A Family's Guide to Summer in York

Keeping the kids happy in England's most walkable city

York shrinks down beautifully for a family day out - no long treks, no complicated transport, just cobbled streets and a river running through the middle of it all. With the school summer holidays here, we've put together our favourite ways to keep children (and tired parents) entertained, from hands-on history to the best spot for an ice cream break.

York Maze

Every July, over a million maize plants are grown into one of the world's largest and most elaborate mazes, with a new design each year, plus zip wires, slides, a giant jumping pillow and tractor rides thrown in. It only runs through the summer holidays into early September, so it's very much a "while you're here" experience rather than a year-round one. Pack wellies if it's been wet - this is a working farm field, not a manicured garden.

DIG - An Archaeological Adventure

Run by the same team as Jorvik, DIG hands children a trowel and lets them excavate real archaeological deposits under a guide's supervision, uncovering Roman, Viking and Victorian finds along the way. It's indoors, it's hands-on, and an hour disappears very quickly. Booking ahead is sensible in the holidays.

National Railway Museum's play zones

Beyond the Flying Scotsman and Mallard, the NRM has dedicated play areas where younger children can burn off energy between exhibits, plus a busy programme of free family activities throughout the summer holidays. Check the What's On board when you arrive - sessions fill up fast on wet-weather days when half the city has the same idea.

Rowntree Park

A proper local's tip: this riverside park south of the centre has a well-equipped playground, a splash-friendly paddling area in warm weather, and enough green space for a picnic and a football without anyone complaining about the crowds. It's a fifteen-minute stroll from the city walls and a good way to give everyone a breather from sightseeing.

Castle Howard's Skelf Island

A short drive out of the city, the grounds at Castle Howard include Skelf Island, a large wooden adventure play area set among the lakes and parkland, alongside a butterfly house and miles of paths for younger legs to run off steam. Bring a picnic and make a full morning of it before the house itself, if anyone's still got the energy.

York's Chocolate Story

Given York's chocolate-making history - this is the home of the KitKat and the Aero - a guided tour with tastings and a hands-on workshop goes down well with almost any age group. It's compact, indoors, and a reliable option if the weather turns.

A scavenger hunt on the City Walls

Rather than a formal attraction, this is simply the best free activity in York with children in tow. Set them looking for the eight main gateways (or "bars"), spot the Minster from every angle, and count how many times you can see the river from up there. Start at Bootham Bar and finish with an ice cream - which brings us to our last stop.

Ice cream stops worth the queue

York doesn't do anything by halves, including ice cream. Head to the Shambles Market area or the streets around the Minster for several excellent independent parlours - a well-timed ice cream break has rescued more than one flagging family day out around here.

Where to stay in York

Violet Homes looks after a collection of beautifully kept holiday homes and apartments across York, many of them well suited to families and within easy walking distance of everything on this list. Book direct through our website for the best rates on every stay, and if you have questions before you book, our local team is always happy to help.