There's admittedly been a brief respite between holidays, but the late May Half Term break is upon us, with some scratching their heads about what to do over the next week (May 24 - June 1 2025).
Thankfully, there's plenty on offer around Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Coast to keep everyone entertained before the big summer holiday getaway – which for many across the country, starts around June 23, 2025, so mark that on your calendar if you haven't yet.
But before then, we've amassed 35 different events that range from trails and activities to a bit of hands-on edutainment for those who still want their little ones to learn something over the half-term. Though some of the events might seem pricey, they are also the ones where attendees will take something home with them; be it slime, a trinket from a trail, or even something woollen if you're around the Leeds area.
Here’s our pick of what’s on offer this May Half Term to help inspire some suggestions around the dinner table later this week
7. Woolfest - May 31 2025
Discover the fascinating science and industry at the heart of Leeds’ history, all under one roof in the vast spaces of Leeds Industrial Museum. This May half term, they are paying tribute to all things woolly as we mark the school holidays with our famous Wool Festival on 31 May; featuring craft stalls, workshops, live demonstrations, a pop-up tea room and loads more. You can also keep little ones entertained throughout the school holiday with our drop-in Wild Wet Felting workshops, plus with family ‘mystery matinee’ film showings in their unique 1920s cinema throughout the week. 📍 Leeds Industrial Museum, Armley Mills, Canal Rd, Leeds LS12 2QF | Provided
8. Mischief and Mayhem - May 24 - June 1 2025
Roll Up, Roll Up for a Circus Spectacular This May Half Term at Piglets Adventure Farm! Step right up and join the team at the farm for a week of big top magic and circus fun! This May half term will be a whirlwind of wonder, laughter, and excitement! Running from Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June 2025. 📍 Towthorpe Grange, York, YO32 9ST | jpimedia
9. Hop-On Hop-Off tours of York - Daily
Explore the best of York with the official open-top tour, running every 15 minutes, 7 days a week. The CitySightseeing York tour will capture the hearts of all ages! With so many things to do and attractions to see, York is the perfect place to hop-on to one of our open top buses and explore the English heritage. Your ticket is valid for 24 hours, allowing you to complete a full loop and then hop off at all the attractions you want to see. 📍 Various stops throughout York | Canva
10. Mini Beast Activities at Skelf Island Adventure Playground - May 24 - June 1 2025
Join the team at Skelf Island Adventure Playground for daily interactive activities celebrating all things creepy-crawly native to North Yorkshire. From bug-hunts to bug hotel building, mud pie making and wildflower cork painting, there’s plenty of opportunity to get stuck in. 📍 Castle Howard, The Estate Office, Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA | Canva
11. Love Your Zoo Week - - May 24 - June 1 2025
Come explore the many wonders of the animal world at Lotherton Wildlife World this half term as we mark BIAZA’s Love Your Zoo Week 2025. Uncover hilarious facts about some of the very special animals in their care with the ‘Animal Aces’ trail. Elsewhere, get crafty in the House, enjoy animal storytelling and more. 📍 Lotherton Hall, Lotherton Ln, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB | James Hardisty
12. Harrogate Indoor Funfair - May 24 - June 1 2025
Get ready for an incredible experience as the Indoor Funfair makes its first ever visit to Harrogate during May half term with 24 rides over 2 halls! Enjoy jaw-dropping rides and amazing inflatables for all ages in an indoor, climate-controlled and family-friendly environment. There's even a quiet session on Sunday 25th May from 11am-2pm. 📍 Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate, HG2 8PW | Canva