Free days out with the kids in East Yorkshire in 2023

Are you looking for fun and cost-effective days out with the kids this year in East Yorkshire? Look no further! 

With our list of free days out with children in the east of Yorkshire, you can create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank. 

Spark their curiosity with exciting activities such as family-safe carnivals and festivals and discover special events that the locals attend.

Whether you’re visiting East Yorkshire for a staycation or are planning a day out closer to home, these ideas for kid-friendly days will make 2023 a year of unforgettable experiences.

Ad feature written in collaboration with Visit East Yorkshire

Free and low-priced things to do this summer in East Yorkshire

Ready to get your summer on?

Here are some great events to visit this year, along with some more tips for free to do activities you can enjoy at any time of the year.

June 2023

Bridlington 40s and 50s Summer Festival

The Summer Festival in Bridlington takes place in the old town high street – but it’s not your traditional summer festival.

It takes on a theme of the 1940s and 50s with music, dance bands and singers taking you back in time. There are also military vehicles on display, a variety of trade and food stalls, and events throughout the day, including fairground rides.

Flamborough Flowerpot Festival

The Flowerpot Festival is an annual event where households and businesses around the village make displays with flowerpots.

Kids will love following a trail to find the differently decorated models, which can take the shape of animals, and people.

Beverley Folk Festival

Beverley hosts a multi-venue music festival each June, with folk music as the theme, although you may come across Morris dancers taking over the high street, rappers, various instruments and a chance to dance.

There are lots of free to attend sessions, open jam events and ticketed events in the evenings.

July 2023

Beach Volleyball – Yorkshire Series

You may not want to take part in beach volleyball, but it’s great fun to watch!

The Yorkshire series beach volleyball tournament is in Bridlington on South Cliff Beach. The beach has golden sands, making it great to watch competitors from across the country in the event.

Hornsea Carnival

Hornsea Carnival’s theme of 2023 is the Best of British!

The free carnival is the biggest and longest-running in East Yorkshire. You can apply to take part in advance for the Tug of War, Fun Run or Soap Box Derby. Or, take a more relaxed approach and watch the parade and other events take place.

Sailing Coble Festival

Bridlington Harbour hosts the annual Sailing Coble Festival in July.

The free event allows visitors to see historical and heritage sailing craft across several days. Boats are moored along the harbour, there are stands and stalls, plus there are various displays taking place.

August 2023

Royal Yorkshire Regatta

During the Royal Yorkshire Regatta week, hosted in Bridlington, you can watch yachts, boats, and ships fill the Bay of Brid.

Over the first week in August, there are harbour races and competitive events you can enjoy from the harbour or beach. 

Hornsea Bike Show

The Hornsea Biker Event takes place at Hall Garth Park, Hornsea, and is a great free fun day out for all the family.

It takes place annually in August; the event allows you to see all different types of motorbikes. However, you will likely see three-wheeled vehicles, vintage cars, plus other vehicles too.

Withernsea International Pirate Festival

Withernsea Pirate Festival is an excellent event for locals, as well as people who holiday in the area; however, it also attracts “pirates” from across the country to attend.

The event provides music and seafaring-themed dancing across two days and three nights. Children can find additional entertainment from stilt walkers, games, and races. Just remember to dress up!

Bridlington Carnival

Bridlington Carnival is a free entry event organised by the Bridlington Lions Club each year.

There’s plenty of entertainment on the main stage throughout the day, a classic car show, plus prize stalls, games, kid’s rides, a beer tent and more.

Look here for more information about what’s going on in East Yorkshire this summer.

Giveaway – Win a 2023 Family Holiday for 2 adults and 3 children 

With so many free things to do this summer, a trip to East Yorkshire is a great way to have a staycation as a family.

But, if you can’t wait until the summer holidays, why not win a family holiday instead?!

Visit East Yorkshire is giving away a family holiday to East Yorkshire for a family of 2 adults and 3 children.

One lucky winner will receive a prize of a seven-night stay in a luxury lodge at South Cliff Holiday Park during the May half-term.

As part of the prize package, you will also receive family tickets to Sewerby Hall and Gardens, Bridlington Animal Park, Burton Constable Hall and William’s Den, so you have plenty to do during your East Yorkshire staycation.

Click here to enter and for the full terms and conditions.

Free things to do in East Yorkshire

East Yorkshire has many free days out with children to explore. 

These ideas aren’t date specific, so you can keep more money in your pocket and visit pretty much any day of the year.

The Yorkshire Wolds Way

The Yorkshire Wolds Way is a scenic walking route that takes in some of the most beautiful landscapes in East Yorkshire. It is suitable for all abilities and offers a variety of routes to explore. 

Beverley Minster

This 900-year-old church is one of East Yorkshire’s most iconic heritage sites. It is open to visitors and provides a unique insight into the region’s history.

Walk along Beverley Westwood

When you’ve finished at Beverley Minster, head for a walk and picnic in Beverley Westwood, with fantastic views across the town and countryside.

Go to the beach

There is a beautiful sandy coastline to explore in East Yorkshire, or simply grab a towel and enjoy a paddle in the sea, followed by some sunbathing.

You’re spoilt for choice with Hornsea Beach, with a Blue Flag award-winning promenade; Bridlington Beach, with a Quality Cost award and a more traditional family beach resort; and Dane’s Dyke Beach, where you can explore rock pools and maybe even find fossils!

Take a trip to Hornsea Mere

Enjoy a day by the lake and discover the wildlife that thrives in this special environment. 

Visit the East Riding of Yorkshire Museums

Discover the area’s history and learn about the people who have lived around the East Riding area. 

Head to the RSPB Bempton Cliffs

Take a walk and spot puffins, guillemots and other seabirds in their natural habitat across Bempton Cliffs.

Cross Humber Bridge

The Humber Bridge is a wonderful way to check out the architecture of the UK’s longest single-span suspension bridge. You can also take in some fantastic views of both East Riding and Lincolnshire, depending on which way you’re walking.

Humber Bridge Country Park

After walking the Humber Bridge, head to the Country Park to explore the 48-acre wood with a picnic. There are plenty of nature trails, sculpture seats, tree trails, Orienteering courses, and bird-feeding stations. 

Spurn Point

Spurn Point is East Yorkshire’s furthest tip – almost like Land’s End. 

It’s a narrow sand tidal island and Nature Reserve where you can take in the changing environment and look out for different animals, such as grazing Hebridean sheep and longhorn cattle, and see bird migration.