*Collaborative post*
Whatever time of year you visit, York is the ultimate family day out with endless attractions that are as unique as they are entertaining. Discover where to go with your children this year for experiences the whole family will enjoy.
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Historical attractions
York has a 2,000-year history, first appearing as the Roman fortress of Eboracum in 71 AD and acting as a stronghold for the Romans, Vikings and Saxons until being established as a key medieval city and pilgrimage destination, crowned by York Minster.
Children will love uncovering the city’s past at the clutch of historical attractions, each as varied as the next. Follow specially designed trails around the Minster and Clifford’s Tower, the largest surviving part of York Castle, and head to JORVIK Viking Centre which reveals rescued treasures and boasts an interactive recreation of a Norse settlement. You could time your visit for the JORVIK Viking Festival, hosted in York each year, with living history encampments and workshops.
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Award-winning options
There are several award-winning attractions in York, with varied themes to suit all interests. Meet the animals and enjoy indoor play at Piglets Adventure Farm, voted Best Family Attraction in York for 2026, or head to the renowned National Railway Museum for a child-friendly introduction to engineering locomotives and to see the collection of trains. All kids will love York’s Chocolate Story, an interactive guided tour that illuminates why York is called the ‘Chocolate City’.
Older children feeling brave can face the live-action exhibits in York Dungeon, which brings to life the grisliest moments of York’s past in a way that is funny and frightening in equal measure. The minimum age limit is five years old, but the attraction isn’t recommended for children under eight.
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Outdoor adventures
When the weather is good, you can make the most of it with York’s choice of outdoor adventures. Grab hot chocolates and iced coffees at one of the many cafés and head off on a short and engaging family-friendly walk, like the York Wall Walk or the Snickelways & Silly Street Names Trail that leads through the maze of hidden medieval alleyways criss-crossing the city.
Other than walks, you can enjoy boat rides along the river including informative sightseeing cruises or explore York Maze which offers over 20 rides in addition to themed attractions and seasonal shows throughout the year.
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Upcoming openings
Look out for new things to do launching in York this year. The new Toppings will be the largest independent bookshop in the country, an oasis of peace within the centre with a children’s section that is an entire bookshop-in-miniature. This is complemented by the Poetry Pharmacy scheduled to open on Coney Street, a unique way to get kids interested in this form of literature.
In early February, there are plans to launch a York Ice Village to enhance the existing York Ice Trail experience. Parliament Street will be transformed by traders offering handcrafted treasures and delicious treats, all geared towards keeping the children entertained.
