Looking for something fun to do with the family in the city this October Half-Term?  York Castle Museum is bringing Yorkshire’s fascinating past to life with a week of storytelling, historic traditions, seasonal activities and immersive family experiences. Special seasonal activities Join HistoryRiot on Kirkgate, Britain’s oldest recreated street, for Tales of Nut-Crack Night. Performances […]

Families take centre stage at Aesthetica Film Festival 2026, running from 4-8 November. Across York, children and parents can discover a world of creativity and imagination, with experiences designed to inspire, entertain and bring families together. From film screenings and workshops to VR, games, music and interactive events, the festival offers young audiences the chance […]

There’s something spooky going on in York this autumn as Ghosts in the Gardens returns for 2026, and it’s bigger than ever. From Saturday 19 September to Sunday 1 November 2026, 70 ghostly wire-mesh sculptures will appear in gardens, ruins and historic locations across York. The trail is completely free, making it a brilliant way […]

Grab your broomsticks and cauldrons, it’s time for spooky season on the NYMR! This October half term, Kids Go Free on standard services, with one free child ticket per fare paying adult, so bring the whole family along for a day of Halloween fun. Steam Through the Moors for Less First, the good news for […]

We’ve got some excellent eerie news if you’re looking for something fun and free to do in York during October half-term. The Little York Ghost Hunt is back, and this year there will be even more ghosts to find! The hunt is part of York Ghost Week 2026, which runs from Saturday 24 October to […]

October half term in York 2026: 24 October to 1 November 2026 (for most York schools). Always check your school’s dates! Looking for the best things to do in York this October half term? The school holidays run from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026 for most York families, with Halloween falling on […]

From meeting medieval pilgrims to designing stained glass, there’s plenty for families to discover at York Minster this October half-term. Between Monday 26 and Saturday 31 October 2026, visitors can enjoy living history, hands-on activities, family trails and an immersive cinematic experience, all included with a standard sightseeing ticket. Better still, each adult ticket costs […]

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 […]

Mother Shipton’s is preparing to cast a spell over families this Halloween with a bewitching new adventure inspired by Hocus Pocus. Taking place from 24 October to 1 November, the ancient woodland attraction in Knaresborough will be transformed with themed displays, witches and plenty of magical mischief. Keep an eye out for an iconic trio […]

September marks the beginning of an exciting new era at St Peter’s School as pupils return to a completely transformed Junior School, now housed in newly renovated facilities on their 50-acre campus, designed to inspire learning, creativity and discovery. The launch of the new Junior School represents a significant milestone for the school and is […]

Think you know York? Think again! York Unlocked returns on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026, giving families the chance to explore historic buildings and hidden spaces across the city for free. Forgot to book in advance? Don’t panic! Many places are open for drop-in visits, so head out and see what you can […]

Exciting news for parents of little ones in York! There’s a brand new class in town, and it’s a really good one. babyballet® York & Selby offers award-winning, fun and friendly dance classes for little stars aged 6 months to 6 years. Our magical classes introduce children to the joy of movement through music, storytelling […]

Fancy eating out in York without spending a fortune? Of course you do! York Restaurant Week returns from 5th to 18th October 2026, with two whole weeks of tempting offers at restaurants, cafés, pubs and street food spots across the city centre. With hundreds of offers to choose from, deciding where to eat might be […]

Choosing a school is a big decision, and an open day is one of the best ways to get a feel for the places you’re considering. It’s a chance to explore the facilities, meet teachers and pupils, ask questions and discover what makes each school different. We’ve brought together the latest independent school open days […]

After the expense of the summer holidays, Heritage Open Days 2026 couldn’t come at a better time. The event takes place from 11 to 20 September, but dates for free entry vary and some require pre-booking, so do check online before you travel. As always, there are lots of lovely places to explore around York […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]