School’s out, and the May half-term holidays are officially here.
If you’re wondering how to keep the kids entertained, Yorkshire Attractions has rounded up 12 of the best family-friendly events, activities and days out happening across Yorkshire this half term – from roaring wildlife encounters and magical fairy adventures to hands-on science fun and thrilling rides.
Whether you’re planning a full family day out, looking for things to do with toddlers, or simply hoping to survive the school holidays with your sanity intact, there’s something for every age and interest right on your doorstep.
Dive Into Water Safety Heroes at The Deep – H2O Heroes
Saturday 23 May – Sunday 31 May 2026
This May half term, The Deep welcomes back H2O Heroes – the UK’s biggest family water safety festival.
Families can meet real-life rescue heroes, learn essential water safety skills, and discover the incredible work carried out by organisations saving lives at sea. With interactive activities and rescue demonstrations throughout the week, it’s an inspiring and educational day out for children and adults alike.
Step Into Enchanted Fairy Forest at Tropical Butterfly House
Saturday 23 May – Sunday 31 May 2026
Dust off your wings and sharpen your goblin ears for a magical family adventure at Tropical Butterfly House.
The much-loved Enchanted Fairy Forest returns this half term with mythical creatures, fairy-tale fun and the brand-new Gnome Zone – a whimsical woodland hideaway packed with activities and play areas for little pixies to explore.
Dance, Dress Up and Celebrate Eurovision at Science and Media Museum
Setting the Stage Pop-Up Parties
Daily during half term and every Saturday until 18 July 2026
Get ready for glitter, music and non-stop fun at Science and Media Museum.
Inspired by the Setting the Stage: 70 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest exhibition, these interactive pop-up parties feature silent discos, live music, dress-up stations, themed games and hands-on family activities throughout the museum.
All Aboard for Science and Steam at Whistlestop Valley
Science and Steam
Saturday 23 May – Sunday 31 May 2026
Young engineers can get hands-on with experiments, bridge-building, and science shows this half term at Whistlestop Valley.
Children can learn about magnets with Mini Professors, build their own bridges, and hop aboard the train to Shelley Station for live science demonstrations from Spike Bonzo.
Even better? Kids go HALF PRICE throughout the holiday!
Meet Adorable New Arrivals at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
There’s never been a better time to visit Yorkshire Wildlife Park this May half term.
Families can discover the newly opened Malaysian Singing Forest Gibbon Reserve alongside a bumper season of adorable animal arrivals, including cheetah cubs, a red panda, capybaras, an okapi calf and more.
With hundreds of animals and plenty of space to explore, it’s one of Yorkshire’s ultimate family days out.
Enjoy Chocolate-Making Fun at York’s Chocolate Story
Early Bird Guided Tours
Saturday 23 May – Sunday 31 May 2026
Sweet tooths can enjoy discounted early bird tickets at York’s Chocolate Story this half term.
Families will uncover the fascinating history of chocolate, discover York’s confectionery heritage and even create their own chocolate treats during an interactive hands-on masterclass.
A delicious day out for all ages.
Get Behind the Controls at Diggerland
Saturday 23 May – Sunday 31 May 2026
Looking for high-energy family fun this half term? Diggerland Yorkshire lets both kids and grown-ups operate real construction machinery, including diggers and dumpers.
Fresh from winning Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award 2026, it’s a guaranteed hit for children who love vehicles, adventure and getting stuck in.
Become a Saxon Story Hunter at Royal Armouries Museum
Saxon Story Hunters
Saturday 23 May – Sunday 31 May 2026
Travel back in time this half term at Royal Armouries Museum.
Families can become trainee archaeologists, investigate a mysterious Saxon burial site and discover ancient warrior culture through interactive trails, themed performances and live demonstrations throughout the museum.
Ideal for curious minds and budding historians.
Enjoy Thrills and Family Fun at Lightwater Valley
Half term at Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park is packed with rides, live entertainment and family adventures.
Visitors can save with early bird tickets using code MAY17, while children can enjoy the brand-new Junior Drivers attraction, live pirate shows and more than 35 rides and attractions across the park.
Run Away With the Circus at Eureka!
Circus Week
Saturday 23 May – Sunday 31 May 2026
Children can learn circus skills, enjoy themed crafts and meet hilarious performers during Circus Week at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum.
Weekday visitors can catch live shows from comedy circus act The Wheelnuts, alongside a family-friendly character trail hidden throughout the museum galleries.
Discover Seasonal Deals at Xscape Yorkshire
Families looking for affordable half-term fun can find plenty of seasonal offers at Xscape Yorkshire.
From kids-eat-free dining deals to discounts on bowling, activities and outdoor gear, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the school holidays for less.
Bubble Shows and Outdoor Fun at Magna
Splash, Pop & Play
Saturday 23 May – Sunday 31 May 2026
Looking for the ultimate day out this half term? Look no further than Magna!
Dive into the hands-on science fun, where you can splash about in the outdoor adventure parks and be wowed by the Big Melt show. And for a bubbly bonus, don’t miss the giant bubble performances and workshops that’ll leave the kids giggling and covered in soap suds!
So grab your wellies and get ready for some half-term hilarity in Yorkshire!
