JORVIK Viking Festival

JORVIK Viking Festival 2016 The best bits for kids

A festival? Celebrating all things Viking? What could be better, or more York, than that? The annual JORVIK Viking Festival takes place during February half term (15th-21st Feb) and it’s a firm favourite for families, with lots on the programme for little Vikings. Horned helmets optional.

Meet Vikings in the flesh: see exciting artefacts and hear tales from the Vikings themselves at the Coppergate Camp or head to the City Camp in Parliament Street for craft and play the Viking way. Daily, 10am to 4pm, free (small charge for some activities). Visit Parliament Street from Monday to Thursday to meet the animals that the Vikings hung out with. Fancy getting your war wounds painted? Head along on Saturday to prepare for the Festival battle finale. Have-a-go Sword Combat: little Vikings can try their hand at sword fighting at this great workshop. What could possibly go wrong?! Very popular, so book ahead. Monday to Sunday (various times), Merchant Adventurer’s Hall, £3.50 per child. Visiting Vikings at Little Diggers: kids aged from 2 to 5 can dig, delve and discover the past in special Little Diggers sessions at DIG: An Archaeological Adventure (St Saviourgate) throughout the week (Monday to Friday, 10am to 11am, £3.50 per child including one adult). There’s a different Viking theme each day. Poo Day: Yep, that’s right, a day dedicated to poo. Hilarious! What more could a child ask for? Visit DIG to make a replica historic poo and find out how poo can even solve mysteries. 17th February, 12noon to 4pm, DIG, normal admission charges apply.

Kids’ Film Club Double Bill: Enjoy a screening of fab films How to Train Your Dragon 1 & 2 at DIG on Friday 19th February at 1pm (£7 per person; price includes squash drink, Haribo sweets and take-home craft activity). Best Beard Contest: This now infamous beard contest is back for its 8th year. No beard? No problem! Get busy with the cotton wool and make your own! 20th February, 3pm to 5pm, Parliament Street Viking Warrior Challenge: Test your strength and dexterity with a series of Viking themed games and challenges. 15th February, 12 noon to 4pm, DIG, normal admission prices apply.

Visit little-vikings.co.uk and jorvikviking-festival.co.uk for more details of what’s on at the Festival. Things can change so check before you travel.