Child-Friendly Activities in Scarborough: The Best Days Out for Families in 2027

Why Scarborough Is Perfect for Families

We may be biased — we live here, after all — but Scarborough really is one of the best places in England for a family holiday. The combination of two sandy beaches, a working harbour, a Victorian funfair, a beautiful park, and easy access to the North York Moors means there's genuinely something for every age and every kind of weather.

Here's our guide to the best child-friendly activities in and around Scarborough, drawn from years of local knowledge and the recommendations of the families who've stayed with us at Castle Sunset on the Beach.

The Beaches

Let's start with the obvious. Scarborough has two main beaches — the North Bay and the South Bay — and both are excellent for families. The North Bay is generally quieter and more sheltered, with a lovely stretch of sand that's perfect for building sandcastles and rock pooling. The South Bay is more lively, with donkey rides, beach huts, and easy access to the town centre.

Cayton Bay, just a few minutes from Castle Sunset on the Beach, is a wonderful alternative to the main town beaches — a wide, sandy cove that's popular with surfers but also great for families who want a bit more space and a slightly wilder feel. The rock pools here are excellent for crabbing and exploring at low tide.

Peasholm Park

Peasholm Park is a firm favourite with families visiting Scarborough. The Japanese-inspired park has a boating lake where you can hire pedalos and rowing boats, a miniature railway that runs around the perimeter, a play area, and the famous Naval Warfare display (seasonal — check times). There's also a café and plenty of open space for picnics and ball games. Admission to the park is free; charges apply for the boating and railway.

The North Bay Railway

Running between Peasholm Park and Scalby Mills, the North Bay Railway is a narrow-gauge steam railway that's been delighting children since 1931. The journey takes about 20 minutes each way and offers lovely views of the North Bay. It's one of those simple pleasures that never gets old — children who rode it with their parents come back decades later with their own children.

Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary

The Sea Life Sanctuary on Scalby Mills Road is one of the best aquariums on the Yorkshire coast. It's home to seals, sharks, rays, seahorses, and a huge variety of fish, and it also operates as a genuine marine rescue centre — so you might see seals and turtles being rehabilitated before release. The underwater tunnel is a highlight for children of all ages. Allow two to three hours for a proper visit.

The Rotunda Museum

For children with an interest in dinosaurs and prehistoric life, the Rotunda Museum is a must. The collections include fossils found on the Yorkshire coast — including ichthyosaur remains and ammonites — and the circular building itself is fascinating. The museum runs family-friendly events throughout the year, including fossil-hunting walks on the beach. Check their website for the current programme.

Kinderland and the Funfair

The traditional funfair on the South Bay foreshore has been a fixture of Scarborough summers for generations. Kinderland, the children's section, has rides and attractions suitable for younger children, while the main funfair offers more thrilling options for older kids and brave adults. It's unashamedly old-fashioned and all the better for it.

Rainy Day Options

Yorkshire weather being what it is, every family holiday needs a rainy day plan. Our recommendations:

• Scarborough Spa — Check the events programme for family shows and concerts
• Rotunda Museum — Excellent for a couple of hours on a wet afternoon
• Scarborough Art Gallery — Free admission, good café, and regularly changing exhibitions
• The arcades — Not educational, but sometimes exactly what's needed
• Castle Sunset on the Beach itself — We keep a selection of board games, books, and DVDs for rainy days

Day Trips from Cayton Bay

Castle Sunset on the Beach is brilliantly positioned for day trips across the region. Within an hour's drive you can reach:

• Flamingo Land — Theme park and zoo, about 40 minutes inland
• Whitby — The abbey, the harbour, and the best fish and chips in Yorkshire
• Filey — A quieter, more traditional seaside town just 10 minutes south
• Dalby Forest — Mountain biking, walking trails, and a Go Ape adventure course
• Pickering — The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs steam trains through beautiful countryside