Planning a family outing in North Yorkshire? From flamingos to fossils, from caverns to chocolate, we've got it all. Join us as we run through 10 of the best.
Looking for a day out in North Yorkshire that's suitable for all the family?
Goodness knows it isn't easy to keep everyone satisfied – but we're confident there's something on this list that will tick all the boxes for your day trip.
Whether it's walking with llamas or exploring underground caverns, North Yorkshire is a great destination. Oh, and the scenery is pretty amazing too.
Have a nice trip!
1. Flamingo Land
A theme park, zoo and resort rolled into one, Flamingo Land is based in Kirby Misperton, a 45-minute drive from Scarborough.
Kids will love the rollercoasters and the zoo, which houses camels, tigers, lions and – of course – its famed flamingoes. Keepers give talks and feed some of the animals throughout the day.
Families can stay in one of the resort's log cabins or static caravans and enjoy the gym, leisure centre, golf course and more.
The nearest train station is Malton – or you can get there via the A64 or A170.
2. Scarborough seaside
Are you going to Scarborough Fair? A classic British seaside destination, Scarborough is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, beaches, town centre and family attractions.
As well as the beach, there's a castle, a water park, a sea life centre and more. Great for a day out, Scarborough is also situated conveniently close to the North York Moors National Park and other stunning scenery.
Scarborough has also played a role in 20th-century culture – from Ben Kingsley and Alan Ayckbourn to arthouse horror Saint Maud (don't tell the kids).
3. Eden Camp
Looking for something educational? Eden Camp is a family-run modern history museum built on an old prisoner-of-war camp.
As well as being informative, the museum is suitable for children, who can play in the Prisoner Exercise Compound. It's fitted out with escape tunnels, slides and obstacles. There's a junior play area too.
The nearest town is Malton and the museum has free parking for ticket holders.
4. Nidderdale llamas
Llamas… in Yorkshire? Yes, Nidderdale Llamas is home to llamas and alpacas and offers walking and trekking for all the family.
Based at Kiln Farm near Pateley Bridge, the trekking centre promises glorious views as well as gentle, friendly animal company.
While you can't ride them, you can walk with the animals under the supervision of the owners. While it's ideal for families, there are some age restrictions – only over sevens can spend time with the animals, and you have to be over ten to trek. Treks can last half a day or a full day – see the attraction's website for all the details.
It also offers llama and alpaca therapy. This is geared toward children and adults with emotional difficulties and learning disabilities, as well as adults with dementia.
If you're really taken with the experience, you can adopt an animal. (Go on, you know you want to.)
5. Lightwater Valley Theme Park
Lightwater Valley has over 40 rides and attractions, which are geared toward younger visitors. As well as rollercoasters, it's home to a tree-top net adventure course.
It was once home to The Ultimate, the longest rollercoaster in the world – but that palm has now been taken by Steel Dragon 2000 in Japan.
6. Fossil hunting in Staithes
Get the sea in your lungs with a trip to Staithes. With its cliffside streets and alleyways, it's not unlike Robin Hood's Bay.
It's a goldmine for fossils, especially ammonites. We can't guarantee you'll find any, but it can make for a fun – and free – day out for the family.
While it's definitely suitable for children, care needs to be taken as it can be slippery underfoot – and you'll need to check the tide times to make sure you don't get cut off.
7. York's Chocolate Story
What do KitKats, After Eights and Terry's Chocolate Oranges all have in common? That's right – they were all made in York!
Once known as the Chocolate City, York's cobbled streets were home to Terry's, Rowntree's and more. These companies were big employers for the city.
Now, most of the factories are gone, but the story lives on. York's Chocolate Story is a guided tour of York's illustrious chocolatiers and their sweet creations.
Kids can learn all about chocolate – what it's made from, how it's made and how a true chocolatier judges its taste.
Careful, though, because you might find them pulling your arm in the gift shop...
8. Jorvik Viking Centre
"Jorvik" is the Old Norse word for York – and the Jorvik Centre remembers the city's Viking past.
Visitors enter a time capsule and are transported to 975 AD. From there, they take a tour of a lifelike Viking settlement, complete with animated mannequins.
Next, there's a museum replete with interactive displays and bags of information about 10th-century life. There's also a replica of the Coppergate Helmet – an eighth-century Anglo-Saxon helmet, one of only six remaining.
Booking isn't essential, but it can mean you skip the marauding queues.
9. Raven Tree Top Adventure, Skipton
Want to see the world from above? This high ropes course in Skipton could be just the place for you.
With an array of suspended bridges, zip wires and more, Raven Tree Top Adventure is a perfect day out – but please be aware that under 10s must be supervised at all times.
10. Stump Cross Caverns
Beneath the road from Pateley Bridge to Grassington is a magical network of chambers and passageways.
Discovered in 1860 by two local lead miners, Stump Cross Caverns is now a great destination for a family outing. Take a guided tour of the caves lit by UV light with a kid-friendly quiz to boot.
As well as self-guided tours, we offer a range of events and experiences. Have a poke around our website to find out more!
We hope this article has given you some inspiration for a memorable family day out in Yorkshire.
Interested in visiting Stump Cross Caverns? It's quick and easy to book your tickets online.
