Family Summer Days Out for over £20
Looking for family days out in and around the Yorkshire Dales this Summer?
Sometimes, we all love a treat! So whatever your reason to fancy a big outdoorsy day out with the kids this Summer, here’s our list of all that’s going on in and around the Yorkshire Dales as well as places to visit that you might not have been to before. These are all over £20 and are arranged in order from the lowest cost to the highest, so you can find an absolute bargain day out, or really splash out!
We’re talking within the National Park boundaries as well as the bordering towns! So check them all out if you’re looking for inspiration
(List is accurate as of July 2026)
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Thank you for taking the time to have a look at my website and for reading this now!
I set up the Reluctant Explorers and maintain the website and attached social media accounts in my spare time, around mum-life and two jobs. It was designed to provide access for parents to free resources to help get more families outside and exploring in nature. These walks have all been created by myself and the kids and we have walked each one ourselves (and re-walk them regularly to keep the information as up to date as we can).
If you would like to support us and can afford a few pennies, you can make a donation to our ‘Buy Me a Coffee’ page. Simply tap the button below to head there!
Above: The Maize Maze at Birchfield Ice Cream Farm
Left: A Studfold Adventure Fairy house
Go to Ilkley Lido
[ Outdoor Swimming - Lido - Lifeguarded Outdoor Swimming ]
This historic Lido is always popular on a sunny day, to cool off in the always chilly water. Pre booking is required, particularly on a sunny day, because they will not allow walk in’s when it's fully booked. Adults £7.25, Children 3-15 £3.75, Under 3’s free.
Check out the Ilkley Lido website for more information.
Visit Middleham Castle
[ Castle - Ruin - Historical Attraction ]
Middleham Castle can be found just outside Leyburn in Middleham on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is a really well preserved ruin of a medieval castle that once was the home of Richard III.
This English Heritage owned castle prices start at £9.26 per adult and is £4.59/ child. £23.12 for a family ticket of 2 adults and 2 children (peak prices without donation - prices increase if bought on the day). For English Heritage members it’s free.
Check out Richmond Castle
[ Castle - Ruin - Historical Attraction ]
Richmond Castle is found in… well Richmond! It’s the ruin of a Norman Fortress and is a fabulous place to visit.
This English Heritage owned castle prices start at £9.26 per adult and is £4.59/ child. £23.12 for a family ticket of 2 adults and 2 children (peak prices without donation - prices increase if bought on the day). For English Heritage members it’s free.
Do the Farm Animal Experience at Hazel Brow Farm
[ Family Run Farm - Animal Feeding ]
This wonderful family run farm in Low Row, Swaledale is a true gem in the Yorkshire Dales. A small working farm, they offer animal experiences and alpaca walking, along with dry stone walling experiences and a nature trail too.
You can book the animal experience for £25 per family, which is a bargain! You can tag on the nature trail too (small additional charge)
Above: Ilkley Lido
Left: Clip and Climb!
Go to Ingleton Outdoor Pool
[Outdoor Swimming - Lifeguarded Pool - Lido]
This iconic and historic outdoor pool is a great way to cool off in the Summer months! Check out the Ingleton Outdoor Pool website for details of times/ entry.
See the Gorge and Caves attraction at How Stean Gorge (or be brave and try caving, gorge scrambling or the Via Ferrata!)
[Adventurous Day Out - Caves - Orienteering ]
This one is a firm favourite of ours! Located in Lofthouse, Upper Nidderdale, How Stean Gorge is a place of insane natural beauty! The Cave and Gorge visitor attraction allows you access to the gorge and with Orienteering, How Stean Tunnel (cave) and Tom Taylors Cave.
To simply access the gorge, it is a bargain at £8/ adult, £6/ child and the ticket will give you access for 3 months! There is also a small play area, cafe and shop on site too. To grab an activity pack, it costs £6.99/ pack.
If you’re feeling brave, then you can try one of the caving, gorge walking or the Via Ferrata experiences, but these cost significantly more and do have a height/ age limit.
Pre-booking is required, you can find the How Stean Gorge booking link here!
Go to a Nell Bank Discovery Day
[ Nature Play - Explore - Child Friendly Activities ]
This year on the 30th & 31st July and 6th & 7th of August, Nell Bank in Ilkley are holding a series of Discovery Day events with lots of kid friendly activities to enjoy.
Booking is through the Nell Bank website and is £7/ person. Under 2’s free.
Go on a fairy and pixie hunt at Studfold Adventure Trail
[ Fairy and Pixie House Trail - Outdoor Play Areas ]
This is an annual event for the kids, we LOVE Studfold adventure trail (also just down the road from How Stean Gorge in Nidderdale). The Summer trail runs from the 20th June until the end of the school holidays (19th September).
The magical trail takes you around the stunning Nidderdale countryside, to see all of the beautifully crafted fairy houses. With a play area too and go karts, this place is well worth a visit! A family ticket is £30 (2 adults 2 children) Adults £8.50 Children aged 5 and over £7.50. Children aged 2-4 £6.50. Under 2’s free (excluding booking fee).
They also have a 9 hole mini gold course, which is in addition to the trail costs. £3/ adult £2.50/ child.
Studfold can be pre-booked so tap the link to head to the booking page!
Above: Mother Shipton’s Statue in her cave
Left: Checking out a huge fireplace at Skipton Castle
Go fishing at Kilnsey Park
[ Nature Trail - Fishing - Farm Animals ]
Head to the historic Kilnsey Park for their nature discovery trail and family fishing pond! You can meet animals, head along the trail, there’s a play area and you can go fishing on the family pool!
Family tickets are £14, (£4.50 per adult, £3.50 per child - Under 5s are free). To fish, it’s £10 per rod and £5 per fish you catch.
Pre booking is not required.
Go to Clip and Climb!
[ Fun Climbing Wall ]
Clip and Climb is an ace way to spend a rainy morning! Located in Ilkley, these brilliantly kid friendly climbing walls area open to kids and adults alike! The adults don’t have to climb.
At £10.50 per session for a Tots 25 minutes (ages 2.5 - 6) or £15 for an hour session for a full 50 minutes (ages 4 upwards) we love heading here!
Pre-booking for Clip and Climb is required. Tap the link to head to the page. (prices are for July and August 2026 only)
Go on the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
[ Walking Trail - Trail Sheet - Waterfalls ]
At £11 adult (16+) and £5.50/ child (0-16 no concessions for under 5’s) why not head and see a fine collection of waterfalls! Granted, it’s not a cheap way to spend a day, but the waterfalls are fab.
Located in Ingleton, at the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales, the trail is about 4 miles and involves some ascent.
Trail Sheets cost an additional £2 each. Find out more on our Ingleton Waterfalls with Kids page.
The trail takes between 2-4 hours, and does get extremely busy on sunny days, weekends and bank holidays. NO pre- booking required.
Have fun on the farm at Hesketh Farm Park
[ Farm Attraction - Animals - Tractor Ride - Outdoors Play Area ]
This one is a classic favourite! Hesketh is all about the fun on the Farm! Located at Bolton Abbey, the park has animals to see and pet, an indoor and outdoor play area, a tractor ride (additional cost) and more! Adults £8.50 Children £8.50, Under 2’s £4 Under 1’s £1.
No pre-booking is required. Closed on Mondays apart from Bank Holidays.
Above: Middleham Castle Ruins
Left: One of the play areas at Harlow Carr
Go to the Maize Maze and Pick Strawberries at Birchfield Ice Cream Farm
[ Farm Attraction - Maze - Play Areas - Woodland Trail ]
We love the Maize Maze AND Strawberries. The pick your own field will be open until July (check out the Facebook page for updates) The maize maze usually follows after.
Included in the admission price of farmyard entry, Birchfield Ice Cream Farm is a great day out, just outside of Pateley Bridge (near Harrogate) in Nidderdale! With animals to see, a play area, an indoor bouncy castle and construction area, go-karts and a woodland trail, there is plenty going on! £8.95/ adult and £8.95 per child - under 2’s go free.
You can also check out the sunflowers, but the availability of these will vary based on the weather conditions, so keep your eyes on the Birchfield Facebook page.
No booking necessary.
Oz inspired Mother Shipton’s Cave
[ Historical Attraction - Summer Themed Event - Outdoors Play Areas - Children’s Entertainment ]
Between the 18th July and 6th September 2026, Mother Shipton’s Cave will be transformed into magical Oz! As well as the adventure trail, there is the usual adventure playground, woodland walks, the museum and of course the main event Mother Shipton’s Cave and Petrifying Well. For £36.75/ car (discounted between 25th June and 1st September) we love a day out at Mother Shiptos!
Pre-booking is required, tap on the link to head to the Mother Shipton’s website. '
Brick Explorers at Harlow Carr
[ Seasonal Nature Trails - RHS Gardens - Outdoor Play Area - Kid Friendly Activities ]
This Summer, Harlow Carr is home to a some MEGA Lego sculptures! From the 18th July to the 6th September 2026, head to the gardens to hunt down the sculptures. There is also a Wind in the Willows theme around the garden. All set in the stunning RHS gardens. With adventure play areas, nature to spot and loads more, Harlow Carr is a great day out!
From £13.75 per adult (inc gift aid, excluding this will be cheaper) £5.25 children, and under 5’s go free.
Pre-booking is not essential, but is advised.
The Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park
[ Sculpture Park - Fairy Door Trail - Outdoor Play Area ]
Located in Grewelthorpe, near Masham, there is plenty to explore at the Himalayan Gardens! There is a play area, and fairy doors to spot amongst the stunning gardens and sculptures.
Adults £16.50/ person. Children £6 aged 5-16 (Under 5s free). Family 2+2 £40, Family 2+3 £45.
Booking is preferred, find the Himalayan Gardens booking page here!
Above: Exploring the Wensleydale Cheese Factory
Left: Ingleborough Cave
Explore Skipton Castle
[ Historical Attraction - Preserved Medieval Castle ]
We love Skipton Castle! A super cool place to run around and explore, this is not a case of ‘STOP DON’T TOUCH’ because well there’s nothing in it! But it is cool to explore, and there is a medieval toilet sooooooo…. You can also head for a wander in Skipton Castle Woods afterwards. A family ticket costs £41.80 (2 adults 3 children), Adults: £12.80
Children (5-17): £8.60, Children under 5: free
Pre-booking is advised, head to the Skipton Castle website to do so.
Head to Newby Hall and Gardens
[ Historical Property - Gardens - Outdoor Play Areas - Boats - Miniature Railway ]
We enjoyed a fantastic day out at Newby Hall last year which was completely EPIC! There are places to splash, places to play and boats to row as well as the miniature railway too! A fabulous day out for all of the family.
A family ticket costs £45 (2 adults 2 children) Adults are £19 and children £14 (aged 4-15) under 4 is £4.50.
Dig for fossils and pan for gems at Stump Cross Caverns
[ Show Cave - Kid Friendly Activities ]
We love this place, with its cinema (available for private hire) outdoor areas and tip top café. Alongside exploring the show caves, you can go on a fossil dig (bookable as a package), do a discovery day (bookable as a package), pan for gems (additional cost), crack geodes (additional cost), and help them to excavate their new cave (additional cost)
Admission to the caves is. £15.30/ adult £13.50/ child. Family ticket is £47.25 ( 2 adults 2 children) Anything else is in addition to this.
Pre-booking is required you can find the booking for Stump Cross here.
Marvel at the Mirror Pools at Ingleborough Cave
[ Show Cave - Self Guided Cave Tour - Nature Trail ]
In my humble opinion, Ingleborough Cave is the prettiest cave ever! I am a sucker for water, and the mirror pools in Ingleborough are amazing! We love this place!
Family (2 adults 2 children) £48.50 Adults £17.50 Children £9.50 Under 3’s free. (PRICES INCLUDE THE ESTATE NATURE TRAIL ADMISSION COST WHICH YOU NEED TO WALK TO GET TO THE CAVE)
It’s a fact that show caves tend to push the budget a bit for a family of four, but with the recent addition of the Mimpish Squimbies fairy trail on the way to the cave and with their renovated cafe, it’s always top of our list - full disclosure though. We love them all.
No pre-booking needed.
Above: Thorpe Perrow Arboretum
Left: The Forbidden Corner
Walk with Alpacas at Semerwater
[ Walk with Alpacas ]
Oh yes. At Low Blean Farm in Semerwater, there is the opportunity to walk with Alpacas! Take them to the Lake for a stroll in this no-frills experience. To take an Alpaca out, you can pay £27 for one adult and one child to take them for a stroll, making it £54 for a family of 4
This is one we hope to do this Summer!
Minimum age is 8
Take a stroll through the longest cave in the Country, White Scar Cave
[ Show Cave - Guided Tour ]
White Scar Cave is epic! The Yorkshire Dales is lucky to be the home of 3 incredible show caves and this one is the longest! Each one gives you a totally different vibe, and to be honest…. In a heatwave, I’d head underground if I were you!
White Scar Cave gives you a guided tour, with an expert at the helm who will fill you in on all the cool facts and history of the exploration of the cave! A family ticket (2 Adults 2 children) is £54. Adults are £19 children are £14 Under 3’s are free.
Pre booking is not available.
Find a Summer of Play at Fountains Abbey
[ Historical Attraction - Ruins - Nature Trail ]
Located just outside of Ripon, Fountains Abbey is inviting you to come and play! A brilliant place to explore, with the Abbey Ruins, the water gardens, follies and a brilliant adventure playground, we love a day at Fountains Abbey! A Family ticket is £57.80 Adult £23.10 Child £11.60 1 Adult 3 kids £34.70 (prices are with Gift Aid)
This year, Pokemon has come along for the ride - between 18 July - 6 September 2026!
Obviously, if you are a National Trust member, this is a free day out!
No pre-booking is required
Forbidden Corner. Because it’s a crazy place!
[ Family Attraction - Labyrinth - Outdoor Play Areas - A Quirky Day Out]
This place is literally on the kids’ minds 24/7 and so is our splurge day out this Summer! We love Forbidden Corner! A labyrinth of mazes, follies, tunnels, and well…. What can only be described as out of this world bizarreness, the Forbidden Corner will certainly give you a day that will never be forgotten! A family ticket is £58.49 (2 adults 2 children) Adults £16.99 Children £14.99 (Under 4’s are free).
Pre booking well in advance is advised as it gets very busy at Forbidden Corner! You can read our full Forbidden Corner blog here!
Above: The Gaping Gill Winch
Left: Playing at the Newby Hall Swings
Bolton Castle
[ Castle - Gardens - Historical Attraction ]
Located in Wensleydale, Bolton Castle is a castle (duh!) In fact one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the country along with Skipton Castle. Enjoy the gardens, maze, archery and falconry displays as well as the castle itself. Family ticket £60 (2 adults and 3 concessions, inc at least 1 child), Adults £15 Concessions (inc children 5-16) £12.50/ person.
If you wish to access the gardens only, the family ticket is only £25 (and includes boar park, falconry flying, gardens, bee observation and children’s trail). Adults £6 and concessions £5.
Pre-booking is advised and you can find the Bolton Castle website here.
Go Pony Trekking with Kilnsey Trekking Centre
[ Pony Treks - Suitable for Beginners ]
In Kilnsey, near Grassington, you’ll find the trekking centre where you can head off on a pony trek! The treks begin at £15-£25/ person and are suitable for beginner level upwards.
It’s an awesome way to experience the Yorkshire Dales! Check out the Kilnsey Pony Trekking website for more information.
Walk with Nidderdale Llamas and Alpacas
[ Walking with Alpacas and Llamas ]
A super family friendly alpaca adventure in Nidderdale! This experience lets you meet and greet the llamas and alpacas before taking them out on a short wander from the farm.
For a junior experience it is £80 per family for an hour and a half with the llamas and alpacas.
Minimum age is 7.
Go have a high wire adventure at Raven Tree Top Adventure
[High Ropes - Obstacle Course- Ages 7+]
This one is such a little gem!
Hidden away behind the Aireville Leisure Centre in Skipton is this fab high wire obstacle course through the trees! You’d never know it was there if you didn’t look!
We completed the course this year and thought both it and the staff were great!
At £20/ person you will get the obstacle course and a practice session too. For ages 7+.
Above: Stockeld Park Playhive
Left: Raven Tree Top Adventures
Go climbing at Ingleton Climbing Wall
[ Indoor Climbing - Instructor Led ]
Head to the Ingleton Climbing Wall for some instructor led fun taster sessions! No experience is necessary for these sessions. For a family (or group) of four it’s £80. Find out more from the Ingleton Climbing Wall website.
Go to the Family Fun Weekend at Thorpe Perrow
[ Family Friendly Event - Nature Trail - Outdoor Play Area ]
Located in Bedale, the family fun weekend at Thorp Perrow takes place on the 22nd and 23rd August 2026 and promises inflatables, soft play, archery and more outdoor fun! The ticket also gives you access to the Birds of Prey and Mammal Centre as well as the gardens!
£21/ person.
Pre-booking is advised on the Thorpe Perrow website.
Have a Summer adventure at Stockeld Park
[ Outdoor Attractions - Adventure Playgrounds - Indoor Play Area - Themed Event ]
We love Stockeld in the Summer! Located between Wetherby and Harrogate, Stockeld Park is a great day out for the family, with a maze, several inflatable play areas, and its many, many adventure playgrounds! There are boats (additional cost) go karts and MORE with Stockeld opening one of the largest indoor play zones in Europe, the Play Hive. This summer, they are holding an underwater themed trail too!
Tickets for the adventure park and fixed time entry to the playhive are up to £22 per person (under 2’s free). Tickets to the Adventure Park only are from £18. For any time entry to the Playhive, tickets are £27 per person.
Pre-booking for Stockeld Park is essential.
Go to the Gaping Gill Winch
[ Bucket List Day - Caving - Thrill Seekers!]
Yup. It’s back again! The Winch takes place between the 8th - 15th August (NOT Bank Holiday Weekend) and takes you down into one of the largest underground caverns in the country, with Craven Caving club (an earlier winch runs with Bradford Caving Club in May).
The cave is usually inaccessible to the general public, but on winch days that changes! Located on the side of Ingleborough check out how to do this with the kids by reading our blog from May! It costs £30/ person to be winched down!
PRE BOOKING IS NOW ESSENTIAL! So book via the Craven Pothole Club.
More Summer Days Out?
Looking for more ideas for Summer Days Out with the Kids?
Well we don’t stop at free! We have so many ideas, that we have categorised them into four categories…
Free Days Out
Cheap as Chips Days Out
Days out for Under £20
Days out for Over £20
Staying in the Yorkshire Dales area?
We have Visit with Kids guides that cover the entirety of the national park to help you to find all of the family friendly inspiration you need! Think family friendly walks, local attractions and importantly, where to find the ice cream (and the play park!)
Scroll using the arrows for all our Family Friendly Walks
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![Swimming in Janet's Foss Yorkshire Dales]()
Waterfall Walks
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![Malham cove walk for kids]()
Pushchair Friendly
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![Pinhaw Beacon trig point walk near Skipton]()
Peak Bagging Walks
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![The Park at Greenhow Nidderdale]()
Walks with Play Parks
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![Gordale Scar in Malham Yorkshire Dales]()
Organised by Location
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![Walking in the woodland in Wensleydale]()
Woodland Walks
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![Playing on the shore of Embsay Reservoir Yorkshire Dales]()
Reservoir Walks
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![The ruins of Bolton Abbey]()
Bolton Abbey Estate Walks
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![Leaping over the stile at Almscliffe Crag]()
Walks Under 2 Miles
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![Child walking into a pub in Appletreewick]()
Walks with Pubs and Cafes
Follow us for up to date Outdoors Adventures!
We live and BREATHE the Yorkshire Dales outdoors life!
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Come follow our journey over on Instagram and Facebook where you’ll find up to date walk info, breaking news on Yorkshire Events, new Yorkshire Dales wild swim spots, climbing, caves and more!
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Leave No Trace
The Yorkshire Dales is our home, and the home of so many others who care deeply about this beautiful space.
Should you visit, make sure to:
Take home anything you bring, leave no rubbish behind.
Make the world a better place by picking up any rubbish you see, even if it isn’t yours.
Leave everything else as you found it.