The longest holidays of the year are upon us, but don’t panic! It’s a long time to keep children entertained, but there are lots of things going on in and around York this summer. As always, we’ve handpicked the very best events and activities, with plenty of ideas for every budget and weather condition (but it’s going to be sunny the whole time, right?). Here are our highlights so far, and keep checking back for our very best things to do in and around York during the summer holidays. Make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Twitter, 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
Lights, Camera, Traction Film Trail on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway – Head to the NYMR this summer to try the brand-new film trail. There’s tons of fun to be had, from giant steam engines to hands-on family activities, and best of all, kids go free (ts & cs apply). Travel and walk in the footsteps of your favourite film and TV stars: meet Curious Creatures, find out if you’re a Super Spy and become an Awesome Archaeologist. Why not make a wand and hat and travel to Goathland Station, which was transformed into Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone? Visit the website for details.
Finding Neverland at Mother Shiptons – Immerse yourself in the magic of Neverland with enchanting themed displays featuring the mischievous Tinkerbell, mysterious shipwrecks and swashbuckling pirate hideouts. Watch as actors bring the story to life, sprinkling a touch of magic and wonder throughout your visit. Capture unforgettable moments with MER-MAZING photo opportunities where you can pose in scenes straight out of Peter Pan. 20th July to 1st September 2024 – Mother Shiptons, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD – Visit the Mother Shipton’s website
Time-travelling Summer Fun at York Castle Museum – This summer, York Castle Museum will host time-travelling characters lost in different centuries. Join Phineas FickleTickle with his imaginary enchanted hot air balloon as he travels around the museum to help his friends return to their own time using magical tinctures. They’ll visit Medieval, Georgian and Edwardian periods and the 1960s, so there’s plenty to discover and learn. These promenade performances last 30 mins and run at 11 am, 1 pm and 2.30 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 3rd to 31st August. There’s lots more going on, too, so visit the York Castle Museum website for details.
The Great Summer Social at York Designer Outlet – York Designer Outlet’s Great Summer Social is back until 8th September and it’s better than ever. There’s a whole host of activities and games, from table tennis to 9-hole minigolf, and admission and all the games are FREE! Golf clubs, table tennis bats and balls can be collected from customer services next to The Great Summer Social entrance. Visit the website for more info
Star Carr: Life After the Ice at The Yorkshire Museum – Explore what human life was like 11,000 years ago at this exciting and interactive new exhibition. It brings together wonderful artefacts from one of the most famous Mesolithic sites in the world. Through creative design and sensory space-making, visitors are immersed in the Mesolithic world of Star Carr through an interactive mural and soundscape. Children can follow the story of Star Carr through the eyes of a friendly dog who lived with the people by the lake. Included in admission – www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/
Wonderlab at the Railway Museum – Explore the wonders of science and create unforgettable family memories at Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery. Experience the thrill of science in action with electrifying live shows and roll up your sleeves and have a go at 18 interactive challenges! Back out in the museum, explore Great Hall and meet locomotive giants including Mallard and the Japanese Bullet Train. Discover a huge collection of railway items in North Shed or take a trip back in time to relive the story of the Flying Scotsman with the Flying Scotsman VR Experience. Visit railwaymuseum.org.uk
NEW! The Potions Academy – Opening on 19th July, 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, receive a magical potion to celebrate your graduation from The Potions Class and have the chance to swoop over the city on a broomstick. Visit the website.
Flip, jump and compete at Oxygen York –Unleash your inner athlete as you flip, jump and compete your way to victory, turning up the heat on the competition! Whether you’re aiming for success or just in it for the thrill, Oxygen has something for everyone with sporty games and airborne adventure. Each week of the holidays will have a different theme, from athletics to gymnastics and track and field. Have a go at winning a medal and you might just end up on the podium. Visit the Oxygen website for more info and to book. Don’t forget that we have a special discount code to save 25% on a family pass – it’s LVYORKFAM25
A summer of adventure at Piglets Adventure Farm – There’s so much going on at Piglets this summer, with changing themes throughout the weeks, from dragons, knights and princesses to Dino Adventures and Showtime! Enjoy live entertainment, hop on a tractor ride and even visit the beach! Visit the Piglets website to discover what’s on and when. Why not buy a Summer Pass for unlimited visits during the holidays? Open daily; visit the Piglets website
Tee off at York Golf Range – Have some fun in the fresh air at York Golf Range. Navigate the obstacles on the crazy golf course or have a go at footgolf, ideal for kids age 4+. The 9-hole course is ideal for kids, and there’s a special kids’ annual membership for £40 (under 10s) or £70 (10 to 17 years). Or they can just pay a green fee from £11. There’s no dress code, just bring your clubs or hire them for £4. Find out more about York Golf Range
Summer holidays at Beningbrough – Spend time together at Beningbrough this summer. The popular Feathered Friends nature trail continues: explore the gardens spotting the hidden wooden birds along the way. Join one of the Wonderful Wild Wednesday activity days, try your hand at bird-themed crafts, learn about the
tansy beetle or listen to an immersive storytelling session. Visit the website for details.
Around the World in 80 Days-ish at York Theatre Royal – York Theatre Royal is hosting a big top bonanza as they bring us the greatest show circumnavigating the earth: Around the World in 80 Days-ish. Join a raggle-taggle band of circus performers as they embark on their most daring feat yet: to perform the story of Phileas Fogg and his thrilling race across the globe. But wait! Who is this Nellie Bly biting at his heels? Will an actual, real-life woman win this race?! Expect a carnival of delights for all the family aged 7 and up. With tricks, flicks and brand-new bits, you’d be a clown to miss it! Visit the York Theatre Royal website
York’s Chocolate Story – Are you ready for a choc-tastic Summer? York’s Chocolate Story is the ultimate destination for families, chocolate enthusiasts and anyone seeking a truly unique adventure! Located in the heart of York, this award-winning tour attraction offers an exciting and educational journey through the fascinating history of chocolate. With interactive exhibits, delicious tastings, and chocolate-making, you’ll be in for a treat! Visit the website
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 1 August until Sunday 4th August 2024 – Visit the York Mansion House website for details of the activities
Stately Sculpting at Castle Howard – Visit Castle Howard and make lifelong memories, with its incredible architecture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes as your backdrop. Summer is the perfect time to immerse yourself in Castle Howard’s contemporary sculpture exhibition and visit the house, gardens, and award-winning Skelf Island Adventure Playground. You can even have a go at creating your own sculpture to take away at the Boathouse Stretch Tent, with arty activities including clay modelling and drawing. Visit the Castle Howard website
Summer at Raby Castle – There’s loads going on at Raby Castle this summer, from a new Alice in Wonderland trail at The Plotters’ Forest to open air cinema, a trail around the Deer Park and much more. Visit the Raby Castle website for details.
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
Children’s activities at York Minster – Lots is going on at York Minster during the summer holidays, including free Explorer backpacks to borrow and family trails to choose from. Find all the details of what’s on at York Minster when here
Summer at York Maze 2024 – 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. Open daily, 13th July to 2nd September 2024 – Pre-booking required – Visit the York Maze website
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 – Visit the JORVIK website
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! Please check the website for details of the days and times of events.
Summer at Sewerby – Sewerby Hall in Bridlington is a lovely place for a day out with children. As always, there’s lots going on this summer for kids to enjoy, from adventures around the woodland to magic shows, face painting and much more. Visit the Sewerby Hall website for all the details.
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 Reading Challenge York 2024 – We LOVE the Summer Reading Challenge. There’s no better way to get and keep kids reading over the summer, and it’s FREE! This year’s theme is Marvellous Makers and it’s all about creativity! From dance to drawing, junk modelling to music, there’s something for everyone. There’s a gold sticker and medal for all who complete it. Find more details here.
Summer at the Yorkshire Air Museum – Yorkshire Air Museum is a great option for a family day out in York, with lots to do and see. As well as the brand new aviation-themed play area, there are engines to explore, trails to follow, plenty of outdoor space and a fabulous cafe. Find out more 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.
See Clifford’s Tower transformed – York’s iconic Clifford’s Tower has reopened after a £5m transformation by English Heritage and it’s amazing. It’s also a lot easier to visit with children, and has some of the best views of the city. Read our review here.
Open daily – Clifford’s Tower, Tower St, York YO1 9SA – Visit the Clifford’s Tower website for all the details
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.
DIG, St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NN – booking recommended – Visit the DIG website
Enjoy a woodland walk at Dreamery Gardens – Dreamery Gardens (formerly Northwood Trail) near Stamford Bridge is a magical place to visit with children (winner of the Little Vikings Award for Most Magical Experience, no less). Enjoy the woodland walk, spot the fairy doors, embark on the willow maze and refuel at the lovely Dreamery Kitchen. Visit the website for more info
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. Visit the Barley Hall website
Under the Sea at Stockeld Park – Head to Stockeld Park this summer to go Under the Sea! Prepare to be submerged in an aquatic-themed wonderland of adventure and entertainment. The ticket price includes a variety of exciting activities that will transport visitors to an enchanted forest with magical sea creature-themed trails, maritime mazes with riddles and jokes, and entertainment by the Stockeld Starz and the adorable park mascot, Scout. 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 asparagus while you’re there? The Balloon Tree, Stamford Bridge Rd, Gate Helmsley, York YO41 1NB – Visit The Balloon Tree website.
Discover the City Walls Experience at Micklegate Bar – A brand new museum for York, City Walls Experience at Micklegate Bar, is now open. Take the kids to visit one of the historic gateways into the city – and discover 2,000-year stories involving battles, imprisonment and near destruction! Visit the City Walls Experience website for info
Check out the new Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle
The Plotters’ Forest is a bespoke children’s play area to the north of Raby Castle nestled in the magical Christmas tree plantation. From stargazing decks to towers and tunnels, high-level walkways and three-storey forts in the forest, this incredible space offers an imaginative playground for all ages to enjoy. The new attraction has purpose-built areas for toddlers, with mini turrets and lookout decks. Raby Castle, Staindrop, Darlington DL2 3AH – Visit the Raby Castle website for details
Play a round of wizard golf
Head to The Hole in Wand in York’s Coppergate Centre and have a go at wizard-themed minigolf at the city’s newest attraction. It’s great fun and good value, too. The Hole in Wand, 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York YO1 9NT – Visit The Hole in Wand website to book
Go for a family walk around York
Spring 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.
