Yorkshire Museum summer activities run to 28 August
Families with children can visit The Yorkshire Museum in York for its final summer holiday activities from 18 to 28 August 2026. Visitors need a museum ticket, after which the listed activities are included; York Museums Trust says the same ticket also allows unlimited return visits for a year. The admission price is not stated in the announcement, and advance booking is encouraged.
The programme combines dinosaur exploration, encounters with historical characters and craft sessions. Some activities are available throughout the remaining period, while others take place only on specified dates.
Which activities are available on each date?
| Date or availability | Activity |
|---|---|
| Throughout the programme | Dinosaur backpack exploration in the Mary Anning and Jurassic galleries |
| 21, 24 and 28 August | Costumed historical characters roaming the museum |
| 26 August | Final Melsonby Hoard treasure-trove crafting session |
| Every day through 28 August | Viking beaded jewellery and bug brooch making |
The dated schedule means families primarily interested in meeting a historical character will need to choose one of the three remaining encounter days. Those hoping to take part in the Melsonby Hoard craft have one listed opportunity, on 26 August. The Viking-themed jewellery and bug brooch crafts offer more flexibility because they are listed as daily activities until the programme closes.
Dinosaur exploration for younger visitors
Children can collect a dinosaur backpack and use it while exploring the museum’s Mary Anning and Jurassic galleries. The route combines dinosaur-themed entertainment for younger visitors with opportunities to spot real fossils and dinosaur bones.
The backpack gives families a defined activity to follow through the prehistoric displays, rather than requiring them to plan their visit around a particular character or craft date. It is included among the activities promoted for the final two weeks of the holidays.
What to expect from the character and craft sessions
On 21, 24 and 28 August, costumed historical characters will move around the museum sharing stories and facts about life in the past. The announcement does not provide appearance times, so visitors should not assume the characters will follow a published hourly schedule.
The final Melsonby Hoard session on 26 August centres on treasure-trove crafting. Viking beaded jewellery and bug brooch making remain available each day through 28 August; York Museums Trust describes both as popular with visitors so far.
Tickets and details to check before travelling
York Museums Trust says visitors pay once for a museum ticket and receive the listed activities at no additional cost, along with unlimited return visits for a year. However, its notice does not give the ticket price, activity times, street address, transport information or accessibility arrangements.
Families should therefore check the current ticket and visitor details when booking through the York Museums Trust announcement. Booking ahead is encouraged, particularly for anyone choosing one of the limited character dates or the final Melsonby Hoard craft session.
Source: York Museums Trust News
Context & actions About this article
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Event dates, activities, ticket terms and missing practical details were checked against the York Museums Trust announcement.
- Confirmed the programme runs from 18 to 28 August 2026.
- Checked the listed character-encounter dates of 21, 24 and 28 August.
- Confirmed the Melsonby Hoard craft session is scheduled for 26 August.
- Kept the admission price and activity times unspecified because the source does not provid...
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- York Museums Trust News
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- 2026-08-18 16:06
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