Scarborough is an excellent destination for families seeking outdoor fun and relaxation. Whether visiting for just one day or spending a week or two in the town, you’ll find many activities that appeal to all ages, from the youngest children to the eldest family members.
Please remember that not all activities are available throughout the year. We recommend checking the attraction opening times in advance to ensure you can fully enjoy what Scarborough has to offer.
Here are ten of the best family-friendly outdoor activities in Scarborough, promising memorable experiences for everyone:
1. Peasholm Park
Peasholm Park in Scarborough offers plenty of family fun, with various outdoor activities to suit all ages. At the heart of the park, Peasholm Lake invites visitors to hire dragon pedalos, rowing boats, and canoes, providing a perfect way to enjoy the scenic views from the water.
The highlight for many is the Naval Warfare. This miniature sea battle reenactment captivates audiences in July and August with its exciting displays, appealing to both young and old alike.
For those looking for fun on land, the park features a mini-golf course that promises a competitive and enjoyable experience for the entire family. Young children can explore a prehistoric world with the augmented reality Dinosaur Safari, accessible through the “Love Exploring” app.
Music enthusiasts will appreciate the afternoon concerts at the Peasholm bandstand, set against the picturesque backdrop of the lake during the summer months.
With a café on-site offering various refreshments and ample space around the lake for picnicking, Peasholm Park provides all the ingredients for a great day out with the family.
Pricing
Free to enter
Dragon boat hire: 1 person £3.50, 2-3 people £6.50, 4-5 people £10.
Putting green: £3
2. North Yorkshire Water Park
North Yorkshire Water Park in Scarborough is a hub of outdoor excitement featuring a variety of activities for all ages.
Thrill-seekers can enjoy the zipline, escape room, and puzzle room, while water enthusiasts have plenty to choose from with paddleboarding, wakeboarding, kayaking, sailing, and more. For those who prefer land-based adventures, there is a climbing wall, cycle tracks, walks, archery, and axe throwing.
The Aqua Park, pedalos, mini electric boats, and a low ropes course add to the family fun.
The park has a café for refreshments after a day full of activities. North Yorkshire Water Park promises a day of diverse and exciting outdoor activities, making it a perfect destination for an action-packed outing.
Pricing
All activities are individually priced so please check their website.
3. Mini Golf or Putting
Scarborough has a variety of themed mini-golf (or crazy golf) and putting courses that cater to all ages, making it a perfect family activity. Each venue provides a unique experience, from pirate themes to picturesque settings overlooking the beaches.
- Pirate Adventure Mini Golf in South Bay invites players into a pirate-themed adventure conveniently located next to the Sea Life Centre. It’s an ideal spot for families looking to combine an educational visit with fun, themed play.
Price: £6 adults, £5 children online - North Bay Golf features a 12-hole mini-golf course located in Peasholm Gap, between the scenic Peasholm Park and North Bay Beach. Next to the golf course, the popular “Peaches’n’Cream” Ice Cream Parlour serves delicious refreshments, providing a well-deserved treat after your game.
Price: £4 a ticket - North Bay Adventure Golf, positioned just beyond the vibrant beach chalets and adjacent to the beach, offers spectacular views of North Bay.
Price: £14 for family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children) - Holbeck Putting Green, situated in South Cliff Gardens near the Italian Gardens, provides breathtaking views over South Bay. It’s an idyllic setting for those who enjoy combining the leisure of putting with the beauty of nature.
Price: £3 per round. - The 18 Hole Pitch ‘n’ Putt in Peasholm Park combines the park’s tranquillity with the enjoyment of golf, making it a must-visit for families looking for a relaxed outdoor activity.
Price: £3
4. Fishing Boat Trips
Fishing Boat Trips in Scarborough offer an exciting opportunity for families and fishing enthusiasts to explore the waters of South Bay. To guarantee your place, booking in advance is strongly advised.
Skylark Fishing Trips and Mary Ellen Fishing Trips cater to a broad audience by offering 3-hour excursions, perfect for novices and those with young children, alongside much longer journeys for those who would prefer to spend a whole day at sea.
Several other fishing trip services are also available, each promising a unique opportunity to appreciate Scarborough’s picturesque coastal scenery.
Pricing
From £25 for under 16s
From £30 for adults
Above pricing is for the shorter trips
5. Scarborough Castle
Scarborough Castle, a historic landmark stunningly situated on the headland, offers breathtaking panoramic views of both North and South Bay, making it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and families. Visitors can immerse themselves in the castle’s rich history through an engaging audio tour that vividly recounts the site’s interesting past.
Inside the Master Gunner’s House, an exhibition showcases a fascinating collection of artefacts, tools, and pottery, giving a glimpse into the lives of those who once inhabited the castle.
The spacious castle grounds invite guests to enjoy a leisurely picnic on the grass amidst the scenic seaside backdrop, providing a serene spot for relaxation.
The castle features an on-site coffee shed and ice cream van, with a selection of hot and cold snacks and tea, coffee, cakes, and ice creams. Additionally, visitors can browse the gift shop for souvenirs.
Scarborough Castle combines historical exploration with the beauty of its natural surroundings for a memorable visit.
Pricing
Prices quoted below are if you book online in advance. Please note, they are more expensive if you book on the day.
Adults: From £7.70
Children (5-17): From £4
Concessions (Over 65s and Students with Student Cards): From £6.80
Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children): From £19.40
Family ticket (1 adult and up to 3 children): From £11.70
6. Scarborough Beaches
Beaches are accessible to everyone at no cost, making them an affordable day out with the kids.
Scarborough’s North Bay and South Bay beaches are ideal for sandcastle building, swimming, paddling, beach games, and sunbathing. These spots are also great for rock pooling.
Visitors can enjoy seaside favourites like ice creams, fish and chips, and waffles, making for a complete beach day experience.
Price: Free
7. Playdale Farm Park
Playdale Farm Park in the village of Cayton is a family-friendly destination packed with outdoor activities.
You can feed the goats, sheep, alpacas, and llamas, and the small animal barn offers a close-up look at rabbits, degus, and chinchillas.
There is a hatchery for newly hatched chicks and handling sessions with guinea pigs and chicks. Other animals on the farm include donkeys, ponies, pigs, and emus.
The outdoor area features a summer sledge run, zip wire, frisbee golf, pedal go-kart track, picnic areas, and a sandpit.
Inside, kids can have fun in the soft play area, tractor zone, adventure trail and interact with animals in the barn and paddocks. There are even coin-operated electric tractors for children to drive.
A café serves a selection of refreshments and light meals, while the gift shop has a variety of souvenirs to remember the day by.
Pricing
Adults: £10.50
Children: £10
Senior citizens (65+): £9.50
Under 2’s: Free
8. Scarborough Footgolf
Footgolf is an outdoor game that combines football and golf, where players kick a football into oversized holes on a course to complete each hole in the fewest shots possible.
Scarborough Footgolf offers three different courses to choose from:
- 9 Hole Footgolf: Played on a specially designed 10-acre field, this standard game takes place on a course created explicitly for footgolf, offering a unique experience separate from traditional golf courses.
Price: £22 for family of four (2 adults, 2 children) - 9 Hole Adventure Footgolf: This tactical course weaves through the woods, introducing obstacles that add an extra layer of challenge and fun, perfect for those looking for an adventurous twist.
Price: £22 for family of four (2 adults, 2 children) - Footpool: This option offers a quirky take on pool, where players use their feet and size 4 footballs to pot the balls, blending soccer skills with the strategy of pool in a game that’s enjoyable for everyone.
Price: £10 per half hour.
If you book the standard Footgolf and Adventure Footgolf together, you can pay a combined ticket price of £35.
Conveniently located just across the road is the Stained Glass Centre café, where visitors can relax and refuel with sandwiches, afternoon teas, and other light refreshments after their footgolf experience.
9. South Cliff Gardens
South Cliff Gardens offers scenic walks with stunning views over South Bay. It’s a perfect spot for nature walks, picnics, and enjoying the outdoors. The gardens feature Paxton’s Play Space, a children’s play area that adds fun for younger visitors. The Clock Café provides refreshments, making it easy to spend a full day exploring.
Just past the Holbeck Clock Tower, on the other side of the road, is Shuttleworth Gardens, home to the enchanting “Fairy Garden.” This small garden has a miniature rock and water garden and even a postbox for fairy letters, adding a unique touch that delights children.
South Cliff Gardens brings a peaceful retreat filled with natural beauty and whimsical charm. It’s perfect for families looking for an affordable day out and lets you enjoy Scarborough’s quieter side.
Cost: Free
10. Luna Park Funfair
Luna Park Funfair in South Bay is packed with excitement for everyone. It features a selection of rides, including the lively King Frog, the Cups and Saucers, a charming carousel for kids, and the classic dodgems for thrilling family fun.
There are games such as Hook-a-Duck and Basketball, where you can win prizes.
Pricing
Luna Park can be a little expensive, with rides operating on a token system purchased from an on-site kiosk. You can alternatively buy a “fun card” at the venue and load it with tokens, with each token priced at £1.
Bear in mind that one token doesn’t equal one ride. Depending on the ride, you will need a specific number of tokens.