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 19 & 20 September 2026.
The best things to do in York this Weekend
Free Heritage Open Days
It’s the final weekend of Heritage Open Days, with free entry to three lovely National Trust places in and around York. Explore Beningbrough’s gardens and wilderness play area, play pooh sticks and spot peacocks at Nunnington Hall or discover York’s chocolate-making heritage at Goddards.
📍 Beningbrough, Nunnington Hall and Goddards
🗓 Beningbrough: Friday 18th and Saturday 19th September
🗓 Nunnington Hall: Friday 18th and Saturday 19th September
🗓 Goddards: Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September
💷 Free entry
🎟️ No booking required
ℹ️ See our Heritage Open Days guide
York Dog Show
York Museum Gardens is going to the dogs this Sunday! York’s first city-centre dog show will include fun dog classes, agility demonstrations, bale racing, training and grooming tips, stalls and a mini dog park. Bring your four-legged friend along or just enjoy watching the action.
📍 York Museum Gardens
🗓 Sunday 20 September, 10am to 4pm
💷 Adults £5, children £2. Dog classes cost £2 per entry
ℹ️ yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk
Filey Kite Festival
The skies above Filey Brigg will be filled with enormous, colourful kites this weekend, with previous displays including giant pandas, octopuses and clownfish. There will also be food and drink stalls and children’s rides. New for 2026 is Friday Night Flight, featuring illuminated kites after dark.
📍 Filey Brigg Country Park
🗓 Friday 18th to Sunday 20th September
🌙 Friday Night Flight, 6.30pm to 9pm
💷 Free entry
ℹ️ visitnorthyorkshire.com
Raise the Roof at SPARK
SPARK’s enormous roof is back for autumn! After closing for a few days while it was installed, SPARK will reopen with a Raise the Roof celebration. Head along for an easy Friday tea, choose something tasty from the independent traders and enjoy the atmosphere. There are special activities all weekend – check their Instagram for details.
📍 SPARK, Piccadilly, York
🗓 Friday 18th September, from 5pm
💷 Free entry
ℹ️ sparkyork.org
Pick Your Own Apples at Ampleforth Abbey
Trade the trolley for a trug at Ampleforth Abbey’s 200-year-old heritage orchard, one of the largest in the North of England. With 1,500 trees and over 60 apple varieties to explore, kids can hunt out their favourites while learning how the harvest becomes the Abbey’s own apple juice and cider in the on-site Cider Mill. Entry’s free, you just pay for whatever you pick, and the tea room’s open for a well-earned treat afterwards.
📍 Ampleforth Abbey, YO62 4EN
🗓 Saturdays 11am-3pm, running 19 & 26 September, then 17, 24 & 31 October
ℹ️ ampleforthabbey.org.uk
Plan ahead: Book now
Hocus Pocus at Mother Shipton’s
Mother Shipton’s is preparing to cast a spell over families this Halloween with a bewitching new adventure inspired by Hocus Pocus. Taking place from 24 October to 1 November, the ancient woodland attraction in Knaresborough will be transformed with themed displays, witches and plenty of magical mischief.
📆 24 October to 1 November 2026
📍Mother Shipton’s, Prophecy Lodge, Harrogate Road, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
ℹ️ mothershiptons.co.uk
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.
