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 and 8th September 2026).
We know from years of experience that six 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, X, 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 ☀️
Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon School Exhibition swoops into York’s DIG for the summer holidays, and it’s a treasure trove of interactive fun inspired by Cowell’s new spin-off book series, How to Train Your Dragon School. DIG’s immersive exhibition brings Berk to life with hands-on activities, much-loved characters and surprises along the way.
📅 Open daily
📍 DIG: An Archaeological Adventure, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN
🔗 Visit the DIG York website
Climb aboard a steam train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway – Hop aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) this summer for a unique, memory-making experience unlike any other. We love taking the train to Whitby for a couple of hours of seaside fun – complete with fish and chips and a hike up to the Abbey – before heading back.
📍 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 – Step back in time at Eden Camp this summer, where history comes to life! From hands-on activities to immersive exhibitions, there’s plenty to keep curious kids entertained all day long. 🎟️ Plus – visit once this summer and get a FREE return ticket to come back again!
📍 Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 6RT
🗓 Check website for opening hours
ℹ️ edencamp.co.uk
Fairies and Hobblings at Mother Shipton’s – 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. Keep an eye out for an enchanting fairy and curiously courageous Hobbling who guard the secrets of the forest and may even share their enchantments with worthy adventurers.
📍 Mother Shipton’s, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD
🗓 28th March to 13th April 2026
ℹ️ mothershiptons.co.uk
The Great Woodland Adventure at RHS Garden Harlow Carr – Get ready for six weeks of nature-packed fun with The Great Woodland Adventure, the ultimate summer holiday experience for children and families! From hands-on activities to exciting outdoor challenges, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the beautiful gardens and woodlands of RHS Harlow Carr (19th July to 31st August).
📍 RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB
🗓 Open daily (opening times vary seasonally, check online before you visit)
ℹ️ rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr
A sublime summer day out 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. Young adventurers can follow in the footsteps of Rover, a famous dog in Castle Howard’s history, included in House & Gardens tickets. Embark on a grand tour of the house, spotting animals and learning about Rover’s big adventures.
📍 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
Up to 50% off for YO postcode residents this summer – The York Dungeon are giving up to 50% discount off entry to all residents in YO postcode areas! In the returning Body Snatchers show, uncover the grisly truth about grave robbing, and come face to face with the scheming resurrectionists who made a deadly living digging up the dead! You can take advantage of this amazing summer discount by clicking here.
📍 The York Dungeon, 12 Clifford Street, York YO1 9RD
🗓 Open daily (opening times vary, check online before you visit)
ℹ️ thedungeons.com/york
Summer of Invention at The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring – Step into the puzzling world of Professor Kettlestring this summer, where illusions, puzzles and gadgets spark curiosity and creativity. Take part in the Summer of Invention – pick up an invention sheet, dream up a marvellous machine, and hand it in for a chance to win a prize! Two winners (8 and under, 9 and over) will be chosen by their curators.
📍 The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring, Merchantgate, York YO1 9TU
ℹ️ puzzlingworldyork.co.uk
Summer at the National Railway Museum (Free!) – Celebrate 200 years of rail and 50 years of the museum with live steam demos, hands-on engineering fun, storytelling and a unique Steam and Symphony orchestral performance (27 July, 2pm). Explore the wonderful Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery for extra science thrills (charges apply).
📍 National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ railwaymuseum.org.uk
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
Swim, climb and play at York Leisure Centre – There’s so much for all ages at York Leisure Centre this summer, from swimming to clip’n’climb and soft play. Visit the website and be sure to book in advance.
📍 York Leisure Centre, Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross, York YO32 9AF
🗓 Open daily
ℹ️ better.org.uk/leisure-centre/york/york-leisure-centre
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?
Summer fun at Beningbrough – Just 8 miles from York, Beningbrough Hall blends nature, history and play for the perfect family day out. Climb the 7m tower, explore the ‘Good day, bad day’ servant trail (until 31st August) or get stuck into Summer of Play Wednesdays (23rd July to 27th August). With blooming gardens, picnic spots and plenty for little adventurers, it’s open daily and free for NT members.
📍 Beningbrough, York YO30 1DD
🗓 Opening times vary seasonally (check online before you visit)
ℹ️ nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/beningbrough
Play a round of wizard golf – The Summer of Magic has arrived at The Hole In Wand York! Take on 9 holes of mini golf and receive a magical potion based on your score.
📍 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! Save 20% when you pre-book online! – Learn the incredible story of chocolate – from its ancient origins in the rainforests of Central America to York’s pioneering chocolatiers who shaped the treats we know and love today.
Taste your way through history – from the original, rich Mayan chocolate drink to iconic bars still made in York today.
Create your own chocolate lolly, roll and dip indulgent truffles, or take part in a hands-on masterclass for the ultimate chocolate-making experience!
📍 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 second year. Thursday 7th to Monday 11th August 2025 – 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!
Step into 1,400 years of history at York Minster this summer with an annual family pass from just £20. Two adults and up to eight children can explore the Minster all year for £40. Discover hands-on trails, backpacks, STEM adventures and the Undercroft Museum. Don’t miss the Minster’s green spaces for picnics, Paddington and play.
📍 York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH
📅 Open daily
🎟️ Kids go free with a paying adult
ℹ️ Visit the website
Summer at York Army Museum – There’s loads going on at York Army Museum this summer, from LEGO to computer games!
📍 York Army Museum, 3 Tower Street, York YO1 9SB
🗓 Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun closed
ℹ️ yorkarmymuseum.co.uk
Take a tour on an open top bus – Running every 15 mins, 7 days a week, the CitySightseeing York tour captures hearts of all ages. The live guides will guide you through 2000 years of history in York. Take the City Sightseeing York bus tour and be inspired by the beauty this city has to offer. Hop on the red open-top bus at Exhibition Square and get ready to start your adventure through time! Ticket valid 24 hours. 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
🗓 Seasonal (summer and Halloween dates vary, check online before you visit)
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)
Visit the Vikings – Ride back in time through a Viking village, meet the Vikings and see incredible Viking artefacts at the JORVIK Viking Centre. Pre-booking is advised, and check out DIG for younger children – it’s the best place to get hands-on with history in York.
📍 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. NEW! You can now access an interactive 3D version of the map from our website, so you can follow the route on your phone and pick up some facts along the way. 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
🗓 Mon, Wed to Fri 9.30am to 5pm, Sat and Sun 10am to 5pm (closed Tuesdays)
ℹ️ beetlebankopenfarm.co.uk
Summer Reading Challenge York 2025 – 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 2025 launches on Saturday 12th July at Explore York Libraries. 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 by Saturday 13th September. Find more details here.
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.
Head to JORVIK DIG – DIG is a hands-on archaeological adventure, from the Viking experts at JORVIK, that gives kids the chance to become trainee ‘diggers’ and discover the most exciting artefacts from 2000 years of York’s history! 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
Explore a medieval house at Barley Hall – Barley Hall is one of York’s hidden gems, and another great JORVIK Group attraction with plenty of hands-on activities for children. Tucked away down Coffee Yard, it’s a stunning medieval townhouse that’s been painstakingly restored. This summer, explore the new Beasts at Barley Hall exhibition.
📍 Barley Hall, Coffee Yard, off Stonegate, York YO1 8AR
🗓 Open daily (opening times vary)
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
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
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.
