Family Friendly
Itinerary
Family Friendly Summer in York: Sunrise to Sunset
York is a the perfect family-friendly destination. Let us help you make your summer in York unforgettable with a family itinerary full of brilliant attractions and great-value days out with the Visit York Pass.
If you're wondering what to do in York this summer, the pass is packed with ideas and inspiration that will last all day. From hands-on history to city sights the kids will love, this guide brings together family-friendly experiences all included with the Visit York Pass. The official city sightseeing card is ideal for families wanting to explore more during their trip, helping you enjoy some of York’s top attractions while keeping plans straightforward and budget-friendly. Discover a handful of attractions the pass offers below, and start planning your trip to York!
Multiple Days
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In this Itinerary
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Castle Howard
Castle Howard is one of Britain’s finest stately homes, situated just outside York in the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Built over 300 years ago by Sir John Vanbrugh, today it remains home to the Howard family. Discover the House at your own pace, admiring its awe-inspiring architecture and interiors, with something to capture everyone’s imagination. Enjoy stunning scenery all year, with almost 1,000 acres of Grade 1 listed parkland and gardens to explore.
Children will love Skelf Island, our new adventure playground with its ingenious treetop nest structures connected by rope bridges, slides, nets and climbing equipment.
Leave time to browse the shops and cafes, including farm shop, gift shop and garden centre.
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The York Dungeon
Feel the dark shadows of the black plague and experience the fearsome torture chamber as you laugh, learn and scream your way through the cities most ‘orrible history!
With live actors, dark history, immersive sets and amazing special effects… the only question is are you brave enough to step into the depths of the York Dungeon?
Younger peasants must be aged 5 and over, however the York Dungeon is not recommended for under 8's.
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York Sightseeing Cruise: City Cruises
Uncover the history of our ancient city from a completely different perspective.
Join us on board for an entertaining and informative journey through the heart of York. Discover the impact of the River Ouse on the city's development, from its days as a bustling inland port to the rise of its world-famous chocolate industry. Relax on the open top deck or in our heated enclosed saloon with live commentary from our local skippers.
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York Minster
Discover one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, a masterpiece in stained glass and stone and a sacred space which has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England since the 7th century.
The Minster was built for the glory of God and this is reflected in every aspect of this ancient building, from the exquisite handcrafted stone through to the unrivalled collection of medieval stained glass. York Minster remains a thriving church and everyone is invited to join our daily services, including choral Evensong sung Tuesday to Sunday during term time by the Choir of York Minster, visit to pray or light a candle or simply spend time absorbing the atmosphere of the cathedral.
Young adventurers can collect a Little Explorer Backpack filled with gadgets to help them explore the Minster including binoculars, a torch and a compass, or follow a trail or treasure hunt around the cathedral.
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York Cocoa Works
York Cocoa Works is a working, learning chocolate factory where visitors can see, eat and craft their very own chocolate using rare and flavourful cocoa beans sourced from farms and communities around the world. With the whole production process fully observable the company celebrate the origins of their ingredients and have a passion for reigniting the lost art of chocolate making in York.
Join us at York Cocoa Works with your little ones for chocolate-filled fun for all ages!
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National Railway Museum
Home to iconic locomotives and fascinating collections, explore feats of engineering and extraordinary stories as we celebrate 50 years of the National Railway Museum. We’re marking our birthday with the reopening of Station Hall on 26 September 2025 where you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of York’s former goods station, discover opulent royal carriages and explore the history behind a busy station, its people and their journeys.
Entry to the museum is free, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. In Great Hall you can revel in stars of the railway such as Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive, step back into the 1970’s as you climb aboard the Japanese ‘bullet train’, and marvel at the Model Railway. If you’ve bought a Visit York Pass, you can start your visit with a free ride on our Road Train, which starts in Duncombe Place near the Minster and will bring you through York to our door.
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York Castle Museum
Welcome to the award-winning York Castle Museum - come and immerse yourself in over 400 years of York's past.
Come and see hundreds of years of York’s history in one place – from recreated Jacobean dining rooms to the world famous recreated Victorian Street, Kirkgate.
Our interactive and immersive galleries hold thousands of historic objects that really bring the past to life, and our exhibitions promise fascinating displays and innovative new ways of learning about York’s past.
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York's Chocolate Story
Did you know York is known as the ‘Chocolate City’? Discover why at York’s Chocolate Story - a must-visit attraction for families, chocolate lovers, history-buffs, and anyone seeking a unique experience!
Located in the heart of York, this award-winning tour offers an exciting and educational journey through the fascinating world of chocolate. Enjoy interactive exhibits, delicious tastings, and the chance to make your own chocolate – all wrapped in rich, local history.
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Beningbrough - National Trust
Relax in the walled garden or stroll among glorious borders with over 8 acres to explore, a beautiful garden cared for by the National Trust.
The wilderness play area and den zone are popular with families. In the school holidays there are always family trails and led activity days for something new to have a go at. The gardens are perfect for your own adventure and if you're looking for inspiration you can tick off many of the '50 things to do before you're 11 3/4' play list. Otherwise take your ball or kites to the large south lawn and literally kick back with a picnic and enjoy time together.
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JORVIK Viking Centre
With its world-famous ride taking visitors around the sights, sounds and smells of Viking-age York, and state-of-the art galleries showcasing a unique collection of 1,000 year old artefacts, visit JORVIK Viking Centre to discover York’s fascinating Viking legacy.
All customers must pre-book their tickets to JORVIK Viking Centre. Visitors who haven’t pre-booked will be asked to do so for the next available slot. Tickets can be booked at www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk or by calling 01904 615505.
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The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring
A World of Mind Boggling Illusions Awaits at the Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring!
The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring is York's most brain-tickling, mind boggling experience!
It doesn't matter how old you are, if you're looking for a day out in York with the kids or you want to perplex your colleagues, our attraction is designed for curious minds of all ages.
You'll find us on Merchantgate and everything is indoors so it's the perfect place to enjoy a day out in York, whatever the weather. Inside you'll find interactive, educational and hands on experiences the kind of which you've never seen before.
*please note last entry is 1hr before close.
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Stump Cross Caverns
Welcome to Stump Cross Caverns where a visit is more than a family day out. It's a voyage back in time – a portal to a long-forgotten age before humans or dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Become an explorer, join us for a day of discovery and explore some of the best-preserved prehistoric caves in the UK. You'll navigate twisting passageways, uncover incredible rock formations and learn of ancient mysteries hidden deep underground. The adventure doesn't stop there, discover prehistoric secrets in our Fossil Digs, Pan for treasure in The Gem panning sluice, watch the Calcite sparkle in the UV caves and so much more! With so much to do, what are you waiting for? Check our website https://www.stumpcrosscaverns.... for updates on our latest events and activities.
Whatever your age, whatever the weather – Stump Cross Caverns is always an adventure.
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DIG
DIG is an archaeological adventure, perfect for young explorers aged 5–12! With help from the friendly team, you’ll uncover some of York’s most fascinating stories, buried underground for nearly 2,000 years!
DIG is split into three zones: Learn, Uncover, and Explore, each one taking you through a different part of the archaeological journey. Whether it’s your first time digging or you’re already into archaeology, there’s something here for everyone!
Kids can dig down deep (in synthetic, no mess soil) to discover artefacts from the four major periods of York’s fascinating history. An Archaeologist is on hand to answer your questions on your finds & help you piece together what it would have been like to live in the past!
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Even More To Explore
The pass includes 35+ attractions, so there's plenty of things to see and do on your visit to York! Whether you are travelling with little ones or a family with older kids, there is a wide variety of attractions to suit all tastes and ages. From city centre attractions to sites further affield into the countryside, the pass offers fantastic value on your visit.
If you need any help on making the most of your pass, pop by the Visit York Visitor Information Centre to chat to our friendly team.
Don't forget to discover the Visit York Pass' extra offers such as discounts on travel and restaurants! Explore extra offers here ▸