CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Under 18’s are admitted free of charge to ALL fixtures at Ripon Racecourse when accompanied by an adult.

Family Fun Days

We host several Family Days throughout the season, each offering a fantastic mix of entertainment and activities for all ages. Expect plenty of fun — from Punch and Judy shows and barrel train rides to bouncy castles, arts and crafts, circus acts, face painting and more — with all children’s activities free of charge.

RIPON RACES ONESIE DERBY – 31st August

Join in with our Onesie Derby! Scan the QR code to fill in our participant registration if you have a 5-8 year old who would like to race along the final furlong in their animal onesie for the chance to win Lightwater Valley tickets and more. Onesie Derby entry is free, and one parent and one child will get in to the races for free on 31st August with each entry.

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Under 18's Race FREE

Under 18s will always be able to visit the races for free when accompanied by a paying adult, and on family days we provide free activities for children.

There is a sweet shop to visit, a permanent climbing frame in the Paddock Enclosure and a permanent play park in the Course Enclosure.

Why not visit U18s Race Free for loads of free activities, the chance to win prizes and a full list of racing’s free fixtures for Under 18’s across the country.

We also welcome visits from child minders and school classes of children – please contact us if you have questions about the logistics of such visits.

Baby Changing & Feeding

Baby changing facilities are located in each enclosure, including within the Members areas and Rowels Boxes.

The baby changing area in the Paddock Ladies’ toilets includes a feeding area with comfy chair, lockable door and sink.

High chairs are available in the Paddock, Club and Course enclosures, please ask a member of staff should you require one.

Dress Code

There is no dress code for children under 16 in any of our enclosures. The Club dress code does not apply to racegoers under 16, although many enjoy dressing up for the occasion — especially on our Family Days!

Children aged 16 to 18 should follow the general dress code for their chosen enclosure.

Food & Drink

There are plenty of food and drink options at Ripon Races to suit all ages. Families will find favourites such as fish and chips, sandwiches, paninis, cakes, and ice cream, plus an old-fashioned sweet shop in the Paddock Enclosure.

Picnics are welcome in the Paddock and Course Enclosures, where families can relax on the grass and enjoy lunch outdoors. Please note that BBQs are not permitted, and picnics are not allowed in the Club Enclosure.

Children are also welcome in the Club Restaurant and Dine & View, where smaller portions and children’s menus are available.

All catering outlets serve soft drinks and free water on request.

Getting Around

Entrance: Children and families are welcome in all enclosures. Those entering the Paddock Enclosure with buggies or prams will be directed to the accessible entrance for easier entry.

Accessibility: The racecourse is mostly flat and buggy-friendly, though much of the ground is grass. The Paddock baby changing area (in the Ladies’ toilets) is on the ground floor and has space for buggies.

Play Facilities: There’s a climbing frame in the Paddock Enclosure, and another with swings and a slide in the Course Enclosure — where you’ll also find most of our children’s activities on Family Days.

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