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
(Almost) free entry to Harlow Carr – This Saturday, why not head to Harlow Carr in Harrogate for a lovely day out in the gardens? If you’ve got a National Lottery ticket, you’ll enjoy an almost free day out – Find out more
💰 Free fun
Make the most of York without spending a penny! Discover the best free things to do in York with kids.
Another place offering free entry for National Lottery Open Week is Goddards. Explore the pretty gardens and see the signs of spring. Goddards, 27 Tadcaster Rd, Dringhouses, York YO24 1GG
☔️ 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.
Making Waves is a brilliant exhibition celebrating Japanese woodblock prints. Catch it while you can, make your own print and don’t forget to explore the rest of the art gallery while you’re there. York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, York – Find out more
🌳 Day Trip of the Week
Fancy a little adventure beyond the city? Here’s a lovely family day out from York
Enjoy reduced price entry to Harewood with National Lottery Open Week – One National Lottery ticket or scratchcard is valid for one reduced adult and any accompanying children to get the offer. Additional adults will need their own National Lottery ticket or scratchcard to receive discounted entry – otherwise full price day ticket will be charged on arrival. Valid from 7th to 8th and 13th to 15th March 2026. Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG
🍰 Eat of the Week
There are loads of family-friendly places to eat in York, and here’s our recommendation of the week.
How about an alpaca cream tea for a Mother’s Day treat to remember? Take a look at the details on the Sheriff Alpacas website and book ahead.
😊 Plan Ahead
We’re busy handpicking the best Easter events going on in and around the city, so keep an eye on our website, newsletter and socials for all the details.
✨ Little Vikings Family Card offer
NEW! Save up to 30% on admission to York Dungeon with our brand new special offer. 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.
