Let me start with this one crucial piece of information – KIDS GO FREE! So now I’ve got your attention I can tell you more about the family fun you can have at the races.
There are nine racecourses in Yorkshire and each one hosts at least one family day throughout the year. The flat season started in March and there are nearly three times as many racedays in our glorious county as there are school holiday days, so plenty of opportunities for you to have an excellent value for money day out, while the children have masses fun. With plenty of space to run around and burn energy you can be sure of a good night’s sleep too!
The family days are usually themed, with a whole host of free or low-cost activities taking place over the course of the afternoon, mainly in the family enclosure (that’s the cheapest one for paying adults.) Meet TV characters from Paw Patrol, train with Hull FC, get scarily close to dinosaurs, have a brick adventure, learn circus skills and play with pirates! There will be live music, animals to pet and a carnival atmosphere. Add to this face painting, bouncy castles and fairground rides and you really have got each second of the day accounted for. Bring your own picnic or try some of the delicious catering from the racecourse and don’t forget the ice-cream van!
Get close to the racing action and watch the magnificent horses stride down the final furlong as their jockeys tactically encourage them to be in the right place at the right time – in front! Take the chance learn a bit more about the sport and its participants, be it horse, trainer, jockey or owner.
August is full of family days. Head to Pontefract on Sunday 18th August for their kids in the zone family day with a whole host of activities taking place from the moment you arrive. It is really geared up for a great day so head a long!
It’s Catterick’s turn on Monday 19th August with their Carnival Family Day. There will be free children’s entertainment including bouncy castles, fairground rides and side stall games, plus Hobby Horse racing with Minster FM!
On Sunday 25th August, bank holiday weekend, Beverley have their Circus Family Raceday with funfair rides and side stalls provided by Beverley Lions, plus a Big Top with circus training. There’s also a beer festival for the adults!
The Bank Holiday entertainment is provided by Ripon on Monday 26th August, where the fun includes balloon modelling, cup and saucer rides, barrel train ride, kiddie cup karts and bouncy castles!
Thirsk wrap up the August fun on Friday 30th August with Pirate Family Day. There will be a treasure hunt in the family enclosure, as well as face painting and a huge inflatable pirate ship assault course for the more adventurous!
For more details and racecourse specific information visit goracing/family-days.
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