Looking for exciting things to do with kids in Yorkshire this summer? We’ve got you covered, from amazing woodland trails to exciting adventure parks where they can run wild. There is something for everyone in God’s Own Country. We’ve hunted for the lesser-known things to do in Yorkshire as well as some classics and curated some fun-filled things for you to do.
As well as our guide to the prettiest free castles and heritage houses and gardens, this guide has found the best things for kids to do to make the most of time out of the house with them. Make sure you bookmark any of your favourites and make your way through our ultimate checklist of family fun days out.
1. Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham
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.
Once home to the Fitzwilliam family, the house was bought by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust in 2017 who organise guided tours of the house and fifty-acre gardens.
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. 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.
Hull Rd, Woodmansey, Beverley HU17 0RS
3. Hole In The Wand Crazy Golf, York
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.
14-16 Coppergate Walk, York YO1 9NT
4. Falling Foss Tea Room, North York Moors
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.
Midge Hall, Whitby YO22 5JD
5. Piglet’s Adventure Farm, North Yorkshire
Piglet’s Adventure Farm has a range of activities for the perfect day out with kids as well as 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.
Or, they can let off steam in the playground before petting a range of animals in their petting zoos such as pigs, donkeys, Shetland ponies, rabbits, sheep, ducks, a pygmy goat, tortoise, and even guinea pigs. 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 with its magical well which waters turn everyday objects to stone.
You can also enjoy a woodland trail and enchanting tale that you’ll learn along the way in the Royal Forest of Knaresborough. The park’s natural beauty will have you mesmerised. Check out more info here. Prophecy House, Harrogate Rd, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
7. Ninja Warrior, Bradford & Sheffield
If you’re a fan of the popular TV show, then you will love this new park opening in West Yorkshire. Test your skills on its range of Ninja Warrior inspired course that has something to test all abilities. There is a huge inflatable obstacle course as well as party rooms and a cafe to get refreshments. Find out more here.
8. Studfold Fairy Adventure Trail, Yorkshire Dales – Things To Do With Kids Yorkshire
Found in the magical Yorkshire Dales, the fun-filled adventure is a great place to let your children’s imaginations run wild. It has some fantastic fairy houses and a beautiful trail through the woods where you can explore nature.
It has a fantastic new 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. Northwood Magical Fairy Trail, North Yorkshire
Love all things mythical, Want more fairy goodness? This place is designed to foster young children’s minds and let them run wild.
It has been an attraction for years and the 100-acre wood on the outskirts of York has plenty for you and your children to get stuck into this summer. Find out more here.
Northwood Trail, Sunley Hill, Muscoates Lane, Nunnington, York, YO62 5XQ
10. Diggerland, Castleford
One of Yorkshire’s newest attractions, found in West Yorkshire Diggerland is every machine-loving kid’s dream. They can have a go on real working diggers as well as go on exhilarating rides made from adapted diggers.
There are also go-karts and more to keep you entertained for hours this half term. If you’re looking for more excitement then this is for you! Find out more here. Willowbridge Ln, Castleford WF10 5NW
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 fantastic adrenaline fuelled rides, along with some fantastic games and fun activities.
You get a two-for-one with Flamingo Land they also have an amazing zoo which is 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).
12. Forbidden Corner, Yorkshire Dales
Full of follies, underground tunnels, and secret chambers, Forbidden Corner is built to fuel the imagination and wait 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, which is why you’ll just have to go and discover it for yourself. Find out more 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 beautiful outdoor pools and lidos in some of the most beautiful locations across Yorkshire. Find out more here.
14. Check Out One Of Yorkshire’s Family-Friendly Farms With Animals
Looking for things to do with kids in Yorkshire? 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-friend farms in Yorkshire to visit this summer. Find out more here.
15. Have Sometime Away In One of Yorkshire’s Weird & Wonderful Unique Stays
If you’re not going abroad this summer, or you are but fancy a cheeky getaway. These unique stays are perfect for things to do with kids in Yorkshire that involve sparking their imagination.
Whether you want to stay in the Gryffindor Common Room, 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 – Things To Do With Kids Yorkshire
Temple Newsam is a massive place to explore that is steeped in history as well as 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. Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds LS15 0AE
17. National Science and Media Museum, Bradford
Found in Bradford, which was recently given city of culture for 2024, The National Science Museum has seven floors of galleries with permanent exhibitions focusing on photography, television, animation, videogaming, the Internet, and more.
During the summer, kids can get used to not using their nogging, so why not get those neurons flowing with some inspirational activities that make a great family day out in Yorkshire possible?
The kids can explore interactive exhibitions, discover the origins of photography and play around with a whole host of activities that will keep them entertained all day. Did we mention it also has an IMAX cinema!? 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. In the middle of the Yorkshire countryside, it boasts the biggest maze in Europe – the Giant Maize Maze. But 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.
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 for you to experience.
It features a street that will take 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! Find out more here.
Tower St, York YO1 9RY
20. Dalby Forest, Pickering
Cycling, woodland walks, a fantastic park, and much much more, Dalby in North Yorkshire has great things to do with kids in Yorkshire’s best forest.
Whether you choose to take a picnic, venture on the Gruffalo Trail, or decide to get some food in 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? Dalby Forest Dr, Low Dalby, Pickering YO18 7LT
Read More: 15 Weird & Wonderful Free Things To Do With Kids In York
21. York Dungeons, York City Centre – Things To Do With Kids Yorkshire
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 learn all about Saxon enemies before meeting the famous Guy Fawkes and local with Isabella Billington.
The immersive sets and amazing special effects along with live actors is a fantastic event, but its 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
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
Who’s kid doesn’t love army stuff? The Royal Armies 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?
Delve deep into the world of the military through the ages across five floors of galleries which include war, tournament, Oriental, self-defense, 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 visitor-favourite in steam twice a day Thursday-Sunday, and find out more about the industry that saw Sheffield become world-renowned for making and innovation. Alma St, Sheffield S3 8SA
25. The Deep, Hull
The Deep is a fantastic day out – no matter how old you are. Found under the River Humber as it completes its journey to the North Sea, the wonderful aquarium is home to over 3,000 creatures – including sharks, stingray, 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.
26. Eureka!
Yorkshire has some of the most exciting and creative places where you can take your kids to entertain them. And, much like putting their veggies in a nice tomato sauce, the interactive museums get children to learn without them even knowing it’s good for them! Win, win.
27. Snozone, Castleford
Xscape in Castleford is home to Snozone and has an amazing ski slope where you can learn to ski and snowboard. It’s England’s largest indoor real snow resort. Your kids can get in-house lessons or just hit the slopes and enjoy fun times. Find out more here.
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!
29. Stockeld Park, North Yorkshire
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.
30. Yorkshire Lavender, North Yorkshire
The heady scent and the heavenly colour palette of lavender flowers is a dream-like creation that hints at spring’s return. Set within the Howardian Hills, Yorkshire Lavender fields in Yorkshire 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.
31. Tropical World, Leeds
Full of all sorts of creatures and critters, the indoor jungle/ Leeds zoo Tropical World in Leeds, Roundhay is the perfect place to while away the hours on a rainy day.
Check out a range of fishes from the depths of the sea, menacing meerkats who look like they’re always up to no good, to beautiful butterflies that flutter around their enclosure – it’s a fun day out for all the family. And, did we mention there is a gift shop at the end? Tropical World, Princes Ave, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2ERFind out more here.
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