Half term is just around the corner – so you might be looking for ideas to keep the kids entertained.
YorkMix have put together a guide on what’s happening in York over the half term.
Board the NYMR Light Spectacular, learn about the Gunpowder Plot at Bar Convent, see the Flying Scotsman at the National Railway Museum, appreciate the wonders of the night sky with the Dark Skies Festival, enjoy family fun at Beningbrough Hall – and much more.
Check out our Halloween guide below for even more ideas on things to do in York during the half term.
What’s on in York this autumn half term
Hide & Seek: The Aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot
A new exhibition at the Bar Convent. Would you be able to recognise an illegal catholic household during the reign of the Tudors and Stuarts? From hiding holes and disguises to invisible ink and objects concealed as everyday household items; find the clues and explore the collections to uncover the ingenious ways that Catholics kept their true religion hidden from the authorities and escaped being caught!
- The Bar Convent Heritage Centre, 17 Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AQ
- 7 Oct – 16 Nov
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
NYMR Light Spectacular
Marvel at our heritage carriages, decorated with thousands of lights, before departing from Pickering Station for an awe-inspiring journey alongside a DJ-Mix of music that will get you in the mood for a party the whole family will enjoy. Each passenger will be given their own interactive LED wristband which is synchronised to the music and passengers become part of the show.
- Pickering Station, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7AJ
- 27 Oct – 5 Nov and 10-12 Nov
- Departing at 6:15pm or 7:45pm
- More info
Half term at the National Railway Museum
There’s lots for Flying Scotsman fans and little engineers to enjoy this October half term. The world’s most famous locomotive, Flying Scotsman will be back in the museum—this time on the turntable in Great Hall for a 360-degree view! There’s also the new hands-on Wonderlab gallery, the Flying Scotsman VR experience, and more.
- National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
- 21 Oct – 5 Nov
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Dark Skies Fringe Festival
The Dark Skies Fringe Festival is back with lots of activities and opportunities to appreciate the wonders of the night sky. It has a jam-packed programme full of exciting after dark adventures for the full family to explore. There’s all manners of night walks, stargazing aplenty, daytime adventures and craft activities, bat-box making, mindful experiences and more.
- Various locations
- 27 Oct – 5 Nov
- Various times
- More info
October half term trail at Beningbrough
Match, measure and make is the new free family nature trail, just for half term. Making the most of the season, it’s all about autumn this week. Match the colours you find as you explore, measure the biggest and smallest leaf you can find and make some origami.
- Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, York YO30 1DD
- 28 Oct – 5 Nov
- 10am – 3:30pm
- More info
The Worst Witch
Pick Me Up Theatre present The Worst Witch, featuring original songs and music by Luke Potter with magic aplenty and a large helping of Mildred’s unique brand of total chaos. Before Harry Potter exploded on the scene there was another seemingly ordinary child who wound up in the most extraordinary of places. A school for witches. Written by Emma Reeves this new adaptation features all of Jill Murphy’s original characters you know and love.
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- 27-29 Oct
- Multiple times
- More info
Autumn half-term at Nunnington Hall
See Nunnington Hall decorated for a seasonal celebration of light and shadow. There’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy, from creating shadow puppets at our shadow station, to a range of activities in the outdoors. Test your wits against a riddle trail to see if you can uncover the hidden creatures that make Nunnington their autumn home…
- Nunnington Hall, York YO62 5UY
- 28 Oct – 5 Nov
- 10:30am – 5pm
- More info
Half term at Yorkshire Air Museum
Half term fun at Yorkshire Air Museum. Details TBC.
- Yorkshire Air Museum, Halifax Way, Elvington, York YO41 4AU
- 28 Oct – 5 Nov
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
October half term at Harlow Carr
Join the fun this half term at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, with activities for all the family to enjoy. From making magic wands to creepy Halloween crafts; animal encounters and your chance to become a garden detective.
- RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, North Yorkshire HG3 1QB
- 28 Oct – 5 Nov
- 9:30am – 6pm
- More info
The Firework-Maker’s Daughter
Come join our magical storyteller as she travels to the Firework Festival, just in time for bonfire night! This wonderful adventure for the whole family features talking elephants, silly kings, magical creatures, and the timeless message that we all have the power to become the person we dream of being.
Based on Philip Pullman’s award-winning novel, this new intimate and fun production is inclusive and accessible for all, featuring Makaton, magic, and lots of audience participation…
- Multiple locations
- 30 Oct, 1-3 Nov
- Multiple times
- More info
The Play Tent at Spark
Children and their grown-ups are invited to play side by side in The PLAY tent within the Show Studio at Spark. The play space will be carefully curated for young children to explore, experiment and make discoveries together. With a focus on Light and Shadow we will provide you with a unique, creative space to enjoy together. The Light and Shadow play sessions will be self-led so that you can explore at your own pace. We will be on hand to support your play as you need us.
- Spark:York, 17—21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB
- 30 Oct, 1-3 Nov
- Sessions at 12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm
- More info
Disney’s Frozen Jr
A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Disney’s Frozen Jr. follows the journey of Princesses Anna and Elsa. Based on the 2018 Broadway and West End musical, Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle come to life, live on stage. Featuring all the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, this production boasts beloved characters and is loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humour. It’s sure to thaw even the coldest heart!
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- 1-4 Nov
- 7:30pm, 2:30pm Sat matinee
- More info
Story Craft Theatre – Knights of the Crafting Table
Come and join Story Craft Theatre for a fun-filled and interactive storytelling adventure! Together, you’ll embark on a quest to uncover the secret of happiness and we’ll use our crafting skills to create a wonderful story. Our sessions are packed with exciting games, singing, crafts, and an engaging interactive story.
- Yorkshire Museum, Museum Gardens, York, YO1 7FR
- 2 Nov
- 1pm & 2pm
- More info
The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen
Amazing tales, elegantly told. Top award-winning improvisers tell extravagant stories all based on the Adventures of Baron Munchausen. Imagine Jackanory meets Whose Line Is It Anyway. There will be pirates and princesses, unicorns and dragons, spacemen and swordfights, and all of it completely and irrefutably true. Perfect for children aged 6-12 and their adults.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- 4 Nov
- 1:30pm
- More info
York Bonfire Walk
Discover York’s explosive history this Bonfire Night on our family-friendly, fire-powered York Bonfire Walk! We’ll meet some incendiary local schoolboys, the flammable Martin brothers, and the French WW2 pilot who saved York from burning to the ground. Oh yes, and we’ll also chase meet the Stonegate volcano-chaser and find some imperial Romans getting into hot water!
- Meet outside St Michael le Belfrey church, High Petergate, York
- 4 Nov
- 2pm & 4pm
- More info