May half term runs from 27th May to 4th June 2023. We’ve put together this handy list of free or low cost activities around Ryedale:
Dalby Forest – Offers over 8,000 acres of woodland to explore, enjoy and discover. Great play area for children, accessible walking and cycling trails for all. Cafes and play areas. The Zog Trail – With colourful panels, fun activity pack and an amazing new augmented reality Zog app to guide you, follow the trail to find out how your little dragons can help care for the forest, others and themselves. Daily car park rate £10 (before 4pm)
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.
Danby Lodge and Sutton Bank National Park Centres are running a free event on the 1st June 2023, 11am – 3pm – The Wild Wild Quest: Help us find what lives in our grounds.
Scarborough Museum Trust are running some free drop in workshops and activities at the Scarborough Art Gallery and Rotunda Museum including a Family Trail, fossil handling, seaside printing, and historic pots from 27th May to 4th June 2023. More info here
Helmsley Library are hosting a free interactive performance of the Slingsby Serpent, a local folklore tale updated for younger audiences on Tuesday 30th May 2023, 10.30am. Booking essential, call 01609 534553
Malton Library are hosting a free interactive performance of the Nunnington Dragon, a local folklore tale updated for younger audiences on Saturday 27th May 2023 11am. To book call 01609 534565
Pickering Library are hosting an interactive story performance for children based on a local folklore tale on Saturday 27th May 2023, 1pm. Booking required, call 01609 533624
Thirsk Community Library come along and learn how to make an underwater scene on Thursday 1st June 2023, 10 – 11.30am. This is free, but please book a place in advance, call 01609 534589.
Wetwang Scarecrow Festival is taking place over 4 days, 1st to 4th June 2023. The Village Hall will be open daily from 10am to 4pm where refreshments, maps, merchandise and more will be available. Come along and have a fun family day out!
North Yorkshire Water Park offers a range of water sport activities including aqua park (including one for Toddlers (Splash Kingdom), stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, open water swimming, sailing, canoeing. Plus walks, cycle track, cafe and a relaxing environment. Free parking, free entry, you only pay to play.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway – This May half term, kids go free at the NYMR.
Yorkshire Beaches – Take a walk on the Yorkshire Beaches, there are lots of lovely beaches nearby. Read a short guide here
We also have a list of Free Days Out ideas here, as well as our page for Walks and The Great Outdoors for some other ideas.
Rainy Days – Sometimes the weather is a bit unpredictable at this time of year, so here is our list of ideas for Rainy Day activities to do at home.
