Things to do with kids in Yorkshire this Summer

Things to do with kids in Yorkshire this Summer (Or, The Uniquely Local School Holiday Survival Guide)

School summer holidays are nearly here and for many parents whilst it’s lovely to change down a gear and not have to be up and out by 8.30 each morning it’s also a rather long time to keep the kids entertained and mum (or dad) sane.

We all know kids don’t need entertaining 24/7 but a few well-thought-out activities scattered throughout the six weeks will make everyone’s summer more enjoyable. We’ve got a few suggestions that won’t break the bank and a couple of treats that the whole family will remember for years to come…

Visit York

Even if you live in York or close to York the chances are you don’t see the city through the eyes of a tourist. Become a tourist in your own city for the day and…

Take a walk on the city walls – open from 8am til dusk every day. Friends of York Walls have produced a very informative guide to the walls with a walking trail. The walls between Bootham and Goodramgate offer particularly good views of the Minster and gardens. You can stop off a Grays Court, with it’s beautiful gardens, for refreshments.
Eat an ice cream in the Museum gardens!
Hire a red boat and see the city from a different perspective – you can take up to 8 people out on a self drive motor boat cruise on the river Ouse and have your very own aquatic adventure.
Book the magnificent Mad Alice – Bloody Tour of York for a chilling, thrilling historic story walk around York

Take a Parent & Child Cookery Class in Leeds

Cooking together is a great way to strengthen the parent child bond and have some fun and at Leeds Cookery School you’ll be helping the local community too. The school is a multi-award winning social enterprise who donate 100% of their profits to local charity Zest to support their work reducing inequality in Leeds.

Courses include:

Parent & Teen – Flat Pasta
Parent & Teen – Indian Takeaway Chicken or Veg
Parent & Child – Doughnut Making
Parent & Child – Sweet Morning Breads

Book your family cookery course

Visit the Yorkshire Coast and Hunt for Dinosaur Footprints

Join other intrepid dinosaur footprint hunters for an explorative walk along our fascinating coastline. You will discover Jurassic dinosaur footprints and learn about the creatures that live along our coast today. Find out more about the Dinosaur Footprint Hunting Walk. Walks are organised by Fossils UK and cover a range of fascinating fossils.

Swing from the Trees at Ripley Castle

Do your best Tarzan impression as you master the high ropes course tree top adventure at Ripley Castle. This is an exhilarating and exciting way to spend time with your older children (8+) as you complete a range of challenges together. Book your tree tops adventure here.

Climb the White Horse at Kilburn

Whether you climb the steep steps or meander your way up through the woods the views at the top of the White Horse near Sutton Bank are spectacular. Kids will love the challenge, made even more exciting when the gliders from the nearby Sutton Bank gliding centre are taking off overhead. If you park in the car park directly beneath the horse it’s free and there are several walks around Sutton Bank. Parking can also be found (for a small charge) at the excellent visitors centre which has some very imaginative and inventive play spaces. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic or a warming drink in the cafe.