9 Free Days Out and Things to Do With Kids in North Yorkshire

I'm still adding to this list, so keep checking back, please get in touch if you've got any hidden gems to recommend, or if you have a picture to replace any that I'm missing (ie the places that have words). As a thank you, I'll send a 20% money off voucher to spend in the shop for anything that gets used.

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. Although I'd love to be able to travel to every place on here, time and practicalities dictate that I've sourced a lot of information from 3rd parties so some information might be incorrect (Please let me know if you spot anything that is so that I can amend it). 

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!

free things to do with kids in North Yorkshire

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

free things to do with kids in North Yorkshire

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.  

free things to do with kids in North Yorkshire

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. 

free things to do with kids in North Yorkshire

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. 

free things to do with kids in North Yorkshire

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. 

free things to do with kids in North Yorkshire

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

free things to do with kids in North Yorkshire

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.  

free things to do with kids in North Yorkshire

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. 

free things to do with kids in North Yorkshire

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

Things to do with kids activity pack

You know what the kids would love to be filling in as you're exploring new places? An epic activity pack! And it should be filled with easy activity ideas, and stickers, and personalised!

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