Over the Easter Holidays, we spent three days exploring Yorkshire with our two children, aged 3 and 6. Yorkshire is such a brilliant region for family days out, and we managed to pack in a mix of hands-on learning, exciting rides, and plenty of fresh air.
Here’s a look at our 3-day Yorkshire itinerary — perfect if you’re planning your own trip with young kids.
Where We Stayed
We based ourselves at the Premier Inn Halifax Town Centre, which was really handy for our plans. The hotel has a Beefeater restaurant inside, where we enjoyed a relaxed dinner on our first evening. It’s also very close to TGI Fridays and other restaurants, giving us plenty of dining options.
Day 1: Travel & Settling In
We drove to Yorkshire, which took about three hours. We set off around 9am, giving the kids time for breakfast and a relaxed start to the day.
On our first day, we visited some friends in Wakefield before heading to the hotel for the evening. Dinner at the Beefeater inside the hotel was simple and convenient, which worked really well with the kids.
Alternative Day 1 activities:If you’re not visiting friends, there are plenty of other ways to spend the first day in Yorkshire:
- Shibden Hall, Halifax – explore the historic house and grounds, with plenty of outdoor space for kids to run around.
- The Piece Hall, Halifax – family-friendly open space and occasional kid-friendly events.
- Yorkshire Sculpture Park – enjoy art installations and wide-open spaces perfect for little ones to explore.
- National Coal Mining Museum, Wakefield – a fascinating look at Yorkshire’s mining history with interactive exhibits for children.
Day 2: Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Halifax
We got up early and had a cooked breakfast at the hotel before heading out to Eureka!. The hotel offers an all-you-can-eat buffet, which the kids really enjoyed, and kids eat free, which is always a bonus!
We then walked down to Eureka!, which was a short and easy stroll from the hotel.
I have really fond memories of visiting Eureka! as a child with my mum and sister, so I was especially keen to take my own children. It’s such a nostalgic place for me, and I was curious to see how my kids would enjoy it.
They loved exploring the giant mouth (where you can clean its teeth), the role-play mini town (where they pretended to be shopkeepers, builders, and post office workers), and so much more.
When you visit Eureka!, you receive a year pass, which means you could visit twice or more during your trip if your kids are happy to do so—mine certainly were! We arrived early, which meant we could enjoy the exhibits before it got very busy around lunchtime.
👉 You can read my full review here: Eureka! The National Children’s Museum Review.
Day 3: Diggerland Yorkshire, Castleford
On the third day, we headed to Diggerland Yorkshire.
My 6-year-old loved the Skyshuttle, the big lifting tower, and couldn’t get enough of operating the diggers and construction vehicles. My 3-year-old was happy exploring, watching the machines, and enjoying the soft play area.
We were lucky with hardly any queues, and the kids were entertained for most of the day. The park is a little pricey, but it was worth it to see them so engaged and happy.
👉 Full details in my review: Diggerland Yorkshire Review.
Bonus: Stockeld Park – A Magical Family Adventure
Although we didn’t manage to fit it into our itinerary, Stockeld Park is a must-visit if you’re in the area. Located near Wetherby, it offers a magical blend of indoor and outdoor attractions that cater to all ages.
Highlights include:
- The Playhive – One of Europe’s largest indoor play centres, featuring themed zones like space, jungle, sea, and air, complete with slides, climbing frames, and interactive games.
- The Enchanted Forest – A woodland area with adventure play, including the Magical Maze, Spider’s Lair, and Farmer Foster’s Barnyard.
- Seasonal Events – From pumpkin picking in autumn to the Winter Illuminations and Christmas Grotto, Stockeld Park offers themed events throughout the year.
- Outdoor Attractions – Enjoy activities like go-karting, bumper boats, and laser tag in the beautiful parkland setting.
Tips:
- Pre-booking is recommended, especially during peak times.
- Tickets start from £12.50 for the Playhive, with various packages available for the Adventure Park and seasonal events.
- Facilities include on-site parking, cafes, and picnic areas.
For more information and to plan your visit, check out their official website: Stockeld Park.
Final Thoughts
Yorkshire is a fantastic region for family breaks. Between visiting friends, Eureka!, and Diggerland, we had a mix of indoor and outdoor activities that kept the kids entertained and engaged.
If you’re planning a short trip with children, this three-day itinerary gives a great balance of hands-on learning, adventure, and downtime, with plenty of flexibility depending on your interests.
