Outdoor activities in York

Get-outside family days in York - parks, gardens, nature trails and outdoor adventures to make the most of a dry afternoon.

25 activities

Acomb Green Play Area
Free

Acomb Green Play Area

City of York Council · York

Community green space with playground facilities and open grass for ball games. Conveniently located in Acomb village with local shops nearby. Regular informal play sessions and community events.

0–23–56–10
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Under 1 hr
Bishopthorpe Road Independent Shops Trail
Free

Bishopthorpe Road Independent Shops Trail

Bishy Road Traders · York

Explore York's independent shopping street with quirky boutiques, toy shops and family cafés. The street has a village feel with child-friendly businesses and outdoor seating. Regular street markets and events create a community atmosphere.

0–23–56–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
Fulford Ings Nature Reserve
Free

Fulford Ings Nature Reserve

City of York Council · York

Riverside meadow nature reserve perfect for easy walks and nature observation. The flat terrain makes it accessible for pushchairs and young walkers. Regular sightings of wetland birds and seasonal wildflowers.

0–23–56–10
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
Glen Gardens Play Area
Free

Glen Gardens Play Area

City of York Council · York

Neighbourhood park with good play equipment and pleasant gardens in the Acomb area. Features swings, slides and climbing apparatus suitable for younger children. Well-maintained with benches for supervising adults.

0–23–56–10
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Under 1 hr
Haxby Woodland Walk
Free

Haxby Woodland Walk

City of York Council · York

Peaceful woodland trail on the outskirts of York perfect for family walks and nature spotting. Well-maintained paths suitable for pushchairs wind through mature trees. Wildlife including birds and squirrels commonly spotted.

0–23–56–10
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
Hob Moor Nature Area
Free

Hob Moor Nature Area

City of York Council · York

Ancient common land with meadows, woodland and ponds supporting varied wildlife. Natural play opportunities include den building and pond dipping during organized events. Network of paths suitable for walking and nature exploration.

3–56–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
Homestead Park
Free

Homestead Park

City of York Council · York

Large community park in the Clifton area with excellent play facilities and open spaces. Features a zip wire, climbing frames and swings for various ages. Tennis courts and bowling green add to the recreational options.

0–23–56–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
Hull Road Park
Free

Hull Road Park

City of York Council · York

Large urban park with sports facilities, playground and plenty of open space for informal games. Basketball court and football area popular with older children. Well-used by local families and community groups.

3–56–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
Knavesmire and York Racecourse Parkland
Free

Knavesmire and York Racecourse Parkland

City of York Council · York

A vast expanse of free public parkland adjoining York Racecourse — perfect for kite flying, cycling, and open-air play. One of the largest free green spaces in any UK city centre.

0–23–56–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
Museum Gardens
Free

Museum Gardens

City of York Council · York

A beautiful free park in the city centre with atmospheric medieval abbey ruins to explore alongside the Yorkshire Museum. Ducks, open grass, and ruined archways make it endlessly appealing to young imaginations.

0–23–56–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Under 1 hr
Rawcliffe Country Park
Free

Rawcliffe Country Park

City of York Council · York

Expansive country park with woodland trails, meadows and wetland areas supporting diverse wildlife. Perfect for nature walks, picnics and bird watching. The park offers a rural escape just minutes from the city centre.

0–23–56–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
River Ouse Boat Trip
£

River Ouse Boat Trip

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.

0–23–56–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Under 1 hr
Rowntree Park
Free

Rowntree Park

City of York Council · York

A lovely free park beside the River Ouse with a well-equipped playground, paddling pool in summer, and flat riverside paths perfect for younger children and pushchairs.

0–23–56–10
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Under 1 hr
Skelton-in-Cleveland Woodland Walk
Free

Skelton-in-Cleveland Woodland Walk

Forestry England · York

Accessible ancient woodland walks on the edge of the North York Moors, a short drive from York city centre. Free, wild, and brilliant for families who want genuine countryside after a day of city sightseeing.

3–56–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
The Shambles
Free

The Shambles

City of York Council · York

Medieval England's best-preserved street, with overhanging timber-framed buildings dating back to the 14th century. Free to wander and endlessly photogenic — a short but unmissable stop on any York visit.

3–56–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Under 1 hr
Treasurer's House
££

Treasurer's House

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.

3–56–1011–16
Setting
Indoor & outdoor
Duration
Half day
Vangarde Shopping Park Play Area
Free

Vangarde Shopping Park Play Area

Vangarde Shopping Park · York

Outdoor play equipment located within the shopping park grounds, providing entertainment while shopping. Modern climbing structures and slides keep children engaged. Restaurants and cafés immediately adjacent.

0–23–56–10
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Under 1 hr
Walmgate Stray
Free

Walmgate Stray

City of York Council · York

Historic common land offering open grassland for kite flying, ball games and picnics. Part of York's ancient Strays that have provided recreation space for centuries. Flat terrain makes it ideal for beginner cyclists and scooters.

0–23–56–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
West Bank Park Playground
Free

West Bank Park Playground

City of York Council · York

A popular community park featuring modern play equipment for different age groups. The park includes a large playing field, basketball court and picnic areas. Well-maintained grounds make it ideal for casual outdoor play.

0–23–56–10
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
York Bird of Prey Centre
££

York Bird of Prey Centre

York Bird of Prey Centre · York

Watch magnificent birds of prey in daily flying demonstrations at this specialist falconry centre. Meet owls, hawks, falcons and eagles up close with experienced handlers. Interactive experiences allow children to handle birds under supervision.

3–56–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
York City Walls Walk
Free

York City Walls Walk

City of York Council · York

Walk the almost complete circuit of York's medieval city walls for free — over three miles of ramparts with dramatic views over the city rooftops. Manageable for primary-age walkers and genuinely atmospheric.

6–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
York Cycle Rally Routes
£

York Cycle Rally Routes

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.

6–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
York Ghost Merchant Tour
£

York Ghost Merchant Tour

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.

6–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Under 1 hr
York Maze
£

York Maze

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.

3–56–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
York Storytelling Festival
£

York Storytelling Festival

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.

3–56–1011–16
Setting
Indoor & outdoor
Duration
Half day