Weekends Away: Things to do in York with Kids

“The historic city of York is a fantastic destination for a family trip, no matter the age of your kids. Being a small city, the major attractions of York are in the same areas, making it even easier to spend the day sightseeing with your children.

Here are the top things to do in York with kids:

### York Minster

Located in the centre of the city, the stunning York Minster is a spectacular historic site that dominates the city’s skyline. According to the laws of the city, no building within the walls can be taller, so it definitely stands out against its surroundings.

Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, the gothic cathedral is known for its ornate nave and stunning stained-glass windows. It also has a massive Great East Window, which is one of the largest pieces of stained glass in the world.

No matter the age of your kids, York Minster is a fun experience. Kids can have ‘Little Explorer’ backpacks filled with age-appropriate trails and scavenger hunts, as well as binoculars, a map, a compass, and a mirror to view all the marvellous architecture.

You can venture underground to the eerie Crypt and Undercroft museum, which holds archaeological artefacts from the Viking and Roman eras. There are also steps to the central tower to take in panoramic views of the city, though the moderate climb is best for children over the age of 8.

### City Walls

One of York’s greatest draws is the city’s historic, medieval walls. At 2 miles long, the walls are the longest in England and provide beautiful views of the city within.

Walking along the walls is free of charge and they can be accessed from any of the 4 fortified medieval gateways, which are known as ‘bars’. The closest entrance to York Minster is Bootham Bar, which has an exhibition about King Richard III. There’s also a museum about King Henry VII at the Micklegate Bar.

In total, the wall walk takes 2 hours, but you can exit at numerous points. Most sections are peaceful and serene, but some areas aren’t railed, so it’s important to keep a close eye on young children.

### The Shambles

The Shambles is a cobbled shopping street in the centre of the city. It’s famous for its crooked, cramped, and overhanging buildings and the dark atmosphere that’s reminiscent of a theme park.

During medieval times, the Shambles was the primary location for butcher shops, and you can still see remnants of meat hooks hanging above the front ledges of some buildings. You’ll find cafes scattered throughout the shops to take a break in between shopping.

### Jorvik Viking Centre

Jorvik Viking Centre is one of York’s main attractions. The centre holds Viking-era artefacts that were recovered on an archaeological dig, as well as the remains of Viking streets and homes beneath the glass floor of the museum.

One of the main highlights of the museum is a historical ride through a Viking settlement with sounds, sights and smells that take you back to the time of the Vikings in York. Kids will love the interactive experience.

### DIG

Perfect for young, inquisitive children, DIG is an archaeological museum that’s aimed at young minds. Located in the historic St Saviours Church, children can sort and examine artefacts with magnifying glasses, microscopes and other tools. They can also experience a dig for themselves in specially constructed pits.

### National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum is a time-honoured family attraction with large halls full of train engines and carriages of various sizes and colours. Kids will like the free science shows and activities with railway themes that are held throughout the year.

Some of the museum’s highlights include the Channel Tunnel, Eurostar nose cone, the Shinkansen carriage and the Royal train carriages. Outside, there’s a balcony where you can see trains entering and departing the Victorian railway station, and you can see engineers in the workshop.

In the warehouse, kids can see chairs, signals, lights and other equipment related to trains. There’s also a small playground, steam train rides, a miniature railway and a restaurant.

### Yorkshire Museum

Located in the picturesque Museum Gardens, the Yorkshire Museum is a fabulous museum with hands-on and interactive exhibits about the Roman and Viking heritage of the city. You’ll see artefacts related to different eras, as well as a section on Jurassic history, and kids will like the age-appropriate trails.

### York Castle Museum

The York Castle Museum is an imposing structure that chronicles the city’s history through the ages. It’s known for its full-size replica of a Victorian-era street, complete with shops, a police station, a school and a pharmacy, and ‘living rooms’ through the ages. There’s also an exhibit on the history of toys.

As a former courthouse and prison, the museum has cells from notorious criminals like the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin and uses holograms to showcase the lives of prisoners during incarceration.

York is a fascinating city with a number of attractions and activities to engage children and adults alike. If you’re interested in visiting, check out York hotel options to suit the whole family and experience the best the city has to offer.”