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From dinosaurs to Vikings, steam trains to Victorians, chocolate-makers to history-shapers, a family adventure in York is unlike any other. With everything

from first-class family-friendly attractions to stunning outdoor spaces and lots of fantastic places to shop, eat and drink with kids, a family visit to York is

unforgettable. Here are some of our favourite family adventures, tried and tested with our own three children for the official Little Vikings seal of approval.

Adventure back in time…

Fancy time-travelling? York’s attractions bring the past to life in a way that’s great fun for kids. See the dinosaurs and learn about York’s Roman past at the Yorkshire Museum or travel back to Viking York and find out what life was like at the JORVIK Viking Centre (re-opens in spring). Experience the sights and sounds of a recreated Victorian street, meet real Victorians and buy a sugar mouse at the sweet shop, just some of the fantastic things to do at York Castle Museum. You can even become a little archaeologist at DIG: An Archaeological Adventure and have a go at finding your own artefacts.

Family adventures in the great outdoors

Whether it’s moors, woodland or beaches you’re after, you’ll find fresh air and oodles of open space just a short drive from York. Dalby Forest is stunning and a great budget option (just pay to park). Embark on one of the children’s trails, hire a bike or just enjoy the epic adventure playground. Or head to the moors and climb aboard a steam train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a magical experience. Castle Howard’s adventure playground is one of our favourites with some great woodland walks too. Bucket and spade calling? The Yorkshire coastline is stunning. We love eating fish and chips in Whitby, playing in Filey’s pretty parks and building sandcastles on Bridlington’s beautiful beaches.

Family adventures…whatever the weather

Weather turned overcast? Don’t panic. There’s plenty to do in York with kids undercover, and these are our top picks:

• See great art and get hands-on to create some at York Art Gallery (winner of the Family-Friendly Museum of the Year Award).• Visit the National Railway Museum - it’s fantastic, free and there are hands-on exhibits for children.• Paint a plate, pot or something else at Rainbows Ceramics.• Bounce off some energy at Energi, York’s only indoor trampoline park. • Let the kids make a chocolate lolly at York Cocoa House while you enjoy a coffee and cake.

Family adventures in food

Fuel your adventures at one of York’s many brilliant, family-friendly places to eat and drink:

• The tapas at Ambiente is amazing. Our children always try new things there that they wouldn’t touch at home.• Don’t miss the pancake stacks at Brew & Brownie (Museum Street). The delicious coffee perks up tired parents, too. • A bike shop might seem an unusual place to eat, but Café 68 at Cycle Heaven has tasty food, lots of space and a selection of toys for kids. • For another adventure in food, explore York’s chocolate history at York’s Chocolate Story.

Little Vikings is a free print and online magazine for families in York. Pick up the latest issue from the Visit York Information Centre or visit little-vikings.co.uk for all your family adventures in York.

York for kids

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