9 Free Days Out and Things to Do With Kids in North Yorkshire (Updated 2025)
Ahoy there money-savvy adventurers.
If you're looking for a fun and free day out then check out these things to do with the kids in North Yorkshire. Whether it's seeing the locomotives at the National Railway Museum, or letting off steam at Peasholm Park, there's options here to suit all ages, whatever the weather.
I've tried to make sure that all the details on here are up to date, but please do double check on the websites I've linked to before you travel in case anything has changed. Especially important: double check parking costs to avoid any nasty surprises on a day out that was supposed to be cheap, and obviously, be careful if you're visiting places with kids, especially where the terrain is dangerous (ruins, cliffs, beaches, slippy paths etc).
Happy adventuring!
Lucy
Home to iconic locomotives including Mallard and a Japanese bullet train. There's a huge amount for all steam loving kids to do including a play area for under 6s, and a model railway. Check what's on.
An incredible street with mainly timber buildings dating back as far as the 13th century. The shops now feature independent retailers. If you're in York, take a stroll down, it's basically Diagon Alley.
Walk along 2 miles of historic walls that have protected the city for almost 2,000 years (although much standing today was built more recently). Look out for QR codes to scan and tell you the history.
A popular park with a rich history, and green flag status, the oriental themed park has steams, waterfalls and mini bridges to explore as well as mystical gardens, an island, boating lake, and woodland trail.
Beautiful waterfalls that fans of Robin Hood Prince of Theives will recognise. There's a national park visitor centre with a cafe. Take a stroll through the woodland, trails are marked from the visitor centre.
Visit the weird and wonderful giant rock formations. Follow these tips for good ways to explore the rocks (take note of the safety instructions). Check out what's on.
A 70 metre high cliff, popular with geology and Harry Potter fans alike. It's a pretty challenging walk (including 400 stone steps), and can be quite dangerous. The landscape is stunning. While you're there, check out other things including the waterfall at Janet's Foss.
A traditional seaside town, with a 5 mile stretch of sand for playing and flying kites. There's good rock pools to discover at the Bempton end of the beach. There's a seasonal lifeguard service.
Play on the sandy beach, have a stroll around the famous harbour, stroll around the quirky streets, climb the 199 steps to check out the view from St Mary's Churchyard, Visit Pannett Park (trails, woods, playground), and the Lifeboat Museum,
Feeling a Little Frazzled?
Here's a few things I've made that'll hopefully make your life a little bit easier, a little bit more fulfilled, or simply a little bit more fun. Check out these bits along with loads of other parenting aids on the link below.
Make your little mermaid's party perfect with these personalised printables including invites, signs, bunting, crafts and games.
You know what the kids need? An epic activity pack! And it should be filled with easy activity ideas, and stickers, and personalised!
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