Summer at the Yorkshire Museum

Saturday 18 July – Sunday 6 September 2026 | Book Tickets

Discover thousands of years of Yorkshire’s history through storytelling, creative workshops, crafts, talks and trails at the Yorkshire Museum this summer.  

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What’s On

Meet Me at the Yorkshire Museum
Every Tuesday and Friday from 21 July – 28 August 2026 | Drop in between 11am – 4pm (Performances at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm)
Included in general admission
Suitable for all ages
Join HistoryRiot for two interactive storytelling experiences throughout the summer.

Mary Anning
21, 24, 28 and 31 July, and 7, 18, 21, 25 and 28 August
Meet renowned fossil hunter, Mary Anning, hear stories of her Jurassic discoveries and handle fossils and rocks that tell us about Yorkshire’s prehistoric past.

Roman York
4, 11 and 14 August
Meet a Roman and hear about life in Roman York.  

Creative Families
Every Wednesday from 22 July – 26 August 2026 | Drop in between 10.30am – 3.30pm
Included in general admission
Suitable for all ages
Join artist Lendita for a creative workshop where you’ll make your own hoard of treasure, inspired by our exhibition Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard. 

Art Outdoors
Fortnightly on Thursdays from 30 July – 27 August 2026 | Drop in between 11am – 4pm
Free
Suitable for all ages
Come along to York Museum Gardens for an outdoor play activity, inspired by the Yorkshire Museum’s exhibition, Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard.

Please note, this activity is weather dependent.  In the case of bad weather, the activity may take place indoors, but general admission charges apply. 

Daily activities:

Dinosaur Backpacks
Daily | 10am – 4.30pm
Recommended for 2 – 9 year olds
Included in general admission | Collect a backpack from the admissions desk and please return after use
Gain your spikes with our Dinosaur Backpacks! These adorable backpacks contain a selection of activities and prompts, including a dinosaur-themed book, a soft toy, a magnifying glass and other items to keep little explorers occupied.

Nature Trail
Daily, except Mondays | 10am – 4.30pm
Collect a trail sheet from the Yorkshire Museum admissions desk | £1 per sheet
Enjoy the outdoors with our new self-led Nature Trail, taking you on a journey through the Museum Gardens to explore nature and wildlife. 

Pick up a trail sheet from the Yorkshire Museum admissions desk, museum admission is not required to take part in the outdoor trail. 

Make and Play
Daily from 22 July | 10am – 5pm
Included in general admission
Drop into the Rec Room to enjoy self-led craft activities and play inspired by the Yorkshire Museum’s collections. Make a bug brooch or a piece of Viking-themed beaded jewellery.

Gallery Talks
Daily | Times advertised on the day
Included in general admission
Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a short, insightful talk on their favourite artefact from the collection. 

General admission tickets last 12 months. Pay once, visit free all year!

Please note, the Yorkshire Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday, closed Mondays. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the admissions desk on the day.

Family saver tickets available.

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Looking for more ways to entertain the family throughout the holidays? Find out more about our summer programme at our other sites.

What’s on this summer at York Castle Museum

What’s on this summer at York Art Gallery