Young families looking for an exciting and educational destination should consider a stay in York. With a range of activities for all ages, York is an ideal place for families to explore and learn together.
From fascinating museums and galleries to interactive activities and attractions, York offers a unique and memorable experience.
The city is home to a variety of family-friendly restaurants, parks, and destinations, providing young families with plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy.
York is also a great place to stay, with a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets.
There are a wide variety of attractions in York, including:
- Jorvik Viking Centre
- National Railway Museum
- York Castle Museum
- York Minster
- York Shambles
Here are my top places to visit for a great day out or weekend break with the family.
Jorvik Viking Centre and Jorvik DIG

The Jorvik Viking Centre is an interactive museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the Viking Age.
It features an authentic recreation of the Viking city of Jorvik, complete with shops, houses, and a range of artefacts dating back to the 9th century.
Visitors can explore the city and experience what life was like for the Vikings, learning about their culture, beliefs, and ways of life.
The centre also offers a range of activities for all ages, such as hands-on workshops, Viking-themed events, and a range of interactive exhibits.
The Jorvik Viking Centre is a great way to explore and learn about the Viking Age, making it an ideal destination for young families.
Yorvik also has a sister museum, called Jorvik DIG. Jorvik DIG is a hands-on archaeology-themed visitor attraction, and aimed at ages 5 to 12. Both my kids had a ge=eat tie learning about archaeology and having a go themselves.
National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum is home to an amazing collection of locomotives, carriages, and other railway artefacts, giving visitors a glimpse into the history of railways in the UK.
There are a variety of interactive exhibits where visitors can explore the engineering behind the railways, as well as a range of activities for all ages.
The museum also offers locomotive rides, giving visitors a chance to experience what it is like to ride a train.
With so much to explore, the National Railway Museum is an ideal place for young families to learn and have fun together.
York Castle Museum

The York Castle Museum is home to numerous artefacts, exhibits, and interactive activities that are suitable for all ages.
Visitors can explore the history of the city, from its medieval past to its Victorian present, and learn about the life of its inhabitants over the centuries.
The museum also offers a range of activities for all ages, such as hands-on workshops, educational programs, and a range of interactive exhibits.
With so much to offer, the York Castle Museum is an ideal destination for young families.
York Minster

For those looking to explore the city’s history further, a visit to York Minster is a must. York Minster is the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, and it is home to a rich collection of art and artefacts that date back to the 7th century.
Visitors can explore the fascinating architecture and uncover the city’s history through its artefacts, monuments, and collections.
York Minster also offers a range of activities and tours, allowing visitors to learn more about the history and culture of the city.
Remarkable architecture, fascinating history, and unique collections.
York Shambles

The Shambles is one of York’s most iconic streets, located in the city centre. It is home to an array of historic buildings, shops, and restaurants, allowing visitors to explore and experience the city’s past.
The street is lined with timber-framed buildings that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, making it one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe.
Visitors can explore the history of the street and its buildings, and experience the unique atmosphere of the Shambles.
There are also a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering visitors the chance to experience the best of York.
York Dungeons

For the braver amongst you, the York Dungeons is a unique attraction that offers visitors an interactive experience, exploring the city’s dark past in a thrilling and educational way.
Visitors can explore the history of York through its dungeons, learning about the city’s dark secrets and the people who lived there.
The attraction also offers a range of interactive exhibits and activities, from hands-on workshops to live shows and a variety of interactive exhibits.
Interactive exhibits, live shows, and thrilling atmosphere.