The summer holidays are here, bringing seven weeks of opportunities to get out and explore, try something new and spend quality time together as a family. While keeping children entertained throughout the break can sometimes feel like a challenge, there are plenty of affordable activities and events taking place across Mashamshire to help fill the days and create memories.
Whether you’re searching for a fun day out, looking to support local community events or simply need inspiration for those “what shall we do today?” moments, we’ve done the hard work for you. This Summer Bucket List brings together a fantastic mix of family-friendly events, outdoor adventures and low-cost activities happening throughout the summer holidays, alongside a few simple ideas for enjoying time together at home.
However you choose to spend your summer, we hope this guide helps you discover something new, support local organisations and businesses, and make the most of everything Mashamshire has to offer.
Yorkshire Day Celebrations - Masham Family Fun Day
Saturday 1 August 2026 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
St Mary’s Church are hosting a wonderful afternoon to celebrate Yorkshire Day in the heart of Masham. The festivities begin at the church gates, where the ringing of the church bells will welcome visitors before the Town Crier officially opens the celebrations.
Families can enjoy a fantastic selection of free children’s activities throughout the afternoon. Popular attractions include the popular zip wire from 1pm, sheep-themed card making, cake decorating, and hook-a-duck. New for this year, children can also try their hand at building their very own Yorkshireman.
Inside the church, visitors can sample traditional Yorkshire treats; including Yorkshire pudding and gravy, and home baked goods There will also be a variety of stalls featuring books, jigsaws, plants, and a tombola, alongside a fun opportunity to test your knowledge of classic Yorkshire sayings.
Entertainment continues with a performance from the handbell ringers at 1.15pm, followed by guided bell tower tours between 1.45pm and 2.45pm, offering a unique chance to explore this historic part of the church.
The celebrations conclude with the church choir leading a community sing-along of well-loved Yorkshire songs from 2.40pm until the event closes at 3pm, providing a fitting finale to this joyful celebration of Yorkshire heritage and community spirit.
Summer Activities Week at The Walled Garden
This summer the Walled garden have a whole host of activities lined up for the littles ones to enjoy, from biscuit decorating, face painting and fancy dress to BBQ’s and live music.
Entry into the Walled Garden is free and the cafe will be open, serving hot and cold drinks, lunch, sweet treats, ice cream and snacks throughout the day.
Above is the full timetable of activities that will be taking place throughout the week from Saturday 8th – 15th July.
Find Out MoreMasham Children's Sports Day
Thursday 30 July | From 2:00pm
Join in the fun at Masham Children’s Sports Day with Masham Sports Association. A fun-filled afternoon of children’s and junior sports, games, and community spirit. Activities will start from 2pm at the Rec and will continue into the early evening.
A little tuck shop will also be open, providing hot and cold drinks, crisps, sweets and ice cream.
The Summer Reading Challenge - Masham Library
Turning up the volume on reading with the Summer Reading Challenge 2026, as this year’s theme is Read to the Beat.
Launching on Saturday 4 July and running until Saturday 12 September, the challenge invites children across North Yorkshire to discover the exciting connection between books, music and storytelling. Delivered in partnership with The Reading Agency and Universal Music Group, and featuring colourful illustrations by Harry Woodgate, the programme encourages young readers to explore rhythm, melody and imagination through reading.
Children taking part are challenged to borrow and read six library books over the summer holidays. Along the way they can collect stickers and rewards, with every child who completes the challenge receiving a medal and certificate.
Families in Masham are warmly encouraged to visit our community library and join in the fun. The Summer Reading Challenge is free to take part in and is a great way to keep children entertained throughout the summer break.
You can also take part in the Summer Reading Challenge Quiz and the chance to win an Annual Family Pass to Ripon Museums. Pick up a quiz sheet from the library or Community Office and look for the ‘Read to the Beat’ clues in the shop/café windows around Masham and answer the relevant question. When you have finished return your answer sheet to the library. The prize draw will take place after the end of the Summer Reading Challenge on 12th September 2026. The quiz is open to anyone, but you can only be entered into the prize draw if you have signed up to the Summer Reading Challenge at Masham Library.
Ripon Library Events:
• 4 July-12 September – Nature sound trail – collect sounds and enter prize draw for a Ripon Museums annual pass (free)
• 18 July (11.00am–12.00pm) – Lego Club – creative building session (free, no booking).
• 21 July (10:30–11:30am) – Musical doodle day – open drawing and creativity session for all ages (free, no booking)
• 29 July (10:30am–12:30pm) – Vinyl painting craft – turn old records into artwork (free, booking required).
• 6 August (5.00–6:30pm) – Fancy dress disco – music, dancing and reading fun (free, booking required)
• 20 August (11.00am–1.00pm) – Matilda the Musical sing-along film – library screening (PG, free, booking required)
• 27 August (10:30am–12:30pm) – Songwriting workshop – create your own song (ages 9-12, free, booking required)
Read more
Take a walk with Walter the Whippet on Ripon BID’s FREE Summer Trail and learn some fascinating facts as you go!
Collect a trail sheet from the Ripon BID office on Westgate, Specsavers or Ripon Library and begin your journey around the streets of Ripon on this summer’s trail.
Designed to encourage families to visit Ripon and explore everything the city has to offer, the trail showcases independent businesses alongside Ripon’s outstanding attractions, making it the perfect summer day out.
Once completed, simply return your trail sheet to the Ripon BID office and have a chance of winning one of our fantastic prizes from BID businesses.
All Ripon BID events are FREE.
YMCA Ripon Summer Holiday Activities
YMCA Ripon are hosting a 6 week summer programme with youth workers popping up in Ripon parks between 1-3pm:
Mondays: Spa Park – Sports, Games, Snacks
Tuesdays: Pebble Beach and other river locations – Snacks, Water, Games
Wednesdays: Lead Lane
Thursdays: Skate Park – Snacks and Games
You Matter Social Group for 16 to 25-year-olds Wednesdays, 4-6pm at YMCA Hall.
Young Leader Training for 13 to 17-year-olds, 11am – 3pm, 28 July and 1 September at YMCA Hall.
Ripon LGBTQ+ Group for 13 to 17-year-olds 5.30-7pm, 30 July and 27 August at Ripon Community House.
Sparks Laser Tag in Spa Park
14 July, 6-7.30pm, registration from 5.30pm
Free event for anyone aged 11-16. Ripon Youth Council will be selling refreshments and YMCA will be giving away juice and ice pops.
Contact youth@riponymca.org
