Here’s our guide to things to do in York and beyond this May half term.
Summer is just around the corner, and there’s lots of fun to be had with family and friends during the May half term.
There’s a spring trail and prizes to win at York Designer Outlet, search or minibeasts atCastle Howard, its the return of the Eboracum Roman Festival, fall into K-Pop May-Nia at Piglets Adventure Farm , York Pride is back – and much more! Check out our full guide below.
Don’t miss
Half term at York Designer Outlet
Visit York Designer Outlet on 28th & 29th May for some fantastic half term fun, extra savings across many brands and chances to win at their Late Night Shopping Event.
Spring into fun with free face painting (28th & 29th May, 11am – 4pm) and an exciting trail to find six fluffy lambs around the Centre. Plus join YorkMix on Thursday 28th May, hosting the Drop to Win game once again for a chance to win prizes from many of your favourite brands.
Don’t miss your chance to save an extra 20% off outlet prices in the brands you love at York Designer Outlet at their Late night Shopping event. Discover on-trend summer holiday essentials such as seasonal accessories, tailored linens and floaty dresses perfect for the warmer months from your favourite brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Kurt Geiger, BOSS and more.
For two days only, save on seasonal staples, the latest beauty lines, summer occasionwear, and accessories.
Open from 9am-10pm on the 28th and 29th May…see you there!
- York Designer Outlet, St. Nicholas Avenue, York, YO19 4TA
- More info
May Half Term at Castle Howard
Plan a memorable family day out this May Half Term at Castle Howard.
Mini Beasts during May Half Term
Discover the fascinating world of mini beasts this May Half Term with a fun-filled outdoor adventure at the Castle Howard Arboretum. From guided minibeast hunts along winding woodland trails to hands-on bug handling sessions, families are invited to get closer to nature and uncover the tiny creatures that call the Arboretum home. Led by expert guides, these interactive sessions are perfect for curious young explorers and their grown-ups as they are packed with surprising facts, playful challenges and gentle encouragement to stop, look and really notice the natural world around you – all included with an Arboretum ticket.
Playshapes: Castle Constructors
Unleash your imagination with PlayShapes: Castle Constructors, a brand-new, interactive exhibition inviting visitors of all ages to explore the art and engineering of building through play. Featuring large-scale, brightly coloured cubes, the exhibition allows shapes to be broken down and reassembled into steps, triangles, polygons, cylinders and prisms, encouraging creative thinking, experimentation and collaboration.
Included with House & Garden tickets.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- More info
Flamingo Fest
Enjoy the unbeatable vibes and atmosphere of our massive Flamingo Fest parties, including our headline event on 23rd May! Join us for unforgettable afternoons and evenings packed with singing, dancing and non-stop entertainment from incredible Shows, Tribute Acts, DJs, Kids’ Entertainment and Street Performers.
From 4:00PM–6:00PM it’s all about the kids, with family fun, foam, and high-energy entertainment to get everyone in the festival spirit.
4:15PM – 4:45PM | Mia & Mylo
Bringing the fun and kicking off the early festival vibes.
5:00PM – 5:45PM | Fun Flock
Interactive, energetic and packed with laughs for all ages.
5:45PM – 6:00PM | Mini Raverz Foam Party
Foam-filled chaos for the young party crowd.
6:00PM – 6:30PM | Rock Revolution
A powerful taste of what Flamingo Land’s in-house productions are all about — big sound, big talent, big vibes.
6:30PM – 7:30PM | DJ Callum Russell (Foam Party)
Non-stop party anthems with foam cannons in full force.
7:30PM – 8:15PM | Billy Black (The Voice UK)
Featuring his “Bon Jordi” tribute show, bringing rock anthems to life.
8:30PM – 9:00PM | DJ Callum Russell
Keeping the energy high as the night builds.
9:00PM – 9:45PM | Re Take That
Iconic hits and ultimate singalong moments.
9:45PM – 10:30PM | Marcel Somerville (Blazin’ Squad & Love Island)
Closing the night with a headline DJ set full of club vibes.
10:30 – 11pm | DJ Callum Russell
Finish off the festival in style
11pm – Late After Party R1 Bar
- Flamingo Land, Kirby Misperton, Malton, YO17 6UX
- Sat 23 May
- More info
York Pride
York Pride returns on Saturday 30 May 2026 for one of our biggest celebrations yet, bringing a full day of Pride, protest, visibility, music, cabaret, family entertainment and community to the Knavesmire.
This year’s Main Stage line-up includes Nadine Coyle, Joe McElderry, Urban Cookie Collective, Nicki French, Michael Marouli, Roxanne Cooper, Sweet Like Sabrina, Heavenly Bodies, Jordan Smart, DJ Rory Hoy and York Stage Musicals’ cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
- Knavesmire, York
- Sat 30 May
- From 12pm
- More info
Day Out With Thomas™
All Aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine, everyone’s favourite #1 blue engine is coming to town. Day Out With Thomas: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway this May.
Day Out With Thomas is a fun-filled family event. Each ticket includes a train ride behind Thomas, a real steam engine, as well as access to a full day of activities for all to enjoy including live entertainment, photo ops with Sir Topham Hatt, garden games, arts and crafts, storytelling and an exclusive Thomas & Friends™ character hunt.
- Pickering Station, Pickering, YO18 7AJ
- 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30 & 31 May
- 9:30am – 4:45pm
- More info
K-Pop May-Nia at Piglets Adventure Farm
Calling all K-pop super fans… this one’s for you! Get ready for a full day of music, moves and mega fun. All activities are included in your ticket!
10:30am & 1:15pm K-pop Super Fans Meet & Greet! Meet your idols face to face and snap a selfie.
11:15am & 3:30pm Dance Battle Workshop – Step into the spotlight and learn dance moves from the stars!
12pm & 2:30pm Live K-pop Show – Watch K-pop stars light up the room with incredible energy!
4:00pm K-pop Disco – The perfect time to show off your new moves!
Craft your own bedroom door hanger (all day!) Plus, enjoy a full day of all the usual Piglets fun!
- Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST
- Sat 23 May – Sun 31 May
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Family fun
Colour at the Convent
Take inspiration from the craftsmanship and intricate detail within the collections on display to create your own artwork. This mindful museum experience invites all ages and abilities to find an object that captures the imagination and draw.
Enter your drawing into a competition for the chance to win a £20 voucher for the café and the opportunity to have your work displayed in the exhibition.
- The Bar Convent Heritage Centre, 17 Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AQ
- Sat 16 – Sun 31 May
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Eboracum Roman Festival 2025
The Eboracum Roman Festival returns this May with a series of events and activities!
Join us on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May for the Living History Camp. Visitors can meet costumed interpreters, enjoy re-enactments, explore demonstrations of Roman Life. Families can chat to Roman soldiers, see objects from daily life, try Roman-style crafts and activities. Curators and historians from across York will offer object handling sessions and mini excavations to bring the city’s Roman past even closer. The Roman Festival has something for everyone!
- Various locations
- Sat 16 – Sun 31 May
- Various times
- More info
Summer family trail at Beningbrough
Let Dart the Dragonfly lead your adventures in the garden this summer. It’s a brand new family trail to set the scene for some summer fun. Follow Dart to the interactive panels, seek out and spot from the sheet and plenty more to make the most of your outdoor time in nature together.
- Beningbrough, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 1DD
- Sat 23 May – Sun 20 Sep
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Mermay Magic at Dreamery Gardens
In May we celebrate Mermaids in the gardens and Museum, and the flowering Rhododendrons and bluebells.
- Dreamery Gardens, YO41 1AP
- Fri 1 – Sun 31 May
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
Tank Week at Eden Camp
Get ready to feel the ground shake beneath your feet as Tank Week comes to Eden Camp! This May half term, we’re bringing history roaring back to life with a full week dedicated to the power, engineering, and legacy of some of the most iconic armoured vehicles in military history. Whether you’re a dedicated enthusiast, a curious learner, or planning an unforgettable family day out, Tank Week is your front-row seat to history in motion.
- Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton, YO17 6RT
- Sat 23 – Sun 31 May
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
A Wicked May Half Term
A magical Maytime adventure at Mother Shipton’s Cave. Follow the yellow brick road to an Emerald Adventure this May Half Term at Mother Shipton’s Cave – an award-winning attraction voted the Best Magical Experience in the York area and Best Overall Attraction in Yorkshire.
Step into a woodland wonderland inspired by the timeless magic of The Wizard of Oz and the spellbinding world of Wicked. Discover enchanting scenes in dazzling pinks and shimmering greens as fantasy and folklore weave their way through the forest.
- Mother Shipton’s Cave Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD
- Sat 23 – Sun 31 May
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
May half term at RHS Harlow Carr: The Great Garden Game-a-thon
Let the games begin! Get ready for a week of family fun, laughter and friendly competition this May half term at RHS Garden Harlow Carr. The Great Garden Game-a-thon is back at RHS Harlow Carr this holiday. Come along to for a week of fun and games! Challenge your family at giant garden games and see who can complete the sports day challenge.
- RHS Harlow Carr, Crag Ln, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB
- Sat 23 – Sun 31 May
- 9:30am – 6pm
- More info
Dragon Fest at Murton Park
Dragon Fest at Murton Park invites families to dragon-themed entertainment this May Half Term. This event offers storytelling, dragon encounters, and a range of hands-on activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy creative crafts and character-led experiences, alongside plenty of memorable photo opportunities. Plus, if you come in fancy dress during Sat 23rd and Sun 31st May (anything dragon-related!), you’ll get a little prize at the front desk.
- Murton Lane, Murton, York, YO19 5UF
- Sat 23 – Sun 31 May
- 10am – 4:30pm
- More info
May Half-Term at Oxygen York
The ultimate boredom buster is returning for the school holidays: Oxygen’s May Half Term Pass grants five 60-minute Open Play sessions for £30, making each session just £6. Created for non-stop fun seekers, the Pass means families don’t have to sacrifice exciting days out for the unpredictable British weather.
The Pass is valid Saturday May 23rd to Monday June 1st and offers the ultimate flexibility with multiple Open Play sessions redeemable on the same day, including on weekends and the Bank Holiday.
Jumpers can leap and tumble all over Oxygen York, as they explore interconnected trampolines, a parkour area, an airbag jump & trapeze, an interactive sports pitch and more!
- Clifton Moor Centre, Hurricane Way, Rawcliffe, York, YO30 4XU
- Sat 23 May – Mon 1 Jun
- 9am – 7pm
- More info
May Half-Term at National Railway Museum
Find new ways to explore the museum this May half term. Families can pick up a fun new trail to hunt down objects and our curators are bringing some star objects into the spotlight. Pick up our free family trail, The Great Object Hunt, a new way to explore the museum’s collection. Look up, look down and up close to see what you find.
The Hunt takes you from the model railway, to legendary locomotives through to our travelling post office and many more stops in between! Play games and complete activities as you explore. Happy hunting!
- National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
- Sat 23 – Sun 31 May
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Family Fun Day Trail
Join us at Rowntree Park Reading Café for a family fun Explore trail. Explore the park as you search for clues and win a prize for finishing the treasure hunt challenge. A perfect day out for families!
- Rowntree Park Reading Cafe, YO23 1JU
- Sat 23 May
- 10am – 2pm
- More info
May Half Term at Web Adventure Park
Enjoy a Full Day of Fun at the Park this May holiday! Get ready for a jam-packed day with access to our indoor play, rides, outdoor adventure park, role play villages, laser tag, and animal area.
The Magic Returns! Don’t miss the return of Dazzling Darren with his magical entertainment that’s fun for all ages, games, magic and the odd silly prank! RETURN OF THE FOAM – the first Foam Parties of 2026! Splash, dance, and laugh in our exciting foam-filled fun zone – perfect for kids (and adults) who love to get a little messy. Dazzling Darren will be leading the fun everyday this week, but bring towels and a change of clothes!
Take a spin on the King Sizzler, light up your day with the Supertrouper, dive into the Fun House, ride the Mine Train, soar with the Balloons, whirl around the Toy Set Carousel, feel the breeze on the Swing, race your friends on Race ‘a Rama, bump along in the Bumper Cars, and giggle through the Cups & Saucers plus more rides! All included and unlimited,
- Web Adventure Park, Wigginton Road, York, YO32 2RH
- Sat 23 – Sun 31 May
- 9:30am – 6pm
- More info
William’s Jungle Adventures
Dust off your boots and grab your hats! This May Half Term, William’s Den is transforming into the Wild Country. We’re bringing the spirit of the frontier to the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds for a week of high-energy escapades, rustic play, and legendary family memories.
- William’s Den, Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave, HU15 2LS
- Sat 23 – Sun 31 May
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Wizardfest 2026
WizardFest is back! Conjured up by The Wizard Walk of York, co-hosted with Little Vikings York for Kids and supported by Visit York, there’s plenty of magical activities to get involved with – such as tours and trails, whimsical workshops, fantastical food and drink, and much more.
- Various locations
- Sat 23 – Mon 25 May
- Various times
- More info
May Half-Term at York Art Gallery
Immerse yourself in Japanese-themed activities, workshops and performances this May Half-Term, inspired by our exhibition, Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print. All activities, workshops and exhibitions are included in general admission, except Gallery Tales and Mokuhanga Printmaking, which incur an extra charge. Family tickets are now available, offering a great value day out.
During your visit, discover interactives including our new Draw and Discover activity, Not a Pot dressing up area, sensory toolkit and handling collection, and don’t miss the daily Art Shot Talks.
- York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EW
- Sat 23 – Sun 31 May
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
May Half-Term at York Castle Museum
Be immersed in history and nostalgia this May Half-Term, with activities, demonstrations and games dating from the Victorian era to the 1960s.
Whether you’re travelling to York for a day out during the school holidays, or want to take a break from everyday life, York Castle Museum promises a fun and educational day out for all ages.
- Eye of York, York, YO1 9RY
- Sat 23 – Sun 31 May
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
May Half-Term at the Yorkshire Museum and York Museum Gardens
Step back in time and discover Eboracum, Roman York, in a programme of family-friendly activities this May Half-Term.
The much-anticipated Eboracum Roman Festival returns to York Museum Gardens with live demonstrations, activities, storytelling and talks throughout the weekend on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May, as well as a programme of Roman-themed activities, workshops and performances throughout the week at the Yorkshire Museum.
Explore thousands of years of Yorkshire’s history through astounding artefacts and extraordinary exhibits and don’t miss our brand new exhibition Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard
- Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York, YO1 7FR
- Sat 23 – Sun 31 May
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Theatre, film and music
York Theatre Royal TakeOver 2026
TakeOver is a week-long theatre festival run by final year performance students at York St John University. The students take over York Theatre Royal and work as producers, production managers, front of house staff and more!
We have something for everyone whether you want to dance the night away or just enjoy a sit down evening. What are you waiting for, get your sparkly shoes on and come join us for a week long party.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Tue 26 – Sat 30 May
- Various times
- More info
The Carnival of the Animals
Hear the animal kingdom brought to life inside York Minster as young listeners are guided through Camille Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of the Animals performed on the cathedral’s Grand Organ. The perfect introduction to classical music.
The familiar and accessible composition will be accompanied by a narrator sharing fun facts about the wild animals that roam through Saint-Saëns’ creation and York Minster’s history, and will include the chance to get up-close to the organ to see how the instrument is played.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Tue 26 May
- 6:30pm
- More info
Family Film Afternoon – Goat
Join us for a Family Film Afternoon at Acomb Explore Library! Enjoy a cinematic experience right here in Acomb! We proudly present Goat (PG).
From Sony Pictures Animation, the studio behind Spider-Man TM: Across the Spider-Verse and the artists that made KPop Demon Hunters, comes GOAT, an original Action-Comedy set in an all-animal world.
The story follows Will, a small goat with big dreams who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball – a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Will’s new teammates aren’t thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionize the sport and prove once and for all that “smalls can ball!”.
- Acomb Explore, Front Street, Acomb, YO24 3BZ
- Wed 27 May
- 3pm
- More info
Crafts and workshops
May Half-Term at York’s Chocolate Story
Uncover the secrets behind the Chocolate City’s past, discover the origins of chocolate, and get hands-on with a range of chocolate-making activities – the perfect family day out this May half term in York! Taste your way through York’s rich chocolate history this May half-term on a Guided Tour, or get hands-on with our Family Chocolate-Making Masterclass experiences.
- York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
- Sat 23 – Sun 31 May
- Various times
- More info
