Summer in the City: The Top 10 Family Adventures Using York as Your Base.
There is no better time to visit York than during the summer holidays. When the sun is shining, this vibrant, historic city truly comes alive, offering an endless array of activities, festivals, and outdoor adventures that will keep kids of all ages completely entertained.
But York isn’t just a fantastic city in its own right—its prime location in the heart of Yorkshire makes it the ultimate basecamp for exploring the wider region. Whether you want to dive into Viking history, hit the beach, or get lost in a giant maze, staying in York means you have the very best of the North right on your doorstep.
If you are planning a summer getaway, here are the Top 10 things to do with kids using York as your base.
1. Conquer the York Maze
Open exclusively during the summer months, York Maze is an absolute must-visit. Created from over one million living, growing maize plants, it is one of the largest mazes in Europe! But it’s not just about getting lost; the site boasts over 20 different rides, shows, and attractions, including giant jumping pillows, a tractor-trailer ride, and the famous Crowmania ride.
2. Step Back in Time at the JORVIK Viking Centre
A true York classic. Hop aboard the ride-through experience and transport your family back to 10th-century York. Kids will be mesmerised by the sights, sounds, and (famously authentic) smells of the Viking age. It’s an immersive, educational, and incredibly fun way to spend a morning.
3. Discover Dinosaurs at the Yorkshire Museum & Gardens
Located right in the city centre, the beautiful Museum Gardens are the perfect spot for a summer picnic. Afterward, head inside the Yorkshire Museum. Their “Yorkshire’s Jurassic World” exhibition is phenomenal, packed with interactive displays where little ones can learn all about the sea monsters and dinosaurs that once roamed the region.
4. Marvel at the National Railway Museum
Did you know one of the best family attractions in York is completely free? The National Railway Museum is a sprawling paradise of engineering marvels. From the iconic Mallard to magnificent royal carriages and even a Japanese bullet train, kids will love wandering through the giant halls. Don’t miss the miniature railway rides outside
5. Dig for Gems at Piglets Adventure Farm
Located just a 15-minute drive from the city centre, Piglets Adventure Farm is a brilliant day out for younger children. Over the summer, they set up a massive “Beach” area with sand and water play, plus a Dino Dig and Gem Mining activity! Add in the bouncing pillows, tractor rides, and adorable farm animals, and it’s a guaranteed hit.
6. Ride the Rollercoasters at The Web Adventure Park
Just on the outskirts of York, The Web Adventure Park is a lifesaver whether the sun is shining or the summer rain makes an appearance. Inside, you’ll find an enormous soft play area (Creepy Crawlies). Outside, the park transforms in the summer with an unlimited-ride fairground, an animal farm, water play areas, and a massive outdoor adventure playground
7. Take a Boat Trip on the River Ouse
Give little legs a rest and see the city from a different perspective with a York City Cruise. The gentle boat ride along the River Ouse is a lovely, relaxing way to spend 45 minutes, and the captains provide a fun, family-friendly commentary detailing the city’s history.
8. Day Trip: The Yorkshire Coast
One of the best things about using York as a base is that the seaside is just an hour away! Hop on the train or in the car and head to Scarborough or Whitby. Build sandcastles, eat fresh fish and chips by the harbour, and enjoy a classic British seaside day out before heading back to your city-centre apartment.
9. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at York’s Chocolate Story
York is the UK’s home of chocolate (birthplace of the Terry’s Chocolate Orange and the KitKat!). Take a guided tour through the history of chocolate making, learn how to taste it like an expert, and best of all, let the kids get hands-on making their own chocolate lollies to take home.
10. Day Trip: Flamingo Land Resort
If you have thrill-seekers in the family, Flamingo Land is about a 40-minute drive from York. It combines a massive theme park featuring extreme rollercoasters and family rides with an award-winning zoo. It is a full-on, action-packed day out that the kids will talk about for weeks.
Make York Your Summer Basecamp with Stays York
When travelling with family, having a spacious, comfortable, and central place to stay makes all the difference. Hotel rooms can quickly feel cramped when you have kids, luggage, and souvenirs to manage!
By booking a luxury apartment with Stays York, you are giving your family a true “home away from home.”
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Space to Relax: Enjoy separate bedrooms, spacious living areas, and fully equipped kitchens where you can whip up an easy family breakfast before a busy day of exploring.
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Prime Locations: Our properties are located right in the heart of York. This means you can easily nip back to the apartment for a midday rest or to drop off shopping bags without breaking your stride.
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Easy Transport Links: Being centrally located means you are perfectly positioned to walk to the train station for a day trip to the coast, or easily access the main roads to drive to attractions like York Maze or Flamingo Land.
Make this summer unforgettable. Browse our family-friendly luxury apartments at StaysYork.com and secure your perfect York basecamp today!
