Another break from lessons is upon us and there is that eternal question of what to do to keep the kids entertained over the next few days?
This Spring Bank Holiday week is an opportunity to let your hair down and have some fun as a family, with lots of activities in and around the Hull area to occupy all ages. Indoors or outdoors, you will find some pleasurable pursuits to while away the hours.
There are, of course, all the family favourites, such as the city’s wealth of museums and parks, right on the doorstep, that are always great for a visit – and free. If you are looking for something that is being specially laid on for the holiday, or you fancy popping a bit further afield, there is plenty more going on, too.
Below is Hull Live’s pick of just a handful of the many activities and events taking place during the May half-term holiday week 2025.
Have a splashing time with unicorns
Something seriously exciting is arriving at North Yorkshire Water Park as three giant inflatable unicorns make a splash at the adventure destination near Scarborough – including the world’s tallest. Unicorn Splash Park is a magical new attraction designed to delight visitors of all ages, with the largest of the inflatables featuring a thrilling 5m drop into the lake – perfect for flips and jumps.
(Image: northyorkshirewaterpark.co.uk)
A grand unicorn launch party, on Saturday, May 24, will be packed with magical activities, including face painting, unicorn-themed carnival games, and a limited-edition unicorn-themed menu. But don’t worry, the unicorns will be here for the whole of the summer and join the aqua park’s popular line-up, including Warrior, Wipeout, and Splash Kingdom.
Take time out for Tank Week
Families and tank enthusiasts alike are in for an exciting experience this May half-term, as Eden Camp announces Tank Week. From Saturday, May 24 to Sunday, June 1, history will come roaring back to life with a full week dedicated to the power, engineering, and legacy of some of the most iconic armoured vehicles in military history.
Tank Week invites visitors to witness the might of armoured warfare up close in a fully immersive programme of events, exhibitions, and interactive experiences – all set against the authentic backdrop of Eden Camp’s original WWII-era prisoner of war camp. Highlights include live tank demonstrations, engine start-ups and walkarounds, tank talks and interactive displays and exhibitions, plus a Tank Trail to follow.
Go wild for jungle adventures
Obstacle courses, scavenger hunts and more await at East Yorkshire play attraction, William’s Den, as thrill-seekers are invited to go wild this May half-term at William’s Jungle Adventures. From Saturday, May 24 to Sunday, June 1, families can unleash their inner explorer, with surprises around every corner.
All activities are included in the cost of a ticket, along with unlimited indoor-outdoor play across the Den. You can try out climbing, crawling and conquering in The Jungle Dash; sample strange snacks and mystery sips in a wild eating challenge that’s not for the faint-hearted in The Jungle Diner, and find out what’s lurking in the box in Your Jungle Surprise – plus, the William’s Den campsite opens for the season so you can wild camp under the stars, with six new bell tents offering an elevated camping experience for families.
On the trail of rats
(Image: Deborah Hall/Hull Live)
You could be close on the tail of a rat or two – or even 45 of them – if you head off on The Mischief of Rats trail this half-term. This colourful array of cute rat sculptures, uniquely decorated by a host of artists, was inspired by Hull band, The Rats, whose lead guitarist Mick Ronson, bassist Trevor Bolder and drummer Woody Woodmansey went on to form David Bowie’s “Spiders from Mars”.
The rats are dotted around the Hull and East Yorkshire area for you to find with the aid of the Find A Rat! app or free guide book that you can pick up from tourist information centres and libraries across the county. There’s a rat shop of souvenir items and you can visit an online gallery to find out all about each rat – a grand charity auction of the sculptures will follow in September in aid of the Daisy Appeal.
Spot the famous face scarecrows
The annual and ever-popular Scarecrow Festival returns to the village of Wetwang during the holiday week. This year’s theme has got scarecrow makers eagerly creating their effigies to fit the famous Yorkshire people/place/landmark criteria (or there is “other”, which means anything goes).
The festival will run from Thursday, May 29 to Sunday, June 1, giving you plenty of time to track all the entries down (and recognise your favourite in the public vote). Wetwang village hall, in Southfield Road, will be open daily from 10am to 4pm for the Scarecrow Cafe, tombola, scarecrow trail maps, games, scarecrow goodies and more.