Families are at the heart of Aesthetica Film Festival 2025, taking place from 5th to 9th November 2025. York transforms into a hub of creativity and imagination, offering children and parents experiences they cannot find anywhere else in the city. From films and workshops to VR, games, music, and interactive events, the festival creates a […]

Whether it’s York’s ancient history or its recent connections with the world of Harry Potter, the city has become a popular destination for families in search of magic. The most magical spot in our already enchanting city is the Shambles, a quirky, cobbled medieval street that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Now there’s even […]

Share how you travel around York, and you could win a £50 York Gift Card. Simply fill out the quick 2-minute travel survey to be entered into the prize draw. You could be the lucky winner and enjoy spending your £50 on whatever you like in York. Don’t forget to check the terms and conditions here. While we’re […]

Half term Spooky Pass! Calling all little monsters, witches, and ghouls!  Oxygen’s Spooky Pass brings you chills, thrills, and some eerily irresistible BIG-TIME FUN this October half-term! Grab your Spooky Pass and get ready to BOO-unce with the hero crew all week long. For just £30, you’ll enjoy an hour of jumping every day from Monday […]

We thought there was no magical spell strong enough to turn rainy Sunday frowns into happy faces, but here it is: afternoon tea at Dreamery Gardens (formerly Northwood Trail). Located outside Stamford Bridge, just a short drive from York, Dreamery Gardens is more than just a walk in the woods — it’s a chance to […]

If you’re lucky enough to be in York at Christmas, there’s one place you really must follow the twinkling lights to: York Minster. A joy at any time of year, York Minster is even more magical at Christmas, with lots of reasons to visit, from the fabulous Christmas Tree Festival to carol concerts and a […]

The North York Moors, with its misty landscapes and ancient woodland, are a haunting backdrop for atmospheric autumn adventures, but where should budding ghost-hunters start? Overshadowed by the imposing ruins of the abbey, Whitby is one of our favourite places to spend time at Halloween. Its winding cobbled streets and eerie cliff-side paths are seriously […]

Autumn’s here and there’s something spooktacular going on in York: the return of Ghosts in the Gardens! The York BID is once again bringing some horribly good wire mesh sculptures to some of York’s most stunning green spaces and this year it’s bigger than ever (and, as always, it’s FREE!). From Friday 19th September 2025, […]

Come out to play at Beningbrough this half term holiday. Explore the gardens and get involved with the Harvest Heroes hunt or take part in a nature-related activity (available on selected days). There’s space to play on the south lawn, trees to climb and fish to spot or head to the wilderness play area and […]

We’re putting it out there: York is the best place in the UK for a Christmas family break. An amazing family-friendly destination at any time of year, York’s even more special at Christmas. From November onwards, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, with a festive atmosphere, Santa experiences, seasonal shows and pantomimes and wonderful […]

Did you know that York has more ghosts than anywhere else in Europe? While we’re not sure who counted them all, one thing’s for sure – York’s one of the most haunted cities in the world, and it takes Halloween seriously. From ghost walks and eerie attractions to family-friendly Halloween events, York is the ultimate […]

Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend or longer (or you’re lucky enough to call it home), York’s brimming with activities for families, including the littlest ones. There are lots of family-friendly places to eat and drink, and some excellent places to stay too. But what to do? From interactive experiences to outdoor adventures, […]

We might be bidding farewell to the summer holiday activities soon, but fear not: York’s the city that never rests, so it’s no surprise that there are lots of new things coming up in the autumn term for families to look forward to. As always, we’ll bring you details of the best so you don’t […]

As the last day of the summer holidays loomed, it was tempting to channel our gloom into sorting out the school bags and embarking on a giant game of Hunt The PE Kit. But that’s no way to celebrate surviving (and sometimes actually enjoying) another six-week school-free stint, so we headed to Ambiente Tapas in […]

Even the most boring sandwich tastes amazing when it’s eaten in the sunshine. There’s a lot to love about picnics – the kids can run about, the grass can deal with the crumbs and it’s cheaper (and less stressful) than piling into a restaurant or cafe. Take a look at our pick of the best […]

Looking for budget-friendly ways to entertain the kids this summer? Same here. With the cost of living on the rise, summer holidays can quickly add up, from the day-long snack distribution to pleas for ice cream and requests for another day out. Here’s the good news: having a good time in York doesn’t have to […]

York’s food scene is booming, with excellent French, Thai, and Indian options, as well as Chinese, Nepalese, and Japanese. When it comes to eating out in York with kids though, one cuisine beats them all: Italian. Pizza, to be precise. It can’t just be our kids who disagree on almost everything except their favourite dining out […]

We know, we know! The sun’s shining and the ice cream requests are loud and frequent, but we’re talking about Christmas. Forgive us, but we know that some of you like to plan, so we’re doing our duty and letting you know the big news about this year’s Christmas theme at Castle Howard. For the […]

Inflatables at the ready! Pool Bridge Farm – the best place for wild swimming near York, and one of our favourite places with kids and without – now has a large, dedicated family lake and it’s brilliant. Here’s what you need to know if you’d like to try it. The Q Lake is the only […]

Much as we love the summer holidays, we’re less keen on six weeks of sorting out almost every meal and snack for the whole family. Not only can it feel like you’re a human vending machine, it can also get expensive, especially if you’re going out. Picnics are great to save money, but sometimes it’s […]