York with Kids — Our Family Adventure at JORVIK & DIG

Let’s be honest — travelling isn’t just for grown-ups, is it? While historic spots like York Minster or the City Walls left us in awe, to children they can look like… well, just a lot of old stones! Kids are happiest when they can move, touch, dig and explore — and luckily, York has plenty of places where they can do exactly that.

This time, the little ones were the stars of our trip. Here’s how our family adventure unfolded at the JORVIK Viking Centre and DIG: An Archaeological Adventure.

JORVIK Viking Centre — A Time-Travel Experience

Address: 19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT, United Kingdom

The JORVIK Viking Centre is a hands-on museum built directly above real Viking-age remains. Visitors hop onto a time-machine-style ride that takes you through a reconstructed Viking village — complete with sounds, smells and life-sized scenes of 10th-century York.

It’s no surprise this place is a huge hit with families, but here’s the catch — book in advance. Tickets often sell out during school holidays and weekends, and on-the-day entry isn’t guaranteed. We went on an Easter Saturday, and yes… it was completely sold out. Lesson learned!

DIG: An Archaeological Adventure — Where Kids Become Archaeologists

Address: St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN

Since we couldn’t get into JORVIK, we headed to DIG — another brilliant family experience run by the York Archaeological Trust. It’s an interactive archaeology centre that lets children take part in mock excavations inspired by Roman, Viking, Medieval and Victorian York.

Armed with brushes and spades, kids can dig through soft synthetic ‘soil’ to uncover replica artefacts such as pottery, bones and metal fragments — all while learning about how people lived centuries ago. It’s messy enough to feel exciting, but clean enough for parents to stay relaxed!

“Watching my daughter’s eyes light up as she discovered a tiny piece of ‘history’ buried in the sand was just priceless.”

The staff here were absolutely lovely — genuinely patient and engaging with every child’s question. We stayed for about an hour, and another nice perk is that you can re-visit within a year by bringing your original receipt. Brilliant idea for families living nearby!

Handy Tips Before You Go

• Book early for JORVIK — walk-in tickets are often sold out during peak season.
• If you plan to visit both JORVIK and DIG, check out the Pastport Ticket, which gives discounted entry to several York Archaeological Trust attractions.
• Both sites are located in York city centre, about a 5-minute walk apart — perfect for a full day of exploration without needing transport.
• Check the latest opening times and special events on their official websites before your visit.
• JORVIK Booking Information
  Tickets can be booked through the official York Archaeological Trust website.
  Visit the JORVIK VIKING CENTRE to choose your date and time.

Our Thoughts

Although we didn’t get to meet the Vikings this time, DIG turned out to be a real gem. The kids laughed, learned, and discovered the joy of finding something with their own hands. Watching them play and learn with such curiosity made the whole day feel worthwhile.

Both JORVIK Viking Centre and DIG: An Archaeological Adventure capture what York does best — blending history with imagination. Next time, we’ll make sure to book ahead for JORVIK, so we can experience the full Viking adventure!

If you’ve been to either of these places, I’d love to hear your experience — especially how your kids enjoyed it! Feel free to share your tips in the comments below 💬