Looking for what’s on this weekend in York? You’ve come to the right place. If you’re visiting York or lucky enough to call it home, this is your weekly guide to the best things to do in York with kids this weekend. We update it every week with handpicked family events, free fun, rainy-day ideas and lovely days out.
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.
⭐ Our Top Pick
Do the Snickelways and Silly Street Names Trail – We might be biased, but the Little Vikings Snickelways and Silly Street Names Trail is a really fun way to explore the city. You’ll see the iconic sights and explore the hidden gems too. Pick up your free map from the Visit York Information Centre on Parliament Street.
💰 Free fun
Make the most of York without spending a penny! Discover the best free things to do in York with kids.
Head into town and see how many of the fantastic grass sculptures you can spot. They’re dotted around the city, adding some colour as well as some really wild selfie opportunities.
☔️ 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.
Swimming is great fun, whatever the weather, and we’re lucky to have great pools on our doorstep. York Leisure Centre, Energise and York Sport are all good options for families.
🌳 Day Trip of the Week
Fancy a little adventure beyond the city? Here’s a lovely family day out from York
For a magical walk that isn’t too long for little legs, Dreamery Gardens is a lovely option. With fairy doors galore, and a few things to do along the way, it’s a lovely place to spend some time. Buttercrambe Moor Woods, Buttercrambe, York, North Yorkshire, YO41 1AP – Find out more
🍰 Eat of the Week
There are loads of family-friendly places to eat in York, and here’s our recommendation of the week.
The Two Hoots ice cream boat is back! What better excuse to head to the Millennium Bridge (weather permitting), pick up a cone and have a nice stroll along the river? Find our best place for ice cream in York here.
😊 Plan Ahead
Not long now until WizardFest, York’s celebration of all things magical. The activities are available for booking now, so don’t delay. Find out more about WizardFest here.
✨ Little Vikings Family Card offer
Free chocolate frog for your child at The Potions Cauldron! Yep, that’s right – show your Little Vikings Family Card and your kids can enjoy a chocolate frog from this magical emporium. See the offer 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.
