride and pick some fruit at The Balloon Tree

Head over to The Balloon Tree, just outside Stamford Bridge, this summer. Enjoy something to eat and drink in the cafe while the kids play in the play area and then treat them to a go on the Jeep track. Why not pick some strawberries while you’re there? Check their social media before you visit to check the berry stocks!
📍 The Balloon Tree, Stamford Bridge Road, Gate Helmsley, York YO41 1NB
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ theballoontree.co.uk

Summer at the Bar Convent

Summer at the Bar Convent invites families to get creative this summer, inspired by York’s Mystery Plays. Explore the new Women of the Mystery Plays exhibition, try on costumes, create your own artwork and sketch in the beautiful garden using free easels and art materials. Don’t miss the café and family-friendly garden seating.

📍 Bar Convent, 17 Blossom Street, York YO24 1AQ
🗓 20 July to 5 September, Monday to Friday
ℹ️ thebarconvent.co.uk

Support your house at The Hole in Wand

House Serpent needs your help! This summer, every round of magical mini golf at The Hole In Wand York earns points in the nationwide House Cup competition. Wear your house colours, complete magical challenges and help York climb the leaderboard. Will House Serpent take the title? Book your family adventure between 18th July and 6th September to join the fun.

📍 The Hole In Wand, 14 to 16 Coppergate Walk, York YO1 9NT
🗓 Open daily (opening times vary)
ℹ️ theholeinwand.com

York’s Chocolate Story – A sweet summer awaits!

Head to York’s Chocolate Story this summer for fun sweet family-friendly activities, from immersive guided tours and hands-on truffle rolling to the ultimate chocolate-making experience in our Family Masterclass.

Great British Summer Savings! From 25^th June to 1^st September, York’s Chocolate Story is taking part in the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme. Visit the website for more info.

📍 York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ yorkschocolatestory.com

York Georgian Festival

York Mansion House is proud to collaborate once again with some of the city’s much-loved museums, venues and historical experts to bring back York Georgian Festival for the fourth year Thursday 6th to Monday 10th August 2026 – Visit the York Mansion House website for details of the activities

Summer at the Yorkshire Air Museum

Take off on a summer adventure to the Yorkshire Air Museum, the perfect day out for aviation fans of all ages and all curious kids. Head out to Elvington, just a short drive or bus ride from York, and discover incredible aircraft, fascinating stories and even an aeroplane-themed playground.

📍 Yorkshire Air Museum, Halifax Way, Elvington, York YO41 4AU
🗓 Opening times vary
ℹ️ yorkshireairmuseum.org

Summer Holidays at York Minster – Family Fun for Just £20!

York Minster has some great family activities this summer: build with LEGO® (no booking needed), borrow a Little Explorer Backpack, follow the free trails and explore Roman remains in the Undercroft Museum. Adult sightseeing tickets from £20 include free entry for up to four children aged 17 and under, and are valid for a year – bargain!

📍 York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH
📅 Open daily
🎟️ Kids go free with a paying adult
ℹ️ Visit the website

Summer at York Maze

Home to the largest maize maze in Europe, York Maze now boasts over 20 amazing rides, shows and attractions including the Crowmania tractor and trailer ride packed with animatronic and theatrical surprises.

📍 York Maze, Elvington Lane, York YO19 5LT
🗓 11th July to 3rd September 2026
ℹ️ yorkmaze.com

Do something free (or cheap)

Entertaining children over the summer holidays can get expensive, so we’ve put together a handy guide to ways to save money on days out in York. Don’t forget to pick up a FREE Little Vikings Family Card from the Visit York Information Centre for special discounts and perks (see the latest Little Vikings Family Card offers here)

Could your little ones survive a Viking sea voyage?

From 10 July, JORVIK Viking Centre’s summer exhibition takes families on a journey through Viking travel and trade. Kids can follow Unnr and Grom through a comic-style activity pack, explore a Viking-age wharf, and discover how ships were built and what the Norse gods got up to. Booking essential.

📍 JORVIK Viking Centre, 19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ jorvikviking.co.uk

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.

Go on a Great Yorkshire Family Escape

A whole year of inspiration for anyone looking for a family break in Yorkshire. Discover the best family hotels in Yorkshire, with places to stay on the Yorkshire Coast, in the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and the towns and cities in between. As well as Yorkshire family hotels, we’ve got lovely self-catering options, glamping and camping too. Take a look at our Great Yorkshire Family Escapes

Do something free in York

Keeping everyone happy during summer holidays can be eye-wateringly expensive, even without big days out, but don’t despair. We’ve put together a handy guide to the very best things to do in and around York that are free or don’t cost a fortune. Read our guide to free things to do in York.

Try a holiday club or camp

York has lots of brilliant holiday clubs and camps that will keep kids entertained while you work/have a well-earned breather. Take a look at our pick of the best, from multisports to drama, art and more. Find the best holiday camps in York

Farmyard fun at Beetle Bank Farm

There’s a selection of friendly animals to meet and feed this summer: cuddle a rabbit, guinea pig or chick in the large petting barn. During the summer there’ll be loads of different activities, from scarecrow building to safari week and wildlife workshop week. Follow Beetle Bank Farm on Facebook for the latest. The cafe serves locally sourced home-cooked food (the chocolate brownie is a must!

📍 Beetle Bank Open Farm, Moor Lane, Murton, York YO19 5XD
ℹ️ beetlebankopenfarm.co.uk

Summer Reading Challenge York 2026

We LOVE the Summer Reading Challenge. There’s no better way to get and keep kids reading over the summer, and it’s FREE! The Summer Reading Challenge 2026 launches on Saturday 4th July 2026 at Explore York Libraries. This year’s theme is ‘Read to the Beat’. Over the summer, children can choose and read books and collect stickers along the way. There’s a medal and certificate for all who complete the Challenge. Find more details here.

Summer at Murton Park

Get ready for seven weeks of excitement at Murton Park! Enjoy a variety of activities, including a History Festival, Museum Days, Living History Days, reenactments, heritage train rides, and monthly kids’ clubs. For park admission and further details please visit the Murton Park website.

Have an ice cream!

Cool down with a delicious ice cream this summer. We’ve put together a handy guide to our very best places in York for ice cream, from ice cream boats to a traditional Sicilian gelateria – Read our guide to where to find the best ice cream in York.

Visit the Yorkshire Coast

There’s no better time than summer to visit the Yorkshire Coast, and there’s a whole host of things to do. As well as the pretty beaches (Hunmanby, Fraisthorpe, Runswick Bay, Robin Hood’s Bay and Bridlington are some of our favourites), there are some excellent attractions too. Sewerby Hall & Gardens, Scarborough Sea Life, Peasholm Park in Scarborough, Alpamare, Whitby Abbey and Scarborough Castle are all well worth a trip. Read our guide to the best of the Yorkshire Coast for families here.

Summer at DIG

Dragon fans, this one’s for you. DIG York has expanded its How to Train Your Dragon School exhibition to include a brand new conservation zone, inspired by Cressida Cowell’s latest book. Kids can pull on a lab coat, examine X-rays, peer through microscopes and hunt for evidence that dragons really did exist. Tours last one hour and you are strongly advised to pre-book your place.

📅 Open daily
📍 DIG: An Archaeological Adventure, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN
🔗 Visit the DIG York website

Immersive theatre at Barley Hall

Jorvik Immersive Theatre is back at Barley Hall this summer! Set inside York’s medieval Barley Hall, this interactive show drops you into Viking-age Eoforwic where the audience shapes the story. No two nights are the same. It’s adults only, roughly an hour long, and a brilliant reason to book the babysitter. Every previous performance has sold out, so don’t delay!

📍 Barley Hall, Coffee Yard, York
🗓 2 July, 6 Aug, 27 Aug (6:00pm & 7:30pm)
ℹ️ barleyhall.co.uk

Summer at Stockeld Park

The Stockeld Summer Festival returns, with fun for all ages. Enjoy a full programme of daily activities, including Magic Mondays, Tribute Tuesdays, and Lunchtime Live performances every other day. Explore the adventure playgrounds, hop on board the pedal go-karts and don’t miss the inflatables zone (not included with Playhive-only tickets). Plus, with the Rainy Day Inflatables Guarantee, there’s no need to worry about the weather!

📍 Stockeld Park, Wetherby Road, Wetherby LS22 4AN
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ stockeldpark.co.uk

Go for a family walk around York

Summer 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.

If any city can claim to be walkable, it’s York. It’s the perfect size to explore on foot, with cobbled streets and snickelways galore. It’s no exaggeration to say that there’s something to see around every corner, from hidden medieval gems to pocket parks to iconic towers and ancient alleyways.

That said, it’s pretty easy to get lost or miss out the special corners of the city, and that’s where the free walking trails come in. Not only does following a trail mean that you’ll get to see the good stuff, but they’re also a great way to keep kids engaged. Whether you’re visiting York for the first time or looking for a new way to explore your own city, these brilliant free walking trails are entertaining for children and might just mean you get to explore without too much complaining…

1. Little Vikings I Spy Trail (Recommended by The Sunday Times)

Designed with help from our own children, our free circular walking trail turns a walk round York into a giant game of I Spy. Along the way there are 22 things to spot, from clocks to flags, dragons, cats and other curiosities that you’d otherwise walk straight past. The route takes in the icons too, including the Shambles and York Minster. Go at your own pace, and make time for ice cream, coffee or lunch along the way. Click here to download a high quality version of the I Spy Trail map from the Little Vikings website or pick up a free printed copy from the Visit York Information Centre.

📍Pick up your map at Visit York
🗓 Available year-round; around 1.5 to 2 hours
ℹ️ little-vikings.co.uk/i-spy-walking-trail-york

2. York Cat Hunt

York is the purrfect destination for cat lovers, with but carved and sculpted cats perched high on rooftops, chimneys and buildings across the city. Legend has it these lucky cats were originally there to keep rats away and bring good fortune to the people below, but they’ve now been turned into a claw-some walking trail. Following the York Cat Hunt is a brilliant way to get kids involved in a walk around the city. Some cats are easy to spot, others are cleverly hidden, and the hunt soon turns into a city-wide treasure trail for the whole family. Pick up a map from the The Cat Gallery on High Petergate.

📍 Across York city centre
🗓 Available year-round
ℹ️ Download the map here

3. Little Vikings Snickelways & Silly Street Names Trail

Think you’ve seen York? Think again. Our free family trail sends you off the busiest streets and into the hidden passageways – or snickelways – that give York’s famous for. Along the way, you’ll amble down through ancient alleyways, have a laugh at the daft street names like Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate and Little Peculiar Lane, and take on fun challenges as you go, snorting along Swinegate, counting fruit on Grape Lane and finding corners that even lifelong locals have missed. Free, available all year, and easy to download or collect from the Visit York Information Centre.

📍 Starts in York city centre
🗓 Available year-round, ages 5+, around 1 to 2 hours
ℹ️ little-vikings.co.uk/snickelways-trail-york-kids

4. York Rivers Trail

The York Rivers Trail follows the River Ouse, linking parks, green spaces and stories across the city. Even better, it’s completely free. Children can talk to the river on your phone, spot the sculptural viewing frames at Leeman Park and Tower Gardens, and collect a trail sticker along the way – a fun way to keep them engaged and involved. There’s no booking needed, just start anywhere along the river and go at your own pace.

📍 Follows the River Ouse through York
🗓 Available year-round, best for older children
ℹ️ york.gov.uk/york-rivers-trail

5. Walk York’s City Walls

No trip to York is complete without a walk along the medieval city walls, the longest town walls in England at almost 3.5km, and one of the best free things to do in York with kids. Children love climbing the towers, looking down over the streets and seeing what’s going on below. You don’t need to walk the whole circuit either, just pick a section that suits your family, then head back down for lunch or an ice cream/hot chocolate depending on the season. Some sections don’t have railings, so they’re best for children who can walk sensibly beside an adult. The best section for safety runs from Bootham Bar to Monk Bar as it’s railed all the way around. Sadly the walls walk is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs, and dogs aren’t permitted either. Spring is a particularly pretty time to walk the walls, when the daffodils are out.

📍 Runs around York city centre
🗓 Available year-round when the weather is good (the walls close in bad weather and at night)
ℹ️ little-vikings.co.uk/best-family-walks-york-yorkshire-kids

Which York walking trail should you choose?

• Best for younger children: Little Vikings I Spy Trail
• Best for discovering hidden York: Snickelways & Silly Street Names Trail
• Best treasure hunt: York Cat Hunt
• Best riverside walk: York Rivers Trail
• Best views: York City Walls

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 hotels.

A magical afternoon awaits

Once a grand railway hotel, The Grand tells the story of a long-forgotten magical tradition hidden within its historic walls. As the Wizarding Afternoon Tea returns, the hotel’s ancient enchantment has been awakened once again, inviting every young witch and wizard to discover the magic for themselves.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in a spellbinding experience where imagination takes centre stage. Alongside a delicious afternoon tea inspired by the wizarding world, children will enjoy magical moments, enchanting surprises and plenty of opportunities to let their imaginations run wild.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a special family day out or simply looking for something a little different this summer, it’s a wonderfully memorable experience and one we can wholeheartedly recommend having visited with our family.

Win a Wizarding Afternoon Tea school trip!

This year, The Grand has also launched a magical competition for young potion makers. Children are invited to design their own magical potion bottle, give their potion a name, explain what magical powers it has and reveal the mysterious ingredients hidden inside.

The Grand’s resident witches and wizards will choose the most magical entries, with the winners receiving an unforgettable Wizarding Afternoon Tea experience for their entire class and teachers!

Even better, every child who enters will receive 50% off a Wizarding Afternoon Tea booking when visiting with a paying adult.

How to enter

✨ Design your own magical potion bottle – find the print-out here

✨ Name your potion.

✨ Describe its magical powers.

✨ List the mystical ingredients.

Entries can be emailed to marketing@thegrandyork.co.uk, posted to The Grand, York, Station Rise, York YO1 6GD, or handed in at the hotel’s front desk. The competition closes at the end of August, so there’s plenty of time to get creative over the summer holidays.

WIN a Wizarding Afternoon Tea for a family of four

We’ve teamed up with The Grand, York to give one lucky Little Vikings family the chance to enjoy the Wizarding Afternoon Tea for two adults and two children. You can enter in any or all of the following ways:

– Follow Little Vikings on Instagram and follow the instructions about how to enter this giveaway. For an extra entry, share to your stories.

– Visit our Facebook page, like the post about this competition and comment ‘win’. You’ll need to like/follow the Little Vikings page to be eligible to win, too.

– Visit our Facebook group and comment ‘win’ on the post about this competition

– Email hello@little-vikings.co.uk with your name and postcode

The competition closes at midnight on 31 July 2026 and the winner will be notified shortly thereafter.

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 and Tower Gardens, and collect a trail sticker along the way, keeping them engaged and involved. There’s no booking needed, just start anywhere along the river and go at your own pace.

Launched just in time for the summer holidays in York, it’s an ideal activity for families with children aged 0 to 11, whether you’ve got twenty minutes or a whole afternoon to fill.

There are several summer events to look out for too, designed to help families explore the trail, discover river stories and get creative along the way. One highlight is a family clay workshop at Rowntree Park on 25 July, where children can make their own “river messenger” inspired by the Ouse’s stories. More workshops and activities are planned, so keep an eye on the York rivers trail events page for the latest updates: https://www.york.gov.uk/york-rivers-trail/york-rivers-trail-1/6

📍 Along the River Ouse, York (Leeman Park and Tower Gardens for viewing frames)
🗓 Trail now open
ℹ️ york.gov.uk/YorkRiversTrail, share your photos using #Yorkriverstrail