The Best Things to Do with Kids in Yorkshire, UK

The National Children’s Museum, or Eureka! as it’s known, is a must visit for families. Opened in 1992, the museum is home to six unique sections and hundreds of exhibits. The museum is almost fully interactive, giving kids a hands-on learning experience about the world around them, covering everything from biology to baking. The museum is open all year round and with so much to do, make sure you have the whole day free to see it all.

Offering a unique snapshot into Viking life, Jorvik has been astounding kids for more than 30 years. Based on historical digs done in the area, the interactive museum incorporates real archaeological finds and innovative exhibits to place its visitors in the middle of the city nearly 1,000 years ago. Jorvik places an emphasis on authenticity so everything you see is, from historians’ best guess, what it would have been like back then. Discounts are available for family tickets and the museum is in the heart of York City Centre.

For families wanting a bit more of a thrill, the amusement park Lightwater Valley is a great destination. Featuring Europe’s longest roller coaster as well as more than 30 rides and attractions for the kids to enjoy, the park is sure to get their hearts racing. For smaller children, the park has plenty of soft-play areas making it an ideal day out for the whole family. The park is closed during the winter months so if you are planning a visit, make sure it’s for a summer day out!

Since opening in 2002, the Deep has seen more than eight million visitors pass through its doors. One of the largest aquariums in Europe, the Deep puts its conservation efforts front and centre for its guests. The aquarium itself is integral to several breeding programmes and takes pride in its animal care, giving children a first-hand experience of what it takes to care for our oceans. For families wanting to visit, there is plenty to see and discover with dives, interactive displays and aquarist presentations running throughout the day.

A bit more of an eerie experience for the kids, Mother Shipton’s Cave is supposedly the UK’s oldest tourist attraction. Named after the legendary prophetess Mother Shipton, the cave is said to have miraculous healing properties. The park also features the petrifying well, a mysterious waterhole where everyday objects are strung up and slowly turn to stone as part of a natural phenomenon. Outside of its spooky spectacles, the park is set among some beautiful woodland, ideal for getting the kids some fresh air.

Just outside the South Yorkshire town of Doncaster, the Yorkshire Wildlife Park is home to more than 400 different animals. With a mission of conservation and education, the park aims to bring a deeper understanding of the dangers facing the natural world to the younger generation. For those wanting an extra-special visit, meet the animal experiences are available to book where you’ll get up close and personal with some of the park’s more curious creatures such as meerkats, lemurs and wallabies.