Cookie Consent by Free Privacy Policy Generator Update cookies preferences

What's on

What's on

See details of year-round ongoing activities, as well as one-off events taking place near you.

Ongoing activities

Tommy Treebark's Wild Adventure is a free activity which is available until 14 September 2025.

York BID have partnered with local artist Selkie Ray to create a brand-new family friendly trail, celebrating Yorkshire's wild animals.

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!

Take part in 3 easy steps:

  1. Pick up a leaflet from the Visitor Information Centre on Parliament Street.
  2. Find Tommy Treebark's animal friends on the lower sides of the yellow, blue, and pink picnic benches. Write down the animal you find next to the corresponding number on the back of the leaflet - make sure to tag us in your photos of you enjoying the trail!
  3. When you've found all 50, complete your contact information, and hand in your completed leaflet to the Visitor Information Centre on Parliament Street by Saturday 20 September to win a Tommy Treebark badge, soft animal, or mini beast viewer. Please note, prizes are available while stocks last.

See more information about Tommy Treebark's Wild Adventure.

Top of page

Young people across the country are spending Saturday mornings at their local university, college or museum discovering subjects they love. National Saturday Clubs are open to 13- to 16-year-olds of all abilities and are free to attend.

Joining the National Saturday Club is a unique opportunity to learn new skills, discover talents, meet new people, and find out more about further education, higher education and rewarding careers.

Find your local Club and apply to join. In addition, sign up to the National Saturday Club newsletter.

Top of page

Take a short but magical walk around York to seek out eight mythical creatures that are hiding in the city. Perhaps you’ve walked past some of them before and never even noticed them? Once you find each creature you’ll need to unscramble the clues to uncover the magical Mumbler password!

For more information and where to pick up a map visit Mumbler Mythical Creature Quest.

Top of page

Self guided city walk and interactive treasure hunt. Explore the streets of York's city centre, unlocking a hidden trail by finding clues, solving puzzles and completing challenges, earning points along the way all self-guided through the Go Quest Adventures app.

See the area's highlights, explore it's hidden gems and learn some insider history and fun facts along the way - even locals will discover something new!

Book a ticket for Go Quest Adventures.

Top of page

The only tour in York specifically aimed at children.

Spellbinding magic, comedy and a dash of York’s history! Help search for magical creatures on a tour that wizard fans are going Potty for, ideal for children but suitable for all.

  • Date: Selected days and times throughout the summer
  • Location: starting from The Shambles
  • Cost: adults £9, children £9 and wizard wand kits £5

Visit The Wizard Walk of York website for more information, or email: [email protected].

Top of page

The Wonderlab experience is a paid for attraction inside the National Railway Museum (which is free entry). The Wonderlab is a new interactive experience for families with 18 hands on challenges and live experiments!

Max cardholders will receive 50% off entry to the Wonderlab: The Bramwell Gallery, for up to 4 people.

It's free to visit the National Railway Museum.

For more information about the Wonderlab visit the Railway Museum’s website.

Top of page

York RLFC Foundation partnership with Tanglewood Care Homes, Millers Fish & Chips, and York St. John University brings you Fish and Chip Friday. Come together in a warm space, Have a chat over a fish and chip lunch and a cuppa. The subsidised meal costs £6 per person for fish & chips and a drink.

Advanced booking required, email [email protected]. Please note orders must be made before 5.00pm the day before the event.

  • Dates:
    • Friday 25 July 2025
    • Friday 26 September 2025
    • Friday 28 November 2025
  • Time: 12.30pm to 2.30pm
  • Location: York St. John University Sports Park on Haxby Road, YO31 8TA
  • Cost: £6 per person

Top of page

Join us for Armed Forces Day on Saturday 5 July! It’s a fantastic mix of activities, support and exclusive offers. West Offices will buzz with family-friendly activities! Everyone can take part in a brand new city trail marking sites with military connections! Our armed forces community can enjoy special offers and discounts around the city.

  • When: Saturday 5 July
  • Time: 10am to 4pm

Find out more information on York Armed Forces Day website

Top of page

A free festival hosting a weekend of music, nature, creativity and community workshops under the beautiful trees of Homestead Park.

There will be theatre, stories, play, discussions, workshops and food for all to enjoy.

Every student will receive 5 days of professional industry tuition and the opportunity to rehearse and perform in the show, as well as a free PQA Summer School t-shirt.

  • Dates: Saturday 5 July to Sunday 6 July 2025
  • Cost: Free

Find out more information and keep upto date on the Homestead Park Facebook page.

Top of page

Dance, yoga, shadow play, baking music making and art. Growing a group together with our children’s interests and energy. Home Ed and part-time school children. Find out more about ME Time.

To book telephone: 07556019816 or email: [email protected].

  • Date: Thursday 10 July and Thursday 24 July 2025
  • Time: 2.00pm to 4.00pm
  • Location: Clements Hall, YO23 1BW
  • Cost: £11 per family
  • Ages: 3- to 10-years-old

Top of page

One community many voices Saturday 12 July York Explore Library and Archive 11.00am to 4.00pm come along for a showcase of community culture and creativity - all welcome.

For more details visit the  Our City Festival website.

Top of page

Unleash Your Inner Dragon Trainer at DIG!

A legendary new exhibition, Cressida’s Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon School is launching at DIG this summer.

Inspired by a brand-new series from Cressida Cowell, bestselling author of the How to Train Your Dragon series, the exhibition brings the Isle of Berk vividly to life - and your young adventurers are invited to enrol!

Highlights include:

  • greet a Windwalker, the giant dragon soaring overhead
  • meet Hiccup, Gobber the Belch, Old Wrinkly, and Camicazi beside The Hopeful Puffin Mark 4
  • explore a new DIG pit, uncovering treasures inspired by the world of dragons
  • step into Hiccup’s bedroom hut and experience life on the Isle of Berk
  • follow the Dragon Trail, test your skills with Viking fortune-telling, and explore the sounds and smells of Berk
  • watch exclusive videos from Cressida Cowell and view original book artwork and maps

This immersive experience is perfect for children aged 5 to 12 years old, blending storytelling with hands-on fun.

The exhibition is included in your DIG admission ticket. And don’t forget, your ticket is treated as a donation, giving you free return visits for 12 months.

  • Date: Monday 21 July
  • Location: DIG, St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN

See the DIG York website for more information, or call them at 01904 615505.

Top of page

To book and for more information email: [email protected].

  • When: Monday 21 July to Thursday 28 August 2025
    • Monday 21 to Friday 25 July - Messy Week: Paint, dye, clay and slime, picnic on the Knavesmire
    • Monday 28 July to Friday 1 August - Book Week: Book inspired activities, trip to media museum
    • Monday 4 to Thursday 7 August - Nature Week: Nature themed activities, Football Fun Factory
    • Monday 11 to Friday 15 August - Party Week: Different world themed parties, trip to William’s Den
    • Monday 18 to Friday 22 August - Mystical Magic Week: mermaids, wizards, astronauts. Speedkix
    • Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 August - 80 Plays Around the World: games from around the world
  • Time: 7.30am to 6.00pm
  • Location: Dringhouses Primary School, YO24 1HW
  • Cost: £34 per session. Surcharges apply for some trips and activities
  • Ages: Reception to year 6

Top of page

Netball, cricket, football, dodgeball, multi-sports, arts and crafts, cooking, dance, gymnastics and more. Run by experienced primary school teachers. Lunches available on request. Find out more about the HealthyMe Summer Holiday Club.

To book email: [email protected] or telephone: 07394110082.

  • When: Wednesday 23 July to Friday 1 August 2025
  • Time: 8.30am to 4.00pm
  • Location: Osbaldwick Primary School, YO10 3AX
  • Cost: £25 per day
  • Ages: 5 to 12-years-old (reception to year 7)

Top of page

To book or for more information contact Mrs Belinda Turnbull on telephone: 07977331117 or email: [email protected].

  • Date: Monday 28 July to Friday 1 August and Monday 18 August to Friday 22 August
  • Time:
    • 10.00am to 12.00pm - 4 and a half year olds to 11 year-olds
    • 10.00am to 3.00pm - 12 to 18 year-olds
  • Location: Poppleton Community Centre, YO26 6JT
  • Cost:
    • 4 to 11 year-olds: £15 members or £19 for non-members per morning
    • 12 to 18 year-olds: £30 members or £38 for non-members per day (bring a packed lunch)

Top of page

Our workshops during the school holidays allow us to explore crafts that we can't fit into our regular 1 hour classes. Children will have a chance to explore crafting at a greater depth, have time to explore techniques, and revisit different projects. Our summer arts and craft workshops are ideal for ages 5 to 11.

Please use online booking form to sign up.

  • Dates:
    • Monday 21 July
    • Tuesday 22 July
    • Monday 28 July
    • Tuesday 29 July
    • Tuesday 5 August
    • Monday 11 August
    • Tuesday 12 August
  • Time: 9.00am to 12.00pm
  • Location: Acomb Methodist Church
  • Cost: £20
  • Ages: 5 to 11 years old

Top of page

Our Fashion Upcycle Workshops are a fun and creative way to teach children about sustainability and show them that clothes don’t have to be thrown away. Kids will be encouraged to redesign and upcycle garments using their imagination and hands-on skills. Children will have the chance to hand sew, cut fabric, and plan their own unique creations. Our team will be on hand to assist, and we’ll use the sewing machine to help bring their designs to life. They’re welcome to bring an item from home to upcycle or choose from our selection of pre-loved clothing.

  • Dates: Wednesday 23 July and Wednesday 13 August
  • Time: 9.00am to 12.00pm
  • Location: Acomb Methodist Church
  • Cost: £25
  • Ages: 6 years old and above

Please book online via Crafty Foxs website.

Top of page

Fully inclusive musical holiday activities for young people aged 8 and over.

1-1 iMuse sessions available alongside.

Book IMPs Holiday Clubs online. Alternatively, email: [email protected] or telephone: 07547 288786.

  • When:
    • Wednesday 30 July 2025 - Sensory Jam
    • Wednesday 6 August 2025 - Summer Soundscapes
    • Wednesday 13 August 2025 - Alice in Musicals Land
    • Wednesday 20 August 2025 - Electronica
    • Wednesday 27 August 2025 - Festival Fun
  • Time: 1.30pm to 3.30pm
  • Location: Clifton Explore Library, Rawcliffe Drive, YO30 6NS. Fully accessible, including Changing Places
  • Cost: £12 per session

Blue Sky Day Nursery holiday club for children attending reception or above at primary school. Different theme each week, crafts to take home and activities to participate in. 2 large gardens and outdoor spaces.

To book or for more information email: [email protected].

  • Time: 7.30am to 6.00pm
  • Location: Stirling Road, Clifton Moor, YO30 4TU
  • Cost:
    • full day (7.30am to 6.00pm) - £39.75
    • short day (8.30am to 3.00pm) - £32.25
    • morning or afternoon (7.30am to 12.30pm or 1.00pm to 6.00pm) - £22.25
    • lunch meal (if packed lunch isn’t provided) - £5.25. Please note: we cannot re-heat foods and children must not bring any foods containing nuts into the nursery
  • Ages: Primary school age

Top of page

6 weeks of summer weekly themes include Britain’s Got Talent, history, carnival, nature, seaside and Pirates of the Caribbean. Planned activities to meet the interests of all children. Prices include breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack. See the Funfishers Holiday Club Facebook page.

For more information and to book telephone: 01904 677870 or email: [email protected].

  • Date: Summer school holidays 2025
  • Time: 8.00am to 6.00pm (full or half day sessions available)
  • Location: Funfishers Nursery, Fishergate, YO10 4AW
  • Ages: 9 months to 11-years-old

Top of page

An enchanting holiday adventure club, full of delightful eco-friendly activities, creative crafts, and imaginative toys, ensuring endless fun paired with valuable learning experiences.

Choose a morning session (10.00am to 12.00pm) or an afternoon session (1.00pm to 3.00pm). Over 5s can enjoy their lunch with Jojo for an additional £5 and combine both sessions.

For more information and to book telephone: 07756871064.

  • Date: Every Monday in the summer school holidays 2025
  • Time: 10.00am to 12.00pm or 1.00pm to 3.00pm
  • Location: Poppleton Methodist Hall and Gardens
  • Cost: £10 per session
  • Ages: 4 to 10 years-old

Top of page

Den building and bushcraft, toasting marshmallows over open fires, cooking meals, creating wonderful artwork out of natural materials found on-site, creature hunts, storytelling, wild games, lots of physical exercise and much more.

Snacks are provided round the campfire, bring a packed lunch.

To book email: [email protected] or telephone: 01604 217321.

  • Date: Monday to Thursday through summer school holidays 2025
  • Time: 9.00am to 3.30pm (early drop-offs and late pickups are available)
  • Location: Wheldrake, YO19 6NA
  • Cost: £40 per day
  • Ages: Primary aged children

Top of page

Get ready to explore like never before at our Summer Theatre-Making Workshops!

What to expect:

  • daily themes: each day is a deep dive into a new theme, explored through acting, crafting, movement and even clowning! 
  • develop your acting skills: transform into different characters and discover the secrets of mime, improvisation and devising original scenes!
  • craft your world: design and build handcrafted props, puppets, costume items, or set pieces to use in your performances!
  • share your spark: bring all your amazing work together for an exciting end-of-day performance for your fellow workshop attendees!

There are also 5 day bundle and sibling discounts available.

Ready to create? Book your spot today on the Creative Coliseum website and get ready for a summer of theatrical fun.

  • Dates: Thursday 28 July to Monday 1 August
  • Times: 8.30am to 4.30pm
  • Location: Bootham Junior School
  • Ages: 9 to 11 year olds

Top of page

Summer Holiday Swimming Courses

Join us at York Sport Village this summer for our exciting holiday swimming courses! Designed for all abilities, our program starts at Stage 1 for absolute beginners and progresses up to Stage 6, helping children build confidence and improve their skills. Once they’re comfortable in the water, they can explore our special courses like Dolphin Snorkel to further develop their aquatic talents.

Our courses focus on fun, friendly learning environments where kids can make new friends while mastering essential water skills. Perfect for children of all levels, they run from 28th July to 18th August 2025, starting at just £33 for the Dolphin Snorkel taster and £40 for the 5 day stages 1 to 6 lessons.

Book a course online via the York Sport website.

  • Dates: Monday 28 July to Monday 18 August
  • Location: York Sport Village, Lakeside Way, Heslington, York YO10 5FG
  • Price: £33 to £40

Top of page

Join our team of industry professionals as we explore, cast, rehearse and perform Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.

Our creative team will lead sessions in singing, dance and drama as we prepare the show for performance on the last day. This is your chance to appear in our very own version of an amazing show and we’re sure it’ll be an experience you won’t forget!

Every student will receive 5 days of professional industry tuition and the opportunity to rehearse and perform in the show, as well as a free PQA Summer School t-shirt.

  • Rehearsal and workshop dates: Monday 4 August to Friday 8 August 2025
  • Rehearsal and workshop times: 9.30am to 4.30pm
  • Performance date: Friday 9 August 2025
  • Performance time: 9.30am arrival, with a performance for family and friends at 5.30pm, sign out at 6.45pm
  • Cost: PQA Students £160, Non PQA students £170

Enrol now via the TicketTailor website

For more information, contact James Aconley on telephone 07753 179070, or email [email protected]

Top of page

Find more information and book your place on the X Martial Arts Summer Camp.

  • Date: Monday 4 August to Friday 8 August 2025
  • Time: 9.00am to 3.00pm (8.30am drop-off available by request)
  • Location: X Martial Arts Schools, Unit 2, Millfield Industrial Estate, Nether Poppleton, YO26 6PB
  • Cost: £217
  • Ages: 4 to 12-years-old

Top of page

Junior Triathlon Day Camp

Join us this summer on 13th and 20th August for our exciting Triathlon Day Camps, designed specifically for children aged 8 to 14. Running from 10.00am to 4.00pm, each day is packed with fun, fitness, and skill-building for just £35 per day.

Through a mix of swimming, cycling, and running, kids will stay active while developing lifelong athletic skills and building confidence in a supportive, engaging environment.

Camp Highlights:

  • pool sessions and open water swim drills
  • cycling on a safe 1km tarmac circuit (bike and helmet hire available)
  • running technique and fun drills
  • transition training for quick, efficient changeovers
  • strength and conditioning sessions
  • basic bike maintenance skills

Whether your child is trying triathlon for the first time or looking to improve, this day camp offers something for every ability level.

Book a spot on the York Sport website.

  • Dates: Wednesday 13 August and Wednesday 20 August
  • Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm
  • Location: York Sport Village, Lakeside Way, Heslington, York YO10 5FG
  • Cost: £35 per day
  • Ages: 8 to 14 years old

Top of page

IMPS inclusive music project

Have 5 inclusive musical holiday activities for young people aged 8+ coming up in the summer holidays!

All are held at Clifton Explore Library, Rawcliffe Drive, York, YO30 6NS which is a fully accessible building, including changing places. 

Cost is £12 per session, with sibling discounts available. However we don't want cost to be a barrier to coming, so please ask us about subsidised places.

Please book as places are limited:

Sensory Jam

A fully inclusive holiday activity for young people. Join Kate and Ben to either play in a band or explore sensory soundscapes- or a bit of both! 1-1 iMUSE sessions available alongside.

  • When: Wednesday 30 July, 1.30-3.30pm

Summer Soundscapes

A fully inclusive holiday activity for young people. Join Gemma and Jodie in a sound therapy session where there'll be sound baths, drumming circles and soundscapes. 1-1 iMUSE sessions available alongside.

  • When: Wednesday 6th August, 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Singing and a Cuppa

A social for all to come together, sing some songs for busking with a cuppa with a packed lunch to finish. We’ll sing 10am to 12pm, and you can bring you packed lunch to eat together 12pm to 12.45pm if you’d like. You are welcome to come busking with us on Saturday 16 August. 

  • When: Wednesday 13 August, 10am to 12.45pm

Alice In Musicals Land

Fully inclusive holiday activity for young people. Join Tom and Jodie to make some electronic music using accessible music technology, instruments and sensory resources. 1-1 iMUSE sessions available alongside.

  • When: Wednesday 13 August, 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Asda, Monks Cross Asda Busking

Come and help us raise much needed funds for our projects by singing and signing to the shoppers of Asda!

  • When: Saturday 16 August, 10am to 12pm

Electronica

A fully inclusive holiday activity for young people. Join Tom and Jodie to make some electronic music using accessible music technology, instruments and sensory resources. 1-1 iMUSE sessions available alongside.

  • When: Wednesday 20 August, 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Festival Fun

A fully inclusive holiday activity for young people. Join Anna and Jodie to end the summer holidays with some festival vibes. There’ll be dancing, singing and some chilling! 1-1 iMUSE sessions available alongside.

  • When: Wednesday 27 August, 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Top of page

Blue arrow pointing upwards