Looking for things to do in York with kids this weekend? Here’s our handpicked selection of the best family-friendly events and activities in and around York, from free fun to brilliant days out. Updated for 10 & 11 October 2026.
The best things to do in York this Weekend
St Nicks Autumn Fayre
Make some noise with Trash Bang Man, try circus skills, weave a willow crown and enjoy apple pressing, crafts and games at St Nicks’ free Autumn Fayre. With community stalls, food and drink too, there’s something for everyone!
📅 Saturday 10 October, 1pm to 5pm
📍 St Nicks, Rawdon Avenue, York YO10 3FW
🎟 Free entry
ℹ️ Find out more
Enjoy the Halloween Adventure at Stockeld Park
Witches in the woods, pumpkins in the patch and so much to do! Stockeld Park’s Halloween Adventure is back, with four real life Woodland Witches to meet as you follow the Enchanted Forest trail. Hop aboard the tractor-trailer to choose a homegrown pumpkin, get lost in the Halloween maze and leave plenty of time to explore the many, many adventure playgrounds.
📍 Stockeld Park, near Wetherby, LS22 4AN
📅 Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2026, 9.30am to 5.30pm and right through to half term
🎟 Booking recommended. Pumpkins cost extra; Playhive and Zombie Laser Tag upgrades available
🔗 Find out more and book
Discover York’s links to the Gunpowder Plot
Remember, remember… there’s more to the Gunpowder Plot than Bonfire Night! The Bar Convent’s new exhibition explores York’s connections to the story, with rare objects and tales of how the plot changed lives in the city. A good option for families with older children who enjoy discovering a different side of York’s history.
📍 The Bar Convent, 17 Blossom Street, York YO24 1AQ
📅 Saturday 10 October; exhibition runs until 5 December 2026. Closed Sundays
🎟 Admission charges apply; pre-booking recommended
🔗 Find out more and book
Halloween Spooktacular at Piglets Adventure Farm
Pumpkin picking, spooky shows and farmyard fun: Piglets’ Halloween Spooktacular starts this weekend! Every paying child receives a voucher for a small homegrown pumpkin, and you can even carve it there to keep the mess out of your kitchen. Spot the ghosts in the maze, enjoy live entertainment and meet the animals. There’s tons of indoor and outdoor play, too.
📍 Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST
📅 Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2026, 10am to 5pm
🎟 Book online for the best price. Small pumpkin included for each paying child; larger pumpkins cost extra
🔗 Find out more and book
Last chance: Visit York Castle Museum for less
A whole year of family days out for £45? Yes please! York Castle Museum’s Autumn Family Ticket offer ends this weekend, covering up to two adults and four children aged 5 to 16 for 12 months of unlimited visits. Explore the Victorian street, discover the historic prison cells and return for school holiday activities throughout the year. Your first visit must be this Saturday or Sunday to qualify.
📍 York Castle Museum, Eye of York
📅 First visit on 10 or 11 October 2026
🎟 £45 for an eligible family ticket
🔗 Autumn Family Ticket offer
Find the pesky pumpkins at Castle Howard
Silly squash and giggling gourds are causing mischief inside Castle Howard this October. Younger visitors can search the House for the pesky pumpkins and collect a sticker if they find them. Burn some energy off at the fabulous Skelf Island adventure playground and walk through the woods to see the seasons change.
📍 Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA
📅 Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026; the trail runs throughout October
🎟 Included with House & Garden admission
🔗 Pesky Pumpkin Trail
Plan ahead: Book now
Spooky season at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Grab your broomsticks and cauldrons, it’s time for spooky season on the NYMR! This October half term, Kids Go Free on standard services, with one free child ticket per fare paying adult, so bring the whole family along for a day of Halloween fun.
📍 North Yorkshire Moors Railway
📅 Selected running days, 24 October to 1 November 2026. Trick or Treat: 24 to 28 October and 31 October to 1 November
🎟 Book train tickets ahead. Station treats free, subject to availability
🔗 Find out more and book
More weekend inspiration
💰 Free and cheap things to do in York
☔ Things to do in York when it rains
🎟 Little Vikings Family Card offers
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.
