Looking for the best things to do in York with kids this summer?

Whether you’re visiting for the day, staying nearby, or trying to fill the school holidays without hearing “I’m bored” every 12 minutes, York has plenty for families to get stuck into.

From big outdoor days out and hands-on history to free parks, museums and rainy day options, here are some of the best things to do with kids in York and the surrounding area this summer.

1. Make a Full Day of It at York Maze

If you’re looking for a proper family day out in York, York Maze is a strong place to start.

Just outside the city, York Maze is packed with over 20 rides, attractions and shows, so it’s much more than a quick wander round a field. 

Families can explore the Giant Maize Maze, race through active attractions, watch live shows, enjoy gentler play areas, stop for food, and get fully stuck into a day of corny chaos.

For children with energy to burn, the Active Fun attractions include bouncing, climbing, sliding and racing. For families who fancy something daft, the Having a Laugh attractions bring the shows, rides and proper York Maze silliness. 

There are also calmer options in Take It Easy, which is handy when everyone needs a breather. York Maze is largely outdoors, but there are indoor and covered attractions too, so a bit of British weather doesn’t have to ruin the day. 

Have a look at the full Attractions page before you visit, then use the Plan a Visit page to check opening times, visitor information and the York Maze map.

If you’re ready to go, book your York Maze tickets online and get the day sorted before you arrive.

2. Visit the National Railway Museum

For train-loving kids, curious grown-ups and families needing an indoor option, the National Railway Museum is one of the best-known York attractions.

It’s based in the city and gives families the chance to explore railway history, engines, exhibitions and big indoor spaces. It’s a good choice if the weather turns, or if you’re planning a city centre day and want something that works for different ages.

It also pairs well with a walk around York, especially if you’re mixing indoor stops with a bit of fresh air.

3. Step Back in Time at JORVIK Viking Centre

If your kids like history with a bit more noise, smell and storytelling, JORVIK Viking Centre is worth considering.

It’s one of the city’s most recognisable attractions and helps bring Viking-age York to life in a way that feels more immersive than a standard museum visit. For families looking for things to do with kids in York that are educational but still entertaining, this is a strong city centre option.

It’s especially useful if you want something that feels very “York” without expecting children to simply stand and read information boards all afternoon.

4. Explore York Castle Museum

York Castle Museum is another good option for families who want history presented in a more hands-on, visual way.

The museum is family-friendly and gives children a chance to explore different parts of York’s past, from recreated streets to exhibitions and family activities. It’s a good choice for a mixed weather day, especially if you want something central and easy to combine with other places in York.

For families building a full itinerary of York attractions, it’s a useful stop to have on the list.

5. Head to Yorkshire Air Museum in Elvington

If you’re heading slightly out of the city, Yorkshire Air Museum in Elvington is another strong family option.

It’s just down the road from York Maze, making it useful for families staying or travelling around the east side of York. It’s a good choice for children interested in aircraft, history and big machines, and gives you another option away from the busiest city centre spots.

If you’re planning a few days in the area, this can work well alongside other family days out near York.

6. Burn Off Some Energy at Rowntree Park

For a free and easy option, Rowntree Park is a handy place to let children stretch their legs.

It sits on the south side of York city centre and works well for a slower family stop, especially if you want somewhere outdoors without booking tickets. It’s a good choice for a picnic, a walk, a play, or a bit of downtime between busier attractions.

Not every summer day needs a full plan. Sometimes a park, snacks and space to run about does the job nicely.

7. Visit Homestead Park

Homestead Park is another free green space that families can add to their York plans.

Located around 1.5 miles west of York city centre, it’s a good option for younger children, relaxed play and a quieter break away from the busier tourist areas. If you’re looking for simple things to do in York with kids without committing to a full attraction, this is worth keeping in mind.

It’s also a useful option for families who need a lower-cost activity during the summer holidays.

8. Spend Time at Castle Howard’s Skelf Island

A little further out, Castle Howard’s Skelf Island Adventure Playground is a good shout for families who want a bigger day out with outdoor play.

The adventure playground gives children space to climb, explore and get stuck into imaginative play, while the wider Castle Howard estate offers gardens, walks and places to spend more time outdoors.

It’s not in central York, but it’s a useful option for families happy to travel a bit further for a full day out.

9. Walk Part of York City Walls

For a free activity with a bit of history thrown in, walking part of York City Walls can be a good option with older children.

You don’t have to do the full route. A shorter section can still give families a different view of the city, with plenty of chances to spot landmarks along the way. It’s best for children who are comfortable walking and able to manage steps, but it can be a good way to break up a city centre visit.

Just keep hold of the snacks. City wall walking is hungry work.

10. Use Visit York for Extra Planning

If you’re also looking for places to eat, accommodation or extra city centre ideas, Visit York is a useful place to check.

It’s especially helpful if you’re planning a longer stay, visiting from outside the area, or trying to build a few different activities into one trip. For restaurants and accommodation, it’s usually best to check the latest recommendations directly rather than relying on an old blog list.

So, What’s the Best Thing To Do in York With Kids This Summer?

It depends what kind of day you want!

If you want museums, history and indoor options, York city centre has plenty to offer. If you want free outdoor play, Rowntree Park and Homestead Park are useful options. If you want aircraft, Vikings, castles or adventure playgrounds, there’s plenty nearby too.

But if you’re looking for a full summer family day out with rides, shows, mazes, food, indoor and covered attractions, outdoor space and enough to keep everyone busy for hours, York Maze is hard to beat.

It’s a proper summer day out, not a quick stop. Which is handy, because the kids have a lot of energy and apparently no off switch.

Before you visit, explore the York Maze Attractions, check the Plan a Visit page, and book your tickets online to get your summer day out sorted.