Planning a fun family trip to Scarborough? This picturesque Yorkshire coastal town ticks all the boxes with sandy beaches, wild waterparks, historic castles—and yes, donkeys on the sand! Here’s a curated list of things to do in Scarborough for families

Beach Days on North & South Bay 🏖️

• Gold‑sand fun: Build sandcastles, paddle (bring beach toys!), or simply soak up the sun. South Bay is buzzing with arcades and donkey rides in summer and is the perfect sandy beach for all the family to enjoy with gentle inclination into the sea, where you can body board, paddle, hire a deck chair and enjoy one of the many lovely ice creams on sale nearby.  Set with the views of the castle and the historic old town and surrounded by lush gardens to explore and a traditional tram to take you into town!

• North Bay is the quieter but by no means, less interesting or beautiful beach.  At the castle end, you will always find surfers enjoying the waves, whilst further down towards Scalby Mills, the beautiful coloured beach huts line up alongside golden sands, making this a perfect relaxed day by the sea.

Peasholm Park & Boating Lake

Step into an oriental themed 14‑hectare park with cascades, pagodas, rare trees and wildlife or even hire a dragon-shaped pedalos and enjoy the park from the water.  The park is a lovely place to spend a fun packed afternoon, from the bandstand in the lake to the fabulous "naval warfare", where full sized men climb into submarines to defend an air attack, you will not have seen anything like it! Visit https://peasholmpark.com/ for more details

North Bay Railway

Hop on the scenic miniature train, which runs between North Bay and Peasholm Park since 1931. Kids (and grown-ups!) love the short ride—perfect to get the Sealife Centre. Visit https://www.snbr.org.uk/ for more details.

Before you take off on the train,  enjoy a fun-filled ride on the Water Chute, which dates from 1932, if you want to get wet sit in the front! It is once again, one of a kind!  

SEA LIFE Scarborough

Spend a fabulous afternoon at Sealife Centre, where you can explore over 2,500 different marine life with interactive pools and underwater viewing. It's a really lovely experience with lots of accessible and interesting information as well as plenty to see and enjoy.  Our favourites were the Ray and Shark experience and we really enjoyed learning about the prehistoric looking pods that hold the embryonic rays! From Otters, to seals and  Penguin feeding plus a lovely gift shop to finish the adventure off, then hop back on the train!  Do check out on line for discount tickets, there is often mid week savers deals! Visit https://www.visitsealife.com/s... for more details.

Scarborough Castle & Marine Drive

Scarborough's historic castle is dramatically perched on top of a rocky headland overlooking both North and South Bay.  It is an iconic coastal fortress which is rich in history and sweeping panoramas.  Originally founded in the 12th century, beneath the Norman walls lie traces of earlier occupation, an Iron Age Settlement, Roman signal station and an Anglo-Saxon chapel. Explore the Great Tower, dive into the history, do a bit of wildlife spotting and soak in the  incredible coastal views, then complete the adventure with an exploration of Marine Drive, where all the plaques along the walk will reveal many exciting secrets about Scarborough that would surprise you all, whilst of course keeping an eye on the seas for one of the many Dolphin pods that frequent the area. Visit https://www.english-heritage.o... for more details

Alpamare Waterpark & AquaPark

• Alpamare delivers a perfect blend of thrills, family fun, and relaxation—with high-speed water slides, spacious wave pools, luxurious spa, Infinity pools,  paired with amazing sea views. A fabulous day out that you will all remember. Visit https://alpamare.co.uk/ for more details

• Outdoor AquaPark: Offers extensive family fun, from inflatable obstacle courses, paddleboarding, Kayaking, Pedalos and mini electric boats, wakeboarding, ziplining, archery, axe throwing, climbing walls and laser tag. This is high energy fun in the open air for the whole family, a brilliant day out, when you all want an adventure! Visit https://www.northyorkshirewate... for more details

🦴 The Rotunda Museum, Scarborough

“A gem for curious minds, fossil hunters and history lovers alike.”

🏛️ What is the Rotunda Museum?

Opened in 1829, the Rotunda Museum is one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the UK. It was conceived by William Smith, the “Father of English Geology,” and built with the aim of making geology and natural history accessible to the public. The striking circular building with a domed roof sits just above the South Bay, and it has become an iconic part of Scarborough’s heritage.  

Explore fossils of the Yorkshire coast, many found right here in Scarborough on the Dinosaur Coast, from Jurassic sea creatures to dinosaur footprints!

Mini-Golf, Arcades & Harbour Bar Ice-Cream

Scarborough has an array of mini golf courses, a splendid range of arcades for lots of fun, Terror Towers, with sets from the Movies, as well as the much loved 1950's Harbour Bar, for a classic Knickerbocker Glory or one of their fabulous ice-creams or sundaes!.

Don't Miss a Trip on The Hispanola

Get aboard the Hispanola for a trip around the bay and a possible spotting of Dolphins or if speed is your thing, have a fast and furious ride on one of the speed boats that operate from South Bay from Easter onwards.

Scarborough Has So Much To Offer for A Family Holiday

Why not book your stay now at https://theboathousescarboroug... where you will find luxurious comfort for you, your family and your dogs!