York’s summer can be summed up in two words: glorious and short (okay, three words if you count ‘unpredictable’). If there’s one thing we know, it’s that you’ve got to make the most of it while it’s here, and that means enjoying the sun while it shines and splashing about near the water. No matter […]

We’re going on an adventure! This summer (Saturday 19th July to Sunday 31st August 2025), head to Mother Shipton’s Cave, where magic dwells deep, with hobbit-esque themed displays and plenty of fairy magic. It’s an adventure to rule them all, happening in the heart of Yorkshire! Keep an eye out for an enchanting fairy and curiously […]

York’s much-loved rivers, the Ouse and the Foss, wind right through the heart of the city and are a must-visit for families exploring York with kids. As well as boat trips with the brilliant City Cruises and lovely riverside walks, it’s also a perfect place to eat with kids in tow. There’s something magical about […]

Looking for a joyful family day out in York this summer? You’re warmly invited to Homestead Park Festival: Here is Hope – a free, family-friendly festival packed with music, creativity and connection, all set in the beautiful grounds of Homestead Park. It’s taking place on 5th and 6th July 2025, and it’s completely free. Whether […]

Christmas at Stockeld Park is packed with festive magic and loved by all ages, just a short drive from York, and we’re giving one lucky family (up to 2 adults and 3 children) the chance to experience it all with gold tickets! To celebrate the launch of Stockeld Park’s magical Gold Christmas tickets this summer, […]

If you’re looking for afternoon tea in York for the whole family, The Potions Academy has recently launched Wizard Afternoon Tea and it’s proving more popular than a Harry Potter costume on World Book Day. Run by the expert team behind The Potions Cauldron and The Hole in Wand, it’s an experience that brings the […]

The Make Space Festival is back for 2025 and it’s bigger, bolder and has more events than ever! The festival is all about empowering teenage girls to take up space, try new things and have fun. From creative workshops to active outdoor sessions, the festival is packed with free events designed to spark curiosity and […]

It’s that time of year again when those of us lucky enough to have our dads around (or someone who does those fatherly things for us) scrabble to find a way to thank them for what they do for us. While there’s a lot to be said for keeping it simple (and nothing says I […]

There’s a new reason to explore York with kids this summer, and it’s wild, wonderful, and completely free: the Tommy Treebark Trail! Families living in or visiting York are invited to take part in this fun city centre trail, which promises to be fun for all ages. Running from 25th April to 14th September 2025, […]

The sun’s back, and so are The York BID’s colourful seating areas and grass animals! We’re big fans: these spaces are the perfect place for families to relax, sit down with a snack or snap a sunny selfie when York’s brimming with summer visitors. The grass animals are always a big hit with kids (but […]

Spring is in the air, and there’s no better time to head out on a family adventure in York. With longer days, blooming flowers and (hopefully) a bit of sunshine, you’re spoilt for choice this springtime. Whether you fancy meeting some animals, getting out into nature or enjoying North Yorkshire’s best adventure playgrounds, we’ve rounded […]

Visiting York Minster with kids is an awe-inspiring experience that you won’t forget, but did you know it can also be a bit of a family workout? Families fit – and brave – enough can embark on the York Minster Tower Challenge, climbing to the top of Central Tower for some of the most spectacular […]

If there’s one thing that most children adore, whatever their age, it’s splashing about in the water. Whether they’re a toddler dipping their toes in the water or a slide-loving tween, swimming and paddling are one of those activities that everyone usually enjoys. There are lots of places in York and nearby where you can […]

Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and connect with nature after the long, dark winter months, and what could be more uplifting than spending some time in the company of adorable animals? Days out that involve anything furry tend to please the whole family, from tiny toddlers to tired teens, so there’s a […]

If you’re looking for a lovely walk in York or the surrounding Yorkshire countryside with your children, look no further. There’s a lot to love about going on a family walk: it’s great exercise, gets everyone off their screens and gives you a great chance to chat and connect. There are lots of great walks […]

If you’re looking for a magical and mind-bending adventure in York with the kids, we’ve found just the place. We recently stepped into The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring, York’s newest family attraction, and it’s a really fun experience for anyone who loves magic, mystery and a little bit of trickery. Right in the heart […]

If you’ve got a Bluey fan (or two!) in your house, we’ve got exciting news: Bluey’s Big Play, the smash-hit theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children’s series, is heading to York’s Grand Opera House. It’s taking place from Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 March 2026, and it’s going to be brilliant. This is Bluey […]

If your little ones love Paddington (who doesn’t?), you need to (b)earmark the 3rd and 4th May in your diary. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is rolling out the red carpet for one of the most charming bears from deepest, darkest Peru, and you’re invited! Meet Paddington at Pickering Station Head to the wonderful North […]

Spring is in the air, and Easter in York is bursting with fun things to do. Whether you’re searching for the biggest and best Easter egg hunts in York, excited to meet newborn lambs or want to get out into nature, there’s something for everyone. From chocolate-related activities to themed days out, York is the […]

Karen Kilkenny, Head of Chapter House and Queen’s Kindergarten shares how natural spaces and child-led authentic learning make their EYFS provision so special. If you step into our Early Years setting, you will see happy children who are curious about the world and who love coming to school. Children learn best through an inquisitive and […]