If you are looking for exciting things to do in Yorkshire with kids, then we’ve got you covered. Our beautiful county is full of attractions the little ones will just love. From woodland trails to adventure parks, there is something for everyone in God’s Own Country, no matter what time of year you are planning your trip.
To help you plan your next family trip, we have put together this guide on the 31 best things to do with kids in Yorkshire. There is a mix of popular classics children have been enjoying for years and hidden gems you may not have heard of before.
So, What are the Best Things to Do with Kids in Yorkshire?
This list will explore some of the most exciting attractions for family days out in Yorkshire. Let’s start with a trip back in time.
1. Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham
This Grade I-listed country house in Wentworth, near Rotherham, was built in 1725. Wentworth Woodhouse stands on 87 acres of grounds and gardens, including a deer park and lakes. It is one of the largest houses in Europe and has a range of activities and events for families throughout the year.
Once home to the Fitzwilliam family, the house was bought by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust in 2017. They now organise guided tours of the house and fifty-acre gardens and is one of the top family-friendly attractions Yorkshire has to offer.
You’ll find Wentworth Woodhouse located at Wentworth, Rotherham S62 7TQ
2. Let Loose! Adventure Park, Beverley
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 among its young visitors. It’s the perfect place to let your little tykes loose; it has a range of exciting activities, including high ropes, zip lines, roller skating, and a super slide.
With all of the above to keep them entertained, the kids will have hours of fun as they play at this incredible park (and burn some energy!). Find out more here.
You’ll find Let Loose! located at Hull Rd, Woodmansey, Beverley HU17 0RS.
3. Stump Cross Cavern
Next on our list of things to do in Yorkshire with kids takes us deep underground. It’s no secret that there was life before humans, but all these millions of years later, it’s not so easy to find that history – unless you look for it, of course. Something you don’t have to do thanks to the Yorkshire Dales-based Stump Cross Caverns. It has great interactive kids’ activities, such as hands-on fossil digs, discovering crystal wonders, and more.
Unassumingly positioned by the entrance to the National Park – just a stone’s throw away from other prehistoric beauty spots such as Malham Tarn and the Druid’s Temple. Stump Cross truly is one of the most unique places to visit in Yorkshire.
You’ll find Stump Cross Caverns located at B6265, Greenhow Hill, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate HG3 5JL
4. Falling Foss Tea Room, North York Moors
This magical woodland tea garden serves up delicious, homemade treats in an ancient forest next to a 30ft waterfall. They offer up coffee, homemade cakes, locally made ice cream, and scones with jam and cream. As well as enjoying the food and drink, you can take a peaceful 2-mile walk through the enchanting woods.
You can find it just 6 miles outside of Whitby, and it is an excellent chance for the kids to get in touch with nature.
Check out Falling Foss Tea Garden here. Midge Hall, Whitby YO22 5JD
5. Piglet’s Adventure Farm, North Yorkshire
Piglet’s Adventure Farm has a range of activities and is a perfect entry for the best things to do in Yorkshire with kids. They have events throughout the year, including their pick-your-own pumpkins and Christmas event. The kids can play on their man-made beach whilst you sit in a deck chair and chill. This time of year, you can see newborn lambs and even bottle-feed them!
They can also let off steam in the playground before petting a range of animals in the zoo such as pigs, donkeys, Shetland ponies, rabbits, sheep, ducks, a pygmy goat, tortoise, and even guinea pigs.
You’ll find Piglet’s Adventure Farm at Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Ln, Towthorpe, York YO32 9ST.
6. Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough
Known as one of the UK’s oldest tourist attractions, Mother Shipton’s Cave has been mesmerising visitors since 1630. You can explore the cave, with the many legends and stories that surround it. There is also The Petrifying Well, whose ‘magical’ waters turn everyday items, such as teddy bears, into stone. You can even buy these stone objects from the gift shop.
You can also enjoy a riverside walk, known today as Sir Henry Slingsby’s Long Walk. This will take you along the river and to Beech Avenue, where you’ll find some of the oldest and tallest Beech trees in the country.
Check out more information here. Prophecy House, Harrogate Rd, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
7. Ninja Warrior, Leeds & Sheffield
If you’re a fan of the popular TV show, then you will love this action-packed attraction in West Yorkshire. Test your skills on its range of Ninja Warrior-inspired courses with something to challenge all abilities. There is a huge inflatable obstacle course, party rooms, and a cafe to get refreshments. A top one on the list of Yorkshire family days out if you’re someone who is a bit of an adrenaline junkie.
Sheffield – Unit 1B, Meadowhall Retail Park, Attercliffe Common, Sheffield S9 2YZ.
Leeds – Ramshead Approach, Seacroft, Leeds LS14 1NH.
8. Studfold Fairy Adventure Trail, Yorkshire Dales
Found in the magical Yorkshire Dales, the fun-filled adventure is a great place for your children’s imaginations to run wild. It has some fantastic fairy houses and a beautiful trail through the woods where you can explore nature. It’s one of the most child-friendly places in Yorkshire, and it is great for helping kids get back to nature – especially in today’s society.
It has a fantastic playground where the parents can sit and watch their children burn off some energy whilst having a chat. Find out more here.
Studfold. Lofthouse, North Yorkshire, HG3 5SG
9. Diggerland, Castleford
Next on our list of things to do in Yorkshire is Diggerland in West Yorkshire, and it’s every machine-loving child’s dream. They can have a go on real working diggers as well as exhilarating rides made from adapted diggers. It’s a proper family day out and is so much fun and a real hands-on day away from those tablets, Netflix shows, and computer games.
There are also go-karts and more to keep you entertained for hours. So, if you’re looking for excitement and thrills, then this is for you! Find out more here. Willowbridge Ln, Castleford WF10 5NW.
10. Hole In The Wand Crazy Golf, York
Popular with Potter fans since its opening, The Hole In The 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.
You’ll find Hole in the Wand at 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York YO1 9NT.
Read More: 10 Weird & Wonderful Free Things To Do With Kids In Leeds
11. Flamingo Land, North Yorkshire
Yorkshire’s greatest theme park, full of fun for all ages, Flamingo Land is the perfect place to enjoy adrenaline-fuelled rides, alongside some fantastic games and activities.
You get a two-for-one with Flamingo Land; they also have an amazing zoo full of lions, hippos, giraffes, and a whole host of creepy crawlies for you to discover (if you’re not too wet from the fantastic log flume that is).
Flamingo Land is located at Kirby Misperton, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 6UX.
12. Forbidden Corner, Yorkshire Dales
Number 12 on our list of things to do in Yorkshire with kids is weird and wonderful. Full of follies, underground tunnels, and secret chambers, Forbidden Corner is built to fuel the imagination and for you and your kids to explore.
It’s definitely one of the best days out in Yorkshire, and we should know; it’s one of our personal favourites to visit. Many people can’t quite find the right words to describe this stunning venue; you’ll just have to go and discover it for yourself. Check out our write-up here.
The Forbidden Corner, Middleham, Leyburn DL8 4TJ.
13. Visit One Of Yorkshire’s Outdoor Swimming Pools and Lidos
We’ve already kicked off the summer with some of the hottest weather on record, so these outdoor swimming pools and lidos will be perfect for you to cool down.
The kids can run wild in a safe space, enjoying splashing around in these outdoor pools and lidos in some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful locations.
Find out more about the best pools and lidos in Yorkshire, from Hemsley’s open-air pool to Hull’s Albert Avenue Pools, here.
14. Check Out One Of Yorkshire’s Family-Friendly Farms With Animals
Looking for things to do with kids in Yorkshire that involve creatures great and small? The summer holidays are here, and we all know how hard it is to keep the kids entertained. Farms are not just for growing crops; all these fantastic places across Yorkshire have plenty to do for you and your kids, including traditional petting farms to all-singing, all-dancing adventure parks.
Here’s our guide to the best family-friendly farms in Yorkshire to visit this summer, including Hesketh Farm in Skipton, Whirlow Hall Farm in Sheffield, and Meanwood Urban Valley Farm in Leeds. Find out more here.
15. Take a Trip Away In One of Yorkshire’s Weird & Wonderful Unique Stays
If you’re not going abroad this summer, or you are but fancy a quick getaway. These unique stays are perfect for things to do in Yorkshire with kids that involve sparking their imagination.
Whether you want to stay in the Harry Potter-inspired home, lay your head in a Hobbit Hole, or fall asleep in a double-decker bus, these Yorkshire stays are definitely something you won’t have experienced before. Find out more here.
16. Temple Newsam, Leeds
Temple Newsam is an incredible place to explore as it is steeped in history and full of fun-filled activities. Take a trip around the outdoor trails or visit the on-site farm, which houses sheep, cows, goats, pigs, and more.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, visit the farm shop for a taste of a few local delicacies.
You’ll find Temple Newsam at Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds LS15 0AE.
17. National Science and Media Museum, Bradford
Found in Bradford, the 2024 City of Culture, the National Science Museum has seven floors of galleries with permanent exhibitions focusing on photography, television, animation, video gaming, the Internet, and more.
During the summer, kids can get used to not using their noggin. So, why not get those neurons flowing with some inspirational and creative activities?
The kids can explore interactive exhibitions, discover the origins of photography and play around with a whole host of fun tasks that will keep them entertained all day. Did we mention it also has an IMAX cinema!?
The National Science Museum is found at Pictureville, Bradford BD1 1NQ.
18 York Maze, York
It’s only open for a few months of the year, but York Maze is a great day out with the kids. Found in the middle of the Yorkshire countryside, it boasts the biggest maze in Europe – the Giant Maize Maze. However, that’s not all there is to do here.
There’s also a Jurassic Maze, a Mineshaft Maze, and a Finger Fortune Maze, not to mention loads of play zones, including a jumping pillow (that’s a bouncy castle without the walls) and a climbing zone. Find out more here.
York Maze is at Elvington Lane, York, YO19 5LT.
19. Castle Museum, York
A former prison that once housed the famous highwayman Dick Turpin, Castle Museum is one of the most amazing family days out in Yorkshire.
It features a street that takes you back in time, along with an immersive, nostalgic trip through time with their meticulously put-together exhibitions. Parents, get ready to explain what a few things you grew up with are. We can’t believe Nintendo 64 is now considered vintage!
The Castle Museum is found at Tower St, York YO1 9RY.
20. Dalby Forest, Pickering
A day out filled with cycling, woodland walks, a fantastic park, and much, much more. Dalby in North Yorkshire is one of the county’s best outdoor attractions. There’s nothing like being surrounded by nature, and if you ask us, it has to be good for those little kiddies to be out in it. We love Dalby, and it’s definitely one of our favourite things to do with kids in Yorkshire.
Whether you choose to take a picnic, venture on the Gruffalo Trail, or decide to get some food at the on-site cafe, you can easily while away a whole day and more at Dalby. If you’re feeling brave, why not try out the Go Ape treetop course, or explore a segway tour?
You’ll find Dalby Forest at Dalby Forest Dr, Low Dalby, Pickering YO18 7LT.
Read More: Exploring 8 Fun Things to Do In Scarborough With Kids.
21. York Dungeons, York City Centre
Ready for a journey through 2,000 years of York’s darkest history? Then make sure you visit York Dungeon. You’ll be transported through the city’s murky past, coming face to face with a Viking and learning all about Saxon enemies before meeting the famous Guy Fawkes and local witch Isabella Billington.
The immersive sets and amazing special effects, along with live actors, make for a fantastic event, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Head over to the website here to book, if you’re feeling brave enough. 12 Clifford St, York YO1 9RD.
22. Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster
Next attraction on our list of things to do in Yorkshire with kids is a little bit WILD! Home to over 300 animals and over 60 species, the Yorkshire Wildlife Park is Doncaster’s largest and number one visitor attraction. You can explore the park and visit the lions, tigers, polar bears, giraffes and everything in between.
The park supports the conservation and welfare of animals by helping rescue endangered animals and through breeding programmes. To get booked in, visit the website here. Hurst Ln, Doncaster DN9 3QY
23. Royal Armouries, Leeds
Lots of kids love learning about historic battles, armies, and weapons. The Royal Armouries is a great day out for both adults and children. It holds the largest collections of military memorabilia in the world. It’s a real treat for those eager to learn and a great example of how free things to do in Leeds can be really amazing – where else are you shown such heritage and history for nothing?
You’ll dive deep into the world of the military through the ages across five floors of galleries, including war, tournament, Oriental, self-defence, and hunting, with over 8,500 objects to see. What’s great is there are even re-enactments and jousting events for you to enjoy.
Find out more here. Armouries Dr, Leeds LS10 1LT.
24. Kelham Island Museum
Explore the making of Sheffield through the Kelham Island Museum. From master craftsmen to mass production, you’ll experience life and work during the Industrial Revolution. Follow the sights and sounds of progress through the Victorian era and celebrate the Women of Steel and how the modern Steel City was forged.
You’ll hear the roar and feel the rumble of the mighty River Don Engine, the 425-ton 12,000hp steam engine, twice a day on Thursday to Sunday. You’ll find out more about the industry that saw Sheffield become world-renowned for innovation.
Kelham Island Museum is located at Alma St, Sheffield S3 8SA.
25. The Deep, Hull
The Deep is a fantastic day out – no matter how old you are. Located under the River Humber where it completes its journey to the North Sea, the wonderful aquarium is home to over 3,000 creatures – including sharks, stingrays, jellyfish and even penguins.
Learn about the mesmerising creatures that call our oceans home, see fascinating mammals co-habit with one another, or, if you’re anything like us, just watch the penguins play for hours on end. Book here.
Tower St, Hull HU1 4DP.
26. Eureka!, West Yorkshire
Yorkshire has some of the most exciting and creative places where you can take your kids to entertain them. One of them is definitely Eureka!
It is a fun-packed day aimed at kids aged 0-11. It has six unique zones to explore, each filled with hundreds of interactive exhibits to inspire enquiring minds and learn about themselves and the world around them.
Find out more about Eureka! here. Discovery Rd, Halifax HX1 2NE.
27. Snozone, Castleford
Catch some serious air with our next attraction on our list of things to do in Yorkshire with kids. Xscape in Castleford is home to Snozone and has an amazing ski slope where you can learn to ski and snowboard. It’s the UK’s largest indoor real snow resort. Your kids can get in-house lessons or just hit the slopes, relax, and enjoy fun times.
Find out more here. Colorado Way, Castleford WF10 4TA.
28. Lightwater Valley, North Yorkshire
Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park is perfect for a full day of fresh air and entertainment for children aged 12 and under! With over 40 rides and attractions including the UK’s largest Tree Top Adventure Nets, PLUS a jam-packed programme of daily entertainment, you’ll find mega adventures around every corner!
For more information, check out their website here.
Water Ln, North Stainley, Ripon HG4 3HT
29. Stockeld Park, North Yorkshire
While Stockeld Park is a particularly brilliant spot to visit at Christmas time, the 2000-acre park has activities and events throughout the year. The country house is located in Wetherby and features a maze, an Enchanted Forest, a laser adventure and even mini boats you can ride on the lake. The park is more of a family-friendly place, with most activities aimed at the kids.
Stockeld Park is found at Wetherby Rd, Wetherby LS22 4AN.
30. Yorkshire Lavender, North Yorkshire
The heady scent and the heavenly colour palette of lavender flowers are a dream-like creation that hints at spring’s return. Set within the Howardian Hills, Yorkshire Lavender fields are a curated space of heady scents and distinct sights that will have you enamoured the moment you get there.
The triple award-winning attraction is a truly wonderful experience. Leave your expectations at the gate and surround yourself with the varied colours of lavender flowers.
You will find Yorkshire Lavender at Terrington, York YO60 6PB.
31. Tropical World, Leeds
Full of all sorts of creatures and critters, the indoor jungle/ Leeds Zoo Tropical World in Roundhay is the perfect place to while away the hours on a rainy day.
Check out a range of fish from the depths of the sea, cheeky meerkats who look like they’re always up to no good, beautiful butterflies that flutter around their enclosure, and so much more. It really is a fun day out for all the family. There is also a gift shop at the end so you can buy yourself a little treat.
Tropical World is at Princes Ave, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2ER.
Found our Guide to Things to do in Yorkshire with Kids Helpful?
We hope our list of 31 things to do with kids in Yorkshire has helped you plan your next family outing. Whether you have chosen to brave the rides at Lightwater Valley or get lost in York Maze, we are positive you will have a magical day out. This list isn’t exhaustive, though. There are endless places to go for great family days out in Yorkshire.
To find out more about the exciting, weird, and wonderful places to take children in Yorkshire, check out our travel section for our latest guides.
Read More: Your Ultimate Travel Guide To The Yorkshire Coast.
