York is geared up for toddlers. It is relatively small in size, and there are plenty of things to do in the centre of York for the whole family, and not just small children. Read on for a guide about the best things to do in York with toddlers.

Read More – 10 BEST Places To Stay With Babies & Toddlers In York

#1. National Railway Museum

Learn More – National Railway Museum

Read More – 59 Things To Do In Yorkshire With Toddlers

#2. The York Chocolate Story

Did you know that chocolate has been made in York for over 300 years? Find out more about the history of chocolate making in York at the York Chocolate Story. Visitors start off with a tour which involves lots of moving from room to room, and eating chocolate samples before giving you the chance to make your own chocolate lollipop at the end. Don’t miss a trip to the chocolate café afterwards.Learn More – York Chocolate Story

#3. The York Maze

For an a-maze-ing day out in the Summer, head to the York Maze. More than just a Maze, the York Maze has a fantastic water and sand play area, giant pillows, outdoor painting and much more. The highlight of a day out at York Maze is the Crowmania tractor ride where you are taken on a ride looking for pesky crows – without giving too much away, the ride is full of surprises!  Most of the Maze is outside, so try and visit on a sunny day.Learn More – York Maze

#4. DIG

Learn More – DIG York

#5. The Museum Gardens

These lovely riverside gardens are a great spot for a picnic in the summer, or for a run around at any time of the year. There are plenty of ducks to feed on the riverside as well as boats to watch on the river.

#6. A Boat Cruise On The River Ouse

Learn More – York Boat

#7. Visit The Ice Cream Boat

#8. Have Afternoon Tea

Betty’s Tea Room is a Yorkshire institution, and people queue for ages to experience their afternoon tea. The good news is that they also have a special afternoon tea children full of kid favourites like milkshakes, jam sandwiches and mini cakes. A real treat for anyone visiting York!

#9. Rowntree Park

Rowntree Park in York was gifted to the city of York by the Rowntree family in 1921, and was designed in memory of the Rowntree workers who lost their life in the First World War. The park is next to the River Ouze, and is easily walkable from the city centre. There are are 2 playgrounds, tennis courts, bowling greens and lots of areas for picnics. There is also a fantastic, family friendly Reading Café where you can read books and chill out over good food on the balcony overlooking the park. A great trip out of the city whatever the weather!

#10. York Castle Museum

Step back in time to learn about the history of York at the York Castle Museum. The museum takes you on a tour about how people used to live by displaying loads of household objects and by recreating rooms, shops, streets and even prison cells. Just opened is a new exhibition about chocolate making in York – a must for any chocolate lovers! There is also a Toy Gallery where there is a whizzing and fizzing sweet making machine and a Chocolate Factory, you can find out what it was like to work in York’s famous chocolate factories. The highlight of the York Castle Museum is the Victorian cobbled street, complete with a sweet shop which children can explore.

#11. Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park

Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park is a small wildlife park set in the beautiful arboretum at Askham Bryan College. Outside the park there are monkeys, meerkats and a Wetlands Zone where you can go pond dipping. The indoor Wildlife of the World section is home to a variety of creatures from clownfish to civets, raccoons, monkeys and wallabies.  There is an onsite café and small playground.

Learn More – Askham Bryan Wildlife Park

#12. Yorkshire Museum

The Yorkshire Museum is the home to some of the finest collections of archaeological and geological finds in Europe, and is located in the beautiful Museum Gardens. In March 2018, a new dinosaur themed exhibition called Yorkshire’s Jurassic World opens bringing dinosaurs and sea monsters that once roamed our earth to life. Unmissable for dinosaur loving toddlers!

Learn More – Yorkshire Museum

#13. City Screen

The City Screen is the name of the cinema in the centre of York, just off one of the main shopping streets. There is a regular Saturday morning kids club, as well as Toddler Time sessions which show films and programmes specifically for preschool children. Recent showings include Everything’s Rosie, Timmy Time and Rastamouse. A great place to curl up on a rainy day.

Learn More – City Screen

#14. Piglets Adventure Farm

Learn More – Piglets Adventure Farm

#15. The Yorkshire Air Museum

This independent air museum has loads of beautiful aircraft from World War 2 and before. You can’t go in many of the planes, but they are impressive to see, and the NAAFI system café is worth a visit. A great day out for toddlers who like planes and ‘big things’

Learn More – Yorkshire Air Museum

Can you recommend anymore things to do in York with toddlers?