Things for Families in Scarborough

Families have been flocking to Scarborough for hundreds of years, with two stunning golden beaches and numerous exciting attractions it’s no wonder that the UK’s first seaside resort is a hot spot for all the family.

Scarborough on the Yorkshire coast is full of family friendly activities. Regardless if yo’re visiting the historic Scarborough Castle or having a relaxing afternoon in Peasholm Park, this North Yorkshire town has so much to offer. The attractions are perfect for families to make the most of the Yorkshire coast whatever the time of year.

TL;DR Version

Attraction	Description	Key Features	Location
Scarborough Beach	Expansive sandy beaches offering fun activities like sandcastle building and swimming.	Sandcastles, Seaside Cafés, Scenic Walks	North and South Bays
Scarborough Castle	Explore the medieval ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the Yorkshire coast.	Guided Tours, Historic Grounds, Panoramic Views	Castle Road
Peasholm Park	A beautiful park with Japanese gardens, boating lakes, and family activities.	Boating, Japanese Gardens, Sky Trail	North Bay
Sea Life Scarborough	Interactive aquarium with marine life exhibits and conservation programs.	Seal Sanctuary, Underwater Tunnels, Interactive Exhibits	Scalby Mills
North Bay Railway	Ride the miniature railway along the scenic Yorkshire coast.	Vintage Trains, Coastal Views, Family-Friendly Rides	North Bay
Alpamare Water Park	Indoor and outdoor water park with slides, wave pools, and a thermal spa.	Water Slides, Wave Pool, Spa Facilities	Burniston Road
Scarborough Fair Collection	A working collection of vintage fairground rides, steam engines, and mechanical organs.	Vintage Rides, Steam Engines, Mechanical Organs	Lebberston
Filey Brigg	A nature reserve perfect for birdwatching, rock pooling, and fossil hunting.	Birdwatching, Rock Pools, Coastal Walks	Filey
Playdale Farm Park	A family-friendly farm park with interactive animal experiences and tractor rides.	Petting Zoo, Tractor Rides, Farm Animals	Cayton
Rotunda Museum	A museum with fascinating fossil collections and dinosaur footprints.	Fossils, Dinosaur Exhibits, Interactive Displays	Vernon Road

Scarborough Beach

Both North and South Bays have endless beach fun for families. North Bay is for those who want a quieter day by the sea, South Bay is for those who want to grab some food at a seaside café after building sandcastles. Walk along the coast road between the two bays for views of the headland and Yorkshire coast.

Scarborough Castle

Overlooking the Yorkshire coast Scarborough Castle is a must see. Families can explore the historic ruins and enjoy the views of the bays. Another historic attraction in Scarborough is the old water chute which adds to the seaside charm. A guided tour of the castle is educational and fun and a great way to spend the day learning about the medieval history of the area.

Scarborough Castle was built in the 12th century and has been a strategic fortress for nearly 1,000 years. It is managed by English Heritage and is open daily.

Peasholm Park

In the North Bay area Peasholm Park is a great day out for families. This beautiful park has Japanese gardens, a boating lake and plenty of space for picnics. Families can explore the grounds and have a leisurely boat ride on the lake or take part in the Sky Trail in the summer. The park also hosts events including circus skills performances so it’s a must visit.

Key: Japanese gardens, boating, Sky Trail Stats: Peasholm Park is 14 hectares and has a tranquil boating lake famous for its dragon boats and children’s adventure activities.

Sea Life Scarborough

At Sea Life Scarborough families can get up close to marine life in an interactive and educational way. Near Scalby Mills this aquarium allows visitors to walk through underwater tunnels, touch rock pools and see dinosaur footprints alongside many aquatic exhibits. The seal sanctuary and penguin enclosures are a highlight and there’s plenty to learn about marine conservation.

Sea Life Scarborough is home to many sea creatures including sharks, turtles and seals. A great way to introduce children to marine biology and environmental conservation.

North Bay Railway

The North Bay Railway is a lovely ride along the Yorkshire coast on vintage trains that both kids and adults will love. Another family friendly attraction near the railway is the old water chute which adds to the area’s charm. This historic miniature railway has views of North Bay and is perfect for families looking for a relaxing and fun way to see the area. It also hosts themed events like the Santa Express in the winter.

The North Bay Railway has been running for over 80 years and is a favourite for families visiting the Yorkshire coast.

Alpamare Water Park

For indoor and outdoor water fun head to Alpamare Water Park. With water slides, wave pool and warm thermal pools it’s open all year round. Mums can relax in the spa while the kids slide or everyone can go in the wave pool together.

Alpamare has four major slides, a 36°C heated pool and a spa area so something for everyone.

Scarborough Fair Collection and Vintage Fairground Rides

Families can visit the Scarborough Fair Collection which has a wonderful collection of vintage attractions including vintage fairground rides, steam engines and mechanical organs with intricate detail. The collection also has unique attractions like vintage cars for a nostalgic experience. Near a holiday park so a trip through history for all the family. Plenty of interactive displays and operational vintage rides for the kids.

The Scarborough Fair Collection is open daily and most popular in the summer. Keywords: Scarborough Fair Collection, vintage fairground rides, steam engines, mechanical organs, holiday park.

Filey Brigg and Birdwatching

Just outside Scarborough is Filey Brigg a haven for families who love birdwatching. The grassy headland is perfect for spotting seabirds like puffins and gannets. Also great for rock pooling and fossil hunting so a hands on nature experience for the kids.

Filey Brigg is part of a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve and has the best views of the Yorkshire coast and allows families to explore rock pools and wildlife habitats.

Playdale Farm Park

At Playdale Farm Park the kids can pet and feed a range of farm animals including goats, sheep and rabbits. Interactive learning opportunities and tractor rides, outdoor play areas and indoor activities for rainy days so a great place for families all year round.

Playdale Farm Park is a daily farm experience with plenty of hands on activities especially in the summer.

Rotunda Museum

The Rotunda Museum has one of the best collections of fossils from the North Yorkshire coast including dinosaur footprints. The North York Moors another geographical and recreational landmark near Scarborough has outdoor activities like walking and cycling on the Cinder Track. The museum is a great educational experience for families with interactive exhibits where kids can get hands on with geology and natural history.

Established 1829, the Rotunda Museum is one of the oldest purpose built museums in the UK so a key historical and educational attraction in Scarborough.

Check Out These Attractions In Scarborough