Schools out, summer’s in and there are six long weeks to fill.
Fortunately York has loads on to keep the whole family occupied. And even more fortunately, we’re here to guide you to all the goodies.
We will be adding more to this guide as new events come in, so keep checking back. And if your favourite event or attraction is missing, drop us a line.
The summer guide 2017 is created in association with York’s Chocolate Story, which has a range of great family events inside and out.
So what are you waiting for? Bring on the hols!
All summer long
Terry’s Guided City Walk
York’s Chocolate Story
July 30 — September 3 every Thursday and Sunday, 1pm and 4pm
£4.95
The new city walk will take visitors around the city, looking at key buildings and areas connected to Terry’s. You’ll hear tales that have come straight from the workers themselves, and get to try a series of exclusive samples connected to the company.
Summer holiday activities at the Yorkshire Museum
Make your own sagas, drums and brooches as part of the Vikings season – see the link for what’s on when.
Summer events at Beningbrough Hall
This summer at Beningbrough there is art to look at, with portraits from David Beckham to Beatrix Potter, art to make and do, and bugs in the gardens – see the link for what’s on when.
Summer holiday activities at York Art Gallery
Don’t miss your chance to play around of Leisure Land Golf in the Art Garden, plus accessible story making – see the link for what’s on when.
Summer Sleuthing
Discover the science behind crime and mystery and follow the clues to solve a murder with fun events for detectives of all ages.
Summer holiday activities at York Castle Museum
Meet the characters of old York, and enjoy tasty treats – see the link for what’s on when.
Garden fun at Treasurer’s House
Enjoy giant jenga, croquet and garden games in our small but perfectly formed garden with neighbouring York Minster on the skyline.
York Maze
York Maze, Elvington Lane, York
Open daily from Sat July 15 to Mon Sept 4 @ 10am-6.30pm
£13.50-£15.50
York Maze is not just the largest maze in the UK, it’s an award winning fun filled, day out in the country. With over 20 different rides, attractions and shows to enjoy York Maze offers an amazing fun-filled full family day out.
250 Year’s Of Terry’s
York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York
Open daily from 10am
£9.50-£11.50, children under 4
York’s Chocolate Story is a fascinating fully guided tour through the history of York’s most famous chocolate-making families and their finest creations. This year, check out its exhibition marking 250 years since Terry’s began and have a go at making some Terry-like sweet treats.
Family fun
Micklegate Soapbox Challenge
It’s back, bigger and more bonkers. Watch as teams hurtle down the hill in handcrafted go-karts of variable roadworthiness.
Tractor Ted comes to Murton Park
Come and meet Tractor Ted at Murton Park on August 6th! Ted has promised to bring along all his friends and his bouncy castle as well. It sounds like there will be a lot of fun to be had, including welly wanging, Ted’s activity trail and giant jigsaw.
Poo Day
Join in at historic Barley Hall this summer and learn all about the muckier side of archaeology.
St Leonard’s Hospice It’s a Knockout
Teams representing a range of businesses, organisations and families will be facing a silly, fun and foamy tournament of games. Fun to watch or join in on the other events during the day, there will be rides, tombolas, games, stalls and inflatables as well as food stands.
York Unleashed – York’s Comic-Con
A mighty mix of cosplay, star guests – including former Doctor Who Peter Davison – gifts and memorabilia, and workshops – who’s enrolling for Zombie Survival School?
Holgate Windmill
Holgate Windmill, Windmill Rise, York
August 5, 6, 19, 20, 28 and Sept 2, 3
£3, children £1
During these open days tour York’s working windmill, and maybe buy some flour to bake with at home.
Art, books and stories
Summer Reading Challenge
Explore York libraries need your help to crack the puzzle of some peculiar happenings. The Animal Agents are on the case but they want children to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge to solve the mystery…
Crafty fun at York Minster
Families can enjoy hands-on animal craft activities that celebrate the theme of Noah’s Ark. There will also bespecial storytelling sessions and fun family-friendly tours of the cathedral on each of these activity days.
Chocolate walking tours
Find out more about Terry’s 250 year history – and try some tasty treats – at York’s Chocolate Story this summer – learn more here
Story time at York’s libraries
Take your tots to one of York’s many excellent libraries this summer to chill out with a good story.
Plates With Faces
Take inspiration from the new ceramics exhibition and paint your own paper plate so it smiles or frowns.
Little Diggers – Norse Myths and Stories
A Viking storyteller, called a skald, hits DIG to weave some magical tales and sagas.
Animals and outdoors
Meet the Creatures
A Meet the Creatures session with a few small and friendly exotic animals. Kids will get to see and touch some amazing animals from around the world.
Little Diggers: Garden Explorers
Explore DIG’s sensory garden and discover what you can find out about archaeology from what we know about bugs and animals.
Big Bug Bonanza
They’re celebrating all things invertebrate this summer, with daily talks, trails, themed crafts and brilliant bug events all holiday.
Sporty fun
York 10K
Hailed as one of the most beautiful city runs in the country, runners pound through the heart of York cheered on by large crowds. The route takes in some of the city’s stunning scenery and historic landmarks, including Clifford’s Tower and York Minster.
Ebor Festival
York’s oldest, richest, fastest, and most famous races provide sporting excellence combined with fashion and fun over four fabulous days.
Junior Parkrun
A free, timed 2km run for children aged from 4 to 14. Starts from the main entrance to the racecourse at 9am. Make sure the kids keep active this summer and get their trainers on every Sunday at the park run.
Shows
Great Yorkshire Fringe
The Great Yorkshire fringe will become a key summer event in York’s entertainment calendar, bringing the best in comedy, cabaret, theatre and music to Yorkshire.
Music Showcase Weekend
It’s time for the weekend that combines fab racing with top music. It’s Jess Glynne on the Friday evening and All Saints on the Saturday.
Robin Hood: The Arrow Of Destiny
There’s a lot more to being cool than standing around Sherwood Forest in green tights! Join the young people who are putting on this funny, fast-moving take on Robin and his outlaws.
Stage Experience: FAME
Stage Experience returns with the musical story of a group of star-struck hopefuls trying to make it on Broadway. Will Carmen achieve the fame she craves? Will Serena make it to become a successful actress? Will hard work pay off for Tyrone? You’ll have to hit the Grand Opera House to find out…
The Tiger Who Came To Tea
The timeless children’s book by Judith Kerr is turned into a musical play. When the doorbell rings, the last person Sophie and her mum expect to see is a stripy tiger. Suitable for children aged three and upwards.
Sherlock Holmes: A Study In Scarlet
By Jove Holmes, are Nightshade Productions staging one of your stories as never before? Yes Watson, partly performed on the street and partly in the pub. But be warned this is for seven year olds and upwards only.
Musical Play In A Week
A summer week of creativity and fun for 10 to 15 year olds! Aimed at youngsteres who enjoy acting, making music (any instrument or voice) and listening to thrilling stories from the past.
History fun
Viking: Rediscover The Legend
Yorkshire Museum, Museum Gardens York
open daily, 10am-5am
Free for a YMT card holder or for a child, up to £7.50 otherwise
Featuring some of the most exciting Anglo-Saxon and Viking discoveries ever made, this new exhibition explores how the Vikings transformed life in Britain.
Little Diggers: Norse Myths and Stories
Have a go at mythical crafts and activities while we explore the characters, gods and monsters of Viking sagas.
Pre-booking essential due to limited spaces.
Archaeology in Coppergate
Join in with a host of fun activities showcasing the exciting world of archaeology!
Rowntree’s Theatrical Performances
York Castle Museum, Eye of York
July 27-Aug 2 @ 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm
Free with admissiom
Lawrence, the grandson of Joseph Rowntree, died in the Battle of Passchendaele which started 100 years ago on July 31 1917.To commemorate the anniversary of the battle actors Rebecca Beattie or Charlotte Wood will provide performances of the life of Lawrence Rowntree using extracts from his journal.
Living History at the Hall
Barley Hall’s award winning volunteer team are offering visitors a special treat this summer when they take the Hall back in time, showcasing serving life from the late-medieval period.
Animals In The First World War
Drop in activity led by local artist Abi Hiskey exploring the animals who made a difference during the First World War.
WWII Living History Bank Holiday Weekend
Reenactors bring the Second World War homefront to life over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Made in York
This exhibition celebrates the wealth of this Georgian city’s inventive and enlightened output through 1670-1830.
Little Diggers: Archaeology of the Future
What will archaeologists discover when they look back at us in 100 years? That’s the question at this fun workshop…
Shopping
Summer Social at York Designer Outlet
Make up, magic and football – just some of the activities for children on at the shopping centre on Thursdays over the summer.
Transport
Vintage Props Day
Vintage propeller aircraft are celebrated at this special day, including the original Dakota.
Yorvik Morris Minor Owners Club Rally
See the summer holidays out with a classic car rally. Previous years have seen 60 old Morris Minors gathered at Eden Camp.
Golden Era Vintage Motorcycle Run
An annual nostalgic gathering of amazing pre 1931 vintage motorcycles with many examples over 100 years old.
Further afield
Piglets Adventure Farm
Lots of activities on the farm, from the fairy trail to Fatt Matt’s Circus.
Castle Howard
Woodland exploration, gravity-inspired hill rolling and water-borne fun are all lined up for Castle Howard’s Summer Explorer Adventures.