Your Plan For The Best Family Day Out In York This Summer Holiday

Right, the summer holidays are creeping up, aren't they? If you're anything like me, you're already scrolling through your phone, desperately trying to find things to do that won't require you to remortgage your house. It feels like a national sport at this point.

And it's not just us – apparently, Google searches across the UK for "family-friendly" summer holiday activities are higher than ever. Everyone's on the hunt for a great day out that keeps the kids happy, the teenagers from complaining, and maybe, just maybe, has a little something for the grown-ups too.

Well, stop scrolling. I think I've found it. McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York is pulling out all the stops with its "Great Summer Social," and it sounds like a proper game-changer for the six-week break. This isn't just about shopping; it's a full-on summer experience with a beach, games, and loads of free fun, running right through until 14 September.

So, what’s all the fuss about?

Imagine this: a massive, sandy beach. But it's not on the coast; it's right there at the designer outlet. Genius, right? The kids can get stuck into building epic sandcastles (and let's be honest, you'll probably have a go too) while you kick back in a giant deckchair and soak up some of that rare British sunshine. It’s all about creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere where you can actually unwind. And the best part? It's completely free. The whole setup is designed to be a place for some proper family fun.

But it's not just a beach. They've dotted around a load of free outdoor games to get everyone involved. We're talking about the good stuff, the kind of games that bring out your competitive side:

• Giant 4 in a Row
• Jenga (the super-sized, wobbly kind)
• Corn Hole (a classic beanbag toss game)
• A Wobble Board Maze Game

It's a great way to challenge your family to a friendly tournament. Forget screen time; this is old-school fun that makes a family visit so much more memorable. These activities are designed for maximum fun and are a perfect break from hunting for bargains.

More than just shopping and sandcastles

The team at the York Designer Outlet clearly get what makes a good day out. It's the little things. They've set up a dedicated picnic area, so you can bring your own sandwiches or grab a coffee and an alfresco snack from one of the cafes and just chill out. It's a great chance to refuel before round two of the sandcastle building or shopping.

And for the Instagrammers among us, they've added some brilliant new selfie spots. There's a giant beach wave you can pretend to surf on and a life-sized Camper Van for that perfect "beach crew" photo. It's a bit of fun that captures the holiday mood perfectly. The whole place has a brilliant atmosphere.

Paul Tyler, the Centre Manager at York Designer Outlet, summed it up perfectly:

"We're absolutely delighted to bring back 'The Great Summer Social' to York Designer Outlet. It's all about creating a joyful and relaxed atmosphere where families can unwind and enjoy quality time together when taking a break from their designer shopping. With many free activities, from building sandcastles to exploring our new kids' trail, we're confident that everyone will find something to love during the summer holiday season."

He's right. It sounds like they've thought of everything to make this a friendly and fun destination for the whole family.

A treasure hunt for the kids

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, they're adding another layer of fun from 18 July. They're launching a brand-new summer kids' trail. This is a brilliant idea to keep the little ones engaged while you wander around the centre. The challenge is to embark on a treasure hunt to find hidden sandcastles dotted around the place. Each one represents a different Yorkshire beach. Once your little adventurers have found them and named all the beaches, you just pop over to Guest Services. There, they'll get a special treat and even be entered into a competition to win one of the sandcastle toys. It’s a great little challenge that adds an extra bit of excitement to your visit.

And what about the discounts?

Okay, let's talk about the other main reason for a visit to a designer outlet: the shopping! While the kids are enjoying all the free activities, you can sneak in some serious retail therapy. And the timing is perfect. The big Summer Sale is on until 13 July, so there's still time to grab some amazing discounts. We're talking up to 60% off outlet prices, which is a pretty great deal.

It’s the ideal opportunity to get everyone's holiday wardrobe sorted without breaking the bank. You’ll find over 100 top brands, including some big family favourites. Think cool t-shirts from Tommy Hilfiger, classic gear from Calvin Klein, and of course, comfy summer footwear from Crocs. There are so many great brands to choose from. A visit here is a smart way to get quality stuff for less, just in time for your summer holiday.

All the practical bits you need to know

Making a plan to visit couldn't be easier. The team at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York seem to have thought about the practical stuff that makes a family day out stress-free.

• What's On: The Great Summer Social.
• Where: McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York, just outside the south entrance.
• When: Now until 14 September 2024.
• Cost: All the fun beach and game activities are completely free.
• Parking: Also totally free, and they even have 32 EV chargers if you need one.

So, if you’re in or around York this summer, it really does sound like a fantastic, friendly, and fun day out for the whole family. You get sunshine (hopefully!), sandcastles, a fun challenge, and some amazing discounts. What more could you want from a summer holiday day trip?