York is one of the easiest cities in Britain to explore with children. The centre is small and largely traffic-free, the history comes with costumes, steam engines and Viking smells, and several of the best things are free. These ten ideas work for a weekend, with notes on ages and booking so there are no surprises at the door.
The best things to do in York with kids
1. National Railway Museum, England
Huge halls of locomotives, from early steam to the Japanese bullet train and royal carriages, all free to enter. Station Hall has reopened after redevelopment, with the miniature railway back in action, and Wonderlab is a hands-on gallery for curious kids. It opens daily from 10am to 5pm. Booking a free ticket is recommended at busy times, and tickets are usually released six weeks ahead.
Best for: train-mad children of any age, and rainy days.
Tip: Building work around the museum has changed the walking routes from the station. Check the museum’s travel page before you set off.
2. JORVIK Viking Centre, England
A ride through a reconstruction of Viking-age York in AD 960, complete with sounds, smells and animatronic townspeople, built on the site where archaeologists uncovered the real thing. Afterwards a gallery shows the objects found here. Pre-booking a timed slot is essential. Arrive ten minutes early for bag checks, and leave aerosols and large bags behind.
Best for: ages 5 and up who like their history hands-on.
3. York Cat Trail, England
Small cat statues perch on buildings all over the old city, and spotting them turns a walk into a treasure hunt. Pick up a free trail leaflet at The Cat Gallery on Low Petergate or download it. The main route takes about an hour and passes the Shambles, Clifford’s Tower and the Minster. Add the extra cats through Museum Gardens and along the walls if little legs allow.
Best for: younger children, and it’s free.
4. York Minster and its tower, England
One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe, with vast stained-glass windows. A sightseeing ticket includes entry for up to four children aged 17 and under with a paying adult. Older kids can climb the 275 steps of the central tower for the view; climbers must be aged 8 or over, and spaces are limited, so book online or ask on arrival.
Best for: families with children over 8 who want a climb.
5. The Shambles, England
York’s most famous street, a narrow medieval lane of overhanging timber buildings. Today it’s full of sweet shops, fudge makers and wizard-themed stores that children love. Go early in the morning or in the evening, when the crowds thin out.
Best for: a short, photogenic wander.
6. The city walls, England
Walk a stretch of York’s medieval walls for a free, raised-up view of the city. The section between Bootham Bar and Monk Bar gives great views of the Minster and is a good length for children. Steps lead up at each gate, and some stretches have low parapets, so keep small children close.
Best for: active families and a free hour outdoors.
7. Clifford’s Tower, England
The keep of York’s medieval castle, on a steep grassy mound. English Heritage added a roof deck that gives 360-degree views across the city. It opens daily from 10am, and there are three resting points on the steps up the mound. Arrive by bus, train or bike and you get a discount on tickets bought on site.
Best for: views and a short castle visit.
8. Yorkshire Museum and Museum Gardens, England
Dinosaurs and fossils in Yorkshire’s Jurassic World, Roman York and Viking treasure, in a museum set inside a botanical garden by the river. The gardens include the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey and are free to wander, which makes them a good picnic stop. The museum runs activities in the school holidays, including October half-term 2026.
Best for: dinosaur fans and a relaxed afternoon.
9. York’s Chocolate Story, England
York grew rich on chocolate, and this guided, indoor tour tells the story with tastings along the way. Children get to make their own chocolate and decorate a chocolate lolly. Its shop and café are closed for refurbishment until 21 October 2026, but tours continue as normal. Halloween and Christmas family events run in late October and December.
Best for: a treat on a wet afternoon.
10. York Dungeon, England
About an hour of live actors, dark humour and the grisliest bits of York’s history. It’s a sensory experience with jump scares, loud noises, strobe lights and water sprays, so it suits older children and teens best. Check the venue’s age guidance before booking. Booking online guarantees entry.
Best for: teenagers who like to be scared.
Tip: Summer visitors can add York Maze, a giant maize maze just outside the city. It’s now closed until its July 2027 season.
York with kids at Christmas
York is at its most magical for children in December. York Christmas Market fills Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square from 12 November to 21 December 2026, open 10.30am–7pm and closed on Tuesdays, so you can mix stalls and lights with the ideas above.
- Morning: walk a stretch of the city walls while it is quiet, then warm up in the National Railway Museum’s free halls.
- Afternoon: follow the cat trail around the old streets, walk the Shambles with its shop windows dressed for Christmas, and finish at the market as the lights come on.
- Rainy day: JORVIK and York’s Chocolate Story are both indoors. Book JORVIK ahead, especially in the school holidays.
Avoid Saturdays in December if you have a pushchair, as the lanes around the market get crowded. Our York Christmas market guide has opening times and crowd tips.
How to choose
With under-fives, keep it simple: the cat trail, Museum Gardens and the National Railway Museum’s free halls. For ages 5–10, add JORVIK and the chocolate tour. Teenagers will want the Dungeon, the Minster tower climb and Clifford’s Tower. Mix one booked attraction a day with free outdoor time, and walk everywhere: the centre is small. Leeds is under half an hour by train, so see our weekend in Leeds for a second base. For ideas across the country, browse the best things to do with kids in the UK and the best places to visit in England.
Tip: For half-term and school holidays, book JORVIK and any timed attractions before you travel. Free museums can have walk-up queues at peak times too.
FAQ
Is York good for kids?
Yes. The centre is compact and mostly pedestrianised, and attractions like JORVIK, the National Railway Museum and the cat trail are made for children.
Is the National Railway Museum free?
Yes, admission is free. Booking a free ticket in advance is recommended at busy times, though walk-up entry is available daily.
Do you need to book JORVIK Viking Centre?
Yes. Pre-booking is essential. Arrive ten minutes before your time slot for security checks.
What age can climb York Minster tower?
Climbers must be aged 8 or over. The climb has 275 steps and takes about ten minutes.
What is there to do in York with kids at Christmas?
Visit York Christmas Market (12 November to 21 December 2026, closed Tuesdays), walk the walls, follow the cat trail, walk the Shambles and spend a morning at the free National Railway Museum.
What can you do in York with kids for free?
Follow the cat statue trail, walk the city walls, explore Museum Gardens and visit the National Railway Museum.
