Entice your kids to ditch the screens and get off the sofa with the promise of an inspiring activity. We’re talking about activities that are so fun that they don’t even notice that they’re moving and – whisper it – getting some exercise! York has plenty of options for active kids, with the bonus that many of them are suitable for older children who can sometimes miss out. Here’s our pick of the best.
KIDS’ CLIMBING AT RED GOAT YORK
Instead of letting them climb the walls at home, why not head to Red Goat, York’s only bouldering destination. Children aged 7+ can climb with their grown-ups, and there are kids’ sessions during term-time and the school holidays. Our children have been several times and always really enjoyed themselves.
Activities – bouldering/climbing
Age range – 7+
Birthday parties – No
Cafe – Yes
Address – 6 Redeness Street, York YO31 7UU
More info – Visit the Red Goat Climbing website
WATERSPORTS AT ALLERTHORPE LAKE
For outdoor water-based fun, Allerthorpe Lake is the best place near York. With oodles of watersports, a lakeland walk, cafe and play area, it’s a great destination for an active family day out. On a sunny summer’s day, you could even convince yourselves you’re on holiday in France! Make a trip of it by taking your tent and camping there too.
Activities – Paddleboarding, aquapark, pedaloes, kayaks, canoes, sailing and fishing
Age range – All ages
Birthday parties – Yes
Cafe – Yes
Address – Melbourne Road., Allerthorpe, Pocklington, York YO42 4RL
More info –Visit the Allerthorpe Lakeland Park website
CLIMB, PLAY AND TREK AT SUMMIT INDOOR ADVENTURE
If you want your kids to work up a sweat (and sleep well), Selby’s Summit Indoor Adventure is just the place. There’s a huge indoor play area, interactive climbing zone, skate and scooter area and more. There’s even a swimming pool next door if you really want to wear them out…
Activities – Skating, scootering, bowling, climbing, aerial trek, soft play,
Age range – All ages
Birthday parties – Yes
Cafe – Yes
Address – Scott Rd, Selby YO8 4BL
More info –Visit the Summit Indoor Adventure website
SKATE & SCOOT AT THE ZOO SKATE PARK YORK
For kids who love wheels, The Zoo Skatepark is just the place. At The Zoo they can skate or scoot at a safe, professionally run park where you won’t have to worry about them. Sessions include beginners’ skateboards and young scooters.
Activities – skating, scootering, skateboarding, rollerblading
Age range – 5+
Birthday parties – Yes
Cafe – No
Address – Zoo Skatepark (Under Sainsbury’s Car Park), Foss Bank, York YO31 7JB
More – Visit The Zoo Skatepark website
JUNIOR PARKRUN YORK
Parkrun has taken the world by storm, getting millions of people running together every Saturday across the globe. Kids don’t miss out either, with junior parkrun giving them the chance to run 2km every Sunday. In York, Junior parkrun takes place on the Knavesmire every Sunday at 9am (unless there’s a special event on – always check beforehand just in cafe). It’s great fun and it’s free! You just need to sign up beforehand to get your barcode.
Activity – Running a timed 2k
Age range – 4 to 14 years
Birthday parties – No
Cafe – No
Address – Knavesmire, York
More info – Visit the junior parkrun York website
TRAMPOLINING AT ENERGI TRAMPOLINE PARK
Instead of bouncing around in the house, head to Energi Trampoline Park to let them bounce around there. It’s not just jumping up and down – there’s a basketball zone, dodgeball area, foam pit and lots more. Little ones can enjoy toddler sessions, and there are family and after-school sessions too.
Activity – Trampolining
Age range – 2+
Birthday parties – Yes
Cafe – Yes
Address – 3 – 7 Rose Avenue, York YO26 6RU
More info – Visit the Energi York website
INDOOR SOFT PLAY & OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AT THE WEB ADVENTURE PARK
The Web Adventure Park is York’s one-stop shop for parents looking to tire out and entertain their kids. There’s something for all ages, from the brand new baby zone for little ones to high ropes for older children. The huge soft play and climbing frame, with slides, ropes, tunnels and ball pools, is the star attraction but there’s a whole lot more to enjoy. Don’t miss the outdoor adventure playground, indoor football zone and regular holiday activities.
Activities – Soft play, high ropes, indoor football, outdoor adventure play area, water play area
Age range – All ages
Birthday parties – Yes
Cafe – Yes
Address – The Web Adventure Park, Wigginton Road, York YO32 2RH
More info – Visit The Web Adventure Park website
Find more fantastic activities and events for families in York on the Little Vikings website, and in the Little Vikings magazine, throughout the year. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
