Looking to do something with the family? We have a range of events and activities across the summer holidays, a number of which are free.
Reading and beyond
Reading books is just the start for our summer reading challenge! This year’s theme is nature and the great outdoors. Events are taking place across our libraries until 6 September including creative writing, Lego, learning to knit and digital coding. Youngsters can also join in our nature-themed photography competition. Find out more on our summer reading challenge page.
Fun and learning in the swimming pool
Learn to swim crash courses, fun sessions and pool parties are being held at a number of our pools over the summer holidays. The perfect way for children to enjoy their time off, improve their swimming skills and release their energy! Find out more on our summer learn to swim and fun session page.
Play games in the park
Get active outdoors with a range of games and activities available at Valley Gardens in Harrogate, Spa Park in Ripon and Conyngham Hall and Knaresborough Castle in Knaresborough. From pickleball to crazy golf and paddling pools to tennis, there is something for everyone! Find out more on our games in parks page.
Outdoor adventure
Join us at Bewerley Park or East Barnby outdoor education centres for a summer packed with outdoor fun! From Adventure Club to Family Activity Days and exciting new courses, there is something for every young explorer and their family.
Find out more and book on our Outdoor Education website.
Get cultural and try something new at our galleries and museums
Skipton Town Hall has something for everyone this summer. See Horrible Histories live on stage, experience the amazing bubble science show or join in a pirate party! As well as an archaeology festival, you can bring your own fossils in to be identified or learn more about rocks and fossils from the Craven area. Join the art club or a series of craft sessions themed around monster bookmarks, railways or plants. You can even join in craft sessions based on the big screen then watch the film itself. See the full list on Skipton Town Hall's website.
At Mercer Art Gallery you can get H.A.P.P.Y. with an exhibition by Liz West including hands on fun with funky glasses, rainbow jigsaws, kaleidoscopes and perspex shapes. Join the art club or a series of craft sessions themed around monster bookmarks, railways or plants. Or plant your own white rose for Yorkshire Day or join in an animation workshop. Find out more about Mercer Art Gallery.
You can also join the art club or a series of craft sessions themed around monster bookmarks, railways or plants at The Royal Pump Room as well as play with historic toys or explore period fashion. Find out more about The Royal Pump Room.
Scarborough Museums and Galleries are offering a whole host of events including fossil handling with expert geologists, creating moving and grooving butterflies and creepy crawlies, crafting your own magical nature wand, hatching dinosaur cards or paper plate plesiosaurs at the Rotunda Museum. Perfect for budding artists, Scarborough Art Gallery are hosting children’s still life and portrait classes. Or get even more crafty with crown making, transforming recycled bottles into colourful, quirky birds and weaving. Local artists are also showcasing their work as part of The Open exhibition. Find out more on the Scarborough Museums and Galleries website.
Craft and learn
Our Adult Learning and Skills Service are offering free hands-on craft activities at our local libraries. Book today and learn something new together. Find out more and book on our adult learning page.
Get your heart racing at Oliver’s Mount
Motorcycle legend Bary Sheene is celebrated with two days of high-speed racing on 19 and 20 July and the GB Supermoto Championship takes place on 23 and 24 August. Find out more on the Oliver's Mount website.
Attend an event
Part of Scarborough Fair, Scarborough Art runs until 3 August featuring exhibitions, workshops and open studios across the town – you can even try your hand at new techniques in family-friendly workshops. Find out more on the Scarborough Fair website.
The Scarborough Spa Orchestra’s summer season offers regular concerts in the historic Spa venue, featuring light classical music, popular tunes and themed nights. A cherished local tradition, it’s ideal for all ages. Find our more and book tickets on the Scarborough Spa website.
Get your taste buds tingling at Filey Food Festival, celebrating Yorkshire produce with dozens of stalls, cooking demos, tastings and family activities in the heart of Filey. Find out more on the Filey Food Festival website.