Get To The Races - Family Fun in Yorkshire This May Half-Term

Looking for activities to keep the kids entertained during the May half-term in Yorkshire? As always, the racecourses have got you covered!

Across Yorkshire’s nine racecourses, accompanied children under 18 get free entry, making it an ideal family outing. Here's a rundown of the exciting events planned across various racecourses.

Bank Holiday Fun at Redcar Racecourse

Kick off the fun on Bank Holiday Monday at Redcar Racecourse with the Zetland Gold Cup Family Day. Besides the thrill of seven scheduled races, the venue offers a plethora of free entertainment for children, including bouncy castles, face painting, and various entertainers.

A group of riders participating in the upcoming Macmillan Charity Race at York will be at Redcar with an equisizer for some extra practice. Visitors might even get to see a demonstration from a professional jockey!

Adult admission to the Course Enclosure is £7 in advance or £8 on the day, while entry to the Grandstand Enclosure is £17 in advance or £18 on the day. Concessions are available for over 65s and students, and parking is free.

Family Fun Raceday at Beverley Racecourse

The family fun continues on Wednesday, 29th May, at Beverley Racecourse's Family Fun Raceday. Located in the Course Enclosure, the event features face painting, an inflatable Sumo challenge, and Gallagher’s Funfair with free rides (though stalls might have a small fee).

New for 2024, Pony Parties will offer pony-based entertainment, including games and races in horse costumes for kids. Beverley Brass Band will also be performing live music.

Seven races are scheduled, with admission starting at £7 for the Course Enclosure. Grandstand & Paddock tickets cost £16 (or £13 for concessions), and Premier Admission is £25. Book in advance to save up to 20%.

Family Activities at Ripon Racecourse

On Thursday, 30th May, Ripon Racecourse hosts a day full of family activities including a bouncy castle, face painting, glitter tattoos, and balloon modeling.

Advance adult admission to the Course is £7, with car admission at £20 (for up to four adults). Paddock admission is £17.50, reduced to £12.50 for those aged 60 and over, and Club admission is £27. As always, under 18s are free in all enclosures.

Father’s Day Fun at Thirsk and Doncaster Racecourses

Looking ahead to Father’s Day, Yorkshire has two racecourses in action. Thirsk Racecourse hosts their first Sky Bet Sunday Series meeting, a Premier Raceday, featuring live music by the Flat Cap Brass Band. The permanent playground at Thirsk, along with bouncy castles, slides, assault courses, face painting, balloon modeling, penalty shootouts, and derby hoppers, makes it a favorite with children.

The day includes seven races and The Sky Bet Graham Lee Stable Staff Charity Race at 3pm. Advance admission is £15, or £12 for over 65s. A family ticket for two adults and up to four children is available for £25.

Doncaster Racecourse will host the Superhero and Princesses Family Fun Day on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16. The day promises a kids disco, magician, stilt walkers, jugglers, a balloon display, a traditional Punch & Judy show, and coloring stations.

Fun fair rides and a treasure hunt will be available, though the rides will incur a cost. Seven races, including a Shetland Pony race, round out the day’s events. A family bundle for two adults and up to six children is £25, with a free pint of Carlsberg for dads. Advance Grandstand admission is £18.

Final Points

Yorkshire’s racecourses are the perfect venues for family fun during the May half-term and Father’s Day. With free admission for children and a variety of activities, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to save on gate prices and enjoy a memorable day out with the family.