Things To Do In York With Kids
I’m so excited to share with you some of the most amazing things to do in York with your kids. As the saying goes, there’s more than one way to skin a cat, and York offers plenty of fun and exciting ways to keep your kids entertained and happy.
From exploring historic castles and buildings to discovering the wonders of York’s gardens, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. Whether you’re looking for a spooky ghost tour or an unforgettable family-friendly event, York has it all. So, let’s dive into some of the best things to do in York with your little ones!
Key Takeaways
- York has plenty of historic attractions to explore, such as York Minster and Clifford’s Tower, which offer fascinating insights into medieval times.
- The city is also home to beautiful parks and gardens, including Rowntree Park and York Museum Gardens, where families can enjoy a relaxing day out surrounded by nature and historic buildings.
- A visit to the National Railway Museum is a must, with over 100 trains and locomotives on display, interactive exhibitions, and the chance to climb into a real train cab and watch skilled engineers restore and repair old trains.
- For a spooky adventure, families can take a ghost tour of York, visiting the most haunted places in the city, including Shambles and York Minster, while also enjoying spooky costumes and ghostly crafts for kids. Additionally, York hosts family-friendly events and festivals throughout the year, such as the York Balloon Fiesta and York Christmas Festival, which offer hot air balloons, festive markets, ice skating, and the chance to meet Santa Claus.
Exploring Historic Castles and Buildings
You’ll love exploring the historic castles and buildings in York, like the awe-inspiring York Minster and the imposing Clifford’s Tower! These magnificent structures showcase the beauty of medieval architecture and transport you back in time. The York Minster, in particular, is a must-see attraction that will leave you in awe with its intricate stained-glass windows and towering spires. Make sure to take a guided tour to learn all about the history and secrets of this iconic building.
Another exciting place to visit is Clifford’s Tower, a medieval castle with a fascinating history. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the tower has played a significant role in York’s history. Today, you can explore the interactive exhibits and learn about the tower’s past, including its use as a prison during the 16th and 17th centuries. Don’t forget to climb to the top of the tower for a breathtaking view of the surrounding city! These historic castles and buildings are a perfect way to immerse yourself in York’s rich history and culture.
Discovering the Wonders of York’s Gardens
Explore the stunning gardens of York and uncover their hidden treasures. York is home to many beautiful parks and gardens that are perfect for a family day out. One of the most popular parks is Rowntree Park, which has a lake, a playground, and plenty of space for picnicking. It’s also home to a cafe, which serves delicious treats for children and adults alike.
For those who love to discover secret gardens, the York Museum Gardens are a must-see. These gardens are located in the heart of the city and are home to a variety of plants, trees, and flowers. There are also several historic buildings within the gardens, including the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey. Children will love exploring the hidden corners of the gardens and discovering the many different species of plants. So, pack a picnic and spend the day exploring the wonderful gardens of York.
Visiting the National Railway Museum
When you visit the National Railway Museum, you can see over 100 trains and locomotives, including the famous Flying Scotsman. It’s an exciting place for kids to explore and learn about the history of railways in the UK. The museum has interactive exhibitions that allow visitors to see how trains work and learn about the different jobs that people had on the railways.
One of the most popular attractions at the museum is the train simulator experience. Kids can climb into a real train cab and experience what it’s like to drive a locomotive. It’s a thrilling experience that gives them a taste of what it was like to be a train driver in the past. The museum also has a workshop where visitors can watch skilled engineers restore and repair old trains. It’s a fascinating process that shows how important it is to preserve these historic machines for future generations.
| Interactive Exhibitions | Train Simulator Experience |
|---|---|
| See how trains work | Drive a real train cab |
| Learn about railway jobs | Thrilling experience |
| Hands-on activities | Get a taste of history |
Visiting the National Railway Museum is a great way to spend a day in York with kids. It’s an interactive and educational experience that will leave them with a newfound appreciation for the railways. From exploring the exhibitions to driving a train simulator, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, next time you’re in York, be sure to check out this fascinating museum.
Taking a Spooky Ghost Tour
If you’re feeling brave, take a spooky ghost tour of York to discover the city’s haunted history. York is known for its haunted tales and supernatural sightings, so it’s the perfect place to explore if you’re interested in the paranormal. The ghost tour will take you to some of the most haunted places in York, including the Shambles, which is said to be haunted by a butcher and his pigs, and the York Minster, where the ghost of a Roman soldier is said to roam.
But don’t worry, the ghost tour is family-friendly and there are plenty of spooky costumes and ghostly crafts to keep the kids entertained. They can make their own ghostly lanterns and even take part in a ghost hunt. The tour guides are knowledgeable and engaging, making the experience both fun and educational. So, if you’re looking for a unique way to explore York’s rich history and spooky past, a ghost tour is the perfect activity for the whole family.
Enjoying Family-Friendly Events and Festivals
You’ll love experiencing the many family-friendly events and festivals in York, from the fun-filled York Balloon Fiesta to the enchanting York Christmas Festival. These events offer something for everyone, including fun foodie experiences and exciting outdoor adventures.
At the York Balloon Fiesta, you and your family can watch hot air balloons take flight, enjoy live music and entertainment, and indulge in delicious food from local vendors. And during the York Christmas Festival, you can explore the festive market stalls, go ice skating, and even meet Santa Claus himself! With so many events to choose from, you’re sure to find something that your whole family will enjoy. So come on down to York and experience all the fun and excitement that this beautiful city has to offer!
