Here’s our guide to things to do in York and beyond this May half term.
Summer is just around the corner, and there’s lots of fun to be had with family and friends during the May half term.
There’s garden games at York Designer Outlet, its the return of the Eboracum Roman Festival, visit the Mayhem Circus at Piglets Adventure Farm, the first ever magical Wizardfest – and much more! Check out our full guide below.
Things to do in York this May half term
Featured event
Half term at York Designer Outlet
Visit York Designer Outlet this half term for the perfect day out with friends and family.
Explore over 100 brands with up to 60% off RRP and choose from over 15 cafes and restaurants including Wagamama, Five Guys and Pizza Express.
Keep the little ones entertained with our outdoor covered play area, garden games including table tennis and draughts plus our McArthurGlen cars are available to hire
Plus if you visit on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 May you can enjoy an extra 20% off outlet prices in many of your favourite brands including Puma, Replay, Tommy Hilfiger, Vans and many more at our Late night shopping event.
Shop with us from 9am until 10pm and enjoy live music, free face painting, a Buzz & Bloom kids trail plus our popular Drop to Win game hosted by YorkMix on the 29 May for a chance to win prizes from your favourite brands!
- York Designer Outlet, St. Nicholas Avenue, York, YO19 4TA
- More info
Don’t miss
Eboracum Roman Festival 2025
The Eboracum Roman Festival returns this May! From a living history encampment and an impressive parade through the streets, to a symposium and lectures featuring Professor Mary Beard, Peter Addyman, John Oxley and many others, the Roman Festival will have something for everyone.
- Various locations
- Mon 19 – Sat 31 May
- Various times
- More info
Mini Beast Activities at Skelf Island Adventure Playground
Join us at Skelf Island Adventure Playground for daily activities celebrating in all things creepy-crawly native to North Yorkshire. From bug-hunts to bug hotel building, mudpie making and wildflower cork painting, there’s plenty of opportunity to get stuck in.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun
- 10:30am – 3pm
- More info
Mayhem Circus at Piglets Adventure Farm
Daily from 24th May to 1st June, watch gravity-defying stunts at the Circus, take part in exciting Circus workshops and Animal Encounters sessions and splash into action at the Beach!
- Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST
- Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Malton Food Lovers Festival
Set across the streets of Yorkshire’s Food Capital, 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’s family foodie extravaganza is a festival like no other. A giant celebration, a huge gourmet street party – “Yorkshire’s Foodie Glastonbury” is back!
- Malton Market Place
- Sat 24 – Mon 26 May
- 9am – 6pm
- More info
Into the Light: Exhibition and events programme
Join us as we celebrate the untold stories of Britain’s Black ballet dancers, brought centre stage for the first time in a new touring exhibition coming to York Explore in May 2025. During the May school half-term, the exhibition will be accompanied by an exciting programme of workshops, including dance, storytelling, photography, VR and more.
- Various locations
- Fri 2 – Sat 31 May
- Various times
- More info
Family fun
Good day, bad day…at Beningbrough
Step into the shoes of a servant at Beningbrough with a servant’s game of life trail. Spin the wheel to discover whether it’s a good day or a challenging one as you take on the role of the groom, a kitchen maid, or other hardworking staff. Experience the highs and lows of life behind the scenes in this fun, interactive family adventure in the garden, hall and laundry.
- Beningbrough, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 1DD
- Sat 24 May – Sun 31 Aug
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Mermay Magic at Dreamery Gardens
In May we celebrate Mermaids in the gardens and Museum, and the flowering Rhododendrons and bluebells.
- Dreamery Gardens, YO41 1AP
- Thu 1 – Sat 31 May
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
Tank Week at Eden Camp
Get ready to feel the ground shake beneath your feet as Tank Week comes to Eden Camp! This May half term, we’re bringing history roaring back to life with a full week dedicated to the power, engineering, and legacy of some of the most iconic armoured vehicles in military history. Whether you’re a dedicated enthusiast, a curious learner, or planning an unforgettable family day out, Tank Week is your front-row seat to history in motion.
- Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton, YO17 6RT
- Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Fountains Abbey
Enjoy a bird themed nature trail and see how many papier mache birds you can spot hiding in the trees around the bird hide. Learn more about the birds that call Fountains Abbey home while you take in the beautiful scenery of the abbey and water gardens. The papier mache birds have been made by Henshaws, a local charity based in Knaresborough.
- Fountains, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY
- Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun
- 10am – 4:30pm
- More info
The Shambles Market Owl Trail
Embark on a family adventure at the Magical Owl Trail and see if you can find every hidden owl nestled among the Shambles Market stalls! Pick up your trail checklist and special completion sticker from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre, then follow the clues as you wander through the market’s charming aisles.
Once you’ve tracked down all the owls, return your completed checklist for a chance to win a Family Wizard Tour with the award-winning Wizard Walk of York.
- Shambles Market, York
- Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun
- All day
- More info
Fairyfolk May Half Term
A majestic Maytime journey through an ancient woodland alive with fairyfolk and folklore at Mother Shipton’s Cave. From the Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June, follow the flutter of wings and the glimmer of fairy dust into a magical realm where Fairyfolk roam free! Inspired by ancient folklore, fairytales, and the beauty of springtime traditions, this enchanting event invites visitors of all ages to explore a woodland bursting with wonder. Come dressed up as a fairy, goblin, sprite, or hobbit and embark on a mystical quest through themed displays and hidden fairy dens.
- Mother Shipton’s Cave Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD
- Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
May half term at RHS Harlow Carr: The Great Garden Game-a-thon
Come along to RHS Harlow Carr for a week of fun and games! Get stuck into giant garden games and pit yourself against family and friends in a sports day challenge with the Garden Detectives.
- RHS Harlow Carr, Crag Ln, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB
- Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun
- 9:30am – 6pm
- More info
Historical Heroes at Murton Park
Step back in time with us this May Half Term as we celebrate ‘Historical Heroes’! If you think of all the wonderful things in the world, someone somewhere invented it, discovered it, or was the first person to try it: Rosa Parks was an ordinary woman who took a stand to help Black people in America be treated fairly. Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the moon. Mary Anning was one of the greatest fossil hunters to ever live. There are trails, crafts, wizard football, train rides, and more.
- Murton Lane, Murton, York, YO19 5UF
- Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun
- 10am – 4:30pm
- More info
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Hop on board for an unforgettable family adventure this May half term at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. From hands-on activities and creative play to exciting bird encounters, there’s something to keep every little explorer entertained all week long. Plus, enjoy the added bonus of our special autocar services.
- North Yorkshire Moors Railway, all stations
- Sat 24 – Sat 31 May
- 9:30am – 6:45pm
- More info
Fun at the Fete for May half-term
It’s fun and games for all the family during half-term at Nunnington. This May half term, be transported to the fun of a village fete with themed games throughout the gardens. Have a go at hook-a-duck and test your aim at the coconut shy in this one-week extravaganza.
- Nunnington, near York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5UY
- Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun
- 10:30am – 5pm
- More info
May Half-Term – 90 for 60 at Oxygen York
90 mins for the price of 60 at Oxygen Activeplay, RedKangaroo & Boost! That’s right 90 minutes of action-packed Open Play for the Price of a 60 minute session. That’s 30 minutes of FREE extra playtime this May Half Term – more bouncing, more fun, same price!
- Clifton Moor Centre, Hurricane Way, Rawcliffe, York, YO30 4XU
- Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun
- 9am – 7pm
- More info
Tommy Treebark’s Wild Adventure
Tommy needs your help! Can you track down 50 wild Yorkshire animals hiding all around York? Hidden on brightly coloured benches all around York are 50 amazing animals. Each one is found somewhere in the wilds of Yorkshire, from the tiny 7-spot Ladybird to the great Dales Pony. Find all 50 animals to collect a prize!
- York city centre
- Fri 25 Apr – Sun 14 Sep
- All day
- More info
Web Adventure Park
Enjoy a Full Day of Fun at the Park this May holiday! Get ready for a jam-packed day with access to our indoor play, rides, outdoor adventure park, role play villages, laser tag, and animal area. Don’t miss the return of Dazzling Darren with his magical entertainment that’s fun for all ages, games, magic and the odd silly prank! Splash, dance, and laugh in our exciting foam-filled fun zone – perfect for kids (and adults) who love to get a little messy.
And there’s rides galore! Take a spin on the King Sizzler, light up your day with the Supertrouper, dive into the Fun House, ride the Mine Train, soar with the Balloons, whirl around the Toy Set Carousel, feel the breeze on the Swing, race your friends on Race ‘a Rama, bump along in the Bumper Cars, and giggle through the Cups & Saucers plus more rides!
- Web Adventure Park, Wigginton Road, York, YO32 2RH
- Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun
- 9:30am – 6pm
- More info
William’s Jungle Adventures
Get ready to unleash your inner explorer this May half term as William’s Jungle Adventure swings into action! Our wild jungle experience is packed with thrilling challenges, hilarious trials, and memory-making moments for all ages.
From taste tests and mystery boxes to obstacle courses and scavenger hunts, the jungle is bursting with surprises around every corner. Do you have what it takes to be crowned King or Queen of the Jungle? There’s only one way to find out… adventure awaits!
- William’s Den, Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave, HU15 2LS
- Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Wizardfest 2025
WizardFest is York’s very first festival of Wizardry! Conjured up by The Wizard Walk of York, co-hosted with Little Vikings York for Kids and supported by Visit York, there’s plenty of magical activities to get involved with – such as tours and trails, whimsical workshops, fantastical food and drink, and much more.
- Various locations
- Sat 24 – Mon 26 May
- Various times
- More info
May Half Term at Yolk
Get ready for an unforgettable May Half Term at Yolk Farm with two fantastic experiences designed for little adventurers (and their grown-ups!). Immerse yourselves in the gentle sensory world of our alpacas with a hands-on encounter, and then unleash your creativity in our wonderfully messy mural painting session.
- Yolk Farm, Minskip Road, Boroughbridge, York, YO51 9HY
- Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun
- From 9:30am
- More info
Theatre and music
Princess Live!
Princess Live! is the ultimate princess pop party, featuring your favourite fairytale royalty in this all singing all dancing hour long concert show.
The Princesses are tired of their royal duties. So they decided to come together and make the ultimate pop girl group. Cinderella’s fairy godmother has given her a magic wand so she can give the other princesses a new look and style. With pop and musical theatre songs that will get the whole family singing and dancing along. Imagine your favourite princesses but as you’ve never seen them before.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Mon 26 May
- From 9:30am
- More info
Hoglets Theatre: Wood Owl and the Box of Wonders
A lonely little owl wants nothing more than to fly into the night and join his friends. But how can he, when he is made from wood? The arrival of another lonely soul changes his life as he strives to help.
Join Hoglets Theatre on a magical journey of singing owls, fantasy worlds, friendship and love. Featuring beautiful handmade puppets, original songs and music and an age-old message that the love we show to others comes back to us in time.
- Tang Hall Explore, York, YO31 0HA
- Tue 27 May
- 11am
- More info
Wonders of Our Universe
Immerse yourself in an evening of cosmic exploration, meticulously crafted to deliver a visually stunning and emotionally charged journey through the universe, this show weaves together distinctive storytelling with breath-taking visuals, allowing imaginations to soar and inspiring minds of all ages.
Join us as we delve into the mysteries of stars, planets, galaxies, and black holes, and embark on the quest to find life beyond Earth. Experience the profound ‘Power of Smallness’ and a truly inspirational segment for our younger audience, ‘Destiny.’ Accompanied by a spectacular soundtrack, this show promises to be a memorable family experience for all ages.
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Tue 27 May
- 7pm
- More info
York Theatre Royal TakeOver 2025
TakeOver is a week-long theatre festival run by final year performance students at York St John University. The students take over York Theatre Royal and work as producers, production managers, front of house staff and more!
We have something for everyone whether you want to dance the night away or just enjoy a sit down evening. What are you waiting for, get your sparkly shoes on and come join us for a week long party.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Tue 27 – Sat 31 May
- Various times
- More info
The Carnival of the Animals
Hear the animal kingdom brought to life inside York Minster as young listeners are guided through Camille Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of the Animals performed on the cathedral’s Grand Organ. The perfect introduction to classical music.
The familiar and accessible composition will be accompanied by a narrator sharing fun facts about the wild animals that roam through Saint-Saëns’ creation and York Minster’s history, and will include the chance to get up-close to the organ to see how the instrument is played.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Wed 28 May
- 7pm
- More info
Crafts and workshops
May Half-Term at York’s Chocolate Story
Taste your way through York’s rich chocolate history this May half-term on a Guided Tour, or get hands-on with our Family Chocolate-Making Masterclass experiences.
- York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
- Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun
- Various times
- More info
Make a Magical Familiar
Inspired by historical tales and folklore, this drop-in craft allows you to make your own Familiar – a magical animal companion for a magician, witch or wizard. In the past, mystical animals were believed to assist people in practising their spells and sorcery, and these animals came in all shapes and sizes and had weird and wonderful names.
Come along to learn about historical beliefs about Familiars and let your imagination take over whilst creating your own Familiar out of clay.
- 3 Coffee Yard, York, YO1 8AR
- Sat 24 – Mon 26 May
- 11am – 3pm
- More info
Make your own Bird Library!
Make your own Bird Library to take home with you. Even birds need a library – somewhere safe and cosy to chill out. Join us and build your very own Bird Library! Decorate it to personalise it. Take your bird 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
- Sat 24 – Mon 26 May
- 10:30am
- More info
More half term fun
May Half Term with York RLFC Foundation
Our May half-term holiday programme is made up of funded sessions thanks to funding awarded by Yorkshire Housing and Local Council Ward funding. All our sessions are open access, free to attend sessions! Some sessions will include a snack and a drink for those attending.
- Various locations
- Tue 27 – Fri 30 May
- Various times
- More info
Magical Night Market at Shambles Market
Make your Bank Holiday Monday sparkle at York’s Magical Night Market! Wander beneath soft fairy lights and discover a vibrant array of local traders showcasing handcrafted gifts, charming crafts and one-of-a-kind keepsakes – ideal for family browsing or finding that special treasure.
When the appetite kicks in, indulge in street-food favourites and sweet treats from our hot-food stalls. With plenty of space to mingle and relax in a family-friendly, alcohol-free setting, it’s easy to savour every bite and soak up the buzz.
- Shambles, York, YO1 7LZ
- Mon 26 May
- 7:30pm
- More info