High Oaks Grange is located in the North York Moors where it’s not just about walks because the area has so many family friendly attractions too. It makes a stay at High Oaks Grange a fantastic family friendly holiday.
Here is our top 10 roundup of the best things to do with children in North Yorkshire:
1. Flamingo Land
This large theme park and award-winning zoo is just 5 miles away and it is always a hit with the kids. Whether you have a thrill seeker or a little one who loves the teacups, there are rides for all ages here.
The big rides include Mumbo Jumbo with a 112 degrees vertical drop (once holding the Guinness World Record for the steepest rollercoaster) and Velocity which is a thrilling speed ride. If you fancy a lie, Hero is a horizontal roller coaster that you definitely won’t feel rested afterwards!
Family rides include the Muddy Duck tractor ride which is always a favourite with the little people, and Peter Rabbit often makes an appearance in the Peter Rabbit Adventure garden.
If you can drag yourself away from the rides, the large award winning zoo is waiting to welcome you. You can see big cats including tigers and lions, African giants such as hippos, rhinos and giraffes all the way down to penguins, lemurs and meerkats. There are sea lion shows throughout the day as well as the entertaining bird show too.
Plan your visit to Flamingo Land at www.flamingoland.co.uk
2. Dalby Forest
In nearby Dalby Forest, known as the Great Yorkshire Forest, there are beautiful walks, biking routes and a play park to keep the whole family entertained. There are routes for all abilities – just look for the colours. Green is easy with black routes being the most difficult.
If you have children who are adventurous then you will want to visit Go Ape which is the home to the Tree Tops Adventure and High Ropes Challenge. You can even the explore the forest on a Segway with the Segway Off Road Experience. You can read all about the fun we had when we had an Adventure at Go Ape. Visit Go Ape to find out more about all the adventures that you can experience.
3. North Yorkshire Water Park
Take a 15 minute drive towards Scarborough and you’ll come across North Yorkshire Water Park. You’ll be able to make a splash with the inflatable aqua park with its obstacle course and slides, or if you have always wanted to try wake boarding then you can give it a go with tuition available. If you prefer taking in the quieter side of the lake then you can enjoy kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and pedalos.
If you prefer not to get wet then you can zip across one of the lakes with the latest addition of the climbing wall and zip wire. Swing from the 13ft tower and fly along the 250m line, taking in the beautiful views across the lakes. Since there are 2 lines, you can even race each other to the bottom. Book your water adventures at North Yorkshire Water Park
4. Skelf Island at Castle Howard
The beautiful estate of Castle Howard near York is home to the large adventure play area, Skelf Island. With a huge rope bridge linking one play area to another, children can spend hours enjoying themselves here. Parents can sit back and enjoy a coffee or even a stone baked pizza from the Boatyard Café, taking in views of the lake.
Throughout the school holidays Castle Howard often has nature trails, craft activities and other child friendly events on offer to entertain their youngest visitors. At Christmas the house is turned into a delightful spectacle and if you are very lucky you can even book to meet Santa (Christmas tickets go on sale in September and we advise you get your tickets asap as they sell out very quickly). Find out what's on at Castle Howard during your visit.
5. Alpamare
In Scarborough’s North Bay you can’t miss the bright yellow building which is home to an indoor water park. Attractions include some of Europe’s best waterslides, a wave pool, a children's water playground and two heated outdoor pools that can be used all-year round. You can book your tickets for Alpamare.
6. Scarborough’s South Bay
A trip to the South Bay area of the coastal town is exactly what children love about the seaside. Donkey rides, arcades, a big wheel, Luna Park, fish and chips and of course the beach. You can take to the sea on a speedboat or the pirate ship and if you are in luck you may spot some dolphins.
7. Ice Cream
Do your children love ice cream? Then Baldersons Ice Cream parlour in the local village of Thornton le Dale is the place to go. Alternatively, you can wander the pretty market place of Malton and head to Groovy Moos which offers so many flavours of gelato from Kinder Bueno, candy floss and white chocolate and raspberry to dairy free mango and rich chocolate orange. Delicious!!
8. North York Moors Railway
Taking a ride on the heritage railway from Pickering to Whitby on a steam engine is a wonderful family experience. If you have a Harry Potter fan, then you’ll want to make a stop at the station of Goathland as it is Hogsmead station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Plan your visit and book your tickets for NYMR.
9. Eden Camp
Experience the sights and sounds of the second world war at Eden Camp. Children will enjoy dressing up, the junior assault course and even a puppet show in the theatre. It is home to a large collection of tanks, military vehicles and aircrafts, as well as Air Raid and Fire Watchers shelters which can be explored. Find out more at Eden Camp.
10. York Maze
Throughout the summer months, families will love York Maze. Located in Elvington, York it is home to Europe’s biggest maize maze. It isn’t just a maze though, there are many attractions including bouncy pillows, slides, a fun house, tractor rides and even pig racing. It’s a fun day out that the whole family will enjoy.
Even though it’s only open for summer, York maze makes a return during October for Halloween with their ‘hallowtween’ and ‘hallowscream’ events. Although, this is for families with older children and teens and not for young children due to the ‘scary’ nature of the events. Book your tickets at York Maze.
Which ever way you choose to spend your time at High Oaks Grange, you can be sure that there will never be cries of ‘I’m bored’. With so much to see and do, the whole family can enjoy a fun filled stay. Choose to stay in one of our Contemporary Lodges with some guaranteed hot tub fun or for a great glamping experience, stay in one of our Family Glamping Pods that sleep 4. Check out our Accommodation Availability for the property of your choice.
We know that plans change when the weather changes so if you are looking for some ideas to entertain the family when it rains you may wish to visit our blog for a Wet Weather Plan.
