If you haven’t decided what to do with the kids for half term yet here are some of our suggestions!
A blast from the past
DIG
If you have any budding archaeologists in your family then Dig in York will allow them to grab a trowel and discover some fascinating artefacts from the past. The 4 special indoor excavation pits are all based on real life digs and include replica items from the Roman, Viking, Medieval and Victorian periods.
York Dungeon
For some horrible history (which kids always seem to love) York Dungeon is a great choice with over 10 live shows and highlights including The Guy Fawkes Gunpowder Plot and Vengeance of the Vikings!
Ryedale Folk Museum
Located in the pretty village of Hutton-le-Hole, the Ryedale Folk Museum gives a glimpse into rural lives from the Iron Age to the 1950s. Traditional crafts on display include Rope Making and Iron Age Wood Turning.
Woodland Walks and Treasure Trails
Castle Howard

Image courtesy of Mike Howard.
Kids will love the Geoffrey the Lion illustrated trails which lead through the grounds of Castle Howard with various puzzles and things to spot.
Fountains Abbey
The Fountains Abbey Autumn Explorer Map will help you find all the best nature spotting areas of the estate plus there are lots of fun activities to do along the way.
The Forbidden Corner
You never know quite what you will discover lurking around the corner at this magical world but you will have lots of fun trying to find everything on your list. With secret passageways, underground chambers and lots of surprises, this is a great day out for children and adults alike.
Treasure Trails
This range of self-guided walks has options for lots of Yorkshire towns and villages. Each trail involves a series of clues which you must solve to move to your next location and themes available include Murder Mystery, Treasure Hunt and Spy Trails. Lots of fun for the whole family!
Animal fun
Thorp Perrow
With Bird of Prey and Mammal Centres at Thorp Perrow you can meet some Meerkats (my personal favourite), walk through Wallaby Wood, have an Owl Experience of even become a Falconer for the Day.
Big Sheep Little Cow
Based in Bedale, Big Sheep Little Cow allows children (and adults) to get up close to a variety of farm animals. Activities include bottle feeding and holding the animals including baby lambs.
Nidderdale Llamas
Experiences available range from meeting and petting llamas and alpacas to a full day trek where you can explore Nidderdale on the back of a llama! One to try if you fancy something a little different.
Theme Parks
Lightwater Valley
Set amidst 175 acres of North Yorkshire countryside, Lightwater Valley includes lots thrilling rides for older kids (such as Europe’s longest roller coaster) and more sedate options for younger children. You’ll also find an Angry Birds Activity Park and the Light Water Falconry Centre.
Flamingo Land
The latest attraction at Flamingo Land is the £8m Hero roller coaster which promises unobstructed views and a feeling of zero gravity as you are suspended side-by-side. The Flamingo Land Zoo is always popular with over 140 species of reptiles, mammals and birds.
What are your plans for half term? Let us know in the comments section and take a look at our range of Family Friendly Cottages.
Tags: Children's Days out Yorkshire, Half Term Yorkshire, yorkshire things to do