Opening hours – Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm

York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EW

– Cycling: Bring your own bikes or hire one from Sutton Bank Bikes, then take advantage of the various trails, from the family-friendly to the more adventurous. There are four trails to choose from.

– Walking: Do the circular 3-mile walk that takes in the White Horse at Kilburn or have a go at something a little longer. Whichever route you choose, stunning views are guaranteed.

– Play: There’s a natural play area outside the Visitor Centre where kids can climb, run and jump around to their heart’s content. There’s a mud kitchen too, if you’re not muddy enough after your walk/cycle ride.

There’s a cafe at the Sutton Bank Visitor Centre where you can also do some children’s crafts, enjoy a spot of birdwatching and stock up on gifts from the shop. There are loos, baby-changing, a place to refill your water bottle and wash your bikes too.

Once finished, your item will then be glazed and fired ready to be collected in 1 week. If visiting York, they can post your item to you or they can hold it for as long as you need. Alternatively, you are welcome to paint in our range of fun, bright acrylics and take your item away the same day.

Children’s Parties
Rainbows is an award-winning children’s party venue. A pottery painting party is lots of fun and each child will have their own personal gift to remember the occasion by. Discounted party packages are available for 6+ painters. For more info on current packages please see the website.

Opening times

• Monday: CLOSED
• Tuesday – Saturday: 10am to 5pm
• Sunday: 11am to 5pm

Rainbows Ceramics, 15 – 17 Bootham, York YO30 7BW

Our newest exhibition, Beasts at Barley Hall, tells the stories of animals in medieval life, from domestic pets (and pests) and livestock to lions, bears and even dragons, using artefacts found in and around the city of York. Hands-on activities for children, new accessible interpretation boards, audio stories and much more make Beasts At Barley Hall a must-see if you are in York this summer!

Please check here for prices: https://barleyhall.co.uk/visit/opening-hours-prices/

Pre-booking online, or by calling 01904615505, is advisable.

Today, Fairfax House once more transports you to the splendour of city-living in Georgian York, the centre of polite society. The superb Noel Terry collection of furniture, clocks, paintings and decorative arts, described by Christie’s as one of the finest private collections of the twentieth century, perfectly complements the house, bringing it to life and creating a special lived-in feeling. There’s a fun children’s trail that makes it an engaging place to visit for the whole family.

Treasurer’s House,  Minster Yard, York YO1 7JL 

Good to know – There’s not a lot in the way of shelter, so check the forecast to make sure you take the right clothes. There’s an adventure playground near the entrance, but try not to get stuck there because there’s so much else to explore. Special activities and events run during the school holidays – keep your eye on the website for details.

In the heart of the city is the Yorkshire Museum, a museum that houses a variety of important archaeological, biological and geological collections among other exhibits. The current Jurassic Yorkshire exhibition, opened by Sir David Attenborough no less, is always a hit, with interactive activities and even the chance to feed a dinosaur thanks to the magic of virtual reality. It’s not the biggest museum but it’s a very good size for younger children. Older children with a fascination for all things prehistoric will learn loads through the interactive and hands-on displays.

Good to know – You can download trails for children to follow around the museum and gardens from the Museum’s website. It’s in the Museum Gardens, so why not combine with a picnic, a stroll by the river or a trip to Explore York library or York Art Gallery?

Opening hours – Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm; open Mondays during school holidays and bank holidays

The Yorkshire Museum, Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York, YO1 7FR

For a truly hands-on experience, Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery is an unmissable interactive adventure. Fuel your kids’ curiosity with explosive live science shows and 18 interactive challenges. Step into a human wind tunnel, launch a rocket, and build big!

To celebrate 100 years of the Flying Scotsman, there’s the Flying Scotsman Virtual Reality Experience, perfect for ages 8 and up. Guided by historic figures, you’ll journey back in time to key moments in the famous locomotive’s history. Feel the wind in your hair and the heat of the firebox as you race up to 100mph!

You might also spot the famous Road Train running between the Museum and York Minster—a fun way to travel in style!

The museum offers two cafés and a train-themed play area for younger children. It’s no wonder that the National Railway Museum was voted the Best Family Attraction in York at the 2024 Little Vikings Awards! It also received the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2024.

Prices

– Entry to the museum is free.
– For Wonderlab and the Flying Scotsman VR, ticket prices and booking information can be found at: railwaymuseum.org.uk/whats-on

Opening Hours

– The museum is open seven days a week from 10:00 to 17:00, except 24–26 December.
– Wonderlab is open from 10:00 to 16:30, with last admission at 15:30.
– Flying Scotsman VR has timed tickets available throughout the day.

Accessibility

Whether you need to borrow ear defenders or have specific accessibility requirements, you can find detailed information at: railwaymuseum.org.uk/visit/facilities-and-accessibility – railwaymuseum.org.uk/visit/facilities-and-accessibility.

Meet magical creatures in the Enchanted Forest, explore the many adventure playgrounds, get lost in the Magical Maze or journey through The Playhive, the spectacular indoor adventure playground.

Open most weekends, and every holiday throughout the year, there’s fun for the whole family at Stockeld Park!

Stockeld Park, Wetherby Rd, Wetherby LS22 4AN