Looking for what’s on this weekend in York? You’ve come to the right place.
This guide is put together by the Little Vikings team, who spend their weekends doing exactly what you’re probably planning: finding great things to do with kids, making the most of the city or heading out on a day trip. We know that your time is precious – not to mention your money! – so we’ll only share recommendations that we think you’ll love.
Updated every week, this feature rounds up the best things to do in York this weekend, including family-friendly events, seasonal activities, shows, exhibitions, day trips and ideas for all weathers and ages.
If you’re visiting York or lucky enough to call it home, this is your insider guide to the best of York for kids every weekend. Why not bookmark the page and check back each week for inspiration for your weekend in York with kids? And while you’re at it, subscribe to the weekly Little Vikings newsletter and you’ll never miss a thing!
⭐ Our Top Pick
Bishy Road Bazaar – Head to the Bishy Road car park this Sunday (19th April 2026, 10am to 3pm) to enjoy a showcase of some of York’s best makers and creatives. With Rowntree Park, the river and lots of family-friendly cafes on the doorstep, you can easily make it into a fun trip with kids.
💰 Free fun
Make the most of York without spending a penny! Discover the best free things to do in York with kids.
The daffodils might be on their way out, but good news – the blossom is blooming and it’s GORGEOUS! It’s the perfect excuse for a little stroll by the river and around York’s green spaces.
☔️ Indoor fun
Perfect for when the weather’s not on your side. Here are lots of ideas for things to do on a rainy day in York, and this is our recommendation for this week.
It’s known as York’s Umbrella for good reason: there are few places that offer as much entertainment, education and family fun as the National Railway Museum – and admission’s free!
🌳 Day Trip of the Week
Fancy a little adventure beyond the city? Here’s a lovely family day out from York
Head to Dalby Forest and do the Room on the Broom Trail! It’s perfect for little legs, and fans of the brilliant Julia Donaldson book. Find out more here.
🍰 Eat of the Week
There are loads of family-friendly places to eat in York, and here’s our recommendation of the week.
For a casual snack, drink or meal by the river, the Riverfront Cafe Bar – at The Riverfront in Bishopthorpe – is a lovely option if the weather’s good. Find out more here
😊 Plan Ahead
Enjoy a day out with Thomas on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway this May half term! Day Out With Thomas is a fun-filled family event. Each ticket includes a train ride behind Thomas, a real steam engine, as well as access to a full day of activities for all to enjoy including live entertainment, photo ops with Sir Topham Hatt, garden games, arts and crafts, storytelling and an exclusive Thomas & Friends™ character hunt. Find out more here.
✨ Little Vikings Family Card offer
NEW! Save £25 on your booking for Caramel Cottage, Filey. It’s a lovely, three-bed, dog-friendly house on the Yorkshire coast. Find out more here.
Pick up your Little Vikings Family Card from the Visit York Information Centre for exclusive family discounts and offers across York.
For more inspiration for family days out, trails, events and places to eat, visit little-vikings.co.uk or follow us on Instagram @littlevikingsyork.
This guide was written by the Little Vikings editorial team. Little Vikings is an award-winning, independent guide to the best family-friendly activities in and around York, run by a local family with an in-depth knowledge of brilliant things to do and places to go.
About Little Vikings – York for Kids
Little Vikings is York’s award-winning family guide, run by a local family who know the city inside-out. We explore, review and recommend the best things to do, see, eat and experience with kids in York and beyond.
