York is a great place to go on a family break, with plenty of things to do with toddlers, pre-schoolers and older kids too. Located in Yorkshire, York is a Roman city known for its city walls, narrow winding streets and the magnificent York Minster which towers above everything. 

It is a compact city and has loads of things to see and do whatever the time of year.  These are some of our favourite things to do in York with kids. For rainy day things to do in York see here for some additional ideas.

City Breaks With Kids – Things To do In York With Kids

National Railway Museum

A must day out for families visiting York, England and one of the free things to do in York: The National Railway Museums houses a magnificent collection of engines, plus a mini railway which will mesmerise toddlers and an Under 5’s play area.

More information at http://www.nrm.org.uk/ Costs – Free, but donations are welcome.

 

The York Chocolate Story

Chocolate has been made in York for over 300 years. Discover more about the history of chocolate making in York at the York Chocolate Story.

Visitors start off with a tour which involves lots of moving from room to room, and eating chocolate samples before giving you the chance to make your own chocolate lollipop at the end. It’s no wonder this is one of the most popular family days out in York!

Don’t miss a trip to the chocolate café afterwards. More information at www.yorkschocolatestory.com/

 

York Maze

For an a-maze-ing day out in the Summer, head to the York Maze. More than just a Maze, the York Maze has a fantastic water and sand play area, giant pillows, outdoor painting and much more.

The highlight of a day out at York Maze is the Crowmania tractor ride where you are taken on a ride looking for pesky crows – without giving too much away, the ride is full of surprises! One of the most fun places to go with kids in York! For more information head over to http://www.yorkmaze.com/

 

DIG

Become a mini archaeologist and dig for treasure at this family friendly attraction near to the Shambles. The Shambles is a very picturesque street, where time has almost stood still.

Visitors start off with a short tour where a guide explains the types of things that you might find in the excavation pits, before you are let loose to do some digging and exploring yourselves. More information at http://digyork.com/

 

Museum Gardens

These lovely riverside gardens are a great spot for a picnic in the summer, or for a run around at any time of the year. More information at https://www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/york-museum-gardens

 

Boat cruise along the River Ouse

Take a rest from the hustle and bustle of York and enjoy a boat cruise along the River Ouse. Use it as a good opportunity to plan which of the other family attractions in York you will visit. More information at https://www.yorkboat.co.uk/ Adults £8.55 (booked online), Under 5’s Free

 

North York Moors Railway

Just outside York is the famous North York Moors Railway. This historic stream train chugs across the Moors to the seaside town of Whitby, but there are plenty of places to stop off at along the way if you don’t fancy doing the whole journey in one go.

 

Piglets Adventure Farm

For a bit of fun on the farm, head to Piglets Adventure Farm on the outskirts of York. As well as plenty of animals to see, there is also an indoor playbarn, jumping pillow, outdoor playground and go karts.

 

The Jorvik Viking Centre

The Jorvik Viking Centre is probably one of the best known of York’s tourist attractions for families. Archaeologists excavated the site and revealed the houses, workshops and backyards of Viking-age York.  The site is now a visitor experience that aims to authentically recreate the look and feel of a Viking city.

If you enjoyed all these things to do in York, check out the York Pass.

York Pass. Available for either one, two or three days, this pass entitles you to free entry to more than 30 great attractions in and around York.

Have you any more of your favourite family attractions in York to add?

Guest Post by Jo Addison, a local to York who writes at Kiddie Holidays

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