We have compiled a list of day trips, activities and things to do with children in the Harrogate and Knaresborough area that are either low cost or no cost. Â We have a variety of indoor and outdoor and rainy day activities and day trips and local visitor attractions for younger and older children (including babies, toddlers and pre-school aged kids)
If you need a place to eat, then check out our Family Friendly places to eat in Harrogate page and you can read some of our kid friendly restaurant reviews here.Â
Darley Library has re-opened!
Situated inside Christ Church Community Centre, Main Street, Darley.
Now thereâs a new way to take a look into the past as you explore North Yorkshireâs County Town, guided by the âDiscover Northallertonâ app in the palm of your hand.
Discover more about the heritage of Northallerton and uncover hidden stories of fascinating people, places and events that shaped this historic market town through the centuries.
With 2 trails, there is loads of fun to be had!
âAutumnfest trail with the Mowbreesâ enjoying the sights as we watered Tinker Mowbreeâs veggie patch near the phone box, threw conkers in Applegarth Park, searched for treats hiding in pumpkins in Zetland Street, and danced with the twins, Violet and Spike Mowbree, by the pedestrian crossing!
âPortals into the Pastâ entitles the second trail, which is packed with information about the history of the town and we had chance to have a little look, but would love to return another day to take in the details of the trail. Here you can uncover Northallertonâs hidden stories of fascinating people, places and events, including the Town Hall and Shambles, the Rutson Hospital, Register House, and the original site of Northallerton Grammar School before it moved to Grammar School Lane and then became Northallerton College. This would be a great trail for schools to use as part of a local history project.
Read our review
Thereâs always lots for families to do at Harrogate Museums and Gallery! Games, dressing up, trails, art materials and childrenâs books are just some of the activities available.
At the Royal Pump Room Museum in Harrogate smell the stinky sulphur water that was drunk by hundreds of people each morning, back when Harrogate was the place for health and happiness visited by the rich and famous. See and smell the original wells on a tour, discover the spa treatments, beautiful clothes, toys and household objects from the people of Harrogate past. Enjoy further back in time with our Ancient Egyptian displays.
Royal Pump Room Museum, Crown Place, Harrogate, HG1 2RY | 01423 556188 | museums@harrogate.gov.uk
At Knaresborough Castle and Museum take in the beautiful views and discover the dungeon, ancient graffiti and special secret underground tunnel. It may seem peaceful now, but the castle was once a mighty stronghold of medieval kings. Inside the museum you’ll find tales of local characters including Blind Jack, Guy Fawkes and Mother Shipton. You’ll also find the rare, original Tudor court room where suspected criminals faced public trial as well as family activities.
Knaresborough Castle and Museum, Castle Yard, Knaresborough, HG5 8AS | 01423 556188 | museums@harrogate.gov.uk
The Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate is a relaxed, welcoming art space with changing exhibitions to suit everyone. Our art trolley is always full of art materials to give the whole family a chance to get creative.
Swan Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SA, 01423 556188 | museums@harrogate.gov.uk
For full details of our museums and gallery visit www.harrogate.gov.uk/museums
Bracken Hall Countryside Centre and museum is situated on the edge of Shipley Glen, a popular beauty spot. The Centre has displays relating to the natural history, geology, archaeology and local history of the area. The colourful interactive wildlife exhibits delve into the lives of badgers, frogs and bats. There are interactive displays about other animals and foodwebs.
The small charming garden attracts different kinds of wildlife throughout the year from tadpoles to butterflies and honeybees. The garden is designed to show how people can attract wildlife to their own gardens, and also features bee-hives and a pond.
Bracken Hall Countryside Centre, Glen Road, Baildon, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD17 5EA Â telephone/fax: 01274 584140
Dramatic moorland rock formations. Explore Brimham Rocks, and have a great day out at nature’s playground.
This amazing collection of weird and wonderful rock formations makes a great day out for families, climbers and those wanting to enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh air and magnificent views over Nidderdale.
There’s no admission charge at Brimham Rocks. Parking is free for National Trust members.
Non National Trust members, our car parking charges are as follows: ÂŁ6 up to four hours, ÂŁ8 thereafter
Danes Dyke; Jutting out miles into the North Sea, the headland has in the past been effectively cut off by the construction, in the Iron Age, of the erroneously named Danesâ Dyke, which encloses five square miles of the peninsula. The end of the Dyke is a deep ravine on the south side of the Headland, where it exits into Bridlington Bay There are a number of nature trails in the Dyke which can be accessed easily from the car park off the main Bridlington to Flamborough Road.
Danes Dyke, Flamborough Head, Flamborough, East Yorkshire YO15 1AG
Over the course of 1 Hour and 20 minutes we will enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire, buggy friendly!
26th October – 1st  AprilÂ
Tours start at 10:30, 12:00 and 13:30
Friday – Sunday plus Bank HolidaysÂ
We set off from the large oak tree opposite Bettys Tearooms, 1 Parliament street, HarrogateÂ
With nine floors of galleries to explore, three cinemas including Yorkshire’s biggest IMAX screen, and a packed programme of events, you’re sure to find something to inspire you.N
ational Media Museum, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1NQ
Open Daily 10-6pm (Museum and Shop)
Free entry to museum.
The North York Moors National Park is a beautiful landscape of stunning moorland, spectacular coast, ancient woodland and historic sites.
Find out what there is to see and do and discover how the National Park Authority works with the people who live here to care for this beautiful place.
Peasholm Park Scarborough, North Yorkshire is open for everyone to enjoy all year round, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Entrance to the Park, which is never closed, is FREE.
Facilities:Sun Parlour Cafe, Childrens Play Area, Maze, Football pitch, 3 Tennis courts, Flat Green Bowling, 18 hole Putting and 9 hole Crazy Golf.
Opening times
Daily 10am â 5pm The museum is closed 24-26 December.
Admission
Free: some events may be chargeable.
Address
Royal Armouries Museum Armouries Drive Leeds LS10 1LT
The premier play park in Harrogate! The equipment is fantastic here with loads to do for all ages including a zip wire, fortress, plane, paddling pool as well as the usual slides, swings etc. There is also the recently completed skate park for the older kids.
There is a new kiosk selling ice creams and light refreshments in the play area and further down the gardens there is a café which sells Ripley ice-cream as well as a boating pond and bandstand.
The park also offers pitch and put, crazy gold, Frisbee gold and tennis courts.
At the top of the Gardens lie the Pine Woods.
Wentworth Garden Centre Hague Lane, Wentworth Rotherham, South Yorkshire
S62 7TF Phone: 01226 744842
We’re home to over 300 years of history and over a million wonderful objects. Visit us and you can marvel at iconic locomotives, watch engineering work in progress in the Workshop, browse our object-filled Warehouse, and let off steam in the outdoor play area. Younger visitors will love letting off steam in our railway-themed outdoor play area. Plus, you can take a ride on the nearby miniature railway and enjoy the scenery
NRM York, Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ
Opening Times 10amâ6pm daily Closed 24, 25, 26 Dec
FREE ENTRY
