What's on

What's on
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July events

The following family events are taking place in July:

York Rivers Trails
The Yorkshire Museum Trust - York Castle Museum
The Watchers of York Sculpture Trail
Summer Reading Challenge - Read to the Beat
York Maze
Grand Opera House - Zog
Joseph Rowntree Theatre - Cinderella
Naburn Village Gala
Activity Time for Neurodivergent Children
Dinosaur Adventure Live
Party by the Park
York Acorn summer Fair and Bungee Jump
Team England National Sports Weekend
Family Fun Day at the Rawcliffe Rec
Family Woodland Wellbeing Day
York Youth Festival
York Mansion House - Hobs Go Georgian!
Family Crafternoons
Huntington Parish Council Gala 2026
City Kickabout in the Park - Summer Sessions
Musical Journeys
City Wildcats in the Park - Girls Sessions
Seaside Fun and Yorkshire Day Market

York Rivers Trails

Where:RIver Ouse
When: on going

The York rivers trail follows the River Ouse through a series of green spaces and riverside locations, linking countryside and city. It’s free and suitable for families.

The York rivers trail is:

mostly flat, using existing paths
suitable for walking, wheeling and family visits
designed to be explored in sections or shorter visits

Find out more and to get a map visit https://www.york.gov.uk/york-rivers-trail

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The Yorkshire Museum Trust - York Castle Museum

Where:York Castle Museum
When: 22 June to 6 September

Between 22 June and 6 September 2026 there’s a host of family friendly fun including:

daily talks and tours
creative activities and workshops
sensory stations

Entry is free for York Residents (please bring proof of address with you) and under 5s. Concessions also available for max card holders, those in receipt of means tested benefits, people seeking sanctuary or in the asylum process and more.

For more information visit: www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/exhibition/summer-at-york-castle-museum-2026.

Visit the Yorkshire Museum Trust website for information on York Art Gallery, The Yorkshire Museum and York St Mary’s at: www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk.

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The Watchers of York Sculpture Trail

Where: Across York city centre
When: 29 June to 31 August

A Make It York event in collaboration with York Minster.

From hidden gardens to cobbled streets, our larger-than-life sculptures are dotted amongst the city, waiting to be discovered by trail hunters from June to August 2026.

The sculpture design is inspired by the real stone carvings on York Minster. If you know where to look, you can spot the original inspiration!

For more information visit: visityork.org/watchers-trail.

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The Yorkshire Museum Trust - York Castle Museum

When: 22 June to 6 September

Between 22 June and 6 September 2026 there’s a host of family friendly fun including:

Daily talks and tours
Creative activities and workshops
Sensory stations

Cost: Free for York Residents (please bring proof of address with you) and under 5s. Concessions also available for max card holders, those in receipt of means tested benefits, people seeking sanctuary or in the asylum process and more.

For more information visit: www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/exhibition/summer-at-york-castle-museum-2026.

Visit the Yorkshire Museum Trust website for information on York Art Gallery, The Yorkshire Museum and York St Mary’s at: www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk.

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Summer Reading Challenge - Read to the Beat

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge: Read To The Beat begins on 11 July, with a full programme of free and low cost activities.

From storytelling and crafts to science sessions and theatre, there’s something happening every week.

All our libraries offer welcoming spaces, friendly staff and free places where needed, so every child can join in. We’re proud to support families and help fill the holidays with stories, creativity and fun.

View and book tickets with Explore York.

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York Maze

Where: York Maze, Elvington Lane, York, YO19 5LT
When: 11 July to 3 September, 10.00am to 6.30pm

A family friendly attraction in York. This year’s theme is David Attenborough, 100 years on planet earth.

See more information and book York Maze tickets online.

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Grand Opera House - Zog

Where: Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
When: 14 July to 15 July

Performances on Tuesday 14 July at 4:30pm and Wednesday 15 July 10:30am, 13:30pm and 15:30pm

All ages welcome, but most suited to 3 years and over.

Performances are one hour long with no interval.

Location: Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW

Book tickets and more information at https://ncem.co.uk/family-events/

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Joseph Rowntree Theatre - Cinderella

Where: Joseph Rowntree Theatre
When: Friday 17 and Saturday 18 July

The classic rags-to-riches fairy tale about a kind, mistreated young woman forced into servitude by her stepfamily.

Tickets £12.00 to £15.00.

See more information and book tickets online.

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Naburn Village Gala

Where: Naburn Village Hall
When: Saturday 18 July, 1.00pm

A perfect traditional afternoon of fun with family, friends, and neighbours.

There will be a brass band, stalls, dog show, games, pop up café, beer tent, pizza, children’s playground.

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Activity Time for Neurodivergent Children

Where: Acomb Explore Library, YO24 3BZ
When: Thursday 21 July, 10.30am to 11.30am

Free low demand, child led session for neurodivergent children up to 10 years. Hosted by Thrive SEND Support CIC.

Limited places, booking essential. For more information or to book a place call telephone: 01904 552651, or email: [email protected].

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City Kickabout in the Park - Summer Sessions

Where: Ethel Ward Playing Field, Homestead Park, Orchard Park, Woodthorpe Green Playing Field
When: Tuesday 28 July to Friday 21 August

Physical activity sessions from York City Football Club Foundation.

Have fun and get active in a safe and fun environment. No football experience necessary. Some sessions are free, others are £3. Booking advised.

Ethel Ward Playing Field, Haxby, YO32 3NU, £3 sessions

Friday 31 July, 2.00pm to 3.00pm - 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 years
Friday 31 July, 3.00pm to 4.00pm, - 8 to 10 and 11 to 14 years

Homestead Park, YO30 6WP, free sessions

Tuesday 28 July, 10.00am to 10.45am - 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 years
Tuesday 28 July, 11.00am to midday - 8 to 10 and 11 to 14 years

Orchard Park, Huntington, YO31 9EH, free sessions

Wednesday 29 July, 2.00pm to 2.45pm - 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 years
Wednesday 29 July, 3.00pm to 4.00pm - 8 to 10 and 11 to 14 years

Woodthorpe Green Playing Field, Summerfield Road, YO24 2RU, £3 sessions

Tuesday 28 July, 2.00pm to 2.45pm - 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 years
Tuesday 28 July, 3.00pm to 4.00pm - 8 to 10 and 11 to 14 years

Book sessions in advance online.

Limited spaces will be available on the day. Parental supervision required for 11 and under.

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Dinosaur Adventure Live

Where: York Theatre Royal
When: Saturday 18 July

A dinosaur show 65 million years in the making. Join the intrepid rangers on a quest to recover the data crystal, restore power to the island and save the dinosaurs.

Meet baby dinosaurs, learn Dino-facts and come face-to-face with a T-Rex.

See website for more information and to book tickets: www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/dinosaur-adventure-live-danger-on-t-rex-mountain.

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Party by the Park

Where: New Earswick Folk Hall, York
When: Saturday 18 July
Time: 12.00pm to 3.00pm

Join us for another day of family fun at Party by the Park! With games, zorbing, crafts, pizza trucks and free face painting it is set to be another day of fun.

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York Acorn summer Fair and Bungee Jump

Where: York Acorn Rugby , York
When: Saturday 18 July
Time: 12.00pm onwards

Join us for bungee jumps, fair rides, face painting, ice cream, food stalls and bars and live music all day

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Team England National Sports Weekend

Where: Various Sports Centres
When: Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July
Time: 10.30pm to 4.00pm

Come and join us in partnership with Team England at one of the below leisure centres for a weekend filled with free sports and fun family activities for everyone to enjoy.

Ready to unleash your sporting spirit? Participants can jump in and experience the excitement of Commonwealth Games-inspired sports and activities. Book your spot in advance to enjoy a whole range of activities, including netball and basketball; pickleball, badminton, swimming and table tennis.

Book a free taster session at:

Bring your friends and family, get active together and make the most of a fantastic weekend of sport, community and fun.

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Family Fun Day at the Rawcliffe Rec

Where: The Rawcliffe Recreation Pavillion, St Mark's Grove, Rawcliffe, York YO30 5TS
When: Sunday 19 July, 1.00pm to 5.00pm

Bouncy castle, ice cream, fairground stalls, local small businesses, dance showcase and much, much more!

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Family Woodland Wellbeing Day

Where: New Earswick Nature Reserve
When: 21 July
Time: 10.45am to 2.00pm

Join a Woodland Wellbeing Day for families. Experience bushcraft, photography, creative writing and crafts, all designed to build confidence and strengthen family bonds.

This event is part of the Step Up project, promoting personal growth and empowerment for families. Bring a picnic; free snacks will be provided.

This is a free session, facilitated by Mindful Photography UK CIC. To book your free place, email Rebecca at [email protected].

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York Youth Festival

Where: Rowntree Park, Amphitheatre
When: 22 July
Time: 2.00pm to 5.00pm

York Youth Council are bringing another Youth Festival to York in 2026, following a fantastic and popular event in July 2025.

For children aged 11 and over, the festival will feature York’s youth groups and projects, lots of food, activities, games, and live music performed by some of York’s amazing young musicians.

All completely free!

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York Mansion House - Hobs Go Georgian!

Where: York Mansion House
When: 22 July to 6 September
Time: 10.30am to 5.00pm

Explore four floors of the house in this children's trail to find the hiding places of our mischievous little household fairies, the Hobs, and discover their fascinating facts about the Georgian period!

Ask for a trail leaflet when you arrive and have fun!

https://www.mansionhouseyork.com/

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Family Crafternoons

When: Thursdays, from 23 July to 27 August
Time: 1.00pm to 4.00pm

Arts and crafts activities, card and board games, drinks and snacks.

Each Thursday throughout the summer in Acomb.

Booking is essential. For more details and to boook email: [email protected].

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Huntington Parish Council Gala 2026

Where: Huntington Sports Field, YO32 9RU
When: Saturday 25 July
Time: Midday to 5.00pm

Free family fun including:

bouncy castle
ball pit
Tengu Taiko drummers
arts and crafts
children’s entertainer and magician
miniature railway
barrel ride
York City Football Foundation Kickabouts
face painting
local dance and music groups
craft stalls

Refreshments available including ice cream, burgers and Mexican street food.

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Musical Journeys

Where: Accessible Arts and Media, Clifton, Explore, Rawcliffe Dr, York YO30 6NS
When:Wednesday, 29 Jul 2026
Time: 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Cost: £12

It’s summer time, and IMPs Holiday Clubs are back for a musical treat!

Use your imagination to canoe on mighty rivers, walk up crumbling volcanoes and swim in deep dark lakes. We’ll be singing songs and playing instruments to create our very own music! Our woodland room will be available throughout to have a chance to take a breather and chill out.

How to book your place 

You can book your place by: