Set against 500 acres of stunning landscape in West Bretton, Wakefield, YSP’s summer programme offers more than just a day out - it’s a chance to step into a world where art meets nature. With plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces, there is always something to do, whatever the weather.

This year’s indoor exhibitions are as bold and thought-provoking as the landscape. William Kentridge’s The Pull of Gravity transforms both gallery and outdoor spaces with over 40 sculptures that invite visitors to see the world through a new lense. Inside The Chapel, artist Laura Ellen Bacon’s Into Being offers a sensory experience - a vast, woven willow sculpture growing from the walls.

A new exhibition called Fashion Play, by Lesley Barnes and Ross McAuley, celebrates the joy of bold colour and pattern, while at The Weston Gallery, ceramicist Felicity Aylieff’s Expressions in Blue presents a series of towering porcelain vessels, their cobalt-painted forms capturing the drama of large-scale making. In each gallery, free family activity sheets and handling materials can entertain all ages.

Outdoors, the Park comes alive with free family-friendly activities. Every Tuesday from late July, families can get stuck into outdoor sculpture building sessions, taking inspiration from over 90 outdoor sculptures at YSP and the breathtaking Yorkshire landscape. Thursdays and Fridays offer drop-in woodland play in the Hidden Forest, where children will be guided through activities underneath the magical canopy of trees. Little Wild Wood is a sustainable outdoor play space where children can build dens, leap from platforms and get close to artworks. An art and nature hunt leads curious minds on a journey through YSP’s artworks, wildlife, and scenery.

On 30 August, the Chapel will become a calm, connecting space with a series of yoga and sound Bath sessions nestled among Laura Ellen Bacon’s willow forms. For those seeking creative inspiration, 31 July sees a vibrant 'Jason and the Wakefield Adventure Community Day' with local-born artist Jason Wilsher-Mills, where families can drop in, meet the artist, and make their own bold artworks in the Bothy Garden. On 2 August, poet Matt Howard will host a special reading in James Turrell’s Deer Shelter Skyspace, offering a moment of reflection framed by light and sky. A family day in partnership with Star Bereavement on 7 August is a time to come together with artist-led activities, suitable for all ages.

YSP’s youngest visitors aren’t left out - 'Sculpture Baby' in August provide a gentle space for babies and their adults to explore colour, texture, and movement through sensory play in the galleries. And for those looking to get hands-on with fashion and craft, an artist smock making workshop on 16 August with The Stitch Society offers the chance to sew your own creative garment, guided by expert makers.

We’re thrilled to welcome everyone to YSP this summer. Whether you’re building sculptures outdoors, getting hands-on in The Studio, or simply enjoying a picnic surrounded by world-class artworks, there’s something here to inspire every visitor. We hope families will make lasting memories and feel part of our creative community.

Throughout the summer, The Studio in the Underground Gallery is also open as a drop-in space where families can explore art-making materials, discover activity baskets, and get creative together. With free parking, free entry for 18’s and under, dog-friendly and accessible facilities, and cafés serving everything from ice cream to hot meals, YSP is the perfect place to spend a summer day.