There’s no shortage of incredible activities to keep your toddlers entertained across Yorkshire, gruesome twosomes or not!
Just how do you keep your beloved toddlers occupied? You’ll find our Leeds-centric round-up here, but we’ve also created this fool-proof list of things to do in Yorkshire with your little ones! From high-energy exploits in the great outdoors to indoor sanctuaries to save you from a rainy day, we’ve given you all you need to plot your next adventure and never be at a loss for toddler-tastic days out again.
Eureka!
Credit: Jonathan Pow
Need rainy day fun? Halifax’s Eureka is one of the best indoor activities for toddlers in Yorkshire. Tailor-made for babes-in-arms all the way to early teens, it’s hard to distinguish where science museum ends and awesome playground begins. Toddlers love it because each of the six themed zones is a treasure trove of interactive pursuits, from role-playing at the pretend Post Office to sensory fun in the SoundGarden. Parents love it because it’s learning through play. Your ticket is valid for an entire year, so you’ve no excuse not to return.
Where? Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2NE.
How much? £16.95 for adults and children over 3 years.
Get it booked: play.eureka.org.uk
Stockeld Park
Credit: Stockeld Park
Grade I-listed mansions aren’t usually the best things to do with toddlers, but hear us out because Stockeld Park is a Yorkshire treasure with a few surprises. What started as a Christmas tree shop in the estate grounds soon blossomed into an Enchanted Forest. They added a magical maze, then adventure playgrounds. Indoor play areas and a whole host of seasonal events have followed. There’s even go karting and laser tag to keep older siblings happy. The result is a year-round favourite that you can tailor to your family’s needs – result.
Where? Stockeld Park, Wetherby Road, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AN.
How much? Prices vary by season, activity and event.
Get it booked: stockeldpark.co.uk
The Web Adventure Park
Capture your little adventurer’s attention at this indoor-outdoor play park, jam-packed with activities that’ll keep Yorkshire toddlers enthralled all day long. Hop on over to the massive soft play arena, complete with separate play zones depending on age. Leap into ball pools, race down slides, have a boogie in the disco and scramble over all manner of shapes – there’s plenty of seating for parents to keep a watchful eye. Outside, the fun continues with a water play area, toddler trikes, a giant sand pit and even a few friendly farm animals.
Where? The Web Adventure Park, Wigginton Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO32 2RH.
How much? £12.50 for an adult ticket and £17.95 for a child.
Get it booked: webadventurepark.co.uk
Lightwater Valley
You can’t go wrong with a theme park when you’re looking for things to do in Yorkshire with toddlers, and Lightwater Valley is one of the best around. While the big rollercoasters might be off the table, there’s more than enough to fill out a whole day with little legs. There’s whole areas of the park dedicated to kids under one-metre tall, encompassing rides, soft play, sand diggers and a multitude of playgrounds. Throw in a petting zoo, birds of prey displays and live shows, and you’ll be planning a return visit before you know it!
Where? Lightwater Valley, North Stainley, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3HT.
How much? Standard park tickets range from £17.50 to £25 (90cm+) or free for under 90cm.
Get it booked: lightwatervalley.co.uk
The Forbidden Corner
If your little ones love a bit of mystery, why not head to The Forbidden Corner? It’s one of the most incredible days out with toddlers in Yorkshire, where a seemingly never-ending labyrinth of underground tunnels, passageways and chambers await your little explorers. Visit unusual statues, discover remarkable follies and make your way out of puzzling dead ends. It promises a fun-filled day of memory making for the whole gang, and one you can end with a run around Tupgill Park which is also home to the Corner Cafe.
Where? The Forbidden Corner, The Tupgill Park Estate, Coverham, Middleham, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 4TJ.
How much? £18 for adult tickets, £16 for children (4-15 years) and under 3s go free.
Get it booked: theforbiddencorner.co.uk
York Bird of Prey Centre
Credit: Claire Green
Days out with toddlers in Yorkshire don’t get much more feathered and fantastic than those at York Bird of Prey Centre. It’s very hands-on, so your budding ornithologists can get up-close-and-personal with all kinds of owls, falcons, hawks, raptors and, the big daddy, a golden eagle. Handling sessions reward the brave (all with staff supervision, of course) while more reticent visitors can simply marvel at the fantastic flying displays. When you’re all birded-out, wing your way to the play area, pick up a cake at the cafe and visit the red deers.
Where? York Bird of Prey Centre, Baston Lane, Huby, North Yorkshire, YO61 1JB.
How much? £11 for adults, £8 for children and free for under 3s.
Get it booked: yorkbirdofprey.co.uk
National Railway Museum
Credit: Eleanor Bentall
Take your tiny trainspotters for the ultimate day out at the National Railway Museum in York. This is an absolute treasure trove for train lovers, filled with all manner of railway memorabilia, making for one of the best indoor activities for toddlers in Yorkshire. There are giant locomotives alongside miniature railways, and a host of exhibits to toddle through. Check out a Japanese bullet train, explore royal carriages and look over the model rail village. There’s also a viewing balcony, offering unrivalled views of trains moving through York Station.
Where? National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 4XJ.
How much? Free but a £5-£10 suggested donation for adults.
Get it booked: railwaymuseum.org.uk
Brimham Rocks
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Children and adults of all ages can enjoy the natural phenomenon that is Brimham Rocks. The National Trust site is a geological marvel in the North Yorkshire countryside – one giant, boulder-strewn playground. If you’ve got a little monkey in the family, they’ll be in their element with loads of rocky formations to clamber and play on, under supervision of course. From little scrambles to pro-level climbs, no one in the family need miss out. Buggy-friendly paths are a bonus, plus you only pay for parking, so it can be quite a bargain too.
Where? Brimham Rocks, Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 4DW.
How much? Free but cost for parking is around £6.50 for four hours.
Find out more: nationaltrust.org.uk/brimham-rocks
York Maze
A maze filled with maize? That may sound a little ‘corny’, but this Yorkshire delight is without doubt one of the best things to do with toddlers. Not only is there an ever-changing maze (one of Europe’s largest, don’t you know?), but they also have inflatable obstacle courses, an adventure playground, Cobstacle course, giant sand pits and more. Each activity is so packed with hands-on fun and imagination, it’s sure to be a new favourite. Oh, and don’t miss the tractor ride. Or the Cornula 1 race. In fact, it’s best to start planning your return visit now!
Where? York Maze, Dunnington Lodge, Elvington Lane, York, North Yorkshire, YO19 5LT.
How much? £23.95 for flexible tickets or £25.95 for on the day tickets.
Get it booked: yorkmaze.com
Flamingo Land
There are few better places for the toddlers of Yorkshire to spend a day at than Flamingo Land. Yes, there are flamingos present – two species, in fact – but this zoo-meets-theme park has plenty of other furry friends to visit. From donkeys, penguins and lemurs to otters, parrots and kangaroos, you can meet them all! But that’s just the start, because you can also jump on a slew of rides, many toddler-friendly, whether it’s the carousel or dino roller. There’s soft and water play areas too, as well as a Peter Rabbit adventure the little ones will love.
Where? Flamingo Land, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 6XY.
How much? Tickets from £46 in main season or £30 in low season.
Get it booked: flamingoland.co.uk
Calypso Cove Waterpark
If you’ve got a water baby in the family, a day of splishing and splashing promises one of the best indoor activities for toddlers in Yorkshire. Head over to Calypso Cove in Barnsley, a water-filled play paradise with loads for kids big and small. There are multiple pools, including ones dedicated to younger visitors, complete with an interactive splash zone, wave machine, diving boards and mini slides. Want an exclusively toddler-friendly visit? Head to one of their Little Fin sessions – a calming, stress-free experience, with a focus on water-based fun.
Where? Calypso Cove Waterpark, The Metrodome, Queens Ground, Queens Road, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S71 1AN.
How much? Waterpark tickets are £12.50 for a standard ticket (11+ years), £10.50 for 3-10 years and £4 for under 3s. Little Fins tickets are £10.50 for one adult and one under 8, £6.80 for an additional junior, £3.50 for an additional under 8 and £8.50 for an additional adult.
Get it booked: barnsleymetrodome.com/waterpark
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Credit: Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Toddlers and animals go together like birds of a feather, which is why a trip to Yorkshire Wildlife Park is one of the best things to do with them. This isn’t your usual petting zoo – this is the place to go to spy the big boys of the animal kingdom like lions, tigers, polar bears, giraffes and leopards. There are some cuddlier critters, from meerkats to otters, and many of the sanctuaries have in-built fence windows for your little rangers to peer through. You’ll find plenty of places to eat here, although you can bring a picnic to make it cost-friendly.
Where? Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Brockholes Lane, Branton, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN3 3NH.
How much? From £19.99 for adults and £15.99 for children (3 to 15 years) on weekdays. Under 3s go free.
Get it booked: yorkshirewildlifepark.com
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
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Yorkshire Sculpture Park is the best way to introduce your toddlers to the world of art. No stuffy museums here – they can soak up culture in the great outdoors. There are more than 80 sculptures to check out across 500 acres of parkland. Your Gormleys, Moores and Hepworths are all here to be admired or run around, particularly when the sun’s shining, but if the weather turns, you can seek shelter in one of the indoor galleries. They also have interactive stations for activities like drawing and map-making, as well as fun trails to follow.
Where? Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 4LG.
How much? £9.50 for standard entry and free for under 18s.
Get it booked: ysp.org.uk
Thornton Hall Farm Country Park
Young animal-lovers will have a grand time at this working Yorkshire farm. All their favourite farmyard residents are here, but you don’t just get to meet them. Oh no, you can get stuck into the delights of life on the farm by feeding the animals, collecting fresh eggs from the hens and cuddling rabbits and guinea pigs too. During term time, there are daily activities where toddlers can get even more hands-on, from learning about creepy crawlies to pony grooming. Factor in mini tractors, a caterpillar ride and play areas and your day out is sorted!
Where? Thornton Hall Farm Country Park, Thornton-in-Craven, near Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 3TS.
How much? £6.95 for 16+ years or £9.95 for children, although prices vary by season.
Get it booked: thorntonhallfarm.co.uk
The Deep
Get ready to dive into an underwater world the likes of which you’ve never seen with your toddlers. The Deep is the most spectacular aquarium in Yorkshire, where you can treat the family to encounters with turtles, jellyfish, sharks, penguins and all kinds of tropical fish. There are over 3,500 animals in total and a marvellous array of displays in which to admire them. Watch manta rays glide over your heads in the glass tunnel, float up through the fish in the bubble lift, or take a break from the sealife and dip your toes in the soft play area.
Where? The Deep, Tower Street, Hull, East Yorkshire, HU1 4DP.
How much? £23 for adults and £17 for children (3 to 15 years).
Get it booked: thedeep.co.uk
Robin Hood’s Bay & Boggle Hole
Ah, a trip to the seaside. Splashing at the water’s edge, peeking into rock pools, feeling the squidge of sand between your fingers – it’s one of the best things to do in Yorkshire with toddlers. Robin Hood’s Bay is a delightful fishing village, perfect for rock pooling and fossil hunting, but it also has an ace up its sleeve. At low tide, follow the beach around and you’ll discover one of Yorkshire’s best-kept seaside secrets. Boggle Hole is a former smuggler’s cove that’s now home to a family-friendly pirate-themed youth hostel and Quarterdeck Cafe.
Where? Robin Hood’s Bay & Boggle Hole, Mill Beck, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4UQ.
How much? Free.
Find out more: robin-hoods-bay.co.uk
North York Moors Railway
Jump on board a steam train on your next day out with toddlers in Yorkshire, on the North York Moors Railway. This heritage line is a true blast from the past, carrying passengers from the 1930s-themed Pickering station all the way to lovely Whitby with multiple stops en route. Out the window, you’re treated to spectacular scenery across the North York Moors, although you might be more engrossed in the trains’ vintage interiors! A little slice of magic awaits at Goathland – it was Hogsmeade Station in the very first Harry Potter film!
Where? The North York Moors Railway, 28 Park Street, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7AJ.
How much? Prices vary by train and event.
Get it booked: nymr.co.uk
Diggerland
Quite literally an entire theme park dedicated to tractors, JCBs and dump trucks, Diggerland will put your construction-loving youngsters in paradise. Some rides have height restrictions, but once you’re 80cm tall, there’s truck-loads to try, like digger skittles, digging for buried treasure, the Skyshuttle and the Dig-A-Round. Let them go wild on the tractor toys at the under-fives play area, then dig into lunch in their lovely picnic area. Hey, even the adults can go on rides too, but it’s definitely one of the best activities in Yorkshire for toddlers.
Where? Diggerland, Willowbridge Lane, Whitwood, West Yorkshire, WF10 5NW.
How much? £29.95 for adults and children 100cm or over with pre-booking or £38 for pay on the day.
Get it booked: diggerland.com
Magna Science Adventure Centre
Credit: Magna Science Adventure Park
Crackle, boom, snap, whoosh! If these are the sorts of sounds that make your child’s ears prick up, get them down to Magna Science Adventure Centre, pronto. It’s a blinder of a day out in Yorkshire, especially if your little toddlers love science. They’ll have a ball firing cannons in the Water Pavilion, watching the five-metre fire tornado in the Fire Pavilion and riding diggers in the Earth Pavilion. It’s dark and noisy, which may not suit all children, but for daring tykes who just love to push buttons and see what happens, it’s an absolute blast (sometimes literally!)
Where? Magna Science Adventure Centre, Magna Way, Templeborough, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S60 1FD.
How much? £19.95 for adults, £17.95 for children aged 4-15 years and £8.50 for children aged 2-3 years when booked online.
Get it booked: visitmagna.co.uk
Xscape
Credit: Xscape
There’s nothing quite like Xscape, a one-stop-shop of entertainment that’s filled with some of the best indoor activities for toddlers in Yorkshire. Hit the slopes at Snozone, where family sledging sessions give tots over three the chance to slide along the snow and snow-angel to their heart’s content. Xplore, a giant soft play area, has a special zone for under-4s and there are toddler sessions at Gravity trampoline park too. Sound like hungry work? Never fear, a bunch of kid-friendly eateries are on hand to serve up the goods.
Where? Xscape, Colorado Way, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 4TA.
How much? Prices vary based on activity.
Find out more: xscapeyorkshire.co.uk
SEA LIFE Scarborough
A day out at the Yorkshire seaside doesn’t normally involve encounters with seals, penguins, jellyfish and turtles – which is why your toddlers will love SEA LIFE in Scarborough. Penguin Island is an absolute must – a walk-through enclosure where you can waddle right alongside the inhabitants – but there are over 2,500 different animals to pay a visit to. Young visitors collect stamps as they journey past displays filled with all manner of aquatic creatures, from turtles to sharks, but you can also split up your wander with a game of mini golf!
Where? SEA LIFE Scarborough, Scalby Mills Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO12 6RP.
How much? From £16 for a parent & toddler ticket when booked online in advance
Get it booked: visitsealife.com
William’s Den
Everything on offer at William’s Den is tailor-made to make your outdoor-loving little ’uns have a great day out. The ethos is all about old fashioned frolics in nature. Your young adventurer will be in seventh heaven swinging from tires, building dens, climbing rocks, hiding out in the treehouse and getting thoroughly filthy in the mud kitchen. There’s stacks of equipment to play on, most of which is made from salvaged or natural materials, plus an excellent indoor play area if the rain starts. There’s messy fun inside and out, so bring a change of clothes!
Where? William’s Den, Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave, Brough, East Yorkshire, HU15 2LS.
How much? All Day Adventure Play tickets during term-time start from £6.95 for adults, £10.95 for children aged over three and £7.95 for children aged 1-3 years.
Get it booked: williamsden.co.uk
Bolton Abbey
Little legs will run riot at Bolton Abbey, home to magnificent 12th-century ruins and a whopping 30,000 acres of wilderness to explore. The setting is nothing short of stunning, but there’s still plenty of things for toddlers to do at this North Yorkshire marvel. The best place to start? It has to be one of the walking trails that take you through The Strid – get ready to pootle over the stepping stones, into woodland, looking out for all manner of wildlife as you go. Expect loads of outdoor fun, but plenty of mud – so be sure to have those wellies at the ready!
Where? Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6EX.
How much? £12.50 for early bird entry with motorcar/motorbike or £15 on the day.
Get it booked: boltonabbey.com
National Emergency Services Museum
Credit: Msc1 Photography
One of the best indoor activities in Yorkshire takes you to Sheffield for the National Emergency Services Museum. Housed inside a former Victorian police and fire station, it lets young visitors get hands-on with history through an exceptional range of exhibits and experiences. Hitch a ride in a bonafide fire engine (yes, they turn on the siren!), listen to the nee-naws of ambulance vehicles through the years and even pay a visit to the station’s original police cells. Fully interactive, with loads to touch, it’s prime toddler territory.
Where? National Emergency Services Museum, The Old Police & Fire Station, West Bar, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 8PT.
How much? £9.50 for adult, £7.50 for chilfren aged 3-15 years or free for under threes.
Get it booked: visitnesm.org.uk
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
Head out west and you’ll find yet another railway revelation – the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Located in Brontë Country among the rolling moors, the line is much shorter than its North York Moors cousin but it has a cheaper price tag and children under 5 travel for free. Buy an all-day rover and soak up the sights by hopping on and off at each of the beautifully maintained stations along the way, from the Museum of Rail Travel at Ingrow West (entry is included with a rover ticket) to all the railway memorabilia lining the platforms at Haworth.
Where? Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, The Railway Station, Station Road, Haworth, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD22 8NJ.
How much? £22 for adults and £11 for children aged 5-15 years when booked on the day or £19.80 for adults and £9.90 for children when booked online three days in advance. Under fives go free.
Get it booked: kwvr.co.uk
Bridlington Animal Park
Who doesn’t want to feed a baby meerkat? If hands-on experiences are what you’re looking for, they don’t get much better than the whole host of animal feedings and meet-and-greets available at this family-owned animal park. As well as the hand-reared meerkats, you can also meet marmosets, wallabies, raccoons, owls and, if you’re brave enough, a scaly snake or two. Throw in all manner of birds, from parrots to flamingos, plus a gaggle of farmyard favourites, and this is one Yorkshire day out your toddler won’t forget in a hurry.
Where? Bridlington Birds of Prey & Animal Park, Covert Lane, Carnaby, Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, YO15 3QF.
How much? £12 for adults and £8 for children.
Get it booked: bridlingtonanimalpark.co.uk
