The 50+ best things to do in Yorkshire with kids

As the largest county in the United Kingdom, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do in Yorkshire with kids.

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There’s coast and countryside – from the Yorkshire Dales to the moors and the Pennines – not to mention some wonderful cities, including York and Leeds, fantastic family attractions from animals to theme parks, museums, castles and more.

For the purposes of the post, I’m including all the official counties, areas and metropolitan boroughs which make up Yorkshire, so you should find plenty of inspiration for every corner – bear in mind it’s a couple of hours drive across, whether you’re going from the Dales to Hull, or from Sheffield to Staithes, before you plan your day out!

The Yorkshire Coast

With over 50 miles of varied coastline to explore, one of the best days out with the kids in Yorkshire is a trip to the seaside, especially on a hot day.

Scarborough

Believed to be the world’s first seaside resort, with visitors flocking here since the 17th century, Scarborough is a great destination for a day by the sea.

And there’s not one but two family-friendly beaches at the traditional seaside town, along with an amusement park and arcades, plenty of boat trips, and several ice cream parlours.

It’s also home to Sea Life Scarborough, with its seal hospital for rescued pups, as well as penguins, otters and fish galore.

Whitby

There are a whole string of beaches in and around Whitby, so you won’t be short of choice if you fancy a paddle and some sandcastles.

Closest to the town, long sandy West Cliff Beach (also known as Whitby Sands) is a blue flag beach, where you can find lifeguards and surfing lessons – plus two miles of sand for sandcastle building.

On the east side of the river is the smaller Tate Hill beach, another soft sandy stretch that’s relatively sheltered and dog-friendly year-round.

For more things to do in Whitby with kids, click here

Bridlington

Known for its award-winning promenades and historic harbour, Bridlington is another family-friendly gem on the Yorkshire coast – and one of the UK’s best spots for surfing.

For kids, there’s a funfair, amusements, and donkey rides on the beach, plus the model village at Sewerby, just north of Bridlington itself. The town also has its very own pirate ship offering 10-minute trips around the bay.

Robin Hood’s Bay

For a calmer day on the coast, Robin Hood’s Bay is a small stretch of unspoilt beach overlooked by towering cliffs and a picturesque fishing village by the same name.

The sandy beach is a fun spot for kids to go rock pooling and fossil hunting, while the town is home to a dinosaur and fossil museum.

Runswick Bay

Named beach of the year by the Sunday Times in 2020, Runswick Bay is another quiet and picturesque spot for swimming, sandcastle building, and fossil hunting with the family during the summer months.

You can also join fossil hunting walks with an expert on hand to help you know what to look for. The Runswick Bay walk to hunt for sea dragons – including ichthyosaur and plesiosaur fossils – is great for younger kids.

Royal Armouries, Leeds

When you describe the Royal Armouries – a free museum which traces the history of war, plus activities to see alongside the displays – it doesn’t capture how brilliantly engrossing it is.

The first galleries focus on the early empires, from the Egyptians and Hittites to Romans, Vikings, Anglo-Saxons and more, before moving through western Europe to China, Japan and India.

Along the way, you can follow the action in major battles, learn about everything from castle building to the development of armour (for animals as well as humans!), plus displays on forensics, spying, new technology and peace protests – all designed to make you think rather than celebrating war.

During the school holidays, there are also activities including swordfighting and riders demonstrating Tudor sword and lance techniques on horseback, as well as visiting the stables.

Easily one of the best museums in Yorkshire with kids (probably one of the best in the UK), I’d assumed my daughter and I might while away an hour before moving on, but quickly realised you could spend a whole day here without difficulty.

For a full review of a day at the Royal Armouries with kids, check out my post

Jorvik Viking Centre, York

Transporting you back to Viking Jorvik, on the site of the original settlement in York, the Jorvik Viking Centre had a major renovation a few years ago so it’s now even more convincing while keeping the old favourites (including the famous smells!)

Using information uncovered at the various digs around the city, right down to modelling some of the inhabitants on skeletons which have been unearthed, the attention to detail is fantastic.

Check out my Jorvik Viking Centre review for more of what we discovered during our visit

After a ride through the recreated settlement, there are more artefacts on display, while staff – dressed in Viking-style clothing – chat about life in VIking times and show off their skills at everything from needlework to making a coin.

It’s a great one to combine with a visit to sister site Jorvik Dig, to let kids try their hand at excavating York’s Viking history, once they’ve seen what was actually uncovered.

If you’re visiting York with kids, Jorvik Viking Centre is included in the York City Pass

Eureka, Halifax

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum is unmissable if you’re visiting Yorkshire with toddlers and younger kids – a chance to play at grown-up life, as well as some fantastic interactive exhibits mean it’s another one to allow plenty of time for.

With all the exhibits designed to inspire children aged 11 and under to learn about themselves and the world, there’s everything from the science of music to the chance to clamber inside other displays, as well as exploring a mini town, complete with supermarket, petrol station and more.

But there are also galleries focusing on the human body, others tackling the environment and extra activities, to mention only a few, with some set aside for under-fives too.

For my review of visiting Eureka with a toddler, click here

National Railway Museum, York

Home to Stephenson’s Rocket, the original locomotive which started the train age, as well as famous names like The Flying Scotsman and a Japanese bullet train, a visit to the National Railway Museum is is great for kids, especially younger ones.

As well as being able to get close to these legendary locomotives in the huge museum shed, you can see inside royal carriages and try a simulator experience, putting you (virtually) on the footplate of The Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive.

There are also play areas, and a miniature railway to enjoy – you can even hop onto a road train from York Minster to take you to the museum in true train style.

There’s no charge for tickets, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for free days out in Yorkshire with kids.

For the best things to do in York with kids, check out my top picks

​​Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham

Kids will love getting hands-on at the Magna Science Adventure Centre, with four main zones themed around the elements fire, water, air, and earth.

Inside, there are over 100 exciting and interactive exhibits, letting visitors fire giant water cannons, explode a rock face, launch rockets, and control real-life JCBs – just for starters.

Housed inside a disused steel mill, once every hour you can also witness The Big Melt, an unmissable centre-wide pyrotechnic and audio display recreating the steel-making process.

Outside you’ll find the Sci-Tek playground, with trampolines, slides and climbing frames, and the huge Aqua-Tek splash park which is open during the summer months as well.

Thackray Museum, Leeds

After a £4 million redevelopment, the Thackray Museum reopened in 2021 with extra galleries – along with the return of old favourites like Disease Street – to tell the story of medicine and public health.

And it’s as family-friendly as it is fascinating. Starting with Disease Street, a recreation of Leeds in 1840 (complete with authentic smells), you can choose a character from a spinning wheel, then pick up a card to slot in to various points along the street, revealing more of their story.

Along the way, there are plenty of startling facts plus some of the major discoveries which still form the basis of medicine today, and plenty of chances to get hands on and make kids think – challenging them to answer whether you can be ‘too clean’, for example.

There’s also the opportunity to get creative and invent your own device, while spotting some weird and wonderful quack remedies from across the ages, an ornate apothecary’s shop and some live leeches, through to X-rays, transplants, the discovery of DNA, and the end of iron lungs.

Check out my review of a visit to the Thackray Museum with kids

National Coal Mining Museum, Wakefield

There’s been coal mining in Yorkshire since the 14th century, and for a more unusual day out in Yorkshire with kids, the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield combines history and fun.

As well as learning about the history of coal mining in England, kids can also listen to stories of the people who worked in the mines during the visit, with exhibits showing how mining changed through the Victorian era up to the modern day – the last operating deep coal mine in the United Kingdom, Kellingley Colliery in North Yorkshire, only closed in December 2015.

Even more excitingly, children over 5 can see first-hand how coal was extracted on a journey 140m below ground on an underground tour led by ex-miners.

The museum sits on 45 acres of land and has its own nature trail, train rides, and a large adventure playground, along with a small dedicated area for under 5s to play. 

National Science & Media Museum, Bradford

Another fantastic free museum in Yorkshire with kids, there are six floors to explore at the National Science & Media Museum, including temporary exhibitions and cinemas, with an IMAX screen and Animation Gallery as well.

Discover everything from the history of photography to retro video games, as well as the Experience TV area to look at the impact television has had on our lives and the world.

And don’t miss Wonderlab, with its hands-on exhibits letting you explore the science of light and sound – you may need additional (free) tickets when numbers are limited, so it’s worth picking those up as soon as you arrive.

During school holidays, there are usually extra talks and activities to try as well, which may also need booking in advance.

Weston Park Museum, Sheffield

Sheffield’s largest museum, the collections at Weston Park Museum trace the city’s history from prehistoric times to the modern day, with Ancient Egyptian mummies and a woolly rhino thrown in.

As well as artefacts found during archaeological digs in the Peak District, you can find Anglo-Saxon and Roman pieces, plus exhibits on local history over the past 500 years.

There’s a Natural History section as well – watch out for the polar bear – plus art and a special collection of Chinese ivory.

A great option for a rainy day in Yorkshire with kids if you’re close to Sheffield.

York Castle Museum

There’s a whole mix of everything from classic toys to a recreated Victorian street, period rooms and interactive fun at the York Castle Museum.

One of the most memorable parts is the Victorian street, peering into old shop windows, discovering more ‘authentic’ smells – and it’s all decorated with original items too.

The fashion exhibition was another stand-out favourite, tracing the development of clothing over the centuries, with some really quirky artefacts on display, as well as showing the ways society has changed (hurrah for no wigs, corsets and highly flammable dresses).

Among more recent history, there’s a very moving section on the First World War and a distinctly colourful and upbeat room on the 60s.

The site was also once a prison, where Dick Turpin was held before his execution, with videos sharing tales of people linked to the prison, from the last woman burned in Yorkshire through to those meting out ‘justice’.

Check out my review of a day out at York Castle Museum with kids

Leeds City Museum

The small city museum has a tempting mix of different displays, ranging from Romans and ancient Egyptians (including a mummy) to the history of Leeds and a cleverly designed natural history section.

We loved the exhibit on the development of language, from the earliest writings, plus a bit of code-breaking on the side, as well as the chance to trace Leeds’ history from prehistoric times through Romans, Vikings and Normans to the Industrial Revolution.

Meanwhile the natural history section has plenty on conservation and sustainability, as well as the chance to ‘design’ your own animal, following the lines on the floor.

With interactive exhibits thrown in, a visit here feels a little like a treasure trove, where you’re never sure what you’ll discover next: perfect for keeping kids entertained. There’s no entry charge, so it’s great if you’re looking for free things to do in Yorkshire with kids too.

Skipton Castle

It’s not just museums where you can discover the area’s history – another of the top things to do with kids in Yorkshire is visiting one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England, Skipton Castle, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The historic castle dates back to 1090 and was once home to the aristocratic Clifford family, surviving the English civil war during its turbulent 900-year-old life.

On a self-guided tour of the castle, you can visit the grand Banqueting Hall, see the 350-year-old Yew tree planted by Lady Anne Clifford in the central courtyard, climb the almighty Watch Tower, and even descend underground to the dungeons. 

A tour sheet helps kids learn about the castle and its fascinating history as you wander around, with picture and activity sheets available to keep younger ones engaged too.

Bolton Castle

Set in the Wensleydale valley, around a third of the rooms at 14th century Bolton Castle are still intact, and it’s easy to feel like the castle’s inhabitants have just stepped out.

You can explore Mary Queen of Scots’ bedroom, where the monarch was held captive for several months, as well as the old kitchens, dungeon and great chamber, with all the sights and sounds (and smells!) of a castle to bring the historic fortress to life.

Once the luxurious home of the Scrope family, it survived attacks by Cromwell’s forces during the English Civil War, and you can still explore the gardens, including the maze and vineyard – the castle has children’s activity packs for sale as well, with puzzles and a treasure hunt.

There are also flying displays from birds of prey, wild boar feeing, and medieval archery talks among the activities during the year, as well as special falconry experiences

Also on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the castle is around an hour from Skipton Castle and Harrogate, and closes during the winter months. The castle also hosts weddings throughout the year, so it’s worth doublechecking that it’s open before you visit.

Castle Howard, near York

This spectacular historic house has been named England’s best stately home by Lonely Planet, and has cropped up in so many TV shows and films, you’ll probably feel you know it before you arrive – around half an hour north of York, it’s easy to combine with a city break too..

If you’re visiting with younger kids who aren’t going to appreciate the historic interiors of Castle Howard, you could still spend all day exploring the grounds – there’s a land train to take you to a play area by the lakeside, and an adventure playground to discover, as well as wandering through the woods and walled garden.

For more adventure, the new treetop adventure includes rope bridges, nests, slides, nets and climbing equipment galore over the Great Lake, as well as taking boats out on the water.

The 18th century house, home to the Earls of Carlisle, is well worth exploring as well, with its spectacular decoration and opulent furnishings, not to mention the art collection and grandiose chapel too.

Fountains Abbey, Ripon

These ancient abbey ruins are one of the loveliest places to visit in Yorkshire with kids – spectacular in early spring when snowdrops carpet the Georgian water garden, there’s always something to marvel at at Fountains Abbey .

There’s also an adventure play area, as well as being able to explore the abbey grounds, and the fabulous Studley Royal Water Garden.

With deer in the deer park, lines of ancient trees and a whole series of reflective ponds and follies around the abbey ruins, you can let imaginations run wild as you roam.

Whitby Abbey

You don’t need to be interested in Dracula to be wowed by the dramatic ruins of Whitby Abbey, which has been standing on the cliff-tops here for centuries.

The Gothic arches are just one remnant of the building’s 1,500-year-old life; starting out in the 7th century, the small monastery turned into a thriving Benedictine abbey before being suppressed in 1539 under the Dissolution.

But as you explore its history, you can also discover tales of a 7th century abbess who helped shape the fledgling Church of England (and turned snakes into stone, apparently), as well as explore the museum to discover how it inspired authors through the ages, including Bram Stoker and the first named English poet, Caedmon.

There are also regular activities for families during school holidays, an Ammonite Quest to follow, interactive performances of Dracula (better for teens/tweens than toddlers!), plus more amazing views.

York Minster

No trip to York is complete without visiting the beautiful York Minster – while it’s one I’d skip with toddlers, there’s plenty for kids to discover inside as well.

Along with the spectacular architecture and the minster’s glorious stained glass windows, there are statues of the early Kings of England (with very memorable carved hair!), plus you can venture down into the Crypt to see some of the remains of Roman Eboracum, as well as the tomb of the city’s saint.

There’s also a bigger display on the city’s history, with more on York’s Roman past, as well as information on the work needed to prevent the Minster’s collapse, plus regular temporary exhibitions.

York Minster is also included in the York City Pass

Nostell Priory, near Wakefield

Built on the site of a medieval priory, the grand house dates from the 18th century, with its amazing Georgian dolls’ house on display.

You can also explore the restored Butler’s pantry at Nostell Priory, as well as the luxurious furniture and furnishings of the mansion, with interiors by Robert Adam, furniture by Chippendale and artworks galore.

But there’s masses of space to explore outside, with 300 acres of parkland and lakeside walks, a kitchen garden, adventure playground with zipwire, plus formal gardens and woodland… not to mention activity sheets to take along.

Read my full review of a day out at Nostell Priory with kids

Harewood House, near Leeds

There’s far more than just the stately home to discover at Harewood House – this is somewhere to spend all day exploring.

The grounds have three walking trails to help you explore, along with a great adventure playground, treehouse and a natural play area in the woods, a ‘secret’ tunnel to the Norman church, formal gardens, a pretty lake with a ferry heading across to more gardens and usually boat trips running too.

There’s just as much to tempt inside, with ornate rooms packed with portraits and artworks, including some more unusual African pieces – along the way, you can also discover more about Harewood’s links to the slave trade.

Then head below stairs – which fans of period dramas might already recognise as they’ve been used to film Victoria, Lost in Austen and Downton Abbey (Emmerdale is also shot on the estate) – with dresses and replica food on display, not to mention a gigantic collection of copper saucepans and moulds.

It’s worth knowing that the rare birds in Harewood’s aviary, including the penguins, have now been rehomed.

Read my full review of a day out at Harewood House with kids

Temple Newsam, near Leeds

Another great historic house with plenty to do in the grounds for kids, Temple Newsam is only around 15 minutes’ drive from Leeds city centre, with children’s trails and extra family activities in school holidays.

The rare breed Home farm is a big hit with younger kids – and older ones, for that matter – with everything from the small and fluffy to rarer farm animals, all set within the outbuildings and around the cobbled yard.

There are some lovely walks around the grounds too, with nature trails and an adventure playground too. Check out the three lakes, all designed to have a slightly different feel, to choose your favourite, as well as exploring the walled garden and rhododendron walk.

The house itself was the birthplace of Lord Darnley, husband of Mary Queen of Scots, and there are over five centuries of history to discover here – you can learn some of the stories as you explore and get a sense of what life in this grand family home must have been like.

Walk York’s walls

The longest surviving town walls in England, York’s medieval city walls stretch for around two miles, although you can also choose to walk a shorter section.

As well as imagining what life might have been like for those guarding the walls, you get some fabulous views including back to York Minster – plus it’s free.

For an easy stroll with kids, head to Bootham Bar and walk to Monk Bar, for the experience of heading up through one of the old gates – they’re open from around 8am to dusk, weather permitting.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster

Home to nearly 500 animals and 60 different species, Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster is one of the best things to do in Yorkshire with kids.

This fantastic walk-through wildlife adventure lets you spot everything from lions, tigers, and polar bears, to Himalayan red pandas, dik-diks, and Visayan warty pigs. Kids can learn about the park’s many endangered species at the daily ranger talks, as well as enjoy live feeding times and special animal shows. 

The wildlife park has several large play areas too. There are giant wooden tree forts and obstacle courses at the Jungle Lookout, three storeys of indoor fun in the Monkey Playhouse, and a dedicated area for toddlers at the Big Bug Play Zone.

The Deep

With an astonishing 3,500 marine creatures to spot, The Deep in Hull is one of the UK’s largest and most spectacular aquariums.

You’ll discover sharks, turtles, rays, a colony of Gentoo penguins, and the UK’s only Green sawfish, along with the aquarium’s snakes and bugs too.

The award-winning site focuses on conservation and aims to educate people of all ages about life in the oceans, with lots of interactive displays and live presentations. You’ll also find extra fun and educational family-friendly events and activities taking place at the aquarium during the school holidays.

Sea Life Centre Scarborough

The Sea Life Centre at Scarborough is a great rainy day option if you’re staying by the coast, but a tempting day out with kids in Yorkshire whatever the weather.

The most unusual attraction is its seal hospital, which treats rescued pups before helping return them to the wild, as well as penguins, otters and fish galore – more than 2,500 creatures in total.

The themed areas include a Rainforest Adventure, with tree pythons and poison dart frogs, and a tropical ocean tunnel that’s home to blacktip reef sharks, and the otter river.

Cannon Hall Farm

You’ll find rosette-winning Highland cows, tiny Shetland ponies, majestic Shire horses, friendly alpacas, and many other farmyard animals at Cannon Hall Farm.

The large farm park has plenty to do for kids of all ages – as well as visiting the animals, children can enjoy the adventure playground, with towers, slides, zip lines, a climbing forest, and an unusual giant tube maze (much like a giant hamster run) full of twists and turns.

Keep an eye out for events taking place at the farm throughout the year, which include live feeding times, lambing season during the Spring, and special educational talks.

Go walking

If you’re looking to get outdoors in Yorkshire with kids, you’re spoiled for choice. As well as the North York Moors National Park, there’s also the Yorkshire Dales National Park (on the border of Yorkshire not far from the Lake District) and walking paths along the Yorkshire coast.

But for a few more great places to go walking with kids in Yorkshire, there are plenty of options for an easy stroll or some child-friendly trails as well.

Rivelin Valley Nature and Heritage trail, near Sheffield

Following the path of the river, the Rivelin Valley nature and heritage trail is a great mix of industrial heritage and natural beauty, with short loops to try if you’re exploring with younger kids.

You can spot the remains of watermills, some dating back to the 16th century, as well as kingfishers on the water, and even bats at dusk, plus trees and birds galore. Some sections are buggy-friendly, and there are stepping stones too.

Dalby Forest,  North York Moors National Park

There are 13 walking trails to explore in Dalby Forest, as well as play areas and Go Ape high ropes courses among the trees – not far from Pickering, and less than 30 minutes from Scarborough.

The Forestry England site, which is also a dark sky reserve, is home to a Gruffalo Trail and the Enchanted Wood, with its barefoot sensory walk, along with other regular trails for kids.

Keep an eye out for the world’s largest dry stone wall maze, currently being built in the forest using 4,000 tonnes of stone.

Brimham Rocks, near Harrogate

The giant rock formations of Brimham Rocks were formed 100 million years before the first dinosaurs walked the earth.

Look out for the Dancing Bear, the Gorilla, the Eagle and the Turtle, and if you want more than gazing at the shapes, you can crawl through the Smartie Tube and balance on the Rocking Stones.

Some are only a short walk from the car park as well, and there’s also an easy 2km walk to get a taste of some of the iconic formations if you’re visiting with younger kids.

Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough

Set within the Royal Forest of Knaresborough, Mother Shipton’s Cave is a fascinating Yorkshire attraction for kids with an interest in magical folklore.

The main draw of the area is a natural cave that was supposedly the birthplace of legendary prophetess Mother Shipton – often called a witch, many strange and unexplainable stories surround her.

Close to the cave you can also visit the Petrifying Well, the oldest tourist attraction in England, which has been operating as a paid attraction since 1630. The chemical make-up of the water in the natural well means that any objects dropped into it gain a hardened stone crust – seeming to be turned to stone, or petrified.

There’s also a museum, tea rooms, and two fun adventure playgrounds to enjoy while you’re there, along with lovely walks and regular activities during school holidays.

Stockeld Park, Wetherby

Open during the school holidays, Stockeld Park in Wetherby is an exciting outdoor adventure park with a huge variety of fun-filled family activities to choose from. 

Little adventurers can explore the themed play areas along The Enchanted Forest walking trail, get lost in the expansive hedge maze, and go crazy on the go-kart track.

There are lots of seasonal activities and events too. During the summer holidays, you’ll find an inflatable obstacle course and roller skating rink. Then at Christmas, you can visit Santa’s Grotto, explore the beautiful winter illuminations, pick up a tree from the Christmas tree shop, and go ice skating.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield

If you’re looking for a walk with a difference, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park near Wakefield is the perfect place to get imaginations racing – as well as plenty of literal running around.

Set in 500 acres of countryside, you’ll find around 90 different sculptures including giant statues of animals and works by famous names including Damien Hirst and Ai Weiwei.

There are plenty of other features to spot too, including the shell grotto, obelisk and stepping stones, as you wander around the lakes and through woodland.

If you want more inspiration, there are ideas for trails and activities for families on their website too.

Williams Den

Another great day out in Yorkshire with kids who love being around nature and enjoying the great outdoors is a visit to Williams Den. 

The unique attraction features an impressive 475 square metre play barn called the ‘Den’. A natural play space, it’s home to a huge wooden Tree House surrounded by rope bridges, tunnels, slides and water play areas.

Set within 15 acres of land overlooking the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds, there’s plenty more fun to be had too. Williams Den has an obstacle course, zip wires, tire swings, den building supplies, and a mud kitchen.

All activities at Williams Den can be enjoyed by children and adults of any age, so nobody has to miss out on the fun – it’s well worth bringing some extra clothes though, as things can get a little wet and muddy!

RHS Harlow Carr, near Harrogate

This lovely RHS site is also home to plenty of family attractions, including natural play areas and a tree house, as well as the gorgeous gardens at Harlow Carr.

Find the Log Ness monster, the swing seat in the Secret Garden, as well as the hedgehog friendly area – although with 58 acres to explore, you’ll always be able to find something new, plus regular family activities during school holidays.

A great spot to see snowdrops in spring, there are also wildflowers in summer, bright tropical blooms in the Sub-Tropicana Garden, a rockery in the Alpine garden, and plenty in the kitchen garden year-round.

Roundhay Park & Tropical World, Leeds

One of the largest parks in Europe, Roundhay Park – not far from Leeds city centre – stretches over a whopping 700 acres.

With lakes and woodland in the park, as well as activities galore and some open-air theatre in summer, you can also visit Tropical World, the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew Gardens.

There are also a string of walking routes, including past the castle ruins and around the lake, and several play areas to entertain younger kids.

And older ones will love the areas based on famous gardens from around the world, including a recreation of the Alhambra in Granada as well as Monet’s Garden, or the more dramatic landscape of the gorge with its waterfall.

Room on the Broom trail, Anglers Country Park, Wakefield

While trails themed around Julia Donaldson’s books pop up regularly at sites around the country, this great Room on the Broom trail is permanent, and the perfect way to inspire kids out walking.

Set around the lake at Anglers Country Park, there are statues of characters from the story dotted along the trail, paw and footprints to follow, plus activity sheets including crayon or pencil rubbings.

The park itself has been awarded Green Flag status – given to the country’s best parks – and there’s also an adventure playground and more walking trails if you’ve still got the energy!

Check out my review of a day out following the Room on the Broom trail

Find Harry Potter in York

If you’re looking for an enchanting day out, there’s plenty to tempt in York for Harry Potter fans.

Start at the Shambles, which may have helped inspire Diagon Alley – the picturesque narrow street was once lined with butchers, whose equipment gave the medieval street its name. Now one of the busiest places in the city for tourists, it’s crammed with magical shops such as The Shop Which Must Not be Named.

Nearby, you can stop for a drink with a difference at the Potions Cauldron, while The Hole in Wand wizarding golf is another very fun option if your kids love magic (or just fancy some crazy golf!)

For ideas of more things to do in York for Harry Potter fans, including where to find the tiniest door in the city and the sign for Platform 9 3/4, check out more of my top picks.

City Cruises boat tour, York

Follow in the footsteps of the Vikings by heading out onto the River Ouse and seeing York from the water on a York boat tour from City Cruises – included in the York City Pass.

There are two different starting points – Lendal Bridge or King’s Staith – but the tour itself follows the same route, cruising past the city centre to the north, then venturing down to the Millennium Bridge in the south, passing under bridges and spotting landmarks along the way.

The boat tour has live commentary and you can sit out on the top deck in good weather, or shelter indoors to watch through the windows if it’s bad – plus there’s a small bar on board for drinks.

If you prefer to be the captain of your own boat, you can hire one of the little self-drive boats and head out onto the Ouse for an hour in your own private craft.

Take a boat trip along the coast

If you’re staying by the seaside, there’s a string of great boat trips to look out for, from whale-watching to pirate boat tours, as well as boat trips between Whitby and Scarborough, so it’s easy to combine a cruise up the Yorkshire coast with a chance to explore a second seaside town.

Whitby itself has a great choice of boat trips for families, including the Black Pearl Pirate Ship – with swashbucklers and brigands at the wheel, kids also get chance to unleash their inner pirate on a 25-minute cruise from the harbour.

Or Whitby Coastal Cruises also has some great 20-minute trips along to Sandsend (no need to book, and under-fives go free), if you just want a taste, as well as longer trips and wildlife spotting boat tours, including whale-watching.

Ideal with older kids, you’ll get a chance to spot minke whales, but you can also see humpback, fin and sei whales plus dolphins, along the north-east coast.

The Endeavour Experience, Whitby

Set off on an adventure – without even leaving Whitby harbour – aboard HM Bark Endeavour, on a voyage through time with The Endeavour Experience.

Embarking on a visit to the life-size replica ship of Captain Cook’s famous ship of exploration and scientific discovery, you can explore the recreated ship, to see what life would have been like on board, including the ‘seat of ease’ and cat’o’nine tails.

There’s a chance to step inside the captain’s cabin, and hear about the narrow escape at the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the crew’s first sightings of indigenous Australians.

There are some great interactive exhibits too, from making your own map to tying knots as well as singing sea shanties, stargazing, seeing the beautiful botanical drawings created on the ship’s journeys and discovering what some of the jobs on board would have entailed.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering to Whitby

This lovely heritage railway runs for 24 miles through the North York Moors National Park, stopping at a string of pretty stations including Goathland – which doubled for Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films.

With trains linking Pickering and Whitby, most are pulled by steam engines, and there’s often chance to get off and admire the 30s-style stations along the way (although not always, so be careful not to get stranded!)

It’s a lovely way to see more of the countryside, and along with the standard service, there are special trains throughout the year such as Santa specials and the Light Spectacular at October half-term.

Or make the journey even more memorable by booking seats for the Pullman Dining Train for lunch on the move – everything from Yorkshire-themed menus to the Passage to India curry train.

If you’re in West Yorkshire, the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway runs for five miles through ‘Bronte country‘, including the chance to hop off at Haworth as well as watching the scenery as you’re pulled by steam train

Gullivers Valley Theme Park & Resort, near Sheffield

If you’re visiting Yorkshire with younger kids, Gullivers Valley Theme Park in South Yorkshire is a small family-friendly theme park designed for children aged two to 13.

Little ones can enjoy a variety of rides, attractions, and play areas across multiple themed zones, including Western World, Smugglers Wharf, and the Lost World of the Living Dinosaurs. There are mini coasters, waterslides, spinning barrels, dodgems, a ferris wheel and more.

And for the ultimate family short break in Yorkshire, you can stay overnight at Gulliver’s Valley Resort. With glamping tents, princess suites, mermaid dens, pirate lodges and more to choose from, it’s a lot more memorable than an everyday hotel!

Flamingo Land Resort, near Malton

If you’re looking for a theme park in Yorkshire for older children and teens, Flamingo Land Resort is a great choice – plus there’s plenty for younger siblings as well.

Get your adrenaline pumping on Velocity, the tallest and fastest motorbike launch coaster in the world, experience a 112 degree vertical drop on Mumbo Jumbo, and go soaring into the sky on the Pterodactyl. For younger kids, the resort has plenty of smaller family rides too.

Don’t miss the resort’s award-winning on-site zoo, with everything from ferocious lions and tigers to friendly farmyard animals as well.

Flamingo Land Resort also has a schedule of live shows, special family events, and meet and greets with costumed characters too.

Lightwater Valley, near Ripon

One of Yorkshire’s biggest theme parks, Lightwater Valley, was once home to the world’s longest rollercoaster. And while The Ultimate has been shut for a few years now, there’s still plenty of family friendly thrills.

With over 40 rides across the 175-acre site, it’s aimed at kids aged 12 and under with themed areas including Dino-Roar Adventure, Eagle’s Creek, Go Safari and Skeleton Cove.

But you can also meet resident dragon Ebor at special events, enjoy Jurassic Adventure Golf, explore the tree-top trail and make the most of soft play and toddler areas if you’re visiting with younger kids.

Diggerland Yorkshire, Castleford

The chance to play with genuine diggers is every toddler’s dream come true – and just as much fun for bigger kids. Including very big kids.

With rides and digger activities at Diggerland Yorkshire, plus other play areas to explore, there are options for younger kids (those under 90cm enter free), including soft play and carousel style rides, plus the chance to get behind the controls of a giant digger for older kids (and adults).

One of several Diggerland attractions around the country, check out what we thought of sister site Diggerland in Kent.

York Dungeon

Like the other Dungeon experiences around the UK, the York Dungeon is one for teens (and older tweens) than more easily scared younger kids, as you travel through nine live shows with actors telling the story of York’s darkest history.

Think plague, ghosts, bloodthirsty Vikings and Guy Fawkes, not to mention the torturer of York Castle.

Expect gruesome tales, sudden frights and spine-tingling stories as you tiptoe through 2,000 years of terrifying tales.

For more things to do in York with kids, check out my top picks

Xscape Yorkshire

With a snow zone, trampoline park, rock climbing, laser tag, escape rooms, ten pin bowling, adventure golf and so much more, there’s endless family fun to be had at Xscape Yorkshire in Castleford.

Xscape’s Snozone is the UK’s leading centre for indoor skiing and snowboarding on real snow, with the chance to have lessons as well as family sessions.

Children 3+ are welcome to enjoy the slope (all under-12s need to be accompanied by a paying adult), and even if skiing isn’t your thing, the family sledging sessions are always a big hit with younger kids.

With all of its activities under one roof, as well as plenty of shops and restaurants, Xscape Castleford is also one of the best places to go with kids in Yorkshire on a rainy day.

Find chocolate in York

York was once known as the chocolate city – and while many of the big names whose factories once scented the air have left, there’s still plenty of chance to discover the sweeter side to York.

Decorate chocolate lollies, take a tour or just enjoy some fabulous hot chocolate at York Cocoa House, home to York Cocoa Works – there are even chocolate masterclasses for older kids who love getting in the kitchen, as well as being able to make your own bar.

If you can’t have too much chocolate, and chocolate history, York’s Chocolate Story tells you more about the history of the city’s most famous chocolate-making families.

And as well as the big names who came up with the Chocolate Orange and Kit Kats, you can watch a demonstration from chocolatiers, learn how experts taste it, and there are also chocolate making experiences to be tried here too. Keep an eye out for tickets with free cancellation on tiqets, including a discount using my code MUMMYTRAVELS6.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Images: Royal Armouries/Jorvik/Thackray Museum/York Castle Museum/Leeds City Museum/York Minster/Harewood House/York Walls/Room on the Broom/Shambles/Whitby boat tours/York Cocoa House copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy of Depositphotos

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