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.

Launching 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’s also a lovely event to look out for. On 25 July, Rowntree Park will host a family clay workshop where kids can make their own “river messenger” inspired by the Ouse’s stories (morning session, roughly 10am to 12pm). More events are being confirmed for later in July, so we’ll keep this updated.

📍 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

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 and lovely days out.

This guide is put together by the Little Vikings team, who spend their weekends doing exactly what you’re probably planning: finding great things to do with kids, making the most of the city or heading out on a day trip. We know that your time is precious – not to mention your money! – so we’ll only share recommendations that we think you’ll love.

⭐ Our Top Pick

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. It opens this weekend, and it’s one of the best summer days out in the region.

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

💰 Free fun

Make the most of York without spending a penny! Discover the best free things to do in York with kids.

Sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge

This year’s theme is Read to the Beat, a celebration of music and reading brought to life through illustrations by Harry Woodgate. Kids can sign up at their local Explore York library and collect rewards as they read,

📍 Explore York libraries across the city
🗓 Sign up from Saturday 11 July
ℹ️ exploreyork.org.uk

☔️ Indoor fun

Perfect for when the weather’s not on your side. Here are lots of ideas for things to do on a rainy day in York, and this is our recommendation for this week.

Watch Toy Story 5 (or any other movie) at one of York’s cinemas. It’s a good way to avoid any suprise rain or – more likely – the crazy heat! Choose from Vue York, Everyman York, Cineworld York and City Screen York.

🌳 Day Trip of the Week

Fancy a little adventure beyond the city? Here’s a lovely family day out from York.

Bolton Abbey

Bolton Abbey is one of Yorkshire’s best family days out: riverside walks along the Wharfe, stepping stones that older kids love to wobble across, and the ruined priory to explore. Pack a picnic, bring the right shoes for paddling and book your parking ahead.

📍 Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6EX
🗓 Open year-round, daily
ℹ️ boltonabbey.com

🍰 Eat of the Week

There are loads of family-friendly places to eat in York, and here’s our recommendation of the week.

Curlew Fields Dairies

Curlew Fields Dairies is a proper treat for York families: a working dairy farm in Hessay with a self-serve milk vending machine, homemade ice cream in an array of flavours, and a lovely little café for waffles and coffee. Kids will love spotting the cows and farm machinery.

📍 Curlew Fields Dairies, New Rd, Hessay, York YO26 8JS
🗓 Open daily 6:30am-6:30pm (vending machine); café open Thurs-Mon, 11am-5pm
ℹ️ Follow them on Instagram

😊 Plan Ahead

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

✨ Little Vikings Family Card offer

Save 15% on subscriptions for My Pirate Penpal (a York-based business!)

Every month, your child will receive a beautifully personalised letter inviting them aboard The Jolly Jackal for a new adventure with Captain Blue Beard and the crew. As they sail the world, they’ll discover countries, wildlife and landmarks while learning fascinating facts along the way. Each subscription includes a FREE welcome gift, plus a FREE personalised birthday card with annual memberships. Find out more about how to save over on our website.

Pick up your Little Vikings Family Card from the Visit York Information Centre for exclusive family discounts and offers across York.

For more inspiration for family days out, trails, events and places to eat, visit little-vikings.co.uk or follow us on Instagram @littlevikingsyork.

This guide was written by the Little Vikings editorial team. Little Vikings is an award-winning, independent guide to the best family-friendly activities in and around York, run by a local family with an in-depth knowledge of brilliant things to do and places to go.

About Little Vikings – York for Kids
Little Vikings is York’s award-winning family guide, run by a local family who know the city inside-out. We explore, review and recommend the best things to do, see, eat and experience with kids in York and beyond.

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 museum.

Families can take part in the Women at War: Poo Clues Trail, following clues around the museum to solve a wartime mystery before collecting a sweet reward. On selected days, visitors can also meet Connie from the Women’s Land Army and try their hand at milking a model cow while learning about life on wartime farms.

Young historians won’t want to miss the Little Evacuees workshop (Monday–Friday), where children can make a cardboard gas mask, learn about evacuation, rationing and life on the Home Front, and take home their own wartime identity tag. The workshop is free with admission but must be booked in advance due to limited spaces.

To round off the summer, Eden Camp’s popular Living History Weekend returns on 29–30 August, featuring historical reenactors, military vehicles, live music, wartime cooking demonstrations and immersive displays throughout the museum.

With over 20 original prisoner of war huts to explore, immersive exhibitions and activities included with admission, Eden Camp offers a fascinating and memorable family day out this summer.

Thanks to the Government’s VAT Summer Saver initiative, ticket prices have been reduced across the summer, making a visit to Eden Camp even better value. The Government has temporarily reduced VAT on admission tickets from 20% to 5% at eligible UK family attractions from 25 June to 1 September 2026.

Pre-booking is recommended, particularly for the Little Evacuees workshop.

Essential info

📍 Eden Camp Modern History Museum
📅17 July – 31 August 2026
🎟️ Book online and save! Family tickets start from £30

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 activities: ice skating!

THOR’S on ICE – What to expect

• – Where: York Museum Gardens, behind York Art Gallery, York
• – When: 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
• – Who: Skaters of all ages
• – Booking: Ticket details will be announced soon

The rink will sit behind York Art Gallery, surrounded by the beautiful ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, which promises to be a spectacular setting for a festive skate. Better still, it will be covered by a clear canopy, so you can enjoy the experience whatever the Yorkshire weather brings!

More than just an ice rink

As well as the skating, here’s what’s on offer at THOR’S this winter:

• 🔥 The iconic THOR’S tipi returns
• ⛸️ A brand new outdoor ice rink
• 🪵 Roaring log fires
• 🌮 Seasonal street food
• ☕ Hot chocolate, 🍷 mulled wine and festive cocktails
• 🍺 Local beers
• 🎶 Live music and entertainment

School trips, groups and celebrations

As well as public skating sessions, THOR’S on ICE will also welcome school visits, private hire and group bookings.

When do tickets go on sale?

Ticket prices and skating session times haven’t been announced yet, but they’re expected in the coming weeks. We’ll update this page as soon as bookings open, so keep checking back if you’d like to be among the first on the ice. We reckon it’s going to be popular

THOR’S on ICE

📍 Museum Gardens, York YO30 7DR
🗓️ 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027

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 be honest: much as we love the summer holidays, they are long (and even longer this year for some reason!). At some point, most of us need a few days where the kids are happily packed off somewhere. York’s got loads of brilliant options, with holiday clubs and camps running across the full seven weeks.

Below is our pick of the best this summer. Don’t forget to book early where you can as the most popular options sell out fast, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for daily ideas and inspiration throughout the holidays.

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Summer Holiday Activities at York Sport

Looking for ways to keep kids active and entertained over the summer? York Sport runs a great range of holiday activities including day camps, week-long swimming courses and family splash sessions.

Holiday swimming courses are open to children aged 5 and up, covering stages 1 to 6 for all abilities, and sessions are taught by experienced instructors in a friendly, supportive environment.

They also offer Junior Triathlon Day Camps for young athletes ages 8 to 16. Let your kids swim, bike, and run their way through an action-packed day of fun and fitness! 

Family splash sessions include a selection of inflatable toys & games to add a bit more fun to your normal swimming session, and you can now book ahead of time!

Visit york-sport.com or @yorksport1 for more information

The Web Kids’ Club

Looking for holiday childcare that’s safe, active and packed with adventure? The Web’s OFSTED-registered Holiday Club offers play, creativity and fun in a secure nursery setting. Children enjoy access to indoor play, laser tag, fairground rides, Forest School, the Art Shed and animal encounters. DBS-checked staff, supervised activities and appropriate ratios to ensure safe, unforgettable experiences, every day. 

📍 The Web Adventure Park, Clifton Park, Wigginton Road, York YO32 2RH
🗓 Check website for dates and availability
ℹ️ webadventurepark.co.uk

York Theatre Royal: Play in a Week

York Theatre Royal’s Play in a Week camps are a brilliant introduction to drama for children who love a bit of performance magic. Over five mornings or afternoons, kids dive into a full theatrical world, working together to explore characters, stories and scenes before sharing what they’ve created.

This summer there are two strands to choose from. Younger children (5 to 7) step into the madcap world of Grimm’s Fairy Tales, exploring Rapunzel, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel and more, running 10am to 12.30pm. Older children (8 to 11) take on Shakespeare’s The Tempest, an island adventure full of magic, mystery and plotting, running 2pm to 5pm.

📍 York Theatre Royal, St Leonard’s Place, York
🗓 Check website for dates and availability
ℹ️ yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Adventure Camps at The Mount School and St Peter’s School

Adventure Camps is back this summer at St Peter’s School on Bootham (ages 4-15) and The Mount School York (ages 3-15), with themed weeks, giant inflatables, sports, bushcraft, arts and crafts, and visits from specialist providers.

Every day brings something new, helping children make friends, build confidence, and create lasting memories in a safe, supportive environment. Specialist camps are also available, including Performing Arts, Survival, Young Leaders, and Tech. Places are filling fast, so don’t hang about!

ℹ️ adventure-camps.co.uk
⭐️ Book now to receive 10% off summer bookings with the exclusive code: LITTLEVIK 

Arty sessions at The Colour Corner 

The Colour Corner is a new children’s art studio in Wetherby that offers fun, creative holiday sessions as well as term-time classes. Take a look at their website for the various options, but themes carnival masks, abstract ink paintings and seahorse bubble paintings. Visit the website.

Forest fun with The Woodland Adventure Company

The Woodland Adventure Company’s forest school-inspired holiday adventures are a firm Little Vikings favourite. Set in beautiful woodland just outside York, sessions are designed for children aged 2 to 11 and offer a genuinely magical mix of outdoor play, nature exploration and hands-on fun. Keep an eye on their website for this summer’s themes and booking dates.

📍 Primrose Hill, Buttercrambe Road, Stamford Bridge, York, YO41 1AW
🗓 Check website for dates and availability
ℹ️ thewoodlandadventurecompany.co.uk

Fun active sessions with York RLFC

This summer, the York RLFC Foundation will stage loads of sessions across York. Most are aimed at kids aged 5 to 13 and are FREE, turn-up-and-play inflatable sessions. Multi-sport sessions and day camps require advance booking, so visit their website for all the info.

For all the details, visit the York RLFC website or email info@yorkrlfc.com for more information

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 use your ticket as many times as you like within a year – your summer plans just got even easier!

All activities listed below are included with a sightseeing ticket. 

Love to LEGO®: Build your own

LEGO® is back! After a hugely popular Easter where nearly 1000 people helped to recreate the epic 14th-century shrine of St William of York, the bricks return for more creative fun.

This time though, you are the architect.

Bring your imagination to life and be inspired by one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. Create your own architectural designs based on your surroundings, or build a rocket, a dinosaur or even a pirate ship. The sky is the limit here at York Minster, where centuries of heritage craft have flourished.

LEGO® sessions run throughout the summer holidays and there is no need to book, just turn up and get creative!

York Minster sightseeing activities

There’s a whole heap of fun to be had at York Minster during the summer holidays.

Visit our immersive underground cinema and discover how we’ve used the latest video game technologies and 3D scanning to recreate the epic 14th century shrine of St William of York.

Borrow a Little Explorer Backpack from the Welcome Desks. Each backpack is packed full of gadgets to help you adventure through the medieval Minster. Take on one of the York Minster Quest trails, all free to pick up as you arrive at the Welcome Desk. Perfect for keeping little brains busy!

Get hands on with history in the state-of-the-art Undercroft Museum. Follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers, touch archaeological remains uncovered over the centuries, and explore changing exhibitions in the Treasury.

Good to know before you go

The Minster is yours to explore with an annual family pass starting from just £20. Adult tickets are priced at £20 and include entry for up to four children aged 17 and under for a whole year. So, two adults and up to eight children can explore one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals as many times as you like for just £40!

Pre-book your sightseeing tickets to kickstart your York Minster adventure.

📍 York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH
⏰ 10am – 12pm and 1pm – 3pm
ℹ️ yorkminster.org

York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH

This is a promotional feature in partnership with our friends at York Minster

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

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 at the National Railway Museum (Free!)

The National Railway Museum is always a brilliant choice for the summer holidays, with iconic locomotives, hands-on exhibits and plenty of space for children to explore. Keep an eye out for special holiday activities, family trails and interactive displays. Best of all, entry is free, making it one of York’s most inspiring and best value family days out.

📍 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?

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.

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, who’ll be bringing plenty of midsummer mischief and merriment to visitors of all ages. Along the way, look out for themed displays inspired by iconic scenes from the much-loved story and discover plenty of spellbinding photo opportunities.

Click your heels and come dressed in your favourite Oz-inspired outfits, whether that’s a sparkling witch, a brave lion or a pair of ruby slippers. Share your magical moments using #mothershiptons for the chance to win free tickets!

The Oz-themed fun is just one part of a day out at Mother Shipton’s. As England’s oldest tourist attraction, it’s home to the legendary Mother Shipton’s Cave and the famous Petrifying Well, where everyday objects appear to turn to stone. Families can also enjoy the adventure playground, browse the gift shop and follow the beautiful riverside walk through one of Yorkshire’s most picturesque settings.

Whether you’re introducing little ones to a classic story or simply looking for a magical family day out, there’s no place quite like Mother Shipton’s this summer.

– Event Dates: 18th July – 6th September 2026

– Opening Hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm (last admission 4pm)

– Booking recommended: Visit the Mother Shipton’s website

Win a family ticket to Mother Shipton’s!

We’ve teamed up with our friends at Mother Shipton’s to give away one family ticket (up to five people in one car/five pedestrians) to a lucky winner! 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 on1 July 2026 and the winner will be notified shortly thereafter.

18th July to 6th September 2026, 9.30am – 5.30pm (last admission 4pm) – Booking essential

As lovely as the summer holidays are, they are expensive, so we’re really pleased to say that there’s a way to save money on days out in the weeks ahead.

Thanks to the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, some attractions are enjoying a VAT cut that they’re passing onto visitors. Some of our favourite places are taking part, making it a great excuse for a summer trip.

☀️ Don’t forget you’ll find all of our handpicked summer activities near York here

What is the Great British Summer Savings scheme?

The Great British Summer Savings scheme is a Government initiative running until 1 September. It temporarily reduces VAT on eligible visitor attractions, with the aim of making family days out more affordable during the school holidays. Attractions can choose whether to pass those savings on to customers, so participation is voluntary. That means some attractions have reduced ticket prices, while others have kept their usual admission prices.

The York attractions taking part

York Minster

One of York’s most iconic attractions, York Minster is offering reduced admission as part of the Great British Summer Savings scheme. Explore one of Europe’s finest medieval cathedrals, discover fascinating history and enjoy family-friendly trails and activities during the school holidays.

📍 York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH
ℹ️ yorkminster.org

Castle Howard

With its magnificent house, sprawling gardens, adventure playground, woodland walks and lakeside views, Castle Howard makes a brilliant family day out in every season but it’s particularly beautiful in summer.

📍 Castle Howard, Castle Howard Estate, York YO60 7DA
ℹ️ castlehoward.co.uk

York Dungeon

Expect live actors, immersive storytelling and plenty of laughs (and screams!) as York Dungeon brings 2,000 years of York’s darker history to life. Summer Savings discounts make this thrilling attraction a little easier on the family budget.

📍 York Dungeon, 12 Clifford Street, York YO1 9RD
ℹ️ thedungeons.com/york

Mother Shipton’s Cave

A family favourite just outside York, Mother Shipton’s Cave combines magical woodland walks, adventure play, the famous Petrifying Well and seasonal events. It’s a brilliant summer day out, now at a lower price.

📍 Mother Shipton’s Cave, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
ℹ️ mothershipton.co.uk

Piglets Adventure Farm

Piglets Adventure Farm is packed with indoor and outdoor fun, from giant jumping pillows and tractor rides to animal encounters and adventure play. Families can now enjoy all that summer fun with reduced admission through the Summer Savings scheme.

📍 Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST
ℹ️ pigletsadventurefarm.com

The Web Adventure Park

One of the biggest family attractions near York, The Web Adventure Park offers outdoor play, splash zones, animals and huge indoor play areas. It’s another attraction helping families save money this summer.

📍 The Web Adventure Park, Wigginton Road, York YO32 2RH
ℹ️ webadventurepark.co.uk