The school holidays are in full swing! Which means keeping the children entertained for a whole six weeks can feel like an uphill struggle!
Visit Leeds has a useful guide of family-friendly events, attractions and what’s on across the city. Below we’ve pulled together some of our favourite free and low-cost ideas to help you make the most of the holidays. There are so many fabulous things to do across Leeds and West Yorkshire that will help create fun memories and won’t break the bank!
Children’s Meals
- Healthy Holidays Leeds – Free activities and meals for eligible families during the school holidays
- Healthy Holidays Events Calendar – Browse hundreds of activities taking place throughout the summer
- Kids Eat Free or for £1 – A list of where children can eat for free or £1 over the summer
Rainy Day Ideas
When the weather inevitably turns, there are still plenty of affordable options. Why not visit:
- Tropical World to discover butterflies, meerkats and reptiles
- Lotherton for wildlife, playgrounds and family trails
- Leeds Industrial Museum for hands-on family activities
- Hyde Park Picture House for discounted family screenings and ‘Pay as you can’ sessions.
- Our Leeds Women’s Aid Charity Shop is perfect for a rainy day – browse our range of toys and games
Low-cost Activities at Home:
- Garden camping
- Teddy bears’ picnic
- Family bake-off
- Homemade obstacle courses
- Treasure hunts
- Cardboard box creations
- Family talent show
- Movie with homemade popcorn
Fun Days Out
These attractions regularly offer seasonal activities during the school holidays:
Explore Roundhay Park
One of Leeds’ most popular parks, Roundhay Park has something for everyone. Wander around the lakes, let the children loose in the playground, enjoy an ice cream or simply find a quiet spot for a picnic.
Discover the Royal Armouries Museum
If you’ve never visited before, now’s the perfect time. Entry is completely free and there’s plenty to keep children entertained, from impressive displays of armour to exciting live demonstrations during the holidays.
Spend a Day at Temple Newsam
You could easily spend an entire day here. Explore the parkland, enjoy the adventure playground and, if your budget allows, visit Home Farm to meet the animals.
Visit Leeds City Museum
Perfect for curious minds, Leeds City Museum is packed with interactive displays, fascinating exhibitions and family activities throughout the summer.
Pack a Picnic for Golden Acre Park
Golden Acre Park is ideal for a slower-paced day. Take a stroll through the woodland, spot ducks on the lake and enjoy lunch surrounded by nature.
Step Back in Time at Kirkstall Abbey
The abbey ruins make a brilliant place for children to explore, while the surrounding grounds are perfect for running around or enjoying a family picnic.
Visit Leeds Discovery Centre
Book a free tour to see some of the incredible objects usually hidden away behind the scenes in Leeds’ museum collections.
Join the Summer Reading Challenge
Leeds Libraries host free story times, craft sessions and activities throughout the holidays. Signing up to the Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to keep children reading over the break.
See What’s on at Kirkgate Market
From craft sessions to family entertainment, Kirkgate Market often hosts free holiday events throughout the summer.
Get Involved at Left Bank Leeds
Toddler takeovers, summer lounge fest, art classes and more!
Spend an Afternoon at St Aidan’s Nature Park
A fantastic place for walking, cycling and wildlife spotting. If you’re lucky, you might even see the resident little owls
Getting Creative in Nature
Try a Nature Scavenger Hunt or Go Geocaching
Print a checklist or make your own before heading to your local park. Can you spot a feather, a butterfly, an oak leaf or a ladybird?
Collect sticks, leaves and branches to create your own woodland hideaway. It’s amazing how much fun children can have with a little imagination.
Have a Family Sports Day
You don’t need fancy equipment. Grab a football, some skipping ropes or even just a stopwatch!
Collect leaves, flowers, twigs and stones to create your own artwork at home, or build a habitat for insects!
Feed the Ducks…Properly!
Take oats, frozen peas or sweetcorn instead of bread and enjoy some wildlife spotting at your local park.
Look Out for Free Community Events
Many community centres, libraries and local organisations run free family fun days, craft sessions and performances throughout the holidays, so keep an eye on local noticeboards and social media!