York is a beautiful, quaint English city with so much history and culture that it’s definitely worth putting on your “Places to see” list of England or the UK. York is walkable and family-friendly. There are plenty of activities in York England with children to keep a family busy.
York is a quick 2-hour train ride from King’s Cross Station in London. Get up early and catch the 8:30 am LNER train, as we did during our last visit to England, and be in York by 10:30 am. Plenty of time to start your day ready to experience this lively and vibrant town.
Note: This post on 10 Lovely Activities in York, England with Children has affiliate links from trusted partners and websites such as Amazon, and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).
10 Kid-Friendly Activities in York England for Families
(Plus a Bonus tip at the end):
1. Indulge in The York Chocolate Story
The York Chocolate Story is a shop in the center of town that opens up to little King’s Square. Inside there is a chocolate shop, but above the shop is a tour that will take you through the evolution of chocolate in England.
Our guide was Oscar, a quirky young actor with an energetic and friendly personality, who made the kids laugh.
Chocolate Samples
The best part about this tour is the chocolate samples they give throughout. As you travel from room to room learning about the history of chocolate, you are encouraged to try samples of different types of chocolate.
My kids ate their typical weekly chocolate quota in the first two rooms! As a matter of fact, this is part of the fun of traveling and experiencing new things.
How Chocolate is Made
In the middle of the tour, guests learn the process of how chocolate is made. Everyone is offered chocolate in its different phases from cocoa nibs to 90% chocolate liquor. This made for great faces of disgust as the kids tried the bitter brown stuff.
Next, we practiced being connoisseurs of chocolate by smelling first, then letting the chocolate dissolve in our mouths to see if we could pick out subtle hints of peach or lavender. Although I could not, it was very tasty.
Making Chocolate Treats
We were then taken to a workshop to make our own chocolate lolly-pops. The kids, parents, and grandparents topped the white chocolate circles with mounds of sprinkles and crispy bits.
We were also given a demonstration from one of their master chocolatiers on how they create their delectable confections. Passion fruit-filled chocolates, yum. By the end, each of us came out with a full bag of chocolate samples and a lolly-pop, just from the tour.
And after the passion fruit chocolate, I had to get a variety box of all their flavor-filled chocolates. Everyone gave this tour a 10/10 for likability, value, and taste.
2. Explore Jorvik Viking Museum/DIG
Jorvik: Viking Museum
The Jorvik Viking Museum takes you through an interactive experience of what it was like to live as a Viking in York in the medieval period.
Take the gondola-type ride through the different areas of a Viking village that was excavated on the museum site, explaining everyday life for the people.
After the ride, walk through a museum area filled with artifacts that were referenced in the ride. There are costumed docents ready to tell stories or explain Viking games to children and adults.
This experience can take about an hour with children, which is about the perfect amount of time. The various interactive parts keep children engaged and the museum is not so big that it overwhelms kids.
From beautiful gold bracelets and earrings to Viking axes and long swords, there is something to entice girls and boys to imagine Viking life.
DIG
DIG is an archeological hands-on experience where children can dig up artifacts and experience actual pieces from earlier excavations.
Museum guides are there to answer questions about the four main historical time periods featured in the museum. This is a great companion experience to the Jorvik Viking Museum.
3. Stroll The Shambles of York with Children
This tiny cobblestoned street of shops is known as the inspiration for Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series. It’s a highly trafficked tourist area, so visit on weekdays and off-season to enjoy without the crowds.
Harry Potter Activities in York England with children
Some of the shops that should not be missed by Potterheads are The Shop that Must Not Be Named and the Potions Cauldron.
You can completely transform into the magical Harry Potter world in the first shop since it has everything you could possibly want that is branded.
The Potions Cauldron is not an HP branded store, but it tells the story of magical potions and has a wizarding feel to it.
Of course, we could not leave without a sampling of potions drinks to try at home.
These airline-compliant bottles are concentrations for Truth, Bravery, etc. which sneakily taste like orange or grape flavor.
Just a few tablespoons of flavor infuse a whole pitcher to drink.
Hebden Tea Shop
While you are strolling the Shambles, be ready to pet some of the adorable puppies from Hebden Tea Room. York is an extremely dog-friendly town. My kids loved to stop each pooch and gush over their cuteness.
While you’re there be sure to sample some of the delicious teas. I bought the Lady Hebden tea blend, which is a floral flavor similar to Earl Grey. I also purchased the York Breakfast tea. This is blended uniquely in-house.
Shambles Food Market
Stop for a snack or lunch at the Shambles food market. Just behind the Shambles shops are an eating area and an open-air market that has tastes from around the world.
French crepes, German sausages, Thai noodles, and, of course, pizza are just some of the stalls that you can choose from.
4. Hole in Wand (Harry Potter themed) Putt-putt Course
Continuing with the Harry Potter theme, the Hole in Wand putt putt course is an indoor, magical themed course.
It is directly across from the Jorvik Viking Museum in St. Mary’s Square, which would be perfect to do after you’re done with Viking mayhem.
Make sure you book tickets in advance. Since it is in a tourist area, it can be very busy.
5. Enjoy a Street Performance
Each day we were in York, there was some kind of street performer in King’s Square in front of The Chocolate Story.
On Saturday there was a juggling comedian who gathered a large crowd and delighted everyone. The kids were enthralled.
We were also treated to some folk music from the Hyde Family Band. We enjoyed our chocolate lollies as we listened to their tunes.
6. Tea at Betty’s Tea Room
A delightful place to experience the elegant afternoon ritual of high tea is Betty’s Tearoom, which is located in St. Helen’s Square.
Certainly, book high tea ahead of time so that you will not have to waste time in line. Even my boys love to sip (ok, they might guzzle) tea and munch (who am I kidding, they inhale) scones with clotted cream and jam.
If the line is too long, consider getting some scones to go. They have a spread of sweets, scones, and pastries that you can choose from. Fill a box of goodies and walk a block to the Museum garden grounds for a picnic tea.
From Betty’s you can walk up Lendal St. Stop at Costa Coffee for some tea. Next, cross Museum St. and find a lovely spot in the Museum Gardens. Tea, scones, and room for kids to wiggle…what could be better?
7. Walk the Medieval Walls
One of York’s most beautiful features is its well-persevered medieval walls. First laid by the Romans, then built up during the Middle Ages, today these walls are free to enjoy.
Take a stroll on sections or hike the complete 2 miles around the city. Kids love to look over the ramparts and take part in fierce imaginary battles.
8. Tour York Minster
Like Westminster church in London, York Minster offers kid-friendly audio guides that offer fun facts that kids love. Taking a self-guided audio tour of the great cathedral might spark kids’ curiosity in Gothic architecture and much more.
Up to 4 children get free admission with a paying adult. But plan accordingly because the York Minister is only open until 4:00 pm each day, and 3:15 pm on Sundays.
9. Go on a Walking tour
The York Cat Trail
If you love cats or you like a scavenger hunt, this is a purrrfect tour for you. (Sorry, I had to say it!)
It is a free self-guided tour. You can pick up pamphlet directions at multiple locations including the Visitor’s Center and the Cat Gallery shop.
See if you can spot all the little cat statues around York with the kids.
Shadows of York: Award-winning Historical Ghost Walk
With a city as old as York, you can find lots of haunted tales and spooky spirits. This is a quirky and unusual thing to do in York that will be talked about long after your trip is over.
Take a walk on the scary side of York with the kids.
Free Walking Tour
We took a free walking tour through the Association of Voluntary Guides to The City of York.
This was a great tour and there were people from all over the globe walking with us. Our guide was super knowledgeable and kind to my kids. For example, it was especially fun when he pointed out the littlest window in York for our littlest tour member (my 6-year-old).
Pro Tip
10. Visit a Museum
National Railway Museum
If your child loves trains then the National Railway Museum is a must stop.
There is free admission with donations appreciated, and so much fun to be had. In addition to the beautiful and massive locomotives, there is an outdoor play space, a road train ride, and a treasure hunt app that will engage the whole family.
If you want to have tea on the train, you can book a tea time on the Countess of York carriage.
York Art Gallery
The general gallery is open to the public and visitors can admire a variety of different art media types such as pottery and paintings.
You can pay extra to see the gallery’s special exhibits.
We toured the York Art Gallery and enjoyed seeing some unique pieces.
York Castle Museum
This museum looks so fun. I love when I get to step into the past.
York Castle Museum recreates 400 years of history and it looks like a great way to learn about York with children.
Some exhibits include a replica of a Victorian street in York and an interactive space to show how 1914 changed the world.
Bonus: The York Pass
Take advantage of the York Pass to experience all the fun attractions York has to offer.
Similar to the London Pass, this entrance card or app allows you access to 30+ attractions in the city by purchasing a day pass or multi-day pass.
Make sure to read all about it in our post about The London Pass: The Best Sightseeing Value For A Family In London
This can help save you money as it offers free food at certain restaurants, river cruise access, and discounts are shops around the city.
Conclusion: Activities in York England with children are a great idea
York is charming, walkable, family-friendly, and easy to love. Undoubtedly, there are so many activities in York England with children. This makes planning your visit easy and simple.
- Make sure to dig into York’s rich and varied history.
- Let imagination run wild through local entertainment and getting outdoors.
- Indulge in the many tasty treats York has to offer.
- Take lots of pictures. This is a city you will want to look back and remember.
Travel Helps
Travel Insurance
Travelex Insurance – With over 55 years of experience protecting travel investments from the unknown, Travelex is a world leader in travel insurance. Their most popular features and benefits including trip cancellation, trip interruption, and bankruptcy and terrorism coverage. Travelex develops and delivers innovative insurance products and services at a competitive price, while delivering excellent service to our customers at all levels.
Attractions
Groupon – Groupon is a great way to find discounts for things to do on vacation. You can save money on fun activities for the whole family.
Viator– Viator delivers online and mobile access to thousands of trip activities including tours, attractions, shore excursions and private guides, in more than 1,500 destinations worldwide. I’ve used Viator for several family trips and they have all been great. They offer great prices, which is great for a family on a budget, and they have 24/7 customer service, so they are available to help you out whenever you need.
Cash-back app
Upside – If you are on a road trip, make sure to download this free cash-back app. Upside users earn up to 25¢/gallon cash back on gas, up to 45% cash back at restaurants, and up to 30% cash back at grocery stores.
Lodging
Hotels.com – Hotels.com® offers more than 1,000,000 properties in 200 countries – from hotels and B&B’s to condos and all-inclusive resorts. Earn free nights for every 10 nights booked with the Hotels.com Rewards program. Find hotels during sold-out periods. Book the perfect trip- backed by the Hotels.com Price Guarantee.
VRBO.com is cost effective and comfortable for family travel. You can customize the size, location, and budget of the accommodations for your next vacation. With over 2 million vacation rentals you are set to find the perfect place for your family’s next adventure.
Airfare
WayAway-WayAway provides travelers with the best rates on airline tickets and a WayAway Plus membership plan providing users with cash back on many travel services. It compares airfares offered by all major US and global airlines and agencies.
Recommended Reading
Make sure to check out these other posts is you love the activities in York England with children.
What is Your Favorite Activities in York England with Children?
I’d love to put your best ideas on my list of things to do when I visit York next time.
Be sure to let me know in the comments
If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to Pin, Share, and Subscribe.
Kyleen Bontrager
The Bonnie TravelerKyleen is a wife, homeschool mama, lover of teatime, and passionate traveler. Having lived on 3 continents and visited +32 countries, she helps others enjoy memory-making experiences for multigenerational travel. Ready for a bonnie adventure? Let’s go!
Pingback: Reasons for Travel Hacking| What's Your Why? - The Bonnie Traveler
Pingback: Family Travel Gift Idea Guide | the perfect something for your wandering crew - The Bonnie Traveler
Pingback: The Best Ways to Explore the British Museum with Kids - The Bonnie Traveler