Perfect for families who want nature, history, wildlife, and easy days out.
⭐ Bolton Abbey https://boltonabbey.com
Bolton Abbey is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Dales. With riverside beaches, woodland trails, and the famous stepping stones, it’s ideal for children of all ages.
TIP – book day car parking before you go, its cheaper.
Why families love it:
Safe riverside paddling
Pushchair-friendly paths
Cafés and toilet facilities
Large car parks close to the estate
Best for: toddlers, mixed-age families, relaxed days out.
Nearby – All aboard the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway – a journey through time and countryside.
This steam railway is perfect for families looking for a relaxed, memorable day out. Kids love the vintage carriages, the friendly volunteers, and watching the steam engine turn around at the halfway station. Parents appreciate the easy journey, the picnic spots near Bolton Abbey, and the chance to explore historic stations. With short travel times, cafés, gift shops, and special events throughout the year, it’s an ideal choice for families of all ages.
Be ready to experience one of Yorkshire’s most nostalgic days out? Secure your tickets for the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway and enjoy a scenic heritage journey through the Dales.
⭐ Malham Cove & Gordale Scar
A dramatic limestone landscape that feels like a natural playground.
Why families love it
Short, manageable walks
Rock formations kids can explore
Epic views from the top of the cove
Combine with Janet’s Foss waterfall
Best for: adventurous kids, photography, nature lovers
⭐ Aysgarth Falls
A series of beautiful waterfalls with easy paths and picnic spots.
Why families love it:
Short walks between falls
Shallow areas for supervised paddling
Great for picnics and photos
Best for: younger children, relaxed scenic walks
⭐ Wensleydale Creamery (Hawes)https://www.wensleydale.co.uk
A fun and tasty stop where families can learn how Yorkshire’s famous cheese is made.
Cheese-making demonstrations
Tasting rooms
Café and shop
Indoor activities for rainy days
Best for: food-loving families, educational visits
⭐ Forbidden Corner (Coverdale)https://www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk
A magical maze of tunnels, statues, and surprises — one of Yorkshire’s most unique attractions.
Interactive, imaginative play
Safe enclosed environment
Great for kids aged 5–12
Best for: playful families, quirky days out
🥾 2. Top Outdoor Activities in the Yorkshire Dales⭐ Family-Friendly Walks
Ribblehead Viaduct Loop — flat, scenic, great for photos
Grassington to Linton Falls — easy riverside walk
Malham Circular — waterfalls, cliffs, wildlife
⭐ Cycling & Mountain Biking
Swale Trail — a 12-mile family-friendly cycle routehttps:
Yorkshire Dales Cycleway — for older kids and teens
Grassington MTB trails — gentle off-road options
⭐ Wildlife Watching
Red squirrels in Snaizeholme
Peregrine falcons at Malham Cove
Otters along the River Wharfe
⭐ Water-Based Activities
Paddling at Bolton Abbey
Canoeing sessions (organised groups only)
Waterfall exploration at Aysgarth & Janet’s Foss
🏛️ 3. Cultural & Educational
⭐ Dales Countryside Museum (Hawes)
Hands-on exhibits about farming, rural life, and local history.https://www.dalesmuseum.org.uk
Why it works for families:
Interactive displays
Railway exhibits
Great rainy-day option
⭐ Skipton Castle
One of the best-preserved medieval castles in England.https://www.skiptoncastle.co.uk
Family highlights:
Explore dungeons and towers
Child-friendly tours
Easy parking in Skipton
⭐ Settle–Carlisle Railway
A scenic railway journey through viaducts, tunnels, and moorland.https://settle-carlisle.co.uk
Why families love it:
Stress-free travel
Amazing views
Great for train-loving kids
🎢 4. Adventure & Play Areas in the Yorkshire Dales
⭐ Stump Cross Cavernshttps://www.stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk
Underground caves with lights, fossils, and guided tours.
Why families love it:
Adventure without being too scary
Café and picnic areas
Great for curious kids
⭐ How Stean Gorge (Nidderdale)
A thrilling outdoor adventure centre.
Activities include:
Gorge walking
Via ferrata
Caving
Canoeing
Best for: teens and adventurous families
⭐ Hesketh Farm Park (near Bolton Abbey)https://www.heskethfarmpark.co.uk
A hands-on farm experience.
Why families love it:
Tractor rides
Animal feeding
Indoor play barn
🧭 5. Tips for Visiting the Yorkshire Dales with Family
⭐ Plan Short, Flexible Days
Kids tire quickly — choose attractions with multiple short routes.
⭐ Mix Indoor & Outdoor Options Weather changes fast. Pair outdoor walks with indoor museums or cafés.
⭐ Bring Water Shoes & Towels Many family-friendly spots involve paddling (Bolton Abbey, Aysgarth Falls).
⭐ Start Early Popular spots like Malham and Bolton Abbey get busy by late morning.
⭐ Use Village Bases Grassington, Hawes, and Settle make great hubs with cafés, toilets, and parking.
⭐ Safety First Check weather forecasts
Avoid steep cliff edges
Keep dogs on leads near livestock
