Welcome to Yorkshire
Inspiration • July 23rd, 2026
|York is set to be filled with excitement this August as the popular Family Friendly Saturdays return, bringing giant retro arcade games to Parliament Street. Scheduled for Saturday, 15th August, from 12pm to 6pm, this event promises to be a fantastic day out for families and visitors alike.
Actual Reality Arcade
At the heart of this vibrant event is the Actual Reality Arcade, featuring a range of hands-on activities where classic arcade games come to life. Families can immerse themselves in seven larger-than-life games, including:
A huge-scale laser run
A giant Tetris wall
Whack-a-mole, where human volunteers take on the roles of moles!
This unique experience allows everyone, from kids to adults, to step into the world of retro gaming and enjoy the thrill of playing these iconic games in a fresh and exciting way.
Community Activities
Beyond the arcade, Parliament Street will be buzzing with various activities designed to engage and entertain. Families can meet the local heroes who work tirelessly to keep York safe. North Yorkshire Police will have a Bike Register station available, allowing cyclists to register their bikes for free. This helps protect against theft and ensures that bikes can be returned if lost or stolen.
Additionally, York Rescue Boat will be on-site with their boat, offering insights into the vital work they do across the city. To add even more fun, a free face painting station will be available, allowing children to transform into their favourite characters or animals.
Celebrating Community Spirit
Carl Alsop, Operations Manager at York BID, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming event, stating:
“Over the past year we’ve delivered 11 Family Friendly Saturdays, creating memorable experiences in York’s public spaces. This event is set to be one of our biggest yet, with so much to see and do. We’re excited to bring together fantastic entertainment with some of the dedicated organisations that work hard to keep our city safe, making it a true community celebration.”
This celebration highlights the importance of community spirit and local engagement, making it a significant event for both residents and visitors. York BID aims to create vibrant and welcoming experiences in the city centre, and Family Friendly Saturdays are a key part of this programme.
