Things for Family and Kids to do in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon. Looking for a family day out in Harrogate, Knaresborough or Ripon that everyone will enjoy? From mysterious caves and medieval castles to rowing boats, climbing adventures and spectacular gardens, North Yorkshire is packed with family fun. Explore RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Valley Gardens and the Pinewoods in Harrogate, or head to Knaresborough for the castle, Mother Shipton’s Cave and a rowing boat adventure beneath the famous viaduct. Around Ripon, discover fascinating museums, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal and Newby Hall. For outdoor adventures, explore the extraordinary rocks at Brimham Rocks or venture underground at Stump Cross Caverns. With attractions for toddlers, children and teenagers, plus plenty of free walks and outdoor activities, there’s always another family adventure waiting to be discovered.

Planning a visit? Check individual event websites before travelling, as events, dates, times, ticket availability and programmes can change

Family Activities in Harrogate, Knaresborough & Ripon

1. RHS Garden Harlow Carr – Harrogate
Gardens, woodland, family trails, play areas and seasonal children’s activities.
Address: Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, HG3 1QB
Website: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr

2. Valley Gardens – Harrogate
A great free family destination with gardens, open spaces, walks, picnic areas and children’s play facilities.
Address: Valley Drive, Harrogate, HG1 2SZ
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/

3. Pinewoods – Harrogate
Free woodland walks and nature adventures between Valley Gardens and the Harlow Carr area.
Location: Harrogate
Website: https://www.pinewoodsconservationgroup.org.uk/

4. Kidzplay – Harrogate
Indoor soft play for younger children, making this a useful option when the Yorkshire weather turns wet.
Address: Beech Avenue, Harrogate, HG2 8DS
Phone: 01423 816111
Website: https://kidzplay.co.uk/

5. Harrogate Leisure and Wellbeing Hub – Harrogate
Family swimming, children’s swimming lessons, aquatic activities and pool parties.
Address: Jenny Field Drive, Harrogate, HG1 2RP
Phone: 01423 556767
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/active-north-yorkshire

Things for Family and Kids to do

6. Starbeck Swimming Pool – Harrogate
Swimming sessions and lessons for children and families.
Address: Spa Lane, Starbeck, Harrogate, HG2 7JF
Phone: 01423 883155
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/active-north-yorkshire

7. Harrogate Climbing Centre – Harrogate
Indoor climbing and bouldering for active families and older children.
Address: Hookstone Chase, Harrogate, HG2 7DB
Website: https://www.harrogateclimbingcentre.com/

8. Royal Pump Room Museum – Harrogate
Discover the fascinating story of Harrogate’s famous spa heritage and mineral springs.
Address: Crown Place, Harrogate, HG1 2RY
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/

9. Mercer Art Gallery – Harrogate
An indoor cultural attraction with changing exhibitions and works from Harrogate’s art collection.
Address: Swan Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SA
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/

10. The Stray – Harrogate
Around 200 acres of open grassland for family walks, cycling, picnics and outdoor games.
Location: Harrogate
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/

11. Rhythm Time – Harrogate
Music and development classes for babies, toddlers and young children.
Address: Elim Church, 18 Park View, Harrogate, HG1 5LZ
Website: https://www.rhythmtime.net/

12. Brimham Rocks – near Harrogate
A fantastic outdoor family adventure among extraordinary natural rock formations, paths and viewpoints.
Address: Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4DW
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/brimham-rocks

13. Birchfield Family Dairies – Summerbridge
Family farm fun with animals, seasonal activities and locally produced ice cream.
Address: Birchfield Farm, Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4JS
Website: https://www.birchfieldicecream.co.uk/

14. Studfold Adventure Trail – Upper Nidderdale
An interactive countryside adventure combining walking, activities and discoveries for children.
Address: Studfold Farm, Lofthouse, Harrogate, HG3 5SG
Website: https://www.studfold.com/

15. Stump Cross Caverns – near Pateley Bridge
Head underground on a family adventure through spectacular Yorkshire limestone caves.
Address: Greenhow Hill, Pateley Bridge, HG3 5JL
Website: https://www.stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk/

16. How Stean Gorge – Upper Nidderdale
Explore a spectacular limestone gorge, with organised outdoor adventures available for families looking for something more energetic.
Address: Lofthouse, Pateley Bridge, HG3 5SF
Website: https://www.howstean.co.uk/

17. Mother Shipton’s Cave – Knaresborough
Discover the legendary cave, famous Petrifying Well, woodland and seasonal family activities.
Address: Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD
Website: https://www.mothershipton.co.uk/

18. Knaresborough Castle & Courthouse Museum – Knaresborough
Explore medieval castle ruins, discover local history and enjoy the famous view towards Knaresborough Viaduct.
Address: Castle Yard, Knaresborough, HG5 8AS
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/

19. Rowing Boats on the River Nidd – Knaresborough
Hire a traditional rowing boat for a classic family adventure beneath Knaresborough’s spectacular railway viaduct.
Location: Waterside, Knaresborough, HG5
Website: https://www.visitknaresboroughtown.org/

20. Knaresborough Riverside – Knaresborough
Enjoy a family walk beside the River Nidd, with cafés, ice cream and spectacular views of the viaduct.
Location: Waterside, Knaresborough, HG5
Website: https://www.visitknaresboroughtown.org/

21. Bebra Gardens – Knaresborough
Gardens and green space between Knaresborough Castle and the riverside.
Address: Brewerton Street, Knaresborough, HG5 8AZ
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/

22. Conyngham Hall Grounds – Knaresborough
Riverside green space suitable for family walks, picnics and outdoor activities.
Address: Bond End, Knaresborough, HG5 9AY
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/

Things for Family and Kids to do

23. Knaresborough Leisure and Wellbeing Hub – Knaresborough
Family swimming, children’s swimming lessons, water activities and pool parties.
Address: King James Road, Knaresborough, HG5 8EB
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/active-north-yorkshire

24. Knaresborough Yorkshire Adventure – Knaresborough
Turn a walk around town into a family treasure hunt with maps, puzzles and local history.
Starting Point: Market Place, Knaresborough, HG5 8AL
Website: https://yorkshire-adventure.co.uk/

25. Nidd Gorge – Knaresborough
A free woodland adventure with riverside walking, nature spotting and plenty of opportunities for children to explore.
Location: Between Knaresborough and Harrogate

26. Ripon Workhouse Museum – Ripon
Explore historic rooms and discover what life was like inside a Victorian workhouse, with family-friendly activities and exhibitions.
Address: 75 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LE
Website: https://riponmuseums.co.uk/

27. Prison & Police Museum – Ripon
Explore historic cells and discover fascinating stories about crime, policing and punishment.
Address: St Marygate, Ripon, HG4 1LX
Website: https://riponmuseums.co.uk/

28. Courthouse Museum – Ripon
Step inside a preserved Georgian courtroom and discover how justice worked in centuries past.
Address: Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QS
Website: https://riponmuseums.co.uk/

29. Ripon Cathedral – Ripon
Explore the magnificent cathedral and descend into its remarkable ancient Anglo-Saxon crypt.
Address: Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT
Website: https://riponcathedral.org.uk/

30. Ripon Leisure and Wellbeing Hub – The Jack Laugher Centre – Ripon
Family swimming, parent-and-child sessions, children’s lessons and school-holiday swimming activities.
Address: Dallamires Lane, Ripon, HG4 1TT
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/active-north-yorkshire

31. Ripon Canal – Ripon
A free family walk with opportunities for wildlife spotting, photography and picnics beside the water.
Location: Ripon
Website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/

32. Ripon Spa Gardens – Ripon
Attractive gardens and open space close to Ripon’s historic centre for a relaxed family visit.
Address: Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/

33. Ripon Hornblower – Ripon
Take the family to Ripon Market Place at 9pm to experience the city’s centuries-old tradition of setting the watch.
Location: Market Place, Ripon, HG4 1BP
Website: https://www.riponcity.gov.uk/

34. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden – Ripon
Explore spectacular abbey ruins, woodland, lakes, parkland and the Georgian water garden on a full family day out.
Address: Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden

35. Newby Hall & Gardens – near Ripon
Combine the historic house and gardens with extensive family attractions and outdoor play.
Address: Skelton-on-Ure, Ripon, HG4 5AE
Website: https://www.newbyhall.com/

36. Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park – near Ripon
Explore woodland, lakes and colourful gardens while challenging the children to discover sculptures hidden throughout the landscape.
Address: The Hutts, Hutts Lane, Grewelthorpe, Ripon, HG4 3DA
Website: https://www.himalayangarden.com/

Things for Family and Kids to do

School-Holiday Family Activities

Many of these attractions run additional activities during February half-term, Easter, May half-term, the summer holidays, October half-term and Christmas. RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Mother Shipton’s Cave, Ripon Museums, Fountains Abbey, Newby Hall and local leisure centres are particularly worth checking before each school holiday for their latest programmes.

Something for Every Family

Whether you’re searching for soft play in Harrogate, swimming in Knaresborough, family activities in Ripon, indoor things to do on a rainy day or free activities for kids, there is plenty to choose from. Families can explore caves, castles and museums, meet farm animals, go swimming, try climbing, follow adventure trails or simply pack a picnic and enjoy the Yorkshire countryside. With activities for babies, toddlers, school-age children and teenagers, there’s always another family adventure waiting around Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon.

If you have a query, need help, or cannot find what you require, just email info@harrogateuk.co.uk and we will try to help you