Easter in York 2026: The 19 Best Family-Friendly Activities

Are you looking for some fun Easter holiday activities to do with your family in York? Easter 2026 falls on Sunday, 5th April, with the school holidays running from approximately 30th March to 10th April, giving you plenty of time to enjoy everything York has to offer. Our beautiful historic city of York has a wide range of exciting activities and events for all ages, such as egg hunts to live music performances. So here are the best things to do in York this Easter, so that you and your loved ones have an egg-cellent time during the Easter Holidays. 

Please note: Where 2026 dates are now confirmed I’ve included them. For activities that haven’t yet published their Easter programmes, I’ve flagged this so you know to check before you go.

Easter 2026 at a Glance:

• Easter Sunday: 5th April 2026
• Good Friday: 3rd April 2026
• Easter Monday: 6th April 2026
• School Holidays: Approximately 30th March – 10th April
• Weather: Expect typical spring weather – pack layers and waterproofs!

🍫 York Chocolate Festival 2026 ✅ CONFIRMED

2026 Dates Confirmed: Wednesday 1st April – Sunday 5th April 2026, 10am–5pm daily. Parliament Street and venues across the city centre. Free entry to the market.

This is honestly one of the highlights of the York Easter calendar. The Chocolate Festival takes over Parliament Street for five days, transforming the heart of the city into a full-on chocolate lover’s paradise. It celebrates York’s incredible history as the UK’s “Chocolate City” — home to Rowntree’s and Terry’s, and the birthplace of the KitKat and the Chocolate Orange. For 2026, you can expect:

• The Chocolate Market — artisan chocolatiers, confectioners and independent producers on Parliament Street. Free entry.
• Hands-on Workshops — including Easter egg and chocolate bar making sessions (ticketed). York Cocoa Works will be hosting egg-decorating workshops — see below for details.
• Live Demonstrations — “Extreme Chocolate Makers” star Ashley McCarthy will be sculpting chocolate masterpieces live. Free to watch.
• The Chocolate Taste Trail — a self-guided walking tour through York’s hidden gems with samples from participating shops, delis, and cafés. Trail booklets available to purchase.
• City-Wide Easter Egg Hunt — exploring York’s ancient streets with prizes.

Dates: 1st–5th April 2026, 10am–5pm daily

Location: Parliament Street, York (and venues across city centre) Cost: Free entry to the market. Some workshops and trails are ticketed. 

Website: visityork.org

🐣 Stockeld Park Easter 2026 ✅ CONFIRMED

2026 Dates Confirmed: Easter themed activities run daily from 28th March – 12th April 2026. The park then stays open without Easter theming from 13th–19th April, with additional outdoor activities (boats, giant inflatables, go-karts and more). Pre-booking is essential.

Stockeld Park near Wetherby is one of the most popular York Easter activities for families, and for 2026 they’ve pulled out all the stops. It’s about a 30-minute drive from York, but well worth the trip.

What’s On at Stockeld Park Easter 2026

The Hop Squad Easter Trail — This year’s Easter trail features four live-action bunny characters known as the Hop Squad. Wander through the Enchanted Forest and find each of them to complete whimsical themed activities, collecting stamps as you go. Complete your trail sheet and take it to the Gift Shop for a reward.

The Hop Squad are in the forest daily from 10:30am–4pm from 28th March–12th April, with a group photo opportunity on the forecourt at 4:45pm. 

Easter Egg Hunt — The Easter Bunny has hidden giant hand-painted eggs featuring favourite characters throughout the Enchanted Forest. A new egg designed by the winner of the 2025 Easter competition also makes its debut this year. 

Meet the Easter Bunny — Head to the Stockeld Theatre to meet the Easter Bunny! Shows run daily from 28th March–12th April at 12pm, 1pm and 2:30pm. Everyone requires a ticket (except babes in arms who are free). 

The Magical Maze — Follow the maze trails to discover how Easter is celebrated around the world. 

The Playhive — One of Europe’s largest indoor play centres at 20,000 sq ft. Playhive-only tickets are available at £13.50 per person if you just want indoor fun. 

Plus all the usual Stockeld Park activities: Buccaneer Boats on the lake, go-karts, outdoor adventure playgrounds, zip wires, climbing nets, and more.

Stockeld Park Easter Age Limit — What You Need to Know

This is something a lot of people search before they visit, so here’s a clear breakdown: Is there an age limit for Stockeld Park at Easter? Stockeld Park is a family attraction and welcomes visitors of all ages, but there are a few important rules to be aware of:

• Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (aged 18+) at all times. This applies to all areas of the park.
• Adults visiting without children — Stockeld Park reserves the right to refuse entry to groups of adults (18+), teenagers, or single adults with no accompanying children. This is in keeping with the family-focused nature of the park. If you’re meeting a family group, arrange to meet before buying tickets.
• Babies and toddlers — children under 2 are free, though they still need a ticket booked. The Playhive and outdoor areas are suitable for all ages.

Activity-specific age and height restrictions:

• Buccaneer Boats: Suitable for heights of 102cm and over. 102cm–112cm must be accompanied by an adult on the boat; 112cm+ can ride solo.
• Go-Karts: Height restrictions apply in line with manufacturer guidelines — check the website for current info.
• Dragon Swing: Recommended for ages 4+.
• Playhive: All children must be accompanied by an adult with a valid Playhive ticket. Equipment is designed for both adults and children to enjoy together.

In short: Stockeld Park Easter is best suited to families with children. If you’re visiting as a group of adults or teenagers without kids, you may be refused entry.

Stockeld Park Easter Tickets & Prices 2026

Tickets must be pre-booked online. You can choose an all-day ticket (arrive from 9:30am) or a later arrival from 2pm. A Playhive-only ticket is £13.50 per person. Always check stockeldpark.co.uk for the most current pricing before booking, as prices vary by date and ticket type. 
Dates: 28th March – 12th April 2026 (Easter activities). Open until 19th April without Easter theming. 
Address: Stockeld Park, Wetherby, North Yorkshire, LS22 4AN 
Website: stockeldpark.co.uk

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York’s Chocolate Story ✅ CONFIRMED

York’s Chocolate Story is running three special Easter experiences this year, all taking place between 28th March and 12th April 2026. Whether you want a discounted early morning tour, a truffle-rolling add-on, or a full hands-on masterclass, there’s something for every age and budget.

🐣 Easter Early Bird Guided Tour

Save £3 on adult tickets and £2 on child tickets by booking the 9:30am or 9:45am tour. You’ll get the full guided tour experience — chocolate history from its ancient origins through to York’s own confectionery heritage, a hands-on chocolate lolly to make and take home, live chocolatier demonstrations, and plenty of samples along the way.

• Dates: 28th March – 12th April 2026
• Times: 9:30am and 9:45am only
• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Price: Adult £18 | Child £15 | Under 4s free

🍫 Tour & Mini Easter Egg Truffle Rolling

The full guided tour plus an extra 15 minutes of hands-on truffle rolling at the end. You’ll make four ganache-filled mini Easter egg truffles using Belgian couverture chocolate, decorate them, package them up and take them home. The 5pm tour (4:30pm on Fridays) is a lovely way to round off a day in York.

• Dates: 28th March – 12th April 2026
• Times: 5pm (4:30pm on Fridays)
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Price: Adult £27 | Child £25 | Under 4s free

👨‍🍳 Easter Family Masterclass

The most hands-on of the three — a 90-minute session led by an expert chocolatier where the whole family gets stuck in. You’ll make an Easter lolly, fill and roll mini Easter egg truffles, decorate an Easter egg plaque, pipe onto a chocolate bar, and finish with a hot chocolate. Recommended for ages 4 and above, and all children under 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

• Dates: 30th March – 10th April 2026
• Times: 11:15am and 2:15pm
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Price: £37.50 per person | Under 4s free
• Note: Held in the ground floor facility — not currently accessible for wheelchair users.

All three events book up quickly over Easter — especially the Family Masterclass. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Address: York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD

York Cocoa Works ✅ CONFIRMED

York Cocoa Works on Castlegate is running a brilliant selection of Easter chocolate workshops and experiences this year, as well as a seasonal collection of handcrafted Easter eggs and gift sets made right there in their York manufactory.

🐣 Easter Egg & Spring Bunny Making Workshop

A fun, accessible workshop running daily from 6th March to 12th April 2026. You’ll temper, flavour and decorate your own Easter Egg or Chocolate Bunny Chocolate Bar to take home. Great for all ages and a lovely way to spend an hour.

• Dates: 6th March – 12th April 2026

🍫 Easter Egg Masterclass

A deeper, more hands-on experience for those who want to really get into the craft of chocolate making. You’ll learn how to create your very own Easter Egg from scratch under expert guidance.

• Dates: 18th & 21st March, 25th & 28th March, 1st & 4th April 2026

🎪 Mini Easter Egg Making at York Chocolate Festival

York Cocoa Works will also be at the York Chocolate Festival on Parliament Street, running drop-in mini Easter egg making sessions throughout the festival.

• Dates: Wednesday 1st – Sunday 5th April 2026
• Times: Daily, 10am – 4pm

You can also shop their Easter collection online — handcrafted single origin Easter eggs (milk, dark and white), mini eggs, gift boxes and luxury sets, all made using fine flavour cocoa. Order by 30th March for delivery before Easter.

Address: York Cocoa Works, 10 Castlegate, York YO1 9RG

National Railway Museum ✅ CONFIRMED

The National Railway Museum is free to enter and has a packed Easter programme running 30th March – 10th April 2026. This year’s theme is all about looking closer — spotting hidden details, clever design choices and surprising stories behind the world’s most famous trains. There’s also a very special reason to visit this Easter in particular: the legendary Flying Scotsman is returning to York for a spring appearance from 28th March to 24th April.

Here’s what’s on:

• Family Trail — free, daily. Pick up the trail at the museum and hunt for hidden features across the galleries. Signals, shortcuts and design details that shaped the history of rail travel. Great for all ages.
• Wonderlab Maker Hub — included in Wonderlab ticket, daily. Roll up your sleeves and build mini experiments inspired by railway engineering. Make it, test it, tweak it.
• Miniature Railway — £4 per ticket, selected dates. Climb aboard for a ride on the museum’s fantastic miniature railway.
• Flying Scotsman VR — £7 per ticket, daily. Travel through a century of the Flying Scotsman’s greatest moments in a fully immersive virtual reality experience.
• Indoor Play Area — free, daily. Perfect for under-6s. Build structures, make their own Stephenson’s Rocket and get stuck in.
• Outdoor Play Area — free, daily. Climbing, monkey bars and plenty of space to let off steam.

There are also pop-up activities and storytelling sessions across the museum throughout the holidays — check the What’s On board when you arrive for the day’s schedule.

• Dates: 30th March – 10th April 2026
• Entry: Free (some activities have an additional charge as above)

Address: National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ

Read my National Railway Museum Review here.

York Theatre Royal ✅ CONFIRMED

This Easter, York Theatre Royal is staging The Secret Garden – The Musical, a York Theatre Royal production running throughout the Easter holidays. Based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved classic, it’s a new revival of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical directed by Tony Award-winner John Doyle, with music by Lucy Simon and book and lyrics by Marsha Norman.

Set in North Yorkshire in 1906, the story follows newly orphaned Mary Lennox, sent to the moors to live with her widower uncle at the secluded Misselthwaite Manor. When she discovers her aunt’s mysterious neglected garden, she sets about bringing it back to life — and in doing so, discovers the power of connection and the restorative magic of nature. Brought to life by a cast of actor-musicians, it’s a moving and timeless story of love, loss, healing and hope.

• Dates: Tuesday 17th March – Saturday 4th April 2026 (runs through the Easter holidays)
• Evening performances: 7:30pm (7:00pm Thursdays, 6:30pm Mondays)
• Matinees: 2:00pm Thursdays, 2:30pm Saturdays
• Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes, no interval
• Age guidance: 10+ (under 16 price available)
• Access performances: BSL — Fri 27 March | Audio Described — Wed 1 April | Captioned — Sat 4 April

Address: York Theatre Royal, St Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD

Rowntree Park ✅ CONFIRMED

The Rowntree Park Easter Trail is back for 2026! Head to one of York’s most loved parks on Easter Wednesday and help the Easter Bunny find her missing pal by searching the park for clues. Solve them all and you’ll earn a reward for your efforts!

It’s a brilliant, affordable way to spend a spring morning with the family — and the Friends of Rowntree Park recommend bringing a picnic and making a full day of it. Book online in advance to avoid queuing for trail sheets on the day.

• Date: Wednesday 1st April 2026
• Booking: Advance booking recommended

Address: Rowntree Park, Richardson Street, York YO23 1JU

Read my Rowntree Park review here.

Yorkshire Museum & York Museum Gardens ✅ CONFIRMED

There’s a lovely mix of indoor and outdoor Easter activities across both the Yorkshire Museum and the beautiful Museum Gardens this year — and the outdoor Spring Trail doesn’t even require museum admission, making it a great free option for families.

🌿 Spring Trail – York Museum Gardens A self-led trail taking you through the Museum Gardens to explore nature and wildlife. Pick up your trail sheet from the Yorkshire Museum admissions desk — museum entry isn’t required — and collect a small chocolate prize when you finish!

• Dates: Saturday 28 March – Sunday 12 April 2026
• Price: £2 per trail sheet
• No booking required

🦕 Meet Me at the Yorkshire Museum: Mary Anning the Fossil Collector Join History Riot for an interactive storytelling experience where you’ll meet famous fossil hunter Mary Anning in person. Stories, music, games and laughter — great for all ages.

• Dates: Tuesday 31 March, Friday 3 April and Friday 10 April 2026
• Times: Drop in between 11am – 4pm
• Price: Included in general admission

🎨 Creative Families Artist-led hands-on workshops inspired by the story of botanist Catherine ‘Kit’ Rob and the natural world. Drop in and get creative.

• Dates: Wednesday 1 April and Wednesday 8 April 2026
• Times: Drop in between 10:30am – 3:30pm
• Price: Included in general admission

🧸 Make and Play Self-led creative activities in the Rec Room, inspired by the Mary Anning Rocks! exhibition and the museum’s biological collections.

• Dates: Daily 29 March – 12 April (except Saturday 28 March, Wednesday 1 April and Wednesday 8 April)
• Times: Drop in between 10:30am – 3:30pm
• Price: Included in general admission

See the full Yorkshire Museum events listing here

Address: Yorkshire Museum, Museum Gardens, York YO1 7FR Museum Gardens address: Museum Street, York YO1 7FR (free to enter)

Read my Yorkshire Museum review here.

York Castle Museum ✅ CONFIRMED

York Castle Museum has a brilliant Easter programme running throughout the holidays, with all activities included in general admission. This year’s theme celebrates York’s chocolate heritage, tying in with the city’s Chocolate Festival — so it’s a perfect companion to a visit to York’s Chocolate Story or York Cocoa Works.

🥐 Castle Kitchen: Hot Cross Buns Watch live hot cross bun baking demonstrations throughout the day, with samples of both modern and Victorian recipes to try. Pick up a recipe card to have a go at home!

• Dates: Saturday 28 March, Thursday 2 April, Saturday 4 April, Monday 6 April, Thursday 9 April and Saturday 11 April
• Times: Drop in between 10:30am – 4pm

🎨 Creative Families Get hands-on in an artist-led workshop inspired by the Sugar, Skill and Shiftwork exhibition about York’s confectionery workers.

• Dates: Friday 3 April and Friday 10 April
• Times: Drop in between 10:30am – 3:30pm

Daily activities (included in admission):

• Sugar, Skill and Shiftwork Sensory Stations — experience the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of York’s chocolate factories through a community exhibition, daily
• Time Traveller’s Activity Trail — collect a trail booklet at the admissions desk and explore the museum’s historical objects, daily
• Cells Talks — discover the history of York Castle prison and its most notorious inmates, daily at 11:30am and 2:30pm
• Kirkgate Talks — learn about the creation of Kirkgate, one of the oldest recreated indoor Victorian streets in the world, daily at 11:30am and 2pm
• Creative Studio — sketch your dream Victorian outfit inspired by the Secrets of Dress exhibition, open daily

Also worth knowing: the new immersive installation The Last Stop Before Kirkgate has been extended until 2027. It’s a recreated Victorian coaching inn with an emotive soundscape telling the real stories of five Yorkshire folk on their way to Kirkgate — a lovely addition before you explore the famous street.

A great tip — general admission tickets last 12 months, so you can return for summer and Christmas 2026 on the same ticket!

• Dates: Saturday 28 March – Sunday 12 April 2026

Address: York Castle Museum, Tower Street, York YO1 9RY

Read my York Castle Museum review here.

Murton Park ✅ CONFIRMED

Murton Park has an absolutely packed Easter programme this year — trails, crafts, storytelling, sports, train rides, live reenactments and even a visit from the Easter Bunny himself. It’s one of the most activity-dense days out near York over the holidays. Note that most activities are free with an annual pass, with small charges for some extras.

🐣 Easter Trail — daily, 28 March – 12 April Pick up a self-led trail around the park for £1.50 per person (with annual pass). Includes a chocolate egg at the end!

🐰 Easter Bunny Visit — Easter Sunday, 11am, 1pm & 2pm The Easter Bunny makes three appearances on Easter Sunday. A lovely one for little ones!

🎨 Easter Crafts — Monday 30 March, 10:30am–12pm Make wooden spoon bunnies, bunny masks and Easter bunting to take home. £2.50 per person with annual pass.

🐦 Bird Crafts — Tuesday 7 April & Friday 10 April, 10:30am–12pm Make birds out of toilet rolls, paper plates, egg crates and more! £2.50 per person with annual pass.

📖 Storytelling — Monday 30 March – Thursday 2 April & Monday 6 – Friday 10 April, 2pm daily Murton’s own twist on Jack and the Beanstalk. Free with annual pass.

🥚 Easter Fun Day — Tuesday 31 March, 10:30am–2:30pm Hook-an-egg, Easter egg shy, tin can alley and more. Activity charges may apply.

⚽ Sports Activities

• Football skills — Wednesday 1 April & Wednesday 8 April, 11am–12pm. Free with annual pass.
• Cricket skills — Thursday 2 April & Thursday 9 April, 11am–12pm. Free with annual pass.

🚂 DVLR Train Rides — Sunday 29 March, Friday 3 – Monday 6 April & Sunday 12 April Ride the park’s passenger railway for £1 per person per ride, or £5 for up to five people for the whole day (unlimited rides). Subject to weather and safety conditions.

⚔️ Living History Reenactments (free with annual pass)

• Sunday 29 March – Wednesday 1 April: Medieval daily life with the Wychwood Warriors
• Saturday 4 – Monday 6 April: Trailblazer Cowboys and Jorfor’s Hall Vikings
• Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 April: Danelaw Villagers and Havamal Vikings

Address: Murton Park, Murton Lane, Murton, York YO19 5UF

Read my Murton Park review here.

Castle Howard ✅ CONFIRMED

Just 15 miles from York, Castle Howard is one of the most spectacular Easter day trips in the region, and this year there’s plenty to keep the whole family busy across the grounds, house and arboretum.

🐣 Easter Family Trail — Saturday 28 March – Sunday 19 April This year’s trail is brand new — a bird box Easter Trail winding through the grounds and the Castle Howard Arboretum, featuring artwork by local printmaker Gerard Hobson. Included with both House & Garden and Garden tickets.

🐑 Meet Baby Lambs — Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 April Head to Skelf Island Adventure Playground over the Easter weekend for the chance to meet baby lambs. Included with admission.

🌳 Skelf Island Adventure Playground — open every day Rope bridges, slides, zip wire and treetop nests — Skelf Island is a brilliant place for younger visitors to let off steam while you soak up those sweeping North Yorkshire views.

🏛️ Visit the House — reopens Friday 20 March The House reopens just before Easter, with a new architecture exhibition as part of the Vanbrugh 300 celebrations marking 300 years since the death of Castle Howard’s architect, Sir John Vanbrugh. Don’t miss the Great Hall, which rises 70 feet, or the newly restored Tapestry Drawing Room.

🌸 Spring Gardens & Arboretum The 120-acre Arboretum is home to over 7,000 trees from around the world and is at its very best in spring. Look out for spring flowers on the lakes, blossom in the woodlands, and the gardens bursting into life.

🛍️ Farm Shop Easter treats The Farm Shop is stocked with seasonal chocolate eggs, gifts and home and tableware — well worth a browse on your way out.

Dogs are welcome throughout the grounds on a short lead.

Book tickets at castlehoward.co.uk

Address: Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA

Read my review of Castle Howard here.

Piglets Adventure Farm ✅ CONFIRMED

Piglets Adventure Farm near York is one of our absolute favourite family days out — and their Easter Egg-Stravaganza is the best time of year to visit. Read our full Piglets Adventure Farm review to find out why we love it so much.

Easter Egg-Stravaganza runs 28 March – 19 April 2026, and this year there’s a brilliant new option: an Easter Pass for just £3 more than a standard day ticket, giving you unlimited visits throughout the whole Easter period. Brilliant value if you’re local or planning to visit more than once.

Here’s what’s on:

🥚 Great Easter Egg Hunt — daily The farm’s biggest egg hunt yet, with eggs hidden all around the farm for little ones to seek out.

🐰 Meet the Easter Bunny — 28 March – 12 April, shows at 12pm & 2:30pm Catch the Easter Bunny Show twice daily, then hang around for photos and a proper meet and greet. Note the shows only run until 12 April, not the full Easter period.

🌱 Piglets Potting Shed Little ones can plant their own pumpkin and sunflower seeds to take home — a lovely keepsake from the day.

🐑 Lambing Live With 40 ewes expecting, you might just be lucky enough to witness a lamb being born. One of those genuinely magical moments you can’t plan for.

🍼 Lamb Bottle Feeding Help the farmers feed the hungry spring lambs — always a highlight for small children.

🏖️ The Beach Returns Rock pools, sand and interactive water play are back for the season. Pack a change of clothes!

🚂 Barrel Train Ride, Indoor Playbarn & Outdoor Adventure Play All the usual Piglets favourites are on too — the barrel train, tractor-trailer ride, JCB diggers, slides and acres of outdoor play.

Book tickets at pigletsadventurefarm.com

Address: Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST

The Web Adventure Park ✅ CONFIRMED

The Web Adventure Park (formerly Creepy Crawlies) on Wigginton Road is a brilliant all-weather day out for families — we’ve written about it before and absolutely love it. Read our Web Adventure Park review to find out more about what the park is like.

This Easter, the fun runs 28 March – 12 April 2026 and includes the Great Egg Hunt, visits from the Bunny Brothers, and live entertainment from Dazzling Darren. After the Easter weekend, there’s also a special KPOP Party with returning favourite Rumi — great for older kids who love to sing and dance.

The park has indoor and outdoor play, park rides, Lightyear Laser Tag, role play areas, mini golf and animal encounters, so there’s plenty to fill a full day whatever the weather.

Address: The Web Adventure Park, Wigginton Road, York

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Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough

Just a short drive from York, Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough is one of the most magical Easter days out in the region — and this year’s theme is Alice in Wonderland. It’s an award-winning attraction voted the Best Magical Experience in the York area, and it’s easy to see why.

Easter at Mother Shipton’s runs Saturday 28 March – Sunday 19 April 2026, open 9:30am–5:30pm daily (last admission 4pm). Booking is essential.

The enchanted woodland is transformed into a springtime Alice in Wonderland Wonderland, with Easter scenes throughout. You can join the Mad Hatter’s immersive Tea Party, come face-to-face with the Queen of Hearts and the White Queen, and say hello to Alice herself as Wonderland comes to life around you. There are also loads of photo opportunities at every turn — dress up in your finest Wonderland-inspired outfits for extra fun, and use #mothershiptons for a chance to win free tickets.

Beyond the Easter events, the site is home to England’s Oldest Tourist Attraction — Mother Shipton’s Cave and the spellbinding Petrifying Well are unmissable. There’s also a large children’s Adventure Playground (weather permitting) and a gift shop.

Food-wise, vintage-style kiosks serve ice cream, hot dogs, sweet and savoury snacks, and hot drinks. You can even toast marshmallows to make Fluffy Bunny S’mores — brilliant. Or pack a picnic and host your own Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in the woodland. Dogs are welcome on a lead for the scenic mile-long walk along the River Nidd.

Book tickets at mothershipton.co.uk

Address: Mother Shipton’s Cave, Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire HG5 8DD

Nunnington Hall Easter Egg Hunt ✅ CONFIRMED

A lovely option if you fancy combining Easter with a National Trust day out. Nunnington Hall, near Helmsley, runs an Easter trail through its beautiful gardens from 28 March – 12 April 2026, 10:30am–5pm (last entry 4pm).

There are 10 fun trail points to discover — can you splat the egg, try your hand at archery, or guess the noisy neighbours? The trail costs £3 per person and includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and a dairy or vegan Free From chocolate egg. No booking needed. Normal admission applies. On Easter Sunday and Monday (5–6 April), there are also races to join.

Address: Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, near Helmsley, York YO62 5UY

Beningbrough Hall Easter Egg Hunt ✅ CONFIRMED

Another great National Trust option much closer to York — Beningbrough Hall runs its Easter trail through the gardens from 28 March – 12 April 2026, 10am–5pm (last entry 4pm).

There are 10 trail points to find, including tilting topple blocks, a yoga station and a memory meander. The trail is £3.50 per person and includes a trail sheet, bunny ears and a dairy or vegan Free From chocolate egg (while stocks last). No pre-booking needed. Normal admission applies. There’s also a wilderness play area, art gallery with Drawing Studio, restaurant and shop.

Address: Beningbrough Hall, Beningbrough, York YO30 1DD

Read my full Beningbrough Hall review here.

Woldies, Malton ✅ CONFIRMED

Woldies reopens for the 2026 season on 28 March and runs its Easter programme daily from 28 March – 12 April, 10am–4pm. It’s a brilliant outdoor day out near Malton — think nature gardens, trails, play and a miniature railway.

This Easter the main event is the Giant Animal Easter Egg Hunt — find 12 giant animals, crack a code to enter a life-sized nest, discover a secret word and claim your prize. There’s also a toddler-friendly Bunny Trail, spring walks full of blossom and wildflowers, wildlife spotting and Easter treats at the Teahive café.

Book tickets at woldies.co.uk

Address: Woldies, Wintringham, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 8HW

Read my full Woldies review here.

Acklam Farm Stays Lambing Experience ✅ CONFIRMED

For something a little different, Acklam Farm Stays near York offers small group lambing experiences running 28 March – 10 April 2026. The one-hour session includes feeding the lambs, the chance to witness a birth (not guaranteed, for obvious reasons!), and a hot chocolate. Tickets are £15 for adults (16+) and £12 for children (3+); under 2s go free.

Book online at acklamfarmstays.com or call 07846 269 128.

Sheriff Alpacas Easter Egg Hunt Walk ✅ CONFIRMED

For a truly unique Easter activity, Sheriff Alpacas at Goodness Farm in Sheriff Hutton (just outside York) runs Easter alpaca walks with a twist — you walk the alpacas through the woodland while hunting for hidden Easter eggs along the way. You’ll learn all about the alpacas as you go, and there are plenty of photo opportunities.

This is a mixed group session, perfect for adults and children alike. Tickets start from £10 per person — check availability and book via the website.

Address: Goodness Growing, Sheriff Hutton, York YO32 5TP

Dobbies Garden Centre Easter Bunny Breakfast ✅ CONFIRMED

If you fancy a special Easter morning out, Dobbies Garden Centre in York is running an Easter Bunny Breakfast on 3 April (Good Friday) and 6 April (Easter Monday). Tickets are £18 per child and £14 per adult, with 10% off using the code EASTER10 at checkout.

The 90-minute event includes a sit-down cooked breakfast (with children’s, vegan and pancake options), a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny, an Easter nest craft to take home, games and a mini Lindt chocolate bunny. Suited to families with children aged 3–10. Pre-booking required.

Grand Opera House 

Over easter, you can visit The Grand Opera House to see The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe.

Date: TBC for 2026 (check their website for Easter 2026 shows)

Address:  Clifford and Cumberland St, York YO1 9SW

Kids Dig York 2026

Sessions are led by professional archaeologists from York Archaeology and typically run twice daily during the Easter school holidays. Based on previous years, expect sessions from late March to early April 2026. Prices start from £65 for 1 adult and 1 child.

Dates: TBC for Easter 2026 — check the York Archaeology website 

Website: yorkarchaeology.co.uk

JORVIK Viking Centre 

Jorvik Viking Centre opens extended hours over Easter! It’s a fun museum that is great for kids and features a ride through 10th-century York and an experience of how York would have looked, sounded and smelled! 

Read my full review here.

Address: JORVIK Viking Centre, Coppergate, York YO1 9WT 

Website: jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk

Beetle Bank Farm

Head to Beetle Bank Farm over Easter to see some baby animals and take part in some Easter activities! It’s one of our favourite places to hang out – the adventure playground is large, there are cute animals to see and a cafe for the grown-ups.

Read my blog post about it here.

Dates: TBC for 2026

Address: Beetle Bank Farm, Moor Ln, Murton, York YO19 5XD

Final Thoughts on York Easter Activities 2026

As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do in York at Easter — whether you’re planning a full Easter break in York or just a day trip, you’ll be spoilt for choice. My top picks for 2026 are the Chocolate Festival (confirmed, free, and absolutely brilliant for all ages) and Stockeld Park for a bigger day out with kids. Book Stockeld Park well in advance as it sells out fast! For more York inspiration, check out my guides to free things to do in York and my ultimate guide to visiting York. Have a wonderful Easter! 

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