Things to do over May Half Term in York – looking for some inspiration for what to do with the kids at half term? Have a look at our round up of May Half Term events in York city centre and on the outskirts of York!
York’s Chocolate Story
3-4 Kings Square, York YO1 7LD
Although York’s Chocolate Story is not advertising a specific May Half term activity, it is open and it’s always a fun tour for the kids. They learn the history of chocolate in a fun, interactive way and then they get to make their own chocolate product at the end (the picture below shows a chocolate snowman we made a couple of Christmases ago!).
Piglets Adventure Farm Park
May Half Term Adventure – 29th May 2021 – 6th June 2021
Piglets Adventure Farm Park is fabulous for under tens. They have seasonal shows like the Magic Hatter, as well as all their outdoor play equipment like bouncy pillows, a large sandpit, pedal go-karts, crazy golf and an assault course. Inside they have soft play, drop slides, rope swings and ride on tractors.
York Theatre Royal
Crafty Tales – 1st June 2021 – 4th June 2021
At York Theatre Royal you can join professional theatre makers; Janet and Cassie of STORY CRAFT THEATRE as they take you on a crafting and storytelling extravaganza.
The hour long session starts with hellos and a little warm-up, followed by craft making; this will be done all together with all materials provided. Then it’s time for some interactive storytelling, with games, music, characters and much more.
Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 June – Pirates Love Underpants. 10.15 am (access to theatre can start at 10am). Aimed at 2 – 8 year olds. 60 mins. £6 per child. Thursday 3 and Friday 4 June – Love Monster.
Treasurer’s House
Although there is no specific activities this May at Treasurer’s House, it’s always a nice place to visit. Just in the shadow of the Minster, the house usually run a free treasure trail for the kids – you can pick up a A4 sheet of clues on the admission desk and the kids have to spot something different in each room. They sometimes have giant garden games outside too.
Beetle Bank Open Farm
Let off steam in the fields at Beetle Bank Farm, go wild in the adventure playground, have fun in the sand pit or ride on the tractors and play with the inflatables. We predict two things: you won’t be bored and you’ll sleep well tonight! From pygmy hedgehogs to rheas, turkeys to goats, we have lots of wonderful animals for you to get to know. Our friendly staff are on hand to answer your questions and help you look after these beautiful creatures.
National Railway Museum
Explore over 300 years of railway history at the National Railway Museum, find out what it takes to be an engineer, and experience the thrill of steam first hand. Spark your little ones’ imaginations with our family-friendly science shows and storytelling, or let off steam in our indoor play area.
Delve even deeper with our Treasure Hunters app—explore the museum and investigate the amazing objects in our collection as you compete with your family and score points by taking photos. FREE entry.
Jorvik DIG
They don’t seem to have anything specifically half term related, but it’s worth a visit if you haven’t been before. DIG is a hands-on archaeological adventure giving kids the chance to become trainee ‘diggers’ and discover the most exciting artefacts from 2000 years of York’s history!
Castle Howard
Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA.
Castle Howard is a fabulous place to take the kids all year round. They have two great adventure playgrounds, including the magical Skelf Island. Throw in some cafes and a boating lake, walled gardens and woodland and you have a perfect family day out (even if you don’t go into the house itself!).
They have a few activities on for May half term including a family bat walk, family dawn nature walk and Sunday Storytime with Story Craft Theatre.
Beningbrough Hall
Beningbrough Hall have a fabulous adventure play area for kids, with gorgeous wooden swings, climbing frames and a den building area. There is also a café nearby for coffees while they play. There are several walks around the grounds and the house even has a dressing up room for the kids. Oh and lots of small bikes and go karts scattered around for the kids to use.
