Last Updated on 13 January 2026 by Colette
In my teens I volunteered for a charity in York which provided (and actually still does provide) play and activity schemes during the school holidays and on weekends for children and young people with additional needs. Working for a charity with very little money to spare meant that planning our activities and days out was done on a strict budget, usually trying to go places we could either walk to or access with public transport which would either be free or would cost as little as possible!
Of course looking for a free day out in York isn’t limited to those who are short on cash, making the most of free things to do in York just makes sense!
Here are six free things to do in York with kids:
1. Explore the Museum Gardens
📍 York Museum Gardens, Museum St, York YO1 7FR
Top of the list and worth a visit all year round is the Museum Gardens which are located right in the heart of York and are perfect for a family stroll or picnic. The beautiful gardens feature historical ruins, a wide variety of plants, and plenty of space for kids to run around. It’s a peaceful and scenic spot to relax and enjoy nature, and it’s completely free to enter.
2. Walk Along the York City Walls
📍 York City Walls, York YO1 7LJ
Take a walk along the historic York City Walls, which stretch for about 2 miles around the city. The walls offer great views of the city, and kids will love exploring the ancient towers and gates. The path is mostly flat, however do bear in mind access to the walls is typically via uneven stone steps and once you are up there, there’s still more steps and narrow pathways to navigate meaning it’s not accessible by wheelchair and pushchairs aren’t a great plan either.
There are several places you can access the walls but I tend to like to start at Goodramgate.
3. Visit the National Railway Museum
📍 National Railway Museum, Leeman Rd, York YO26 4XJ
Remember I said about the charity I used to work for? Well the National Railway Museum was one of our top free days out in York and as such I went so many times that I’ve never actually taken my own kids! I think the older two went with my parents when they were little though.
While some special exhibitions may have a fee, the National Railway Museum in York is mostly free to enter. Kids can enjoy seeing iconic trains, interactive exhibits, and even take a ride on a miniature train. It’s a great way to explore British railway history in a fun and engaging way.
Although the National Railway Museum is free to visit, it is recommended that you book your tickets in advance.
4. Explore the Shambles
The Shambles is one of York’s most famous and picturesque streets, known for its medieval buildings. Take a self-guided treasure hunt, where kids can look for specific details in the architecture, such as the overhanging buildings, the cobblestone streets, and other fun features. You can create your own scavenger hunt or find free printable ones online. (We love Treasure Trails and this one includes the Shambles but costs £9.99 so doesn’t really fit the guidelines of free things to do in York!)
5. Visit Rowntree Park
📍 Terry Ave, York YO23 1JQ
Rowntree Park is a large, family-friendly park with plenty of green space, a playground, and a beautiful lake. It’s an ideal place for a picnic or a leisurely walk, and kids can enjoy watching the ducks, playing sports, or just running around. It’s not one we’ve been to many times as it’s on the wrong side of town for us so a great alternative is The Homesteads
6. Visit The Homestead
📍 The Homestead, 40 Water End, York YO30 6WP
The Homestead Park has been a family favourite for meet ups with friends, picnics – and for free days out with the kids when I worked for the SEN charity as it was one of the only places that had an accessible swing at the time!
The Homestead Park has plenty of wide open spaces, trees to climb (and collect conkers) and a really great play area which used to hold my children’s attention for hours when they were little!
There is a small onsite car park (which I believe is still free).
Remember to check the opening hours and availability of attractions and events, as they may vary. Enjoy exploring the historic city of York without breaking the bank!
The activities I’ve listed provide a great mix of nature, history, and fun, all without costing a penny. Whether you want to relax, explore, or engage with the city’s history, York offers a range of opportunities for family-friendly, free activities – and of course if you know of a great free activity in York that I’ve not mentioned, please let me know in the comments so I can add it in!
Have a read of these posts next:
Seventeen things to do in York
Where to park near York Minster
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