Scarborough?

Scarborough is a big family seaside resort for Brits.

And you are not staying the night there, so thoughts on the hotels are not relevant.

You are looking more towards North Bay and Peasholm Park. There are the beaches round at North Bay. And the miniature train ride. There is also an open top bus ride down the length of Scarborough promenade

There is a water park and the sea life centre. And of course the Arcades and fish and chip shops a plenty. The park has an oriental theme and the lake has the famous naval battle which is good fun.

Have a look at the Visit Scarborough website.

Certainly plenty to keep British families happy, and keep coming back year after year.

In some ways the bus is better from York as that takes you straight to Peasholm Park.

There are the slightly more refined seaside resorts at Bridlington and Filey which are a change of train at either Seamer or Scarborough depending how the timetables work out. Not that hard to get to.

My only question would be when are you going to be there. I live close to Scarborough and go numerous times a year whatever the weather but for a one off visit. A warm day in summer when everything is open would be best. There’s lots for every age. When my children were younger (still do really) would prefer Scarborough, Filey and Brid to Whitby. As there is so much more to do and see.

I like Sc arborough - but do go on a warm sunny day! There is always a vibe to it.

Don't forget there is the ruined castle and also a cliff railway...

Fish and chips is also popular too

I, too, was looking for an easy day trip to the coast when I spent a few days in York and posted this question and got a lot of helpful and seemingly honest replies on Scarborough.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/best-coastal-day-trips-from-york

Some people seemed less than enthused with Scarborough with their responses. Still, I went. Overall, I enjoyed my day trip but I didn’t leave Scarborough with a lot a warm fuzziness. Overall, the town seemed a bit rough around the edges, a bit tacky and dirty. While there, two separate group fights in city streets amongst teens or young adults happened. Nothing major, just a bit eye opening. That can happen in York, London, anywhere actually. Now, for the positives. I beelined right to the sea and took it in. I then headed out of town on foot and took the Cleveland Public Way footpath that hugged the sea and walked 5 miles to the Three Jolly Sailers pub/restaurant in Burniston. It was lovely. With an 8 year old, walking 10 miles round trip to a charming pub is probably not in the cards but you can do a portion of the walk. The town itself had what appeared to be kid friendly arcades, some boats for hire and the beginning portions of my walk went by Sea Life Scarborough that seemed to be packed with young families with kids. So, I say if you choose to do this, there will be enough things for you and your family and it can be an enjoyable day trip.