What are the best family days out in the North York Moors?

The North York Moors Railway steam train, Dalby Forest (Go Ape, cycling, the Gruffalo trail), fossil hunting on the Dinosaur Coast, the beaches at Whitby and Runswick Bay, and the Ryedale Folk Museum are all great with children.

Is the North York Moors Railway good for children?

Yes — the vintage steam trains are a low-effort, magical day out, Goathland station featured as Hogsmeade in Harry Potter, and under-16s often travel free.

Are there theme parks near the North York Moors?

Flamingo Land, a theme park and zoo, is just outside the moors near Malton, and Castle Howard's grounds and adventure playground make another big family day out.

Where can you find fossils with kids?

Family-friendly beaches like Runswick Bay, Staithes and Robin Hood's Bay on the Dinosaur Coast are the best spots — check tides and keep away from the cliffs.

Plan Your Visit

The North York Moors with kids

The moors are a brilliant place for a family holiday — steam trains and forests, dinosaurs and beaches, castles and creatures. Here are the days out that keep children (and grown-ups) happy, from the heart of the moors to the coast.

A family walking a woodland trail through dappled sunlight in a North York Moors forest

Placeholder photograph — owner to replace with their own family day out picture.

Steam trains and wizards

The North York Moors Railway runs vintage steam trains from Pickering to Whitby, stopping at Goathland — whose station starred as Hogsmeade in Harry Potter. It is a magical, low-effort day out; under-16s often travel free, and the Santa Specials are a Christmas treat.

Forest adventures

Dalby Forest is a family playground: waymarked walks (look out for the Gruffalo), easy family cycle trails and bike hire, a Go Ape high-ropes course and vast woods to roam.

Dinosaurs and the beach

The coast is made for children: hunt for ammonites and fossils on the Dinosaur Coast, rockpool at Runswick Bay, ride the donkeys and eat chips at Whitby, and explore smugglers' Robin Hood's Bay.

Living history

At Hutton-le-Hole, the open-air Ryedale Folk Museum brings the past to life across six acres of reconstructed buildings, rare-breed animals, an orchard and a genuine ‘witch's hut’ — a great rain-or-shine day, and there is a chocolate shop in the village.

Big days out nearby

Just beyond the moors are two family heavyweights: Flamingo Land (theme park and zoo, near Malton) for rides and exotic animals, and Castle Howard (near Malton) for its grand house, adventure playground and vast grounds.

Castles to storm

Pickering and Helmsley castles are compact, atmospheric and full of motte-and-bailey drama for young explorers.

Practical

Pack for weather (moor and coast can be breezy), check opening times and prices before you set off, and base yourself centrally — see where to stay. Bringing the dog too? See the North York Moors with dogs.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best family days out in the North York Moors?: The North York Moors Railway steam train, Dalby Forest (Go Ape, cycling, the Gruffalo trail), fossil hunting on the Dinosaur Coast, the beaches at Whitby and Runswick Bay, and the Ryedale Folk Museum are all great with children.
Is the North York Moors Railway good for children?: Yes — the vintage steam trains are a low-effort, magical day out, Goathland station featured as Hogsmeade in Harry Potter, and under-16s often travel free.
Are there theme parks near the North York Moors?: Flamingo Land, a theme park and zoo, is just outside the moors near Malton, and Castle Howard's grounds and adventure playground make another big family day out.
Where can you find fossils with kids?: Family-friendly beaches like Runswick Bay, Staithes and Robin Hood's Bay on the Dinosaur Coast are the best spots — check tides and keep away from the cliffs.