Family Days
A day out at Thirsk Races is the perfect family experience. All accompanied children under 18 go free with no ticket required, making it an affordable and enjoyable day for everyone.
We have five dedicated Family Days during our 2026 season, each offering a full programme of children’s entertainment suitable for all ages. Alongside an exciting afternoon of racing, all family-friendly activities are completely free of charge and located within the Grandstand Paddock and Picnic Enclosure.
Friday 10th April – Easter Family Day
Celebrate the Easter holidays with a fun-filled afternoon at the races. Enjoy a range of Easter-themed activities alongside bouncy castles, inflatables, traditional fairground stalls, giant board games, face painting, and a kids’ DJ with party games. A brilliant way to kick off the season with family-friendly fun – and all children’s activities are completely free.
Sunday 31st May – Sky Bet Sunday Series
Part of the nationwide Sky Bet Sunday Series, this raceday offers great action on the track and plenty to enjoy off it. Families can look forward to bouncy castles, inflatables, a laser battle zone, traditional fairground stalls, giant board games, face painting, and a kids’ DJ with party games. A relaxed Sunday afternoon atmosphere perfect for all ages – with all entertainment free of charge.
Friday 24th July – Summer Family Day
Kick off the summer holidays with our ever-popular Summer Family Day, part of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival! Enjoy a visit from Festival Freddie along with bouncy castles, inflatables, a laser battle zone, giant board games, face painting, a kids’ DJ & party games, plus traditional fairground stalls – all alongside an afternoon of racing.
Friday 7th August – Superhero Family Day
Following the success of last year’s Superhero Family Day, we’re delighted to welcome back the Emma Enchanted Team and their crew of Superheroes and Disney princesses. Their interactive performances and meet-and-greets are always a highlight. The day also features bouncy castles, inflatables, obstacle courses, giant board games, balloon modelling, face painting and traditional fairground stalls.
Friday 28th August – All Creatures Great and Small Family Day
Celebrate our town’s rich heritage as the home of world-famous vet James Herriot. Meet the animals at Ian’s Mobile Petting Farm from llamas to ducks, pigs to bunnies and enjoy a hands-on milking demonstration with Daisy the Cow. The day also includes bouncy castles, inflatables, jungle run, giant board games, a kids’ DJ & party games, face painting and traditional fairground stalls.
And Best of All…
All children’s activities are completely FREE at every one of our Family Days.
Family Ticket
Our Family Ticket includes entry for two adults who MUST be accompanied by children (under 18’s) into Grandstand Paddock and Picnic Enclosure. Now available for all racedays (apart from Saturday Meetings!), this ticket can be pre-booked in advance for £25 or bought on the day for £30.
Family Ticket holders are welcome to park in the public car park, however, should you wish to bring the car into the Park and View area we would advise purchasing the Park and View ticket instead.
Please enter via the Grandstand Entrances and any patrons attempting to admit without a child present will politely be asked to purchase an Adult admission.
(Nb. This ticket is for families only – if only two adults arrive without any children, this ticket will be invalid, and you will be required to pay the price difference for 2x adult admissions before entry is permitted.)
