Don’t ask us how, but it is already the end of May! Feel like we’ve just put our Christmas decorations away, but hey ho, that’s life. We’ve put together the best things to do this May half-term in Yorkshire to keep the kids entertained.
From magical woodland walks and adventure playgrounds to more crafty fun things – we’ve got you covered to keep you from climbing the walls this next week.
We are praying for the sun this half term, so have planned lots of things for you to get out and about within Yorkshire this May.
1. Dino Live at Thornton Hall Country Park
Thornton Hall Country Park always has fantastic events and this Dino Live one won’t disappoint. Your kids can step foot into a prehistoric adventure and get up and close to dinosaurs like never before.
The live-action stage show with the park’s own rangers is fun for the whole family and allows kids to get up close and personal with our Jurassic dinosaurs including T Rex, Triceratops, Velociraptor, and the Dino LIve Park Rangers.
The show runs from Saturday 28th May to Sunday 5th June and your ticket includes full entry to the farm park, a timed slot in the new play area along with the incredible show.
2. Skelf Island at Castle Howard
Castle Howard is a personal favourite of ours, especially its Christmas experiences, which never fail to disappoint.
And, this May half-term in Yorkshire, why not take your little ones to Skelf Island Adventure Playground, which has creative craft workshops, archery and tomahawk throwing along with its fantastic treetop structures, rope bridges, slides nets and more? Cross the bridge into the magical world of Skelfs.
From 27th May to 4th June, you can book a one hour crafting session and let your mind run wild. Get your tickets online here.
3. Studfold Fairy and Pixie Adventure
When Peter Pan asked “Do you believe in fairies?” he wasn’t referring to Tinkerbell, he was referring to the magical place of Studfold Adventure Trail in the Yorkshire Dales where fairies exist. Children can discover a world of mischief and surprise in this secret woodland and meadow experience.
You can pick up and trail sheet and enjoy their Fairy and Pixie adventure this summer from April to September 2023. The place is full of magic and wonderment. The bespoke fairy houses are fantastic and they are always adding to it, so you can visit again and again. Visit the website to get booked.
4. Treasure Island at Mother Shipton’s Knaresborough
Head to the country’s oldest attraction this May half-term in Yorkshire, the award-winning Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough. Found along the River Nidd it dates back to 1630 – and they always have something fun on for the kids.
And this summer is no different. Take part in Treasure Island, a pirate themed trail, at Mother Shipton’s. Grab a treasure map and get exploring the ancient woodlands. Who knows you may uncover some incredible riches. Visit the website for more information.
5. Family Fun at Wentworth Woodhouse
A Grade 1 listed country house in Wentworth, near Rotherham, Wentworth Woodhouse is one of the largest houses in Europe and always has a range of activities and events for families taking place throughout the year.
This May half term they have plenty to discover in the house & gardens. From Forest of Bewilderment and free crafting activities to exciting art exhibitions, Jason & his Argonauts and more. To find out more visit their website here.
6. William’s Spring Adventures at William’s Den
Did someone say inflatable assault course? Well, if you’re looking for things to do May half-term in Yorkshire, this is the BIGGEST inflatable assault course and it’s heading to East Yorkshire for May half term and you don’t want to miss it.
Head over to this charming indoor-meets-outdoor play adventure attraction is great for children to explore and run wild whilst connecting with nature through a playground created out of natural materials. Head over to the website to find out more.
7. Mayhem Circus at Piglets Adventure Farm
Piglets Adventure Farm in North Yorkshire has a range of activities perfect for May half term fun. It has a great playground for kids to let of some steam as well as a farm where kids can pet a range of animals such as pigs, donkeys, Shetland ponies, rabbits, sheep, ducks, a pygmy goat, tortoise and even guinea pigs.
And this May you can enjoy jaw-dropping stunts at the Lunar Circus featuring Fatt Matt in the Big Top Tent. It’s taking place over the May half term so head over to the website to find out more.
Read More: 20 Magical Yorkshire Family Attractions That’ll Make Your Holidays Complete
8. Pirates Trail Quest at Stockeld Park
There’s a pirate theme going around this half-term and Stockeld has all the bounty with its Enchanted Treasure trail. You will receive a pirate alphabet to help you unlock the secret password to the chest and get your prize.
There is also a fantastic 30-minute high-energy show suitable for all ages tog et involved with. Stockeld also has its maze and play parks for kids to explore, which are interactive outdoor environment to entertain the young ones plus its has a fantastic cafe ones the young ones have worked up an appetite. Visit the website to learn more.
9. Explore your imagination at York Castle Museum
Step back in time with Castle Museum in York this May half-term Yorkshire. The museum has plenty to get your kids creative throughout the walk through time including photo ops and craft bits.
But the Victorian cobbled street has to be the main attraction. It’s like stepping back in time to when Oliver Twist walked the streets. You half expect to be accosted by Mr Hyde. For more information visit the website here.
10. Blossom and Bee Trail at Nostel Priory
This May half-term in Yorkshire explore the family trail with a buzzy bee theme and uncover some fun facts outr garden companions through the woodland play area.
Kids can complete activities and games along the way. They’ll find out about the role of the workers, drones and the queen bee and experience the sounds of a busy beehive. Once completed head to the bottom of the kitchen garden to see the fruit trees in full bloom.
There is also a fun range of free crafts for all ages to take part in over half term week. Find out more here.
11. Half term fun at Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park
The Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park near Ripon is the perfect spot to go to this May half term. The Yorkshire Park is set to tell A Dragon’s Tale.
You can follow Dragonella through the gardens as she tells tales of adventure, unexpected meetings and magical creatures in a 1-hour interactive timed tour.
The Himalayan Sculpture Park has pond dipping and nature weaving. You can head to the website to find out more.
12. Kirkstall Abbey Scarecrow Festival
Head to Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds for its first-ever Scarecrow Festival. You can wander around the amazing grounds in the city of Leeds and spot all the creative scarecrow designs.
The scarecrow is designed by Kirkstall Abbey staff and their favourite community partners. You can spot the scarecrows and take part in family activities too.
Read More: Enjoy Yorkshire’s Hidden Gem Outdoor Pool With Breathtaking Views Of The North York Moors
