10 Best Family Things to Do in York

The JORVIK Viking Centre is a fabulous, educational and entertaining spot for kids where they can see real Viking ruins and enjoy interactive exhibits on a walk through the past. A glass-floored attraction lets you see down into the foundations of an authentic Viking house archaeological dig.

After that, you can enjoy interactive exhibits that trace the entire history of Norse occupation of the isles and their impact on British society. A 4D theme-park-style ride takes you back in time, where you’ll get to see the sights and even smells of York during the Viking era. The park is also in the heart of the city centre.

The Wizard Walk of York is a magical fantasy journey through a fairy tale land where you and the kids will learn to do real magic tricks at home. Here you’ll enjoy a magical tour from the Magic Hatter and walk through the city from the Shambles to visit the mysterious snickleways and alleys to discover magical creatures. The tour involves magic, comedy, mystery and puns. It’s one of York’s newer attractions but is a thrilling excursion through the city’s hidden magical areas.

Tours are held for private and larger groups, and are suitable for all ages, though it’s geared towards kids aged 6 to 12. It sets off from the heart of the city centre.

The National Railway Museum York is a fun and free museum that explores the entire history of trains, including a number of historic cars you can explore. These include Stephenson’s Rocket train, which in 1829 changed the entire future of railroads. You will explore dozens of exhibits celebrating the ordinary people who created extraordinary machines from the ground up, and see their intricate creations, including some of the oldest engines and locomotives around.

You will learn how small-scale steam engine experiments changed engineering and created the Industrial Revolution. You will see firsthand how transportation evolved from the horse and buggy to the stream and diesel engine. It’s just 5 minutes west of the city centre.

York’s Chocolate Story in York’s city centre is a popular and modern attraction with interactive exhibits and multimedia demonstrations of the history of chocolate in the city. The museum and chocolatery offer a sweet, thrilling and educational tour that teaches kids and adults alike the process of making chocolate, how it came to England and how candy-making technology has advanced over the centuries. Of course, you will also enjoy plenty of tasting opportunities all along the way.

Potentially, one of the most exciting elements of the tour comes at the very end, when you get the chance to make, package and take home your very own handcrafted chocolate bars.

DIG: An archaeological Adventure, also called the JORVIK Dig, is a hands-on archaeological experience where you and the kids can become apprentice diggers and explore 2,000 years of history. You will have the opportunity to investigate 4 different archaeological digs, each from a different period of York history. As you search, you’ll uncover exciting artefacts, some of which date back thousands of years. While digging, you’ll learn the art and craft of archaeology and discover the importance of history.

The DIG Archaeological Adventure is best suited for any family with children over 5 years of age. It’s conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the heart of the York city centre.

The York Dungeon is gory and theatrical fun best suited for families whose kids are a bit older and presenting a walk through 2,000 years of dark, gory comedy. This exhibition sees costumed performers portraying historical characters with a darkly comedic twist that take you through the historic horrors of York through the ages. Here you will witness recreations of the Viking invasion, the Gunpowder Plot of Guy Fawkes and the life and times of infamous highwayman Dick Turpin.

The attraction has won multiple awards over the years, and the special effects and actors are renowned. It’s an attraction that will delight and thrill, located centrally in the heart of York’s city centre.

Piglets Adventure Farm park is a brilliant afternoon escape where you and the kids can enjoy many play areas and experience a working farm in action. You can take a tractor ride over the fields and pet the many farm animals on-site. The park includes play equipment so the kids can pretend they are farm workers. Sandpits allow them to build castles or dig. During school holidays and the autumn and winter, plenty of outstanding entertainment is on the docket, including pumpkin picking in the fall and sleigh rides through the winter snow.

Pliglets Adventure Farm Park is a combination zoo, educational experience and fun park in one. It’s 10 minutes north of the city centre.

The Web Adventure Park is a unique theme park centred on active entertainment and exercise instead of thrill rides for days of active fun. Instead of roller coasters and rides, kids can climb on frames and swing on jungle gyms. They can visit a sports arena and play pickup games of football or other sports. Outdoors, they can cross a jungle bridge or race go-karts around the exterior of the park. Kids 7 and older can try their hand at the high rope course. Even kids under 5 can enjoy the park with the Little Bugs Childcare nursery.

This park allows kids to play and get exercise at the same time. It’s 10 minutes north of the city centre.

Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park is a classic theme park featuring thrill rides, games, food, live entertainment and adventure suited for adults and kids alike. The park features 3 roller coasters, a safari-themed park where kids can ride animal-themed attractions, a pirate area and a traditional central park with almost 20 attractions ranging from dragon boats to dodgem cars to a carousel. A children’s play area is onsite for the littlest ones featuring soft play areas, net trails, a discovery woods region and bouncy houses, among other activities.

Several entertainment options are available, including an arcade, a hall of mirrors and costumed characters. It’s about an hour northwest of the city centre.

Flamingo Land Resort is a wild time for the whole family with a traditional amusement theme park, zoo and resort all rolled into 1 place. This legacy park has been running since 1959 and family operated since 1978. The zoo offers many exotic animals, including Brazilian tapirs, hippos, giraffes, rhinos, lions, tigers, chimps and many others, emphasising African animals. Major thrill ride attractions include several roller coasters, swing rides, water rides and many themed areas, including a water park and children’s area called the Muddy Duck Farm.

Flamingo Land Resort is one of the biggest and most beloved parks in the region. It’s located about 30 minutes northeast of the city centre.