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The best things to do in York with kids

With thousands of years of rich history, cultural highlights and beautiful surroundings, York truly is a city that has something for everyone, and there’s no shortage of things to do in York for families. Bring the kids and enjoy a fun-filled day of making special memories – from museums and mazes to castles and chocolate, here are our favourite attractions and top picks for family days out in York.

Remember to check the opening hours and availability of attractions and activities before your visit, as they may be subject to change, and if you’re visiting York during school holidays or at the weekend it’s advisable to pre-book tickets online if you can!

Explore York Minster

At the heart of the city, you’ll find the stunning York Minster. The magnificent cathedral towers over the twisting streets, and it’s one of the most impressive sights in York. Admission is free for up to four children (aged 17 and under) with a paying adult, and a ticket is valid for 12 months so you can make a return visit whenever you like!

You can climb the 275 steps to the top of the central tower for breathtaking views of the city, or explore the underground chambers of the Undercroft museum to learn more about the Minster’s fascinating past. There’s even a working stone yard where you can see the carvings on the cathedral take shape.

Kids will love the interactive displays and special events designed just for them. There are lots of different things to do at York Minster for kids and adults – from a free expert-guided tour to fantasy-themed quest trails or a family sculpture scavenger hunt. For smaller kids, grab a ‘Little Explorer’ backpack for free from the welcome desk, packed with I-Spy challenges and tools like binoculars, a compass and a map so that kids can really explore every nook and cranny of the Minster.

  • York Minster
  • Adults £16, children 17 and under go free with a paying adult

Visit Jorvik Viking Centre

One of the city’s best-loved tourist attractions, no family day out in York would be complete without a trip to Jorvik Viking Centre. Interactive, immersive, and lots of fun, kids can take a journey through Viking history and discover more about the archaeological dig that uncovered the Viking Age settlement of Jorvik – with the museum now built on the exact spot where it once stood almost a thousand years ago.

This award-winning attraction takes you on a journey through 10th-century York, showcasing the sights, sounds, and even the smells of Viking-Age York. Hop on a ride that transports you through a reconstructed Viking village and interact with authentically voiced and clothed animatronics. DNA from real Viking remains was used to reconstruct faces and figures in the animatronics, so it’s as close as you can possibly get to bringing the past to life. It’s an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family, and kids and adults alike are sure to love it.

Discover the National Railway Museum

All aboard for a day of train-themed fun at the National Railway Museum! Located (as you might expect) near York train station and just outside the historic city walls, the National Railway Museum celebrates Britain’s industrial legacy and the history of our railways, as well as that of trains and train lines around the world. If you’ve got kids who love anything to do with transport, this is a must-see!

The museum houses an impressive collection of locomotives, including iconic steam engines and modern high-speed trains like a genuine Japanese bullet train. Kids can explore the interactive exhibits, hop on board historic carriages, and even take a ride on a miniature steam train. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the famous Flying Scotsman up close!

Get lost in York Maze

If you’re looking for some more active things to do in York with the kids, then why not get lost, quite literally, in the York Maize Maze? One of York’s best family attractions, the central maze is one of the largest in the world, made from more than a million maize plants and covering a site that’s bigger than 8 Wembley football pitches. Navigate your way through the twists and turns of the maze, solve puzzles, and complete challenges along the way.

There are plenty of other attractions to enjoy, too – the Jurassic Maize is one for dinosaur fans, while the Maze of Illusions is filled with mind-bending mirrors, puzzles, and illusions. You’ll also find an interactive Crowmania ride with animatronics and live actors, giant slides, a climbing wall, an inflatable ‘cobstacle’ course, and a cornfield-themed adventure playground. There’s a huge amount to do and see, making it a fantastic family day out in York that everyone will enjoy.

Delve into the York Dungeon

For a thrilling and chilling history lesson, venture into the York Dungeon… if you dare. Probably better suited for slightly older children, this unique and unusual attraction takes you on a journey through 2,000 years of York’s dark and gruesome past.

Through a series of live shows, actors, special effects, and thrilling effects, you’ll come face to face with some of the city’s most notorious characters, such as highwaymen, witches, and the infamous Guy Fawkes. From the vengeance of the Vikings to the plague-infected streets of 1551, you’ll learn plenty about York’s dark history, with plenty of scares and laughs along the way. It’s an immersive experience that’s great for kids, as long as they’re not easily frightened!

Enjoy a day at York’s Chocolate Story

Did you know that Kit Kats, After Eights, and Terry’s Chocolate Oranges all originated in York? If not, then why not indulge your sweet tooth and discover the delicious history of chocolate at York’s Chocolate Story.

This interactive attraction is located just off the Shambles in the centre of the city. It’s an ideal way to spend a few hours in York with kids, and not just because they’ll get to make a chocolate bar at the end of it!

The experience includes learning more about the history of chocolate-making both in York and across the world, from the ancient Maya civilization to the present day. Kids can become chocolate factory apprentices, try their hand at creating their own chocolate creations, and, of course, taste some mouthwatering treats along the way. It’s a scrumptious experience that will delight chocolate lovers of all ages.

Have a picnic in the Museum Gardens

When it’s time to take a break and relax, head to the Museum Gardens for a leisurely picnic. This beautiful green space is located next to the River Ouse and offers stunning views of historic buildings, including the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey. The Museum Gardens make for a perfect spot to unwind during family days out in York so you can enjoy some quality time together.

Let the kids run around on the open lawns, explore the ruins, and feed the ducks by the river. If they’re lucky, they might even spot one of York’s rarest inhabitants – the tansy beetle, a beautiful and endangered species of beetle only found along the banks of the river Ouse. You could also head to the Yorkshire Museum itself, which is home to a brilliant collection of archaeological finds and genuine dinosaur remains.

Explore the York Castle Museum

Step back in time and experience life in the past at the York Castle Museum, located near  Clifford’s Tower. This fascinating museum is housed in a former prison and showcases the history of York through immersive reconstructed exhibitions.  

Kids will love the recreated Victorian street, complete with shops, a schoolroom, and even a sweet shop where they can sample traditional candies. There’s also the Castle Prison, which is full of stories about York’s more unsavoury characters, including the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin. The museum also offers interactive displays, workshops, and special events throughout the year.

Whether you’ve just got a day out planned or if you’re staying at one of our holiday lettings in York and want to make the most of your time in the city, there are plenty of things to do in York with kids.

With so much history and culture and so many things to see and do, it’s bound to be a day of fun for the whole family – and if you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat in between attractions, make sure you check out our guide to the best restaurants in York. Enjoy your time in York and have a wonderful family adventure!

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