Things to do in Yorkshire for the summer holidays [2026]

Looking for family-friendly activities in Yorkshire for the 2026 summer holiday? Explore 10 fun options in our guide.



Ah, the summer holidays. So full of potential and so hard to fill. If you're a parent or carer struggling to think of how to keep the kids occupied for six weeks, you're definitely far from alone.

We're lucky to be based in the Yorkshire Dales. Here, you'll find plenty of things to do that are fun for all the family – from beaches and wildlife to railways and castles.

And at Stump Cross Caverns, we provide a prehistoric adventure in our limestone chambers and passageways.

So, whether you're a local or looking for a getaway, you're spoilt for choice. Here are 10 fun and family-friendly options to keep the summer blues at bay.

10 Yorkshire family activities for the 2026 summer holiday

Flamingo Land Resort, Kirby Misperton

Flamingo Land Resort is a massive theme park crossed with a massive zoo. It offers over 365 acres of thrilling rides and animals – some 140 species.

It also runs a self-contained holiday village that boasts everything from luxury lodges and cottages to camping pitches.

If you're looking for an exciting day out with some nature thrown in, it's always a safe bet.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Auckley

Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a 150-acre wildlife park and conservation centre in Auckley, Doncaster.

It's home to over 400 animals belonging to more than 70 species. These include the UK's only polar bears as well as Amur leopards, black rhinos, giraffes and the famous Lion Pride of Yorkshire.

There's also Pangea, a prehistoric-themed walkthrough area with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. All the family can enjoy play zones, ranger talks and animal feeding experiences.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering

All aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway! This 24-mile steam and diesel railway runs through the gorgeous heart of the North York Moors National Park, from Pickering to Whitby on the coast.

Along the way, travellers get to see picturesque stations, woodland walks and breathtaking moorland scenery.

You can book a flexible Day Rover Ticket and save 10% if you book at least four days in advance. Every fare-paying adult can bring one child for free on standard services.

Brimham Rocks, near Harrogate

Yorkshire is home to some remarkable rock formations. Case in point: the huge, bizarrely shaped rock formations at Brimham Rocks that are older than the dinosaurs.

The rocks are set in heather moorland – a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) thanks to its three rare local varieties.

And once you've explored the rocks and the blooming heather, you can explore the second-hand bookshop in the visitor centre, complete with a children's section.

Filey Beach, Filey

The five-mile-long golden sands of Filey Beach haven't just been voted one of the best beaches in the UK – they're also some of the safest.

The beach slopes gently into the sea, making it the perfect spot for kids to swim, paddle and build sandcastles.

Meanwhile, the seafront is home to classic seaside attractions, including crazy golf, children's rides and good old fish and chips.

Filey Beach is accessible by train. It's just a short walk across the town from the train station.

Scarborough

Scarborough is a classic family holiday destination for a reason. With its two sandy beaches, amusements, castle and SEA LIFE centre, it's a great place to enjoy the sun – and a great place to keep the kids entertained.

It also serves as a fantastic base for exploring the stunning Yorkshire Coast and the North York Moors.

Castle Howard, near Malton

About 15 miles northeast of York lies one of England's grandest stately homes. Recognisable to viewers of Brideshead Revisited and Bridgerton, it's a quintessentially English masterpiece of Baroque design.

All year round, visitors enjoy its extensive gardens, an adventure playground, woodland walks and family trails – and it's open every day this summer holiday.

Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Halifax

Eureka! The National Children's Museum is a highly interactive, hands-on museum for children aged 0 to 11.

The museum swaps "look, don't touch" for "get involved", treating children to more than 400 interactive exhibits designed to encourage learning through play. 

It features:

• Child-sized environments including a bank, a shop and a kitchen
• A massive sensory exhibition
• The Magic Place – an immersive zone filled with sound and colour
• Open-ended play spaces with climbing equipment, sandpits and giant musical installations

All in all, it's a fabulous day out for curious kids and their grown-up companions.

JORVIK Viking Centre, York

This immense, immersive museum and visitor attraction transports visitors back to 10th-century Viking York.

Featuring animatronics, soundscapes and historical smells, it promises a true-to-life experience of a real Viking settlement.

It's one of York's most popular destinations for families, so make sure you book ahead.

Stump Cross Caverns

Here at Stump Cross Caverns, we welcome families from across the world eager to explore our underground kingdom of stalagmites, stalactites and other weird formations.

Just 65 steps down from the surface, Stump Cross Caverns is a naturally occurring wonderland. And thanks to the unique nature of the caves, they're nice and cool no matter what the sun is doing. Come to be enchanted, stay to cool off – and enjoy a refreshment in our Time Cafe afterwards.



This summer, we have something very special up our sleeves, too. We're hosting a real Ice Age Dig – a unique experience where kids can sift through Ice Age mud in search of genuine prehistoric fossils.

So, if you're looking for a family day out in Yorkshire that the kids will never forget, snap up your tickets today. Right now, we're offering 10% off all online ticket sales, so it's a great chance to save some cash.