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

York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EW

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.

Dalby Forest is situated on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park. An
ideal destination for families. In under an hour from York, find yourself embarking on a
bike or walking trail (all abilities; clearly marked) or enjoying our amazing adventure
playgrounds that are suitable for all ages and abilities. The themed kids’ trails are great
fun and teach little ones about the importance of nature, wildlife and the outdoors.
Home to an abundance of internationally important wildlife species, Dalby Forest offers a
chance to see creatures big and small. It’s also a designated Dark Sky Discovery
Site, where you can experience the magic of seeing the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Come rain or shine, day or night, you will have a fantastic forest adventure and create
memories that will last a lifetime.

Good to know – You only pay for parking, making this a brilliant value day out. Don’t miss
the adventure playground but do venture beyond it as there are lots of things to do in the
forest itself. Keep an eye out for special events throughout the year.

Dalby Forest, Low Dalby, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7LT

DIG is an archaeological adventure, perfect for young explorers aged 5 to 12! With help from the friendly team, you’ll uncover some of York’s most fascinating stories, buried underground for nearly 2,000 years!

DIG is split into three zones: Learn, Uncover, and Explore, each one taking you through a different part of the archaeological journey. Whether it’s your first time digging or you’re already into archaeology, there’s something here for everyone!

Kids can dig down deep (in synthetic, no mess soil) to discover artefacts from the four major periods of York’s fascinating history. An archaeologist is on hand to answer your questions on your finds and help you piece together what it would have been like to live in the past!

PLUS! All young dragon trainers are invited to enrol at Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon School exhibition!

Get hands-on with fun activities, meet favourite characters like Hiccup, Gobber the Belch, Old Wrinkly, and Camicazi alongside The Hopeful Puffin Mark 4, and uncover hidden treasures in a special dragon-inspired DIG pit. Plus, you can watch exclusive videos from Cressida Cowell, explore original book artwork and maps, and discover the real history that helped inspire the Viking world of the books.

With interactive fun throughout, this exciting exhibition is perfect for Vikings aged 5–12.

Booking – Pre-booking online or by calling 01904 615505, is advisable.

Prices – Please check here – https://www.digyork.co.uk/visit/

DIG discount – Little Vikings Family Card offer – Enjoy a 20% discount with your Little Vikings Family Card

Address – DIG, St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN

What could otherwise be a frustrating experience for little ones can be transformed into an exciting one by picking up one of the Explorer Backpacks from the information desk. An I-Spy game, giant magnifying glass, telescope and puzzle pack really get kids interested in what they’re seeing. It’s a great idea and means that everyone can enjoy a visit to this spectacular place. Older children will enjoy a walk up the tower for the views from the top.

Good to know – You’ll need to seek out the backpacks at the information desk but it’s well worth doing if you’re with small children. York residents get in for free, but you’ll need to show your York Card or other proof of address. Deans Gardens (just out the front of the Minster) are good for a runaround or picnic afterwards. There are regular fun holiday activities that are well worth checking out. And don’t miss their carol services during December, especially the Crib Service if you’re with younger children. It’s really special.