York Half-Term Things To Do & the Discounts & Vouchers to do them for less
Our pick of the best York Half-Term family entertainment
Half-term is nearly here, and let’s be honest—keeping the kids entertained for a whole week is more challenging than teaching a blind goldfish with an attitude problem to play Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata on a piano . Luckily, York has you covered with a packed schedule of fun, adventure, and just the right amount of sugar-fueled chaos.
Here’s our roundup of events and activities that promise fun for all ages that you can find in and around York:
Our pick of the Discounts and Vouchers
Flamingo Land – Half-Price Entry
Big rides might be shut for winter, but Flamingo Land’s zoo and family-friendly rides are open—and they’re offering half-price entry for four people this half-term. See exotic animals, watch live shows, and enjoy smaller rides in Muddy Duck Farm and Dino-Stone Park. Offer valid Feb 15 – March 2.
Flamingo Land, Malton
Wizard Golf at The Hole in Wand
Swap boring old crazy golf for wizard-themed mini-golf! Perfect for kids 6+, The Hole in Wand is packed with magical surprises, and every player gets a potion at the end—because what’s wizard golf without a bit of potion-drinking?
14-16 Coppergate Walk, York
Little Vikings Family Card holders get a FREE premium upgrade!
The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring
Try out Yorks newest attraction, The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring where you will get York's most brain-tickling, mind boggling experience!
Merchantgate, York
Oxygen York – Bounce Off the Half-Term Energy
Got kids climbing the walls? Let them bounce it out at Oxygen York. They’re offering a 5-day bounce pass for £30, giving kids an hour of jump time each day. Includes trampolines, an inflatable park, and an airbag jump with trapeze!
Oxygen York, Huntington
House of York Holiday Homes
House of York is a family run business providing places to stay in the centre of York for families, couples and friends. We have three luxury houses, next door to each other. The houses can be booked individually or in combinations to provide accommodation from 6 to 18 people.
What is the deal?
10% off any booking using our code 9MR86
For all the details click here
To see use our discount code just visit click here
Other Half-Term Things To Do
Jorvik Viking Festival – The Vikings Are Back!
York’s world-famous Jorvik Viking Festival is returning, and it’s time to unleash your inner Norse warrior. Expect battles, feasts, living history camps, and interactive workshops where you can learn to fight like a Viking. (Warning: plastic swords only. No actual pillaging.)
Various locations around York
📅 Feb 17 – 23
York Minster’s Colour & Light Show
Think York Minster is just for history buffs? Think again. The Colour & Light show will light up the Minster’s South Transept with stunning digital projections celebrating York’s wildlife. And best of all—it’s FREE!
York Minster
📅 Feb 12 – March 2, 6 pm – 9 pm
Piglets Adventure Farm – February Frolics
Nothing says spring is coming like baby lambs, and Piglets Adventure Farm has bottle-feeding sessions, a new pantomime, adventure play, and plenty of farmyard fun. Perfect for little ones who love animals.
Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe
📅 Feb 15 – 23, 10 am – 5 pm
Half-Term Family Chocolate Masterclass at York’s Chocolate Story
Got a chocoholic in the family? (Or maybe you just fancy an excuse to eat more chocolate?) York’s Chocolate Story is running family-friendly chocolate-making workshops where you can create (and devour) your own sweet treats.
King’s Square, York
I Spy! at Eden Camp
Turn your kids into secret agents at Eden Camp’s spy-themed half-term adventure. Crack codes, test out invisible ink, and complete the fingerprint detective workshops. A great mix of history and hands-on fun.
Eden Camp, Malton
📅 Feb 17 – 23
Dark Skies Festival – 10th Anniversary Special
Fancy swapping screen time for stargazing? The Dark Skies Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with astronomy events, night walks, and chances to see the stars like never before.
North York Moors
📅 Feb 17 – March 2
Magic of Trees Trail at Beningbrough
Got a mini explorer in the family? The Magic of Trees trail will turn your little ones into tree detectives, spotting different leaf symbols as they wander through Beningbrough’s stunning gardens.
Beningbrough Hall
📅 Feb 15 – 23
Half-Term Steam Rides at NER Autocar
All aboard! The NER Autocar is running steam rides between Whitby, Grosmont, and Goathland, perfect for train lovers young and old. There’s also a free February Fun Kids’ Kit full of activities.
Whitby, Grosmont & Goathland
Theatre Shows for Families
If your idea of a perfect half-term involves sitting down with a snack while someone else does the entertaining, then check out these family-friendly theatre shows:
York Light Opera Company & Wilberfoss Amateur Theatre Society have brilliant kid-friendly performances throughout the week.
Various theatres in York
Plan Your Half-Term Like a Pro
With all these events happening, half-term in York is shaping up to be an absolute blast. Whether you want Viking battles, bouncing, wizard golf, or chocolate feasts, there’s something for every family.
Save this list, get planning, and have the best half-term ever!
If you are coming to York for half term and need a place to stay then check out our 3 holiday homes at www.houseofyork.org
Want to read more for your next visit to York?
Then download a free copy of our book York Local Knowledge Must-do Top Tens & the vouchers to get them for less where you will discover the historic UK city of York like a local with tips, top tens, and guidance on where to find the best discounts and vouchers, so you can experience it all without breaking the bank!
You can download it for free from the Apple iBooks Store here
You can download it for free from the Google Play Books Store here
This isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a laugh-out-loud, down-to-earth companion, packed with top-ten lists covering everything from essential attractions and hidden gems to entertainment, dining spots, walks, tours, festivals, and shopping, all enriched with a local’s insider knowledge.
With insights, amusing anecdotes, and a sprinkling of puns and dad jokes, Alistair’s love letter to York will help you see the city in a whole new way. Grab a copy and start planning the York adventure you didn’t know you were missing!
With over 240 pages, this guide is ideal for families and groups of friends planning a trip to York and includes:
Up-to-date information on everything in the ever-changing city of York—this is the 2025 edition.
Top ten lists of York’s best tourist attractions, entertainment spots, food and drink, walks, tours, festivals, and independent shops.
Beautiful photography accompanying every recommendation.
Answers to visitors’ top questions, from “Where’s the best place for ice cream?” to “Where can I find a great takeaway curry?”
Recommendations on where locals go for up-to-date information about York.
The best places to stay, from five-star hotels to holiday homes and houseboats.
Details on where to find discounts and vouchers for York restaurants, attractions, and experiences.
Want to hear a great podcast about York?
A fab podcast for tourists and locals looking to find out more about York History, must do York Top 10's and money saving tips to do it all for less.
Just search your podcast app for York Must Do Top 10s or click on this link for the show on apple podcast here
Book one of our Holiday Homes for your next trip to York
Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next trip to York. All 3 of our holiday homes are next door to each other which means you can hire them individually for up to 6 people or together for up to 12 (107 & 109 together) or even 18 people (Spencer House & 107 & 109 together).
To check availability and book just visit www.houseofyork.org
We pride ourselves on being couples and family friendly and we try to take any of the stress out of your stay so you can focus on enjoying yourselves and magnificent York.