Catch the relaxed Sleeping Beauty panto at Harrogate Theatre at 11am on Sunday 13 December 2026, or a term-time Sunday SEN swim at Starbeck. These Harrogate, Knaresborough and Wetherby area venues list real support for children with additional needs, with each venue’s conditions spelled out.
From free library storytimes and Toddler Club films to a £3.95 farm play barn near Boroughbridge, Harrogate and Knaresborough have plenty for under 5s. Wrap up warm for the unheated Yolk Farm barn, and note that both libraries close on Sundays.
Find a playground in Valley Gardens, a riverside adventure trail in Knaresborough and paid woodland play at RHS Harlow Carr. We flag the summer-only paddling pools, paid parking and muddy paths around Harrogate before you set off.
Santa’s Grotto at Stockeld Park near Wetherby runs from 21 November to 24 December 2026, in Silver or Gold packages at extra cost. Book online for December weekends and the week before Christmas after schools break up, then find more festive days out near Harrogate.
On wet Harrogate days, try a council swim (under 8s need an adult over 16), a free library storytime or the free Mercer Art Gallery. Both libraries close on Sundays, and the Mercer closes on Mondays.
A playground in Valley Gardens, woodland paths at Nidd Gorge and a free castle ruin at Spofforth: here are Harrogate-area days out with no entry charge, plus a few that are free with conditions. We flag paid parking, steep paths and summer-only paddling pools before you set off.