Five budget-friendly ideas for family days out
Have more fun for less
- Stories & Inspiration
- Five Budget Friendly Ideas Family Days Out
Create priceless memories without breaking your budget
Enjoy great days out in North Yorkshire this year. Spend a day on the beach at the Yorkshire coast, set up a picnic in one of our pretty parks or choose a lovely walk through beautiful woods, whatever the season.
With great museums, gardens and attractions across the county, you and your family can create some amazing memories that will last well after the holidays finish.
1. Public parks and gardens
The many public parks and gardens in North Yorkshire are the perfect place to head to with all the family for a day of fun and games.
The 17-acre Valley Gardens in Harrogate has a great play park with swings, climbing frames and a zipline.
There is a paddling pool in the middle, perfect to cool off in on a hot day (filled in the summer months). You can try crazy golf, pitch and putt and tennis or zoom around at the skate park.
Ride a pedalo on the boating lake at the oriental themed Peasholm Park in Scarborough or head to the putting green.
Enjoy an ice cream from the kiosk and find a shady spot to relax in and watch the world go by, perfect for a summers day.
Aireville Park in Skipton is perfect for BMXers and skateboarders as you can show off your tricks at the wheel park or zoom your bike around the pump track. The multi-use games area offers football, tennis, netball, and basketball.
After all this exercise you can refuel at the on-site Revive Cafe where you can buy cakes, sandwiches and drinks plus picnic boxes for the little ones.
2. Castle Adventures
Visit one of the castle ruins in North Yorkshire and enjoy a day of historical adventure. Walk through the underground sallyport at Knaresborough Castle and learn about the castle’s history in the Courthouse Museum (family ticket: £12.20).
Pretend to be a knight at Pickering Castle (family tickets from £11.70) or take in views of the sea at Scarborough Castle (family tickets from £15.40) Children can join in with exciting activities during the school holidays.
3. Coastal Fun
With 100 miles of coastline to explore in North Yorkshire, you can have a great day of family fun at the coast.
Explore rock pools, search for fossils and look for treasure that has been washed up on the tide while beachcombing. You can even have a family competition to see who can find the most objects.
Crabbing is a popular pastime in Whitby harbour, all you need is a bucket, some crabbing line and bait.
Enjoy a beach day at Scarborough, Whitby and Filey with sandy beaches, amusements and donkey rides.
Set up your picnic blanket, chairs, and games on the beach and enjoy a picnic and a yummy ice cream in the sun.
If you are looking for a quieter beach, head to Cayton Bay, Sandsend or Hunmanby Gap and enjoy a walk along the sand and a paddle in the sea.
4. Magical Fairies
Discover a magical land of fairies in the heart of Nidderdale at the Studfold Adventure Trail (family ticket: £30.00). Find the clues that will take you through the gate to the fairy village of Two Stone Wishes.
Bring your own fairy wings or buy some at the on-site shop. Can you solve all the clues you find – there’s a little surprise if you return your completed clue sheet.
Try the sensory boxes, go karts and den building and enjoy a picnic or grab lunch from the Nidderdale Way Cafe before the children burn off even more energy in the play area. This is a perfect day out for toddlers and primary-aged children.
(various opening days and times throughout the season - please check before visiting)
5. Countryside Days Out
If you love to be out in the countryside as a family, there are so many beautiful places to go. Walk through magical woods, follow trails across the countryside and tackle the uphill paths of the peaks in the Yorkshire Dales to be rewarded with some amazing views.
For those who prefer to explore on two wheels, there are some great cycle paths in the county offering easy-going cycling suitable for even the youngest cyclist including The Cinder Track, the Nidderdale Greenway and the Selby to York cycle route.
Follow the Countryside Code when visiting to enjoy your time and to protect the countryside for future generations. Use official parking areas or public transport and be aware of wildlife, especially during nesting time and when there are young animals in the fields keeping dogs on the lead.
These are a few options to help you have an amazing day out on a budget and to help you with your planning. There are lots of other suggestions for you on our family page.
Don’t forget to tag us in all your family adventures using #visitnorthyorkshire
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