Anna February in Yorkshire might bring chilly weather, but it’s absolutely bursting with fantastic family events! Whether you’re looking for half-term activities (17th-23rd February 2026) or weekend adventures throughout the month, I’ve rounded up the best things to do with your little ones across our beautiful county.
The Big One: JORVIK Viking Festival, York
When: 17th-23rd February 2026 (February Half Term)
Where: York City Centre
Cost: Mix of free and paid events
If there’s one event that defines February in Yorkshire, it’s the JORVIK Viking Festival. This year marks a special milestone, and York will be completely taken over by Viking warriors for an entire week!
What to Expect: The festival features an incredible mix of activities perfect for all ages. In Parliament Street, you’ll find a living history encampment where Viking craftspeople demonstrate traditional skills from woodworking to leather-making. The girls absolutely love getting their faces painted to look like Norse warriors!
Highlights for Families:
- Berserker Bootcamp at the Midgard Marquee – Little Vikings can learn combat skills with foam swords and shields (health and safety approved, I promise!)
- The Viking March – Watch over 200 Viking warriors parade from York Minster to the JORVIK Viking Centre. The war cries echoing through the streets are genuinely spine-tingling!
- Poo Week at DIG – Yes, you read that right! Kids can learn why archaeologists are fascinated by ancient poo and even create their own replica fossilised version. Trust me, children find this absolutely hilarious.
- Tryggvi Treehammer’s Top Trumps Trail – A FREE trail across York where you collect exclusive Top Trumps cards at various locations
- Viking Crafting at Barley Hall – Beard-making, brooch-making, and pottery activities (free with admission)
Evening Spectacular (Adults & Older Children):
On Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd February, there’s a dramatic show at the Eye of York telling the story of Tyrfing: The Cursed Sword, complete with battles and pyrotechnics. Tickets are £20 for adults, £15 concessions.
Top Tip: Many events are free, but book popular paid activities early as they sell out quickly. The JORVIK Viking Centre itself will have its Winter Adventure experience running – the famous Coppergate recreation covered in snow and ice!
Find out more: jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk
Dark Skies Festival, North York Moors
When: Throughout February
Where: Various locations across North York Moors National Park
Cost: Varies by event, many free options
The North York Moors is one of only 21 International Dark Sky Reserves in the world, and this February celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Dark Skies Festival!
What’s On: From stargazing events and guided astronomy sessions to evening canoe trips under the stars, there’s something magical about experiencing Yorkshire’s night sky in winter. Activities range from family-friendly workshops to serious astronomical observations.
Perfect for: Older children (7+) who can stay up a bit later and families who love the outdoors. Remember to wrap up VERY warm – it gets cold at night in February!
Find out more: northyorkmoors.org.uk/dark-skies
Colour & Light, York
When: Nightly throughout February, 6pm-9pm
Where: York Minster & York Castle Museum/Clifford’s Tower
Cost: FREE
This spectacular light projection event transforms York’s iconic landmarks into giant canvases. The 2026 edition celebrates Yorkshire’s wildlife with stunning illuminated displays. Projections run on a 10-minute loop, and the final hour each evening (8-9pm) features a “quiet hour” with reduced noise levels – perfect for families with children who might find crowds overwhelming.
Why We Love It: It’s completely free, genuinely beautiful, and short enough that even Evie can enjoy it without getting too tired or cold.
Find out more: visityork.org or yorkbid.co.uk
Piglets Adventure Farm, Thirsk
When: Reopening for February 2026
Where: York Road, Thirsk
Cost: Approx £12-15 per person (check website)
Spring lambing season begins in February! There’s nothing quite like seeing newborn lambs taking their first wobbly steps, and Piglets offers the chance to bottle-feed them. Plus, there’s a brand new panto for 2026, adventure playgrounds, and the enormous indoor play barn for when (let’s be honest, when, not if) the weather turns.
Perfect for: All ages, especially toddlers and younger primary school children
Find out more: pigletsadventurefarm.co.uk
National Railway Museum, York
When: Open daily
Where: Leeman Road, York
Cost: FREE (donations welcome)
The Wonderlab exhibition at the Bramall Gallery runs throughout 2025-2026 with hands-on science exhibits that make learning genuinely fun. February half-term usually features special activities and workshops – check their website closer to the date.
Find out more: railwaymuseum.org.uk
North Yorkshire Moors Railway Steam Trains
When: February half-term week
Where: Whitby to Grosmont and Goathland
Cost: Ticket prices vary
There’s something timelessly magical about a steam train journey, especially through the stunning moors landscape. Download their FREE February Fun Kid’s Kit packed with activities for the journey and stations. As part of Railway 200 celebrations, they’re also showcasing the restored North Eastern Railway Electric Autocar.
Insider Tip: The Goathland station was used as Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films – a detail that never fails to excite young wizarding fans!
Find out more: nymr.co.uk
Go Ape, Dalby Forest & Temple Newsam
When: Throughout February (weather dependent)
Where: Dalby Forest (North Yorkshire) or Temple Newsam (Leeds)
Cost: Varies by course and age
For families with adventurous spirits, Go Ape offers treetop adventure courses with high ropes, zip lines, and wobbly crossings. They have courses for different ages, so even younger children (and slightly anxious mums like me!) can join in.
Find out more: goape.co.uk
Stump Cross Caverns, Yorkshire Dales
When: Open throughout February
Where: Near Greenhow, between Pateley Bridge and Grassington
Cost: Adults £9.50, Children £5.50 (approx)
Step into a prehistoric world beneath the Yorkshire Dales! These limestone caves are millions of years old with incredible stalactites and stalagmites. There’s fossil hunting, a café, and an indoor cinema area. It’s fascinating for children and genuinely impressive for adults too.
Find out more: stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster
When: Throughout February
Where: Doncaster
Cost: Book online for best prices
While technically South Yorkshire, it’s worth the trip! February is quieter than summer, meaning better views of the animals. They recently welcomed new Ukrainian rescue lions (a mother and three cubs), and the polar bear project is always a highlight. Plus, there are excellent indoor play areas for when little legs get tired.
Find out more: yorkshirewildlifepark.com
Free Activities Throughout February
Don’t forget these brilliant free options:
Bolton Abbey Estate – Open for walking trails with cafés available. The stepping stones across the river are always a hit with children (bring spare socks!).
Find out more: boltonabbey.com
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal – National Trust members get free entry; otherwise, family tickets available. Stunning ruins to explore and acres of space to run around.
Find out more: nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey
Skipton Castle – Self-guided tours through one of England’s most complete medieval castles, then a woodland walk in the adjacent woods.
Find out more: skiptoncastle.co.uk
Museum Gardens, York – FREE to explore with the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, squirrels to spot, and plenty of space for children to play.
Find out more: visityork.org
Dreamery Gardens (formerly Northwood Trail), near York – England’s Fairy Sanctuary set in 100 acres of woodland. Spot fairy doors, navigate the maze, and enjoy the Dreamery Kitchen café.
Find out more: dreamerygardens.co.uk
Our February Survival Tips
After a few Yorkshire Februarys with young children, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Layer up! – The weather can change dramatically. We always pack spare gloves and hats.
- Book ahead – February half-term is busy. Popular attractions and special events sell out.
- Mix indoor and outdoor – Plan one outdoor activity and have an indoor backup for each day.
- Go early – Younger children cope better with activities before afternoon tiredness kicks in (learned this one the hard way at Lotherton Hall!).
- Pack snacks – Always. Trust me on this.
- Check opening times – Some attractions have reduced winter hours or close certain days.
- Embrace hygge – Hot chocolate stops are non-negotiable and make everything better!
What’s Closed in February
Just so you don’t make a wasted journey:
- Forbidden Corner (closed until 1st April)
- Bolton Castle (closed until 1st March)
- Many outdoor attractions have limited hours
Always check websites before setting off!
Final Thoughts
February in Yorkshire might require extra layers and flasks of hot chocolate, but it’s actually one of my favourite times to explore with the girls. Attractions are quieter than summer, there’s a cosy atmosphere everywhere, and events like the JORVIK Viking Festival create genuinely magical memories.
Whether you’re battling Vikings, gazing at stars, or simply enjoying a steam train ride through the moors, Yorkshire in February has so much to offer families. So resist the urge to hibernate, wrap up warm, and get out there!
What are your favourite February family activities in Yorkshire? Have you been to the JORVIK Viking Festival? I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments!
Anna x
