Summer holidays bring calm and chaos. The kids are off, and most of the time we’re somewhere between “let’s make the most of it” and “how is it only 10:30 am?” Having some flexible ideas in your back pocket can help make those long days feel a bit easier.

So, if you’re looking for some new ideas that aren’t just “go to the park” or “make slime” (again), here’s a list of slightly less obvious things to do in and around Yorkshire, plus something extra for the rainy days when you’d rather not leave the house.

Local Things to Try

Here are a few ideas you can swap in and out depending on the day:

1. Find a local walk with something to ‘do’ on the way

Having a ‘mission’ definitely helps break up a walk:

Wakefield has four fab Story Trails:

• Try spotting the 'Room on the Broom' characters at Anglers Park
• Look for special sculptures on the 'Gnome Roam' at Newmillerdam Country Park
• Follow the story of 'Peter's Lost Peregrine' at Pontefract Park
• Be 'Blown Away' at Pugneys Country Park as you solve puzzles, take photos and hunt down the wind! 

Head to Hull for the Seven Seas Fish Trail and enjoy the sights of the old town on your way around.

Also, I can highly recommend checking out the Treasure Trails website for some great (and reasonably priced!) family Treasure Hunts all across the country. 

2. What about outdoor swimming or paddling to cool down on a hot day?

Check out the Yorkshire Tots Outdoor Swimming and Paddling guide for lots of brilliant ideas for everything from open air swimming pools, streams to paddle in and wild water swimming to water sports activity centres.

3. Visit a garden centre with a cafe, fish tanks or kids activities

Surprisingly good for younger kids, and a gentle way to get out of the house without much effort. Plus cake!

Here's a couple of places to try:

Ings Lane Garden & Water Garden Centre, near Hull

Tong Garden Centre, with Grasshoppers indoor/outdoor play centre near Leeds 

Breezy Knees Gardens and Nursery near York has 20 acres of gardens with a kids trail, cafe and nursery

4. Try an early evening ‘adventure'

Head out after tea with torches to see bats or listen for owls. Good for older kids and teens who’ve slept through the morning anyway.

5. Get your bikes out!

Cycle to a cafe or picnic spot you’ve never tried; make the destination a treat, even if it’s just a new-to-you bakery or a quiet spot by the river.

Or, if you want to make a day of it, there are some great kid-friendly bike rides around Yorkshire to try:

• The Angler's Country Park Room on the Broom trail is flat and approx 2 miles around a reservoir
• Dalby Forest has a variety of routes from 2 milest to 6 miles, plus a Gruffalo trail to follow.
• Explore the Solar System on the Solar Cycle Way from Selby to York on foot or on wheels! (approx 6.4 miles)
• Wetherby Railway Path is a safe and flat off-road route from Spofforth (which also has a castle and great playground) to Wetherby (approx 2.7 miles) 

Have a look at Yorkshire Tots guide for more ideas!

6. Pick-your-own at a lesser-known farm

Strawberries are always classic, but some places do peas, broad beans, flowers, or even summer raspberries in August.

Some of our favourites:

Farmer Copleys near Pontefract

The Balloon Tree near York

7. Outdoor cinema or theatre 

Many local venues now run these in gardens or fields. Don't forget to bring layers and snacks.

I Hope You Get a Good Mix of Lazy Days and Little Adventures

Remember not everything has to be a big day out. Some of the best family memories are made doing the simple stuff, like exploring somewhere you've not been before or letting the kids lead the way (literally and figuratively).

Whatever this summer looks like, whether you’re heading out on a bicycle, exploring near your home, having garden picnics, or just trying to survive the sixth snack request before noon, I hope you get some time that feels like a break.

And just in case you need it, here is a little something extra for you...