Family days out in Yorkshire – I am lucky to live in a fantastic place where there are so many fabulous family days out in Yorkshire to enjoy with the kids!
Have a look at the list of the days of with kids below that I have compiled of things to do in Yorkshire.
I’ve added in the links to all the places we have reviewed too if you want to know more in detail, see photos or get advice to make the most of your day.
The Wizard Walk of York
Book tickets for The Wizard Walk of York.
The Magic Hatter is bringing his award-winning entertainment to the streets, with his Wizard Walk of York.
“Magic, mystery, comedy and excitement plus a dash of York’s history…the ingredients for a truly unforgettable experience for all the family!”
Public tours are running on selected evenings, starting from the bottom of The Shambles opposite The Golden Fleece. Pre-booking required. Private tours are available for birthdays, school groups, brownies, cubs and more. A wonderfully whimsical tour that wizard fans will go Potty for!
Wizard Wand Kits are also available, subject to availability. A handcrafted wand and instructions for seven tricks that young witches and wizards can learn at home. Plus a FREE printable certificate!
** Note from Nikki: If you have younger kids with you, there is no better tour for you. We have seen The Magic Hatter many, many times when the kids were little and wholeheartedly recommend him. **
North Yorkshire Water Park
Long Causeway Rd, Wykeham, Lakes YO13 9QU
You will find North Yorkshire Water Park near Scarborough. As well as lots of fantastic water activities, (such as the aqua park, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, kayaking and more!) North Yorkshire Water Park have recently introduced more land activities. I think they already had a (simply huge) zipline over their lake as well as puzzle rooms, but they have now added axe throwing, archery, a low ropes course and bushcraft to their catalogue of adventures!
Have a look at our review of North Yorkshire Water Park here.
Lightwater Valley, Ripon
Head out on an adventure to Lightwater Valley and discover a world of rides and attractions at one of the best attractions for kids in North Yorkshire.
Enjoy an exciting expedition through the NEW Go Safari area! Step aboard the Savannah Express on a journey through the African wilderness. Leap for joy on Kangaroo Jump before flying high on Elephant Flight and the Monkey Drop rides. Then head over for a flight aboard the Hot Air Balloon ride.
We love Treetop Trails, formerly Treetops Nets. This much-loved attraction takes adventurers on a net walk through the tree canopy high above the park, and will now be included as part of the park’s admission price.
As well as new rides, come and enjoy Lightwater Valley’s young family favourites, including Little Dipper, Carousel, Skyrider, the Lady Bird rollercoaster, Splash Falls and many more.
Take a peaceful glide around the lake aboard a Swan Boat, and see the park from a whole other angle on the Lightwater Valley Express train.
Get behind the wheel and practice your steering on the Vintage Car ride, fly through the sky on Pirate Swinger, and make your own adventures in the indoor and outdoor play areas.
There’s so much to choose from, it’s hard to know which ride to run to first!
Have a look at our review of the new attractions at Lightwater Valley.
Let Loose
Hull Rd, Woodmansey, Beverley HU17 0RS
Let Loose is an adventure park in Beverley in East Yorkshire. They have so much going on for active kids. High and Low Ropes (for younger ones), Zips, Roller Skating, Climbing, Archery, Go Carts, Leap of Faith & a Super Slide.
“Our High Ropes Adventure is a challenge for our older participants and for all the family to face their fears and build their courage, (10 years plus). With 18 obstacles to conquer at a 12-meter height, you will be challenging your inner-self physically and mentally whilst having the most fun.
After conquering the high ropes, you will be faced with a 150-meter zip wire with beautiful views across Woodmansey and East Yorkshire. Our zip wire means you and your family or friends can simultaneously zip down the line together on any of our three zip lines.
Once you have conquered the High Ropes and the Zip wire you will be feeling refreshed and full of adrenaline, but your adventure continues with the Big Leap & Super Slide where you will leap and free-fall for a moment onto an airbag and slide down our drop slide and free-fall momentarily onto another airbag.”
Ten Pin Bowling
We have two ten pin bowling alleys in York. Ten Pin has been in place for many years whilst Hollywood Bowl opened more recently. As well as bowling both have a cafe and arcade.
See our review of Hollywood Bowl here on our dedicated York site.
Puttstars Mini Golf
Puttstars Mini Golf opened recently and the first time York has had a mini-golf of this size. It’s very modern with great technological scoring and cool holes to play. There are three 9 hole courses, an arcade and cafe bar. It’s upstairs from Hollywood Bowl, on the Vanguard shopping area which also has lots of restaurants, a cinema and shops.
See our review of Puttstars here on our dedicated York site.
Great Ryedale Maze
The Great Ryedale Maze promises a field full of fun for adults, teenagers and children, with two mazes, an action-packed Vintage Funfair, Football Darts and a Big Top with live entertainment for families. There will also be a range of hot and cold food and drinks to cater for all tastes, served from the Cabin Café.
The larger of the two mazes, the specially designed Yorkshire Dragon Maze, comprises nine acres of maize plants – that’s 55,000 seeds – and over two miles of paths to challenge the navigation skills, as well as a series of clues to test the powers of deduction. For younger adventurers there’s the two-acre Mini-Maze, the design of which is still a secret but will feature some colourful characters as well as an environmental message.
The Vintage Funfair brings even more fun this year, for all ages – there’s an exhilarating motorbike ride aboard the 1936 Speedway, a race around the Brooklands Dodgems from 1937, a bird’s eye spin on the 1930s Chair-o-Plane, and for the adventurous, a newly restored 1950s Twister. Children can climb aboard the oldest ride Hush Hush the Train dating from 1933, while Muffin the Mule and Swing Boats will bring further fun.
See all the details of The Great Ryedale Maze here.
Rock Up in Hull
We recently had my son’s birthday party at Rock Up in Hull. They have 26 climbing walls that are 8m high! The kids don’t need any experience and are on a safety harness. There are things for the younger ones to do there too, like soft play so they don’t miss out on the fun.
Have a look at our review of Rock Up Hull here.
Castle Howard, York
Castle Howard is a fab place to visit at any time of year and a brilliant place to go in Yorkshire with kids. They have seasonal activities all year round. We have written an overall review of Castle Howard with kids, and have also reviewed their fabulous adventure playground Skelf Island.
Have a look at our review of Castle Howard with kids and our new review and video of Skelf Island.
Kayaking In Yorkshire
With an extensive network of canals with rivers offering flat waters and white-water, Yorkshire is an ideal place for kayaking. But don’t forget to bring your inflatable kayak for 2 person, as it is portable and easy to paddle on the water. Allerthorpe Lakeland Park is a great place for “watersports fun for all ages and abilities with paddle boarding, pedalos, kayaks, canoes, open water swimming sessions and inflatable AquaPark. Play areas for the little ones. Well behaved dogs are welcome. No personal crafts are allowed.”
Wolds Way Lavender
Scampston, North Yorkshire
Wolds Way Lavender have really been developing their family friendly offering and have a great maze, land train and lawn games. It’s a great family day out.
Read our full review of Wolds Way Lavender here.
Treasurer’s House, York
Treasurer’s House is a National Trust property in the centre of York, right next to York Minster. The house itself is a quirky eclectic mix of styles and the gardens are a beautiful oasis is the middle of busy York. Usual National Trust fees apply to the house, but the gardens are free to enter.
Have a look at our review of Treasurer’s House here.
Go Ape Dalby Forest
If you are looking for adventure, check out Go Ape’s site for their exhilarating Tree Top Adventure or the Segway Trek. Once they have finished there, there is an adventure playground at Dalby and a cafe, or you can take your own picnics or barbecues.
Have a look at our review of Go Ape at Dalby Forest here.
Northwood Trail Fairy Sanctuary – Enchanted Woodland Walk
This is a brand new attraction about 15 minutes East of York. Set in a hundred acres of woodland, the Northwood Trail is an enchanted walk around fairy houses with surprises around every corner. There is maze around halfway around and a play area and den building site at the end of the walk.
Have a look at our review of the Northwood Trail here.
The Deep Aquarium, Hull
The Deep in Hull is a fabulous, modern and slick aquarium. There are loads of interactive exhibits for the kids, not to mention they have Gentoo penguins! It’s reasonably priced and somewhere you can return to as many times as you like the same year for free.
Have a look at our full review of The Deep here.
Sledging at Snozone at Xscape in Castleford
As well as skiing and snowboarding Snozone near Castleford so family fun sledging sessions. It’s brilliant, 45 minutes of snowy fun running up the slope and sliding back down!
Our full Snozone review is here – including tips on how to make the best of your visit.
Xscape Castleford, West Yorkshire
There is loads to do at Xscape Castleford from the cinema, to crazy golf, Snozone, laser quest and soft-play. If you are looking for things to do with kids West Yorkshire – have a look at our review of Xscape Castleford.
We recently visited and reviewed Volcano Falls Adventure Golf.
The Camp Hill Estate, near Bedale, North Yorkshire
The Camp Hill Estate has a fabulous looking adventure playground and high ropes course. You can also book a quad bike session, foot golf or a segway woodland tour.
We visited recently and reviewed woodland segway tour here.
Temple Newsam Leeds
Temple Newsam is a beautiful place to take the kids in Leeds. There’s a stately home, cafe and farm and acres to explore.
See my full review of Temple Newsam and photos here.
Inflata Nation, Beverley
The new inflatable theme park in Beverley, East Yorkshire. It’s a huge indoor space filled with inflatable climbing frames, bouncing areas and slides. There is even a separate space for the real little ones too.
Have a look at my review and video of Inflata Nation here.
Alpamare Waterpark Scarborough
Alpamare is a large waterpark in Scarborough. There are two heated (hot!) outdoor swimming pools, a kids splash area, wave pool and four huge waterslides. Great for the summer or winter as the outside pools are heated to 35 degrees (not too far off hot tub temperatures!). There is a cafe on site too.
See our full review of Alpamare here.
Go Strawberry Picking!
Ok, this one is at quite a specific time of year, but there are other things to pick at other times of the year too. My children love strawberry picking and can happily cost me a fortune with their huge baskets (so watch that!).
There are lots of places around Yorkshire for Strawberry picking, and I have made a list for you!
A Day on the Beach in Yorkshire
If you are looking for things to do in Yorkshire with kids we are spoilt for choice! Yorkshire has many stunning and varied beaches. From Whitby, to Scarborough and Bridlington. Free days out in Yorkshire, family beaches.
We have reviewed both Fraisthorpe Beach in the Summer and the Winter and Rock-pooling at Filey Brigg.
Hollywood Bowl Leeds
Ten Pin Bowling is always fun and particularly good if the weather is not great! Hollywood Bowl in Leeds has great, modern lanes, an arcade, bar and restaurant.
Have a look at our review of the Hollywood Bowl in Leeds.
Kilnsey Park Estate
The Kilnsey Park Estate has a nature walk, animals and family fun fishing. Set in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales near the overhanging Kilnsey Crag.
See our full review of Kilnsey Park Estate here.
Jorvik Viking Centre
Jorvik Viking Centre is a must see place to visit in the centre of York. Travel back in time to see what York was like as a Viking settlement.
Have a look at our full review here.
York Dungeon, York
If you are looking for a fun, scary and entertaining time, consider York Dungeon. Right in the centre of York, it’s perfect for older kids and teens (and adults of course!).
Have a look at my review of York Dungeon here.
William’s Den, North Cave, East Yorkshire
William’s Den includes a 475sqm play barn and extensive outdoor play – including a 50metre zip wire, den making area and ‘mountains and molehills’ space for kids to run, jump and roll around freely. It’s fab and completely worth a visit.
Have a look at my William’s Den review and video here.
York Maze, North Yorkshire
York Maze is brilliant and a fantastic day out, we love it there and go every year. With a huge maize maze, bouncy pillows, giant slides and brilliant shows, it really is one of the best family days out Yorkshire.
They are only open during the Summer and at Halloween – we have reviewed both and made a video.
Burnby Hall Gardens, Pocklington
Lovely peaceful gardens set around a large lake with water lillies and carp that you can feed. They have a children’s playground, cafe and run children’s activity days throughout the summer.
Have a look at our review of Burnby Hall Gardens here.
The Forbidden Corner, near Leyburn, North Yorkshire
The Forbidden Corner has to be one of my favourite places in the world, for it’s wonderful quirkiness! It combines mazes and puzzles into something really unique. It’s mostly an outdoor attraction, so really it’s better in good weather. Make sure you book ahead of time.
See our review of The Forbidden Corner here.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR), North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a wonderful heritage railway. Used in the Harry Potter films and the Heartbeat series, NYMR is a fab day out. Check out their seasonale events too around Halloween and Christmas.
See our review of NYMR here.
York Castle Museum, North Yorkshire
York Castle Museum is a fab day out with the kids and so much more than your average museum.
We have reviewed York Castle Museum here.
Family Days out Yorkshire
Free days out in Yorkshire, Family friendly parks
We love a day in a park- just pack a picnic and have a lovely relaxed and free day out. One of the many free days out with kids Yorkshire.
We have reviewed the park at Dunnington, near York and Jubilee Park in Fangfoss, near York. Or see this review of Homestead Park in York.
Energi Trampoline Park, York, North Yorkshire
If you are looking for things to do with kids in Yorkshire, then this is a brilliant place for them to bounce and let off steam to their hearts content! Great for kids’ parties too.
See our review of Energi Trampoline Park, York here.
Things to do in Yorkshire
Flamingo Land Theme Park, Malton
Flamingo Land – another brilliant family friendly theme park on our list of things to do in Yorkshire.
Have a look at our review of Flamingo Land with Younger Kids and our review of Flamingo Land at Halloween.
Places to visit in Yorkshire
York’s Chocolate Story, York
This is a lovely visit to do if you are in York for the day. Learn all about the history of chocolate in York and make your own chocolate bars. Lots of chocolate tasting throughout the tour to keep the kids amused.
Have a look at our review of York’s Chocolate Story.
Beningbrough Hall, York
Beningbrough Hall is a fab stately home just outside of York, and on our list of places to visit in Yorkshire. It’s a lovely relaxed day out. They’ve recently rebuilt their adventure playground and it has something for kids of all ages. They also run events over the kids holidays.
Have a look at our review to see what else there is to do with the kids at Beningbrough Hall.
Family Days out Yorkshire
Sledmere House, Sledmere, East Yorkshire
Sledmere House is not too far from where we live, so we are regular visitors. The Gardens and Grounds, Café and Farm Shop will be open for you to have a wander and pick up some tasty treats. They have a great adventure playground and petting zoo.
Have a look at our review of Sledmere House
Piglets Adventure Farm Park, York
Piglets Adventure Farm Park is a fabulous place to visit just outside York. There is a large outdoor play area, bouncing pillows, crazy golf, pedal g-karts and a giant sand pit. They also have an indoor play barn with drop slides and rope swings. Check what they are doing for Halloween and Christmas too.
Have a look at our review of May-Hem at Piglets.
Burton Agnes Hall, Burton Agnes, East Yorkshire
Burton Agnes Hall is a hidden gem. A large Stately home, woodland walk, maze, garden games, cafe and farm shop.
Have a look at our review of Burton Agnes Hall.
Family Activities Yorkshire
Stockeld Park, Wetherby
Stockeld Park is one of my favourite family days out in Yorkshire. There will be a roller or ice rink as well as the Enchanted Forest and the Maze. The Indoor play area will also be in place to let the kids play while you have a cuppa.
Have a look at our reviews of Stockeld Park in Summer and Stockeld Park’s Christmas Adventure.
Jorvik Dig, York
Looking for something a bit different? DIG is a hands-on archaeological adventure giving kids the chance to become trainee ‘diggers’ and discover the most exciting artefacts from 2000 years of York’s history!
Have a look at our review of Jorvik Dig.
Things to do in Yorkshire – Harewood House
Harewood sits in the heart of Yorkshire and is one of the Treasure Houses of England. The House was built in the 18th century and has art collections to rival the finest in Britain. For families there is an amazing adventure playground for slightly older children and penguins to watch being fed!
Kirklees Light Railway, Clayton West, Huddersfield
Open every weekend & daily during school holidays.
Spend a day out with Yorkshire’s Great Little Steam Trains! With a fleet of unique steam and diesel locomotives, adventure playgrounds, picnic areas, a miniature railway, cafe, tea room and the glorious scenery of the South Pennine Foothills, it really is a fun day for all the family. Special Events take place throughout the year – see www.kirkleeslightrailway.com for more info.
The World of James Herriot, Thirsk
I’m including this one as it’s somewhere I have always wanted to visit but never quite managed. Lots of Herriot related memorabilia, as well as the restored 1940’s house, and a ‘farrier’s workshop’. I am secretly hoping Miss H will become a vet one day!
Cannon Hall Farm
From their website: ‘Cannon Hall Farm is officially the best family day out in Yorkshire after being named Best Large Visitor Attraction in the White Rose Awards. There’s a reason why we’ve won multiple awards – and why we have been called the perfect family day out. Come and visit our family owned farmed in the rolling Pennine foothills and spend the day admiring the scenery, the animals and letting the kids run off some steam in our amazing play areas.’. Have a look at this great review of Cannon Hall Farm.
National Railway Museum, York
Another one of our brilliant free family days out. From steam rides to storytelling, we’ve got lots of hands-on fun for the whole family.
FREE Entry!
Beetle Bank Farm, York
Looking for things to do in Yorkshire with toddlers? Let off steam in the fields, go wild in the adventure playground, have fun in the sand pit or ride on the tractors and play with the inflatables. We predict two things: you won’t be bored and you’ll sleep well tonight!
Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
I love the look of Mother Shipton’s Cave, with it’s famous prophetess and petrifying well.
Monk Park Farm, Thirsk, North Yorkshire
A varied collection of both Outdoor and Indoor Feeding Areas where you can see such as lambs, sheep, goats, calves, cattle, pigs, ponies, donkeys, horses, llamas, alpacas, wallabies, albino wallabies, deer, ducks, geese, hens, peacocks, rabbits and guinea pigs – and playgrounds to boot!
Big Cow, Little Sheep, Bedale
Another fab looking farm park that we are hoping to visit soon.
Harlow Carr, Harrogate
We love the maze and treehouse at RHS Harlow Carr.
Eureka! Children’s Museum, Halifax, West Yorkshire
Eureka is the National Children’s Museumand has special events on all year round. Another one of our great days out in Yorkshire,
Creepy Crawlies, York
Creepy Crawlies is a huge softplay and outdoor adventure playground in York.
See our review of Creepy Crawlies here.
Brimham Rocks in Nidderdale
With 400 acres of moorland and rocks to explore, there are plenty of activities for families and adventurers of all ages to keep themselves occupied. See this great review of a family day out at Brimham Rocks.
Aysgarth Falls at Leyburn
Aysgarth Falls is perfectly situated to visit the superb waterfalls on the River Ure, the National Park Centre can also point you in the direction of other lovely walks in the area taking in the surrounding woods or heading up to the lovely villages of Carperby or Aysgarth. Next to the Centre is the Coppice Café which serves a great selection of drinks and meals largely made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Family days out in Yorkshire
Also look at my other round ups for different times of the year, Things to do in Yorkshire with the kids at February half term, Easter, May half term, Summer Holidays, October half term and at Christmas.
Rain stopping play? Have a look at my list of ideas for places to go on a rainy day in Yorkshire.
Also, do have a look at my Things to do with Kids in Manchester and in Guildford posts.
This post was featured by Twinkl in their UK Days Out Blog
I’m sure this was a great resource for frazzled parents over the summer holidays. What a fantastic round up!
So many great days out to be had. Some I’d forgotten about, some I’d forgotten existed and others we visit often. One of our favourites is The Deep. Mostly because you pay once and then can return as much as you like in one year for free. We visited York this year too and had a lovely weekend away. I do love Yorkshire….especially the coast.