When it comes to family days out, farm parks are always a winner—especially on weekends or during the school holidays. With wide open spaces to roam, adorable animals to meet, and plenty of play areas to explore, they’re packed with things to keep little ones (and grown-ups!) happy. Many also offer hands-on activities like animal feeding, egg collecting, and pony grooming, making them a fun and educational way to introduce kids to life on the farm.
Yorkshire is home to loads of brilliant open farms—but which ones really stand out for a top-notch family day out? We’ve rounded up some of our favourite farm parks across the region…
Must-Visit Farm Parks in Yorkshire
Cannon Hall Farm
Where: Cawthorne, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S75 4AT
Prices: £13.95 per adult, £13.95 per child and FREE for under 2s
Located just five miles west of Barnsley, Cannon Hall Farm is a must-visit destination for families. Nestled next to the historic Cannon Hall Museum, this beloved farm park offers a delightful mix of animal encounters and exciting attractions, making it one of the region’s top family spots.
Visitors can meet a variety of friendly farm animals, including sheep, cows, pigs, pygmy goats, llamas, and Shetland ponies. Kids will love getting hands-on with the animals, creating unforgettable memories. In addition to the animal experiences, the farm boasts an impressive outdoor adventure playground and is home to one of the finest farm shops in Yorkshire, offering a wide selection of high-quality, locally sourced produce.
For rainy days or a break from outdoor fun, families can head inside to The Hungry Llama, one of the largest indoor play centres in the North of England. With nine thrilling slides, it’s the perfect way to keep the little ones entertained and active.
Throughout the year, Cannon Hall Farm hosts an exciting lineup of seasonal events, from the magical Santa experience to a popular Halloween celebration. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or a special occasion, Cannon Hall Farm provides endless fun for the whole family.
Hesketh Farm Park
Where: Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 6HA
Prices: Adults – £8.00, Children – £8.00, Under 2s – £4.00, Under 1s – £1.00
If you’re looking for a family-friendly farm park near Skipton, Hesketh Farm Park is a fantastic option. Just one mile from the stunning Bolton Abbey and five miles from Skipton, this well-loved attraction is packed with hands-on farm activities and outdoor fun for kids of all ages.
Families can enjoy a range of traditional farm experiences, including animal feeding, egg collecting, and pony brushing. There are also both indoor and outdoor play areas, so there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained whatever the weather. The play zones feature climbing frames, slides, mini tractors, and a large sandpit—perfect for active kids who love to explore.
Planning to bring lunch? Hesketh Farm Park has plenty of picnic tables both inside and out, along with lots of open space if you prefer to lay down a blanket. Alternatively, the on-site café offers a delicious selection of sandwiches, light bites, homemade cakes, and locally made ice cream.
With its beautiful setting and variety of activities, Hesketh Farm Park is a top choice for a family day out in North Yorkshire.
Thornton Hall Country Park
Where: Thornton-in-Craven, near Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 3TS
Prices: Prices vary depending on the time of year. Online prices for spring 2025 start at £7.95 for children aged 2 to 15 and £5.95 for adults. These are for farm and soft play access only. Prices are different for seasonal events.
Another one in close proximity to Skipton is Thornton Hall Country Park, and it’s absolutely packed with things to do. There’s an adventure playground, a caterpillar ride, quad biking, a giant indoor slide, and plenty of opportunities to meet the animals—including sheep, cows, goats, llamas, ponies and more. Guests can get hands-on experience with animal feeding at various times throughout the day.
Inside, the newly renovated Soft Play now includes The Diner, where you can grab a bite to eat while the little ones let off steam. Throughout the year, the park runs a range of seasonal and themed events like Dino Live and the Magical Christmas Adventure.
During term time, there’s a great offer for toddlers—just £4 per person (T&Cs apply). From April to September, the Secret Garden opens its gates, complete with a stage, full bar, and food truck. It’s the go-to spot for family shows by day and adult-only live music events by night.
Big Sheep Little Cow Farm
Where: Bedale, North Yorkshire, DL8 1AW
Prices: Adults – £12, Children – £12, Concessions – £11.50, Children under 12 months – FREE
Big Sheep Little Cow Farm, just outside Bedale in North Yorkshire, is a fantastic hands-on farm park that’s perfect for a family day out with younger children.
The farm offers fully customisable VIP experiences, designed to suit different ages, interests, and abilities. These interactive sessions give kids the chance to feed, hold, and learn all about the animals in a fun, safe, and engaging environment—an ideal way to spark curiosity and confidence around animals.
After meeting the animals, there’s plenty more to enjoy. The indoor play barn is packed with fun equipment to help little ones burn off some energy, no matter the weather. There’s also an on-site café offering drinks, snacks, and light meals for a mid-visit break.
With its friendly atmosphere and tailored experiences, Big Sheep Little Cow Farm is a must-visit for families looking for things to do with kids in North Yorkshire.
Piglets Adventure Farm
Where: Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York, YO32 9ST
Prices: From £8.95 for adults and £9.95 for adults
Just 15 minutes from the centre of York, Piglets Adventure Farm is one of the top family attractions in North Yorkshire—and it’s easy to spend a whole day here with so much to see and do.
This award-winning farm park is packed with activities for kids, including pedal go-karts, Bouncing Pillows, Crazy Golf, the Olym-Pig Assault Course, the Kidbine Tractor, and the fun-filled Farm Yard Trail, which takes little explorers on an interactive journey around the farm. Animal lovers can meet a wide range of friendly farm animals, but the highlight for many is the Piglet Maternity Ward, where you can see newborn piglets and their mums in a warm, peaceful setting. It’s unbelievably cute and a real crowd-pleaser.
What really sets Piglets Adventure Farm apart, though, is The Beach—a totally unique farm park feature that brings all the fun of the seaside to the countryside. There’s soft, golden sand to play in, climbing boulders, a lifeguard lookout tower, a cliffside slide, and even a beachside café serving drinks, snacks, and ice creams.
Whether you’re looking for an outdoor day of adventure or a hands-on animal experience, Piglets Adventure Farm Park is a must-visit for families planning a day out near York.
Playdale Farm Park
Where: Carr Lane, Cayton, Scarborough YO11 3AT
Prices: From £12 for Adults and £11 for Children aged 2 – 15
Playdale Farm Park, located near Scarborough, is an award-winning farm park offering a fantastic range of activities for the whole family. With an exciting combination of indoor and outdoor attractions, it’s the perfect destination for a memorable day out.
Explore the animal barn and meet a variety of friendly animals, including alpacas, llamas, goats, sheep, ponies, donkeys, and chinchillas. Kids will love the interactive paddocks where they can get hands-on with the animals, feeding and learning about them.
The park also boasts a large indoor play area with soft play zones and plenty of space for active play. For outdoor fun, there’s an expansive playground featuring tunnel slides, zip wires, and a pedal go-kart track—perfect for active children. Additionally, Playdale Farm Park offers a fun Frisbee golf course, ideal for a relaxed game with the family.
When it’s time to take a break, head to the on-site café offering a selection of hot and cold meals. During the warmer months, enjoy snacks and drinks from the outdoor kiosk, making it easy to refuel while soaking up the sunshine.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, learning about animals, or enjoying some outdoor play, Playdale Farm Park is a top choice for families in Yorkshire.
Monk Park Farm
Where: Green Lane, Bagby, Thirsk YO7 2AG
Prices: General admission costs from £9.95 for both adults and children
Monk Park Farm near Thirsk offers an exciting pig racing experience as part of the general admission. These specially trained miniature pigs race around a circular track with jumps and tunnels, and you can place free bets for a chance to win a prize if your pig wins! Races take place up to three times a day, and the times are displayed at the entrance and near the track, just past the pond.
In addition to the races, the farm offers a variety of activities, including feeding calves and lambs, stroking guinea pigs, and enjoying the barrel ride through fields with deer, alpacas, and wallabies. There are also zip wires, go-karts, pedal tractors, and lots of swings and slides. After a fun-filled day, relax at the café or shop for souvenirs. Monk Park Farm is a fantastic place for family fun.
Swithens Farm
Where: Swithen’s Lane, Rothwell, Leeds LS26 0BT
Prices: From £10 per adult and £10 per child for farm park entry
Swithens Farm, a family-run working farm just a short drive from Leeds, offers a fantastic day out for visitors of all ages. The farm is home to a wide variety of animals, including pigs, sheep, goats, cows, chickens, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, emus, turtles, guinea pigs, and even meerkats, which are always a favorite with visitors.
After meeting the animals, head to the indoor play area, perfect for children from toddlers to 10 years old. The play barn is filled with colorful play equipment, ball pools, and soft play fun, ensuring hours of entertainment for the little ones.
For a well-deserved break, visit the farm’s café, where you can enjoy delicious homemade food. The café also features a butcher’s counter offering locally sourced meats, so you can take home some high-quality produce. Whether you’re here to explore the animals or enjoy a tasty meal, Swithens Farm is a wonderful family-friendly destination.
