We can finally set our kids free in theme parks, waterparks, park parks and gardens once more? Our balls of energy need to let off some steam and we’ve come up with some of the best things to do in Yorkshire with your kids. If you’re stuck with entertaining yourself and your family, or just fancy a fun day out on the weekend, check out The Yorkshireman’s guide to the best days out Yorkshire has to offer.
1. Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Just outside of Wakefield, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an open-air gallery filled with breathtaking sculptures by celebrated artists such as Damien Hirst and Simon Armitage (a Yorkshireman, of course!). It’s a great day out for friends, couples and families alike, with 500 acres of woodland to explore. The park features ever-changing exhibitions, so be sure to check out what’s on before your visit.
🚘 Where to find it: Yorkshire Sculpture Park, WF4 4LG
2. Flamingo Land
Combining theme park rides with an impressive zoo offering, Flamingo Land is a great day out (particularly so when it’s not raining), with plenty to see and do for all ages. The zoo houses all the exotic animals you could think of, and the sea lion shows are brilliantly entertaining – even for the grown-ups. The park has a brand new rollercoaster on its way, which will join its existing fleet of rides already there.
🚘 Where to find it: Flamingo Land, Kirby Misperton, Malton, YO17 6UX
3. Yorkshire Wildlife Park
One of the UK’s best zoos (in our opinion!), Yorkshire Wildlife Park boasts 260 acres of animal habitats and parkland, and they’re even home to five polar bears, including new arrival Rasputin – who was rescued from captivity earlier this year. The park cares for almost 400 animals and over 70 different species, with lions, monkeys, giraffes and even camels on site to see.
🚘 Where to find it: Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Warning Tongue Ln, Old Cantley, Doncaster, DN4 6TB
4. Yorkshire Dales
A lovely day out for those who enjoy walking and exploring, the Yorkshire Dales has so much to see and so many quaint little villages to check out. From beautiful Burnsall to historic Grassington, the options are never-ending. Enjoy local produce and scenic walking routes in the countryside, as well as historic landmarks that are begging to be photographed.
5. The Forbidden Corner
Found in Middleham, The Forbidden Corner is a pretty unique attraction, self-described as a “labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created within a four acre garden”. It’s the perfect place to keep kids entertained for hours thanks to its impressive statues, quests, and even a secret crypt. Best of all? Adults are allowed to have fun too!
🚘 Where to find it: The Forbidden Corner, Middleham, Leyburn, DL8 4TJ
6. Harewood House
Harewood House is a beautiful grade I country house, built in Leeds in the 1700s by two very talented architects. The site features some of the most incredible landscaped gardens we’ve ever seen, with around 1000 acres of beautiful land surrounding. The stately home boasts tons of history, and can be visited today, along with its bird garden (which houses penguins!) and its farm.
🚘 Where to find it: Harewood House, Sandy Gate, Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LE
7. North Yorkshire Moors Railway
A truly iconic piece of Yorkshire, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs between five stations, including Pickering, Levisham, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby. The heritage experience allows guests to see the joy that was travelling via steam train, featuring incredible scenery from some of North Yorkshire’s most idyllic spots.
8. Mother Shipton’s Cave
One of England’s oldest attractions, Mother Shipton’s Cave is said to be the cave of our country’s most famous prophetess. She predicted a number of historic events, including the Great Fire of London and even the invention of iron ships during her lifetime – and now, thousands flock every year to her cave to see its natural beauty and the famous Petrifying Well. The Knaresborough spot is fun for all the family, with an adventure playground installed for the little ones.
🚘 Where to find it: Mother Shipton’s Cave, Prophecy House, Harrogate Rd, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD
9. The Deep
Situated in Hull, The Deep is a huge aquarium filled with over 3000 sea creatures – including a huge pool that includes sharks, stingrays, turtles and more. It’s a brilliant day out for the kids with a ton of educational resources, and nearby you’ll find Bert’s Pizzeria – great for filling tums with some tasty grub after visiting the penguins.
🚘 Where to find it: The Deep, Tower St, Hull, HU1 4DP
10. Stockeld Park
While Stockeld Park is a particularly brilliant spot to visit at Christmas time, the 2000 acre park has activities on all year round. The country house is located in Wetherby and features a maze, Enchanted Forest, a laser adventure and even mini boats you can ride in on the lake. The park is more of a family-friendly place, with most activities aimed at the kids.
🚘 Where to find it: Stockeld Park, Wetherby Rd, Wetherby, LS22 4AN
11. Brimham Rocks
The perfect place to let the kids run wild, Brimham Rocks is a huge site filled with incredibly interesting rock formations, many of which provide gorgeous sights of surrounding Nidderdale. The place is often filled with families climbing up the rocks together to enjoy the views, or enjoying an ice cream while strolling the beautiful site.
🚘 Where to find it: Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4DW
12. Gulliver’s Valley
Yorkshire’s newest theme park, Gulliver’s Valley, can be found in South Yorkshire – and its been a hit ever since it opened its gates. Catering for the kids, the theme park has a variety of rides to enjoy, including river tours, huge water slides, big rides for the big kids, and fairground-style rides for the littler ones.
🚘 Where to find it: Mansfield Rd, Sheffield S26 5QW
13. Calypso Cove
Did someone say waterpark? You and your kids could head over to Calypso Cove in Barnsley, Yorkshire’s biggest waterpark! It is pirate-themed and has slides, a wave pool and lazy river to keep your kids occupied for the whole day. It’s one of the best days out in Yorkshire for sure.
🚘 Where to find it: Metrodome Leisure Complex Queens Ground, Queens Rd, Barnsley S71 1AN
14. Eureka!
No we haven’t gone mad. It’s the amazing interative National Children’s Museum that is a fun day out for the kids where they can learn whilst playing. It is run by an educational charity and not-for-profit organisation and includes loads of different spaces where they can learn and play.
🚘 Where to find it: Discovery Rd, Halifax HX1 2NE
15. Totally Roarsome
Located at Hazelwood Castle in Leeds is a wonderful woodland walk that is filled with magical creatures that your children will find fascinating. You and your family can complete a woodland trail treasure hunt and complete a quiz to win a prize. Tickets are just £7.95 per person and you can find out more here.
🚘 Where to find it: Paradise Ln, Leeds, Tadcaster LS24 9NJ
16. Let Loose! Adventure Park
Found in the heart of the East Riding of Yorkshire, this exciting adventure park has been open since 2017 and has caused quite a stir. It’s the perfect place to let your little tykes loose, it has a range of exciting things to do such as high ropes, zip lines, roller skating and a super slide.
All of the above the kids will be buzzing as they play at this incredible park. Find out more here.
🚘 Where to find it: Hull Rd, Woodmansey, Beverley HU17 0RS
17. Hole In The Wand Crazy Golf
Popular with Potter fans since its opening, The Hole In Wand allows visitors to take on wizard-themed holes with easter eggs from the show before enjoying magical refreshments such as Wand Dog, Uni-Pop Corn, Grobble-Nachos, alcoholic potions and Butterbeer. Visit our write up here for more info.
🚘 Where to find it: 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York YO1 9NT
18. Falling Foss Tea Room
This magical woodland tea garden sits beneath a 30ft waterfall and is the perfect woodland walk for you and your family this summer. You can either take a two-mile walk or park up at the car park and enjoy a spot of tea.
You can find it just 6 miles outside of Whitby, and it has a natural play area and becks to paddle in. Check out Falling Foss Tea Garden here.
🚘 Where to find it: Midge Hall, Whitby YO22 5JD
[Featured image: Harewood House]
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