Whether you’re a family on a day out with grandparents, or grandparents taking out the children without their parents, there are lots of options in our local area, and a little further afield, for a fun-filled day out that suits all ages.
Pack your water bottles, waterproofs and picnics and head off to one of these amazing places for fun in the sun (or rain) in our wonderful county!
Halls & Gardens
Woldies – nature gardens, trails and play, Wintringham, Malton. Open weekends and bank holidays in term time, and 7-days a week in May half term, July and August. Book online for the best price.
Newby Hall and Gardens between Ripon and Boroughbridge is a perfect place to meet up with family and friends. Usually open Wednesday to Sunday with full-week opening later in July and into August.
Castle Howard House and Gardens – a place like no other. Explore the house and gardens, daily from 10am.
Thorp Perrow, near Bedale, is an arboretum with adventure playground, birds of prey and mammals.
Burnby Hall Gardens and Museum, Pocklington, is described as a ‘jewel in Yorkshire’s crown’ and holds a National Collection of over eighty varieties of Hardy Water Lillies, as well as having a great playground with excellent visibility to keep an eye on your littles as they play.
National Parks, Museums & Historical Attractions
Sutton Bank: North York Moors National Park and Visitor Centre – beautiful walks and amazing views over Thirsk and the surrounding area, with the history of the white horse and gliders overhead. Wheelchair hire is available.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal – National Trust. Near Ripon. See the Ancient abbey ruins and an awe-inspiring water garden at this World Heritage Site with a great play area and ample picnic opportunities.
Aldborough Roman Site – English Heritage. Near Boroughbridge. You’ll only need about an hour to an hour and a half but this is a great place to learn about Roman life, especially if that’s one of the topics your little people are learning about at school!
Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton. World War 2 museum: watch history come to life. Open daily until November.
The World of James Herriot, Thirsk. A day out at one of the top 10% of attractions worldwide! Open 7-days a week in the summer but check the website for filming days when access may be limited.
The Forbidden Corner, near Bedale, is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises. Some aspects are a little trickier underfoot. For older children.
Ryedale Folk Museum is the perfect venue for exploring the stories and heritage of the region. Set in over six acres in beautiful Hutton-le-Hole, we’re an ideal family day out for everyone from children to grandparents too!
Town Centre Activities
‘Discover Northallerton’ through an augmented reality tour – Now there’s a new way to take a look into the past as you explore North Yorkshire’s County Town, guided by the ‘Discover Northallerton’ app in the palm of your hand. Discover more about the heritage of Northallerton and uncover hidden stories of fascinating people, places and events that shaped this historic market town through the centuries. You will find the app on the App Store. More information here.
Helmsley Creativity Trail – Explore Helmsley for FREE with your family. Helmsley Creativity Trail is resource that sets out to encourage people to explore our beautiful market town and all that it has to offer. It provides mindful and creative ideas for children and young people to enjoy in collaboration with adults. Download the Helmsley Creativity Trail HERE This is an easy terrain and follows a circular 1 mile route around Helmsley, providing full directions to each location included within the Creativity Trail.
Transport Themed Days Out
North Yorkshire Moors Railway – This May half term, kids go free at the NYMR. Kids go free in 2024!
Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Forces Memorial, York. The UK’s largest independent aviation museum and charity. Open 7-days a week.
The National Railway Museum, York, is a great place for train spotting but there is also the new ‘Wonderlab’ which gets great reviews!
A little further afield but worth the drive, you will find The Deep in Hull, an award winning aquarium that makes for a great day out. Admission tickets become annual passes so you can go again at no extra cost!
Soft Play, Golf, Bowling & Trampolining
Oxygen, York, is a new, high energy trampoline park with soft play, climbing, football and more. There’s a great cafe with reasonably priced meals and snacks and even a chill-out room for adults, with screens to show the play areas so you can keep an eye on the grandchildren whilst you take a quick rest!
Flip Out, York, has Soft Play, Ninja Zone, Foam Pit, Inflatable, Basketball, Reaction Wall and much more. The cafe and viewing gallery is a great place to watch whilst the children play. If you’ve got younger children with you, you may have to pay to play yourself!
Puttstars, Huntington (York) is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon with crazy golf indoors. With lights, sounds and challnges, every hole is good fun. Look out for online discounts, too!
For bowling, there are three local (ish) options:
Holywood Bowl, Huntington (York) is in the same building as Puttstars so you could team up and do a full day out! There are eating places nearby including Nando’s, M & S Cafe and the new Mama Doreen’s. Again, look out for online discounts, especially if you are happy to play early in the day. Don’t forget your coins for the arcade games, too.
Tenpin, York is at Clifton Moor and houses laser play activities, too. Don’t forget your coins for the arcade games on the way in.
King Pin Bowl in Northallerton is a smaller bowling venue with food and drink available, too.
Theme Parks
For a more adventurous day out, you could venture to a theme park. Here are some local options:
There’s Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park near Ripon, where there are 40 rids and attractions for the under 12s and lots of options for refreshments whilst the adults watch!
Flamingo Land Resort, Kirby Misperton, Malton. A theme park and zoo with wild animals and even wilder rides!
