EASILETS UNPACKED: Top 10 Things to Do in York for Families

July 15, 2025

Planning a trip to York with kids? You’re in for a treat.

York is a city that captures the imagination of all ages – from medieval streets and ancient city walls to interactive museums, river cruises, and chocolate-making workshops. Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, keeping curious tweens entertained, or finding something the whole family will enjoy, York offers an exciting blend of fun, learning, and adventure. And the best part? Many of the best attractions are right on the doorstep of our Easilets holiday lets.

As a family-run business based right here in York, we know the city inside and out – and we’ve spent plenty of weekends exploring it with our own families too. We’ve tried the rides, pressed the buttons, climbed the towers, and sampled the cakes (all in the name of research, of course!). So this guide isn’t just a list pulled from the internet – it’s full of places we genuinely love and regularly recommend to our guests.

Whether you're here for a short city break or a full week of exploring, this blog is your go-to list for family-friendly things to do in York. From castles and trains to Vikings and chocolate, there's something to spark every child's imagination – and plenty to keep the grown-ups smiling too.

So pack the snacks, grab your comfy shoes, and get ready to make some amazing family memories in York!

1. The Web Adventure Park

If your kids have energy to burn, this is the place to go. The Web Adventure Park is like a mini resort of family fun — packed with everything from indoor soft play to high ropes, outdoor rides, a climbing wall, and even a petting farm. It’s the kind of a where a “quick visit” can easily turn into a whole day of excitement. Rainy day? No problem. The huge indoor soft play and café area has you covered. Sunny skies? Hit the rides, get climbing, and meet the animals outside. There’s something here for every age – from toddlers finding their feet to tweens seeking thrills. It’s busy, it’s brilliant, and it’s definitely one to add to your list.


A carousel and a lighthouse are at an amusement park.


2. York Maze


This isn’t just a maze – it’s an epic summer tradition. Open during the warmer months, York Maze is made from over a million real maize plants and packed with giant slides, jumping pillows, crazy golf, and quirky live shows that get the whole family giggling. The maze itself changes every year with a new theme, so even return visitors get a fresh challenge. There’s a great mix of physical play, silliness, and unexpected surprises around every corner. It’s outdoorsy fun at its best, and ideal for kids who love to run wild. Just be sure to check the dates – it’s seasonal and opens mainly in summer and around Halloween.



An aerial view of a maze with a drawing of the Gruffalo on it.


3. National Railway Museum


Whether you’ve got a little one obsessed with trains or you just fancy a free family outing, the National Railway Museum never disappoints. It’s home to giant steam engines, royal carriages, and interactive zones like the Wonderlab, where kids can get hands-on with science and motion. It’s educational without ever feeling dry – in fact, it’s hard not to get swept up in the scale and stories of the trains on display. Best of all? Entry is free (though donations are welcome), making it a brilliant budget-friendly option for families. It’s easy to spend a few hours here – and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of the fun live science demos too.



A blue train is parked under a bridge in a building.


4. Piglets Adventure Farm


A firm favourite for families, Piglets Adventure Farm offers that perfect mix of countryside charm and non-stop activity. Think tractor rides, animal encounters, giant sandpits, indoor play barns, and a packed calendar of seasonal events. In summer, you might find foam parties and outdoor shows; in winter, there’s a magical Christmas experience complete with Santa visits and festive crafts. The farm feels spacious and relaxed, but there’s always something going on – making it great for repeat visits. It’s especially good for under 10s, but there’s enough to keep older siblings entertained too.


A group of people are standing in front of a row of beach huts.


5. JORVIK Viking Centre


Step (or ride!) back in time to the days when York was a Viking stronghold. At JORVIK Viking Centre, you’ll hop on a moving carriage that takes you through a reconstructed Viking village – complete with sights, smells, and sounds from 1,000 years ago. It’s immersive, well-designed, and genuinely educational in the best way. Kids usually love the ride element and the talking animatronics, while parents appreciate the chance to sneak in a bit of history disguised as fun. The archaeological displays at the end are surprisingly engaging too. Best suited for kids aged 5 and up.


A group of people are riding a roller coaster in a dark room


6. York’s Chocolate Story


Yes – a whole attraction dedicated to chocolate! Right in the heart of the city, York’s Chocolate Story takes you on an interactive journey through York’s sweet history – from Rowntree’s to Terry’s and beyond. You’ll learn how chocolate is made, try your hand at piping your own creations, and (of course) taste plenty along the way. The tour is guided, which means it stays engaging from start to finish, and there are enough interactive elements to keep kids involved. It’s a brilliant choice for a rainy afternoon and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for little (and big) chocoholics.


A man in a chef 's uniform is holding chocolate above his head


7. Monk Park Farm


Just a short drive from York, Monk Park Farm is a peaceful working farm where little ones can bottle-feed lambs, cuddle rabbits, and meet a range of friendly animals. It’s not flashy – and that’s part of the charm. There’s plenty of space to run around, outdoor play areas to explore, and picnic benches scattered throughout. It’s especially lovely in spring and early summer when the baby animals are out in full force. If you’re looking for a slower-paced, wholesome family day out in nature, this is it.


Two cows are standing next to each other in a field eating hay.


8. Flamingo Land


For a full-blown day of excitement, Flamingo Land delivers. Part theme park, part zoo, it’s packed with roller coasters, water rides, family attractions, and animal enclosures – from lions and giraffes to penguins and meerkats. It’s a bit of a drive from York (around 45 minutes), but totally worth it for a big adventure. Older kids and thrill-seekers will love the rides, while younger ones can explore the zoo and gentler areas. It’s a long day, but there’s so much to do that boredom isn’t even an option.


A group of people are riding a roller coaster at an amusement park.


9. Beetle Bank Farm


A hidden gem just outside the city, Beetle Bank Farm is perfect for younger children who love animals and outdoor play. It’s smaller than some of the bigger farms, which means it’s less overwhelming and often quieter – great if you’re after a calmer day out. Expect cuddly encounters with guinea pigs and goats, bouncy castles, ride-on tractors, and lots of green space to roam. There’s also a soft play area for rainy days and a café for refuelling after all the fun. A lovely option for families with preschoolers.


A small pink pig is standing next to a wooden fence


10. Stockeld Park


If you’re visiting in spring, summer, Halloween or Christmas, Stockeld Park is pure magic. This seasonal attraction transforms throughout the year – from giant jumping pillows and go-karts in summer to illuminated forests, ice skating, and Nordic trails in winter. Everything is beautifully themed, with storytelling and imagination at the heart of it all. Kids can lose themselves in the Enchanted Forest or take part in themed trails and activities. It’s a bit of a drive from York but well worth it for something truly memorable – especially during one of their special seasonal events.


A playground with a slide and a teepee in the shape of a teepee.

Honourable Mentions


Still got energy to spare? If you’ve ticked off the top ten or are planning a longer stay, these bonus picks are well worth adding to your York itinerary. They might not have made the main list, but each one offers something a little different – whether it’s quirky, quiet, or a perfect filler for a free afternoon.


Rowntree Park – A spacious riverside park just a short walk from the city centre. There’s a great playground, duck ponds, tennis courts, and a cosy café. Ideal for a relaxed picnic or a run around after sightseeing.


The Hole in Wand – A wizard-themed mini golf experience right by the Shambles. Think potions, spells, and magical surprises – all wrapped into a 9-hole indoor course. Great fun for Harry Potter fans.


Castle Howard’s Skelf Island – A bit of a drive, but this grand stately home offers a brilliant woodland-themed adventure playground called Skelf Island, accessed by rope bridge. It’s imaginative, exciting, and beautifully done.


DIG: An Archaeological Adventure – A sister site to JORVIK, DIG lets kids get their hands dirty (literally) as they explore replica excavation pits. Perfect for budding archaeologists aged 4–10.


Energi Trampoline Park – Need to burn off some steam indoors? This trampoline park just outside the city offers bounce sessions for all ages, with designated toddler times too.


York City Cruises – Hop on a boat and see the city from the river! It’s a calm way to sightsee and can be especially enjoyable with an ice cream in hand on a sunny day.


York Castle Museum – Step into recreated Victorian streets, explore a toy gallery, and dive into York’s social history. It’s engaging and hands-on – great for children who love storytelling and pretend play.


Mini York (at Murton Park) – A hidden gem! Murton Park is home to the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, but it also hosts Mini York – a fun ride-on train experience for younger kids. Plus, there are farm animals and a Viking village on-site!


Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park(limited opening)
A small, lesser-known wildlife park with otters, reptiles, and exotic mammals — great for animal lovers who want something quieter than Flamingo Land.


These extras can add that little bit of unexpected magic to your trip — and help fill in the gaps between bigger days out. Got questions about getting around or choosing what’s best for your kids’ ages? Just drop us a message — we’re always happy to help!




Ready to Explore York with the Kids?


From Viking voyages to chocolate-making adventures, cuddly farm animals to theme park thrills, York is packed with unforgettable experiences for families of all shapes and sizes. It’s a city that sparks the imagination — rich in history, full of charm, and bursting with hands-on fun that keeps little ones (and grown-ups!) smiling from morning till night.


Whether you're planning your very first trip or returning for round two, having the right base can make all the difference. At Easilets, we’re a local, family-run business, and we know what families really need when they’re away — space to relax, a great location, and thoughtful touches that make your stay smooth and stress-free.


Our hand-picked holiday homes are designed with real families in mind. Think: fully equipped kitchens, comfy beds, private parking, and enough room for the kids to play (or crash after a big day out!). And because we’re based right here in York, we’re always on hand to offer local tips, activity ideas, and anything else you might need along the way.



📍 Explore York with Our Interactive Map


Want to know exactly where everything is? Use our custom Map below to see all of York’s best family-friendly attractions.


🗺️ Zoom in, tap the pins, and start planning your days with ease. Whether you're plotting a weekend itinerary or choosing which farm to visit next, this handy map keeps everything in one place.



Book Your Family Getaway with Easilets


Why juggle hotel rooms or pack your week with stressful logistics when you can stay somewhere that feels like a home from home? Whether you’re in town for a weekend of exploring or a longer, laid-back holiday, we’ve got the perfect family-friendly stay for you.


Need help choosing the right property for your family? Or want some personalised recommendations for what to do with the kids while you're here? Just drop us a message — we’re locals, we’re friendly, and we’re always happy to help.


Your next family adventure in York starts here.