Rainy day favourites in York - museums, soft play, indoor climbing and weatherproof family days out for when the forecast lets you down.
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.
Energi Trampoline Park York · York
Active trampoline park with wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits and dodgeball courts. Dedicated sessions for different age groups ensure safe bouncing for all. Fitness classes and open jump sessions available throughout the week.
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.
Ministry of Defence · York
Military museum showcasing the history of the Royal Dragoon Guards and Yorkshire Yeomanry. Interactive exhibits and military vehicles fascinate children interested in military history. Free admission makes it an accessible educational visit.
JORVIK Viking Centre · York
A world-famous immersive ride through a reconstructed Viking-age York, built on the original excavation site. The sights, sounds, and smells of 10th-century life captivate children of all ages.
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.
National Railway Museum · York
The world's largest railway museum and completely free, housing Mallard, the fastest steam locomotive ever built, alongside hundreds of historic engines and carriages. An unmissable full day for train-mad families.
National Trust · York
Historic townhouse showcasing period rooms and beautiful gardens just behind York Minster. Family trails and activity packs make exploring fun for children. The walled garden provides a peaceful spot for outdoor play.
York Archaeological Trust · York
Educational archaeology workshops where children learn excavation techniques and artifact analysis. Handle real archaeological finds and try historical crafts. School holiday programmes bring York's history to life through hands-on activities.
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.
York Museums Trust · York
Impressive art collection spanning seven centuries in a beautifully renovated gallery space. Family-friendly activities and workshops run during school holidays. The Centre of Ceramic Art features stunning pottery collections that captivate all ages.
York Castle Museum · York
A brilliantly immersive social history museum with a reconstructed Victorian street, period rooms, and a fascinating prison wing. Children are gripped by the everyday objects and stories from centuries past.
York Cocoa House · York
Interactive chocolate museum and workshop space celebrating York's chocolate heritage. Hands-on chocolate making sessions let children create their own treats. Learn about cocoa bean to bar process 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.
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.
Escape Reality York · York
Themed escape room experiences challenging families to solve puzzles and escape within 60 minutes. Multiple rooms with different themes and difficulty levels available. Great for encouraging teamwork and problem-solving skills.
York Minster · York
One of the greatest Gothic cathedrals in Europe with a tower climb offering breathtaking rooftop views across the city. The medieval stained glass and undercroft museum fascinate children and adults equally.
Make A Pot Studio · York
Drop-in and bookable pottery painting sessions where families can create their own ceramic pieces. Choose from hundreds of items to paint from mugs to money boxes. Finished pieces are glazed and fired, ready for collection within a week.
York Printmaking Studios · York
Family printmaking workshops introducing various printing techniques from lino cutting to screen printing. Professional artists guide participants through creating unique artworks. All materials and equipment provided in a creative studio environment.
Make It York · York
Seasonal workshops teaching children traditional skills like woodwork, textiles and crafts. Led by experienced makers in small group settings. Children create items to take home while learning new techniques.
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.
York Theatre Royal · York
Traditional pantomime performances during the winter season with professional casts and spectacular staging. Family-friendly shows encourage audience participation and laughter. The historic theatre creates a magical atmosphere for children's first theatre experience.
York's Chocolate Story · York
A guided tour through York's rich chocolate-making heritage with tastings, demonstrations, and the chance to make your own chocolate. Hugely popular with children — book ahead as sessions fill quickly.
Yorkshire Museum · York
A world-class collection of Roman, Viking, and medieval treasures set in beautiful botanical gardens. The Roman helmet and Viking silver hoard are among the finest objects on display anywhere in the UK.