Cheap days out in York for under £10 a head - small admission, low-cost activities and family-friendly spots that won't blow the weekend budget.
Barley Hall · York
A restored medieval townhouse hidden down a York alleyway with costumed characters and hands-on activities for children. Compact, well-priced, and genuinely immersive — a brilliant complement to JORVIK.
Creepy Crawlies · York
Indoor soft play centre with multi-level climbing frames, ball pools and slides. Dedicated toddler area ensures safe play for little ones. On-site café serves hot food and drinks for parents.
Dig York · York
An underground hands-on archaeology experience where children excavate replica trenches and handle genuine artefacts. Run by the same team as JORVIK and equally brilliant for curious primary-age children.
Fairfax House · York
A perfectly restored Georgian townhouse with exquisite plasterwork and one of England's finest collections of 18th-century furniture. The children's trails and costumed guides bring the period vividly to life.
Richard III Museum · York
A tiny but wonderful museum inside one of York's medieval city bar gatehouses, with displays about Richard III and the Wars of the Roses. A compact and unusual find that older children love.
York Boat · York
A relaxing sightseeing cruise along the River Ouse past the city walls and historic bridges. A gentle and enjoyable way to see York from a different angle — good for all ages including toddlers.
York Army Museum · York
Discover 300 years of military history with interactive displays and historic artifacts. Children can try on replica uniforms and explore hands-on exhibits. The museum tells the story of Yorkshire's regiments through engaging displays.
English Heritage · York
A preserved secret nuclear monitoring post from the 1960s run by English Heritage. Eerie, fascinating, and unlike anything else in the city — older children and teenagers find it genuinely gripping.
Cycle York · York
Family-friendly cycling routes around York using the city's extensive cycle path network. Routes include riverside paths and traffic-free trails suitable for all abilities. Bike hire available from multiple city centre locations.
York Dance Space · York
Creative movement and dance sessions for families exploring rhythm, music and movement together. No experience necessary, just enthusiasm and energy. Sessions blend structured activities with free expression.
York Ghost Merchants · York
An atmospheric evening ghost tour through York's most haunted streets led by costumed storytellers. York is one of the most haunted cities in the world and these tours deliver real atmosphere for older children.
York Maze · York
One of the UK's largest maize mazes on the outskirts of York, open from July to September. A brilliant seasonal outdoor adventure for families with children of all ages — allow a full morning or afternoon.
York Sport · York
Indoor climbing facility with walls suitable for beginners through to experienced climbers. Family climbing sessions and children's courses available. Professional instruction ensures safety while building confidence and strength.
York Festival Trust · York
Annual storytelling festival featuring professional storytellers, workshops and family-friendly performances. Events take place in venues across the city including libraries, theatres and outdoor spaces. Mix of traditional tales and contemporary stories.