If you’re looking for things to do in York this May half term, then we have a guide for you.
There’s plenty of fun for all the family happening in York this May half term.
Are we missing an event? Let us know by dropping us a line at [email protected]. This guide will be continually updated.
What’s on in York this May half term
Family fun
Minibeasts in May at Castle Howard
Join us at Skelf Island Adventure Playground for daily minibeast activities, including mud pie making, bug hunting and building a bug hotel during May half term.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Sat 25 May – Sun 2 Jun
- Multiple times
- More info
Feathered friends half-term trail
Can you follow the trail and find the birds hidden in the gardens? Collect your trail sheet from the welcome team and start your hunt around the gardens. Find the wooden birds and discover more about our feathered friends on this self-led trail.
- Beningbrough, York, YO30 1DD
- Sat 25 May – Sun 2 Jun
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
May half term fun at Eden Camp
Journey back in time this May half term to explore the sights, sounds, and even the smells of what life was like on both the Home Front and Front Line during the Second World War. Explore the 22 original POW huts and discover personal tributes and unique stories through immersive displays covering various aspects such as The Blitz, the Street at War (with rationing and fashions), the Home Guard, Evacuation, the Battle of Britain, and VE & VJ Day. We have our traditional war games dotted around the museum all week, and talks with members of the team inside our Heritage Hall!
- Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton, YO17 6RT
- Sat 25 May – Sun 2 Jun
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
May Half term: Family Gardening Festival
Join the fun this May half term at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, at our Family Gardening Festival with Burgon & Ball. With family craft activities, garden trails, exciting entertainment and storytime adventures.
- RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Ln, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB
- Sat 25 May – Sun 2 Jun
- 9:30am – 6pm
- More info
The Witches Hex at Hole in Wand
There’s half term fun at The Hole in Wand. Can you break the curse of Mary Bateman? Yorkshire’s most notorious witch has placed a hex on hole 3 and it’s up to you to try and break the curse!
- The Hole In Wand, 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York, YO1 9NT
- Sat 25 May – Sun 2 Jun
- 10am – 7pm
- More info
Spring Adventures in Wonderland at Stockeld Park
Join us from for a whimsical journey through Wonderland, where the magic of spring comes to life! Embark on an unforgettable family experience filled with enchanting activities inspired by the beloved tale of Alice in Wonderland. Meet the delightful characters, follow the enchanted forest trail, and enter the Queen’s labyrinth maze…if you dare!
- The Adventure Park, Stockeld Park, Wetherby, LS22 4AN
- Sat 25 May – Sun 2 Jun
- 9:30am – 6pm
- More info
Tales from the Trail
Two slightly madcap Victorian characters will be on Kirkgate at various times during the days to interact with each other and with the visitors. Short scenes take place, each concerning a story or a bit of fun about objects to be purchased from the shops of Kirkgate, all belonging within our Time Travellers museum trail.
- York Castle Museum, Eye of York, York YO1 9RY
- Sat 25, Wed 29, Thu 30 May & Sat 1 Jun
- All day
- More info
May half term at York Minster
Keep the whole family entertained with free activities designed to help young explorers discover the medieval Minster. Take a family-friendly discovery tour, follow their new STEM trails: Maths Quest, Light Quest and Nature Quest, grab a Little Explorer Backpack, and more.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Sat 25 May – Sun 2 Jun
- 9:30am – 4pm
- More info
Mayhem at Piglets Adventure Farm
Are you ready for the mischief and mayhem to begin this half term at Piglets? Watch gravity-defying stunts at the Circus, take part in Animal Encounters sessions and splash into action at the Beach.
- Piglets, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST
- Sat 25 May – Sun 2 Jun
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
May Half Term at Mother Shipton’s
This May Half Term, all you need is faith, trust and pixie dust. Join us for a fantastical journey at Mother Shipton’s and step into the enchanting world of Peter Pan with ‘Lost Boys’. Embark on an adventure like no other as you explore themed displays inspired by the wild children from the beloved story of Peter Pan. From shipwrecks to pirate hideouts and fairy-themed displays, pose amidst scenes straight out of a story book.
- Mother Shipton’s Cave, Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD
- Sat 25 May – Sun 2 Jun
- 10am – 5:30pm
- More info
May Half Term at Murton Park
With a Princesses & Knights theme, this May Half Term is going to be epic! More details to come.
- Murton Park, Murton, York, YO19 5UF
- Sat 25 May – Sun 2 Jun
- 10am – 4:30pm
- More info
May Half Term at Yorkshire Air Museum
Yorkshire Air Museum have some great things for kids for half term. As well as their new theme ‘Elvington 44/45 The Fight For Liberty’, they have their regular Harriers Trail and a bonus: the Fire Station will be opening its doors on the Monday and Thursday (27th and 30th). You can climb aboard their magnificent Pathfinder Airport Crash Truck!
- Yorkshire Air Museum, Halifax Way, Elvington, York YO41 4AU
- Sat 25 May – Sun 2 Jun
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
May Half Term at Beetle Bank Open Farm
Join in the family fun on the farm this half term! Come and cuddle all the friendly animals, feed the farmyard residents, get creative with arts and crafts, have fun on the crazy farm bouncy castle and mega slide, and much more.
- Beetle Bank Open Farm, Moor Lane, Murton, York, YO19 5XD
- Mon 27 – Fri 31 May
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
May Half Term at Oxygen York
This May half-term families are invited to visit Oxygen York to play, jump, dance and join in with the big-time fun. There’s interconnected trampolines, a parkour area, an inflatable park, an interactive sports pitch with AirTrack, airbag jump & trapeze, as well as baby and toddler Soft Play. Guests can get more Activeplay for less this half-term with the Winners’ Pass, there will be challenges and contests, a High-Flying Holiday Club, and more.
- Oxygen York, Clifton Moor Centre, Hurricane Way, Rawcliffe, York YO30 4XU
- Mon 27 – Fri 31 May
- 9am – 7pm
- More info
Make Space For Girls Festival 2024
Throughout the month of June (and the May half-term holiday), there are over 30 free events and activities happening in York parks. The festival aims to encourage teenage girls to engage in public spaces, try new things, meet new people and have fun! Events in 2024 include; Sports & Exercise, Arts & Crafts, Performing Arts, Creative Writing, Nature Crafts, Wellbeing Sessions, Photography and more.
- Multiple locations
- From Tue 28 May
- Multiple times
- More info
Kids Dig York
Do you know a budding archaeologist? Do impromptu excavations take place in your back garden? Kids Dig York is a project aimed at children aged between 8 and 12. Sessions are led by professional archaeologists from York Archaeology and during each 3-hour session, children, accompanied by parents/guardians, will get hands-on experience of real archaeological fieldwork in a trench at our excavation at Willow House.
- Willow House, 34 Long Cl Ln, York YO10 4UP
- Thu 30 May – Sun 2 Jun
- 9:30am – 12:30pm and 1:30pm – 4:30 pm
- More info
York Pride
A fun day for all the family that celebrates love, inclusion and diversity – with a parade, performances, and fab food and drink.
- York Knavesmire
- Sat 1 Jun
- From 12pm
- More info
Super shows
Story Craft Theatre’s Once Upon a Fairytale
Fairytales have been around for centuries. Passing from generation to generation taking on different twists and turns there are usually lessons to be learnt and characters to love . . . as well as those to watch out for. In this show we travel through a whole host of some favourite fairytales and meet some familiar faces along the way; Little Red Riding Hood, The Gingerbread Man and some hungry Bears to name a few!
- Acomb Explore Library & New Earswick Library
- Tue 28 May
- 10am (Acomb) & 2pm (New Earswick)
- More info
The Three Bears
Deep in the forest live Mammy, Daddy and Baby Bear. Each day the Three Bears head into the woods to collect interesting things to re-use in their home. Soon their cosy house is turned upside down by a colourful whirlwind that threatens to sit in their chairs, eat their porridge and sleep in their beds. It’s Goldilocks! Bring your bears for an adventure in the woods, with original music, puppets and a tale you thought you knew.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Wed 29 May
- 11:30am & 2:30pm
- More info
The Showstoppers’ Kids Show
If your children could create their very own dream musical – where would they start? The Showstoppers’ Kids Show takes your kids’ ideas and turns them into marvellous, musical adventures from scratch, in front of their very noses. Together we’ll explore magical kingdoms as kids decide where the story is set, what happens next and who the characters are. From their imaginations to the stage – everything is made up on the spot entirely from audience suggestions, but grown-ups take heed: we ONLY take suggestions from kids!
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Thu 30 May
- 2pm
- More info
Arts and crafts
Bath Bomb Making with Lush York
Join us at Lush York to celebrate Spring Half-Term Holiday with an hour of fun! Make a Toby’s Magic Cow Bath Bomb, get hands on with Lush products and take home a goodie bag containing Sunny Days Eye Pads, Rainbow Bubble Bar and samples.
- Lush York, 3 Coney St, York YO1 9QL
- Sat 25 – Sun 26 May & Sat 1 – Sun 2 Jun
- Multiple time slots
- More info
Spring Collage Workshop with Little Pickle Creatives
Join Little Pickle Creatives this May half term for a whimsical and colourful spring collage workshop! Let your creativity bloom and craft your very own collage rainbow, wreath, flowers with all materials provided.
- Spark:York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9NX
- Wed 29 May
- 2-3pm
- More info
Make a Bug Library!
Even bugs need a library – somewhere safe and cosy to chill out. Join us and build your very own Bug Library. Decorate it with stickers to personalise it. Take your bug library home, put it in an outdoor space and wait to see who comes to check in!
- Acomb Explore, Front Street, Acomb, York YO24 3BZ
- Fri 31 May
- 10:30am – 12pm
- More info
More half term fun
Malton Food Lovers Festival
Malton Food Lovers Festival is a celebration of Yorkshire’s finest produce & cooking. Expect artisan stalls, delicious street food, talks, tastings, celebrity chefs, demos, festival bar, live music & much, much more!
- Malton town centre, YO17 7LX
- Sat 25 – Mon 27 May
- From 9am (Sat) or 10am (Sun & Mon)
- More info
Retro Games Night
Join us at SPARK as we team up with Sore Thumb Retro Games to step back in time and relive the nostalgia of yesteryears! Get ready for an evening filled with pixelated adventures, button-mashing excitement, and a blast from the past that will transport you to the golden era of gaming.
- Spark:York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9NX
- Tue 28 May
- 7-10pm
- More info
Family Chocolate Masterclass
Discover the magic of chocolate making this May half-term! Dive into our masterclass and awaken your inner chocolatier. Whip up a variety of mouth-watering chocolate delights with your family and create cherished memories.
- Spark:York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9NX
- Tue 28, Wed 29 & Fri 31 May
- 10:45am & 2:15pm
- More info
Comic Con Mania
Monopoly Events is proud to be bringing Comic Con to York Barbican this summer. Expect celebrity guests from film and TV, cosplay, console gaming, anime, manga, prop and set recreations, board gaming, trade stands, comics, workshops, interactive Q&A’s and more!
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Sat 1 Jun
- 11am
- More info