1. Explore York’s History at York’s Chocolate Story

Unwrap the history of chocolate at York’s Chocolate Story! This award-winning attraction is located in the heart of the city and offers an interactive guided tour through 4,000 years of chocolate history. It’s the perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy and you’ll even make something sweet to take away. Save 20% on admission with your Little Vikings discount.  York’s Chocolate Story, 3-4 King’s Sq, York YO1 7LD – Visit the website

2. Discover the Unexpected at Wonderlab (and Explore the Railway Museum)

Wonderlab, a new, ticketed interactive exhibition within the National Railway Museum, invites curious minds to explore the marvels of science through engaging exhibits and hands-on experiments. While you’re there, don’t miss the iconic engines and regular talks and demos. National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ – Visit the website

3. Do the Ninja Course at Agility

For an adrenaline rush, Agility York is an exhilarating ninja course with two options, one for younger children and one for bigger kids and adults. It’s a great place to run off some energy. Agility Parks, Millfield Lane, Nether Poppleton, York YO26 6QY – Visit the website

4. Get a Hole-in-One at The Hole in Wand

Test your putting skills at The Hole in Wand, a fun wizard-themed mini golf course in York city centre. With bubbling cauldrons and interactive elements along the way, it’s a lot of fun for all but the youngest children. Enjoy a FREE VIP upgrade with the Little Vikings Family Card. The Hole in Wand, 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York YO1 9NT – Visit the website

5. Sip a Butterbeer at The Potions Cauldron

Channel your inner wizard at The Potions Cauldron and indulge in their TikTok famous wizard-style butterbeer! The Potions Cauldron, 9¾, Shambles, York YO1 7LZ – Visit the website

6. Take Home a Ghost from York Ghost Merchants

If you’re willing to brave the queue, a little ghost from York Ghost Merchants is a wonderful souvenir of your time in York. Get there early, and even earlier if it’s spooky season! York Ghost Merchants, 6 Shambles, York YO1 7LZ – Visit the website

7. Catch a Movie at One of the Cinemas

Catch a blockbuster or an indie gem at one of York’s many cinemas. In the city centre, choose from City Screen and Everyman, while outside the city there’s Vue and Cineworld.

8. Go on a Ghost Tour

There are almost as many ghost tours in York as there are ghosts, and it’s a spooktacular way to explore the city’s darker side. Our favourites are The Bloody Tour of York and Deathly Dark Tours, for humour alongside the horror.

9. Tuck in at Spark:York

Spark:York is a bustling hub of independent street food vendors and retailers, with regular events and activities too. It’s one of York’s coolest spots and a change from the traditional tea rooms and cafes. Spark:York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB – Visit the website

10. Tee Off at York Golf Range

From crazy golf to footgolf and a driving range, there’s loads of active fun to be had at York Golf Range. York Golf Range, Towthorpe Moor Lane, Towthorpe, York
YO32 9ST – Visit the website

12. Have a Kickabout at York Footgolf

For active fun in the great outdoors, footgolf is a great option. Have a kickabout, see if you can get a hole-in-one and warm up or chill out with a drink at the clubhouse afterwards. York Footgolf, Skelton Park Golf Course, Shipton Rd, York YO30 1XW – Visit the website

13. Meet the Vikings at JORVIK Viking Centre

Step into Viking history at the JORVIK Viking Centre, where immersive exhibits and interactive displays bring the past to life. Meet some real life Vikings, take a ride around a Viking village and find out how Viking life would have smelled (not good). JORVIK Viking Centre, 19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT – Visit the website

14. Try a Watersport at Allerthorpe Lakeland Park

Allerthorpe Lakeland Park is the place to go for watersports near York, from stand-up paddle boarding to splashing about in the giant aqua park. On a sunny day it’s just like being abroad. Allerthorpe Lakeland Park, Melbourne Road, Pocklington, York YO42 4RL – Visit the Allerthorpe Lakeland Park website

15. Brave the Lake at Pool Bridge Farm

If open-water swimming is your thing, Pool Bridge Farm is the place to go near York. It’s a stunning family-run place with pretty lakes to swim in, a cafe (limited opening hours) and a family-friendly vibe during the warmer months. Follow the guidance on swimming outdoors, and don’t take your kids to the adults-only Monet lake! Pool Bridge Farm, Wheldrake Ln, York YO19 4SQ – Follow them on Facebook

16. Step Back in Time at York Castle Museum

York Castle Museum is one of the most charming attractions in York, with a Victorian street that you can stroll down. It’s a trip back in time that the whole family will love. York Castle Museum, Tower St, York YO1 9RY – Visit the York Castle Museum website

17. Scare Yourselves Silly at York Dungeon

Prepare for a heart-pounding experience at York Dungeon, where theatrical performances and special effects bring York’s gory history to life. Expect a welcome dose of humour with the horror. York Dungeon, 12 Clifford St, York YO1 9RD – Visit the York Dungeon website

18. Take Some Selfies on The Shambles

Stroll along The Shambles, York’s famous medieval street, and take some selfies in one of York’s most Instagrammable spots.

22. Climb a Tower

For amazing views across York, climb! Clifford’s Tower is one of York’s most impressive landmarks with hundreds of years of history. Head to the top and see how far you can see. Read our review to find out what to expect. For another bird’s eye perspective, why not climb the tower at York Minster? It’s a must-see place to visit in York, and climbing the tower is the icing on the cake.