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.

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!

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.

Wizarding Golf at Hole in Wand

With runes, wands, and spells, you’ll be fully equipped to help a wizard put his body back together in 60 minutes and find your way out of the room. Teams are made up of 2-5 people, making it a fantastic way to spend time with your family. Put your heads together and let the magic happen. Rack up the lowest time and land a spot on the leaderboard!

The Potions Cauldron

Head to The Potions Cauldron on 9¾ for the most magical drinks of your life. How about a shot of Basilisk Blood? Or a dose of Unicorn Essence, followed by a cup of the store’s Love Potion?

If you’re worried at all about the contents of these drinks, relax, they’re all concocted with fruit juices and other yummy ingredients that are perfectly fine for both the kids and adults in your bunch to enjoy! Parents will love that the brewery also serves alcohol under the guise of “poisonous” drinks.

After trying some of the delicious concoctions, sign up for the Potion Experience to have an apothecary guide you and your family through a fun session where you learn how to cook your own potions. For more Harry Potter York attraction read here.

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.

Museum Gardens

Boat cruise along the River Ouse

North York Moors Railway

Piglets Adventure Farm

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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