Free Family Days Out In and Around Leeds

Looking for amazing family days out that won’t break the bank? You’re in luck!

Leeds and its surrounding areas are packed with incredible free activities that will keep everyone entertained, from tiny tots to teenagers (and yes, parents too!).

Whether you fancy exploring ancient abbey ruins, getting up close with rescue horses, or hunting for street art treasures, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to the best free family activities in Leeds.

Indoor Cultural Adventures

Leeds Discovery Centre

Step into Leeds’ most fascinating time capsule, where over a million historical treasures await your discovery. This amazing facility opens its doors to families, offering unique hands-on experiences with artefacts that tell the story of our city’s rich heritage.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: Monday – Friday, 10am-4pm
• Location: Off Carlisle Road, Leeds LS10 1LB
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Booking: Essential via email (discovery.centre@leeds.gov.uk) or phone (0113 378 2100)

What to Expect: The Discovery Centre offers expert-guided tours where you can get hands-on with real historical artefacts. Their family workshops typically include an hour of engaging learning activities followed by an exciting exploration of the stores, where you’ll discover items related to the workshop topic.

Did You Know? The learning team was awarded The Sandford Award for Excellence in Heritage Learning in 2018!

Parent Tip: The activities are led by incredibly knowledgeable staff who love answering children’s questions – no matter how challenging they might be!

Leeds City Museum

Welcome to the beating heart of Leeds’ cultural scene, where ancient worlds meet modern marvels under one magnificent Victorian roof. From the fierce Leeds Tiger to the mysterious Egyptian mummy Nesyamun, this museum brings history to life in ways that will captivate visitors of all ages.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: Tuesday – Friday (10am – 5pm), Saturday & Sunday (11am – 5pm)
• Location: Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Accessibility: Fully accessible with elevators and adapted facilities

What to Expect:

• The Leeds Story galleries showcase the city’s journey from its earliest days to modern times
• Ancient Worlds gallery brings past civilizations to life
• Life on Earth gallery features centuries-old fossils and extinct animal bones
• Regular changing exhibitions keep things fresh and exciting

Family Favourite: Don’t miss the Saturday morning craft activities with Rory the Tiger – perfect for children aged 5-11!

Seasonal Highlight: Each school holiday brings special themed activities and events, so check their website before your visit.

Royal Armouries

Prepare to be transported through centuries of warfare, tournament, and adventure at Britain’s national museum of arms and armor. This incredible collection brings history to life through daily demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and over 8,500 fascinating objects that tell the story of human conflict and protection throughout the ages.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 5pm
• Location: Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Facilities: Café, toilets, fully accessible

What to Expect: Daily combat demonstrations bring historical fighting techniques to life in the most exciting way. Five themed galleries cover War, Tournament, Oriental, Self-defence, and Hunting, each packed with interactive displays and fascinating objects.

Local’s Secret: Time your visit to catch the daily combat demonstrations – they’re absolutely spectacular and bring history to life in the most exciting way!

Leeds Art Gallery

Housing one of Britain’s finest collections of 20th-century art outside London, Leeds Art Gallery is a feast for young creative minds. From the stunning Victorian staircase adorned with colourful triangles to thought-provoking sculptures, every corner holds something to inspire and amaze.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: Tuesday – Saturday (10am-5pm), Sunday (10am-3pm)
• Location: The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Facilities: Family play space, accessible throughout

What to Expect: Discover masterpieces from different eras, including the Leeds Brick Man Marquette by Anthony Gormley and Henry Moore’s famous Reclining Figure. The gallery regularly hosts family-friendly workshops and activities that encourage creative expression.

Parent Tip: Head to the dedicated play space at the back of the gallery when little ones need a break from art appreciation.

M&S Company Archive

Dive into the fascinating history of one of Britain’s best-loved retailers at this interactive museum. From the penny bazaar to present day, discover how a Leeds market stall became a national institution.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: Second Saturday of every month (10am-4pm)
• Location: Michael Marks Building, University of Leeds, LS2 9LP
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Facilities: Indoor picnic area, light refreshments included

What to Expect: Strike a pose in the dressing-up collection, go shopping in the recreated Penny Bazaar, and get creative in the Design Studio. Don’t miss the Percy Pig trail around the family-friendly exhibition!

Family Favourite: The Sparky Saturdays program offers different hands-on activities each month, all completely free with no booking required.

Leeds Central Library

More than just books, Leeds Central Library is a hub of family entertainment and learning. The recently renovated children’s section provides a perfect mix of traditional library services and modern interactive experiences.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: Monday-Thursday (9am-8pm), Friday (9am-5pm), Saturday (10am-4pm)
• Location: Calverley Street, Leeds LS1 3AB
• Age Suitability: All ages, with special focus on under-5s
• Facilities: Fully accessible, baby changing facilities

What to Expect: Enjoy regular Story & Rhyme sessions for under-5s, helping develop early speech and language skills. The Tiney Totley Studio offers a creative play space complete with slides, dens, and sound installations.

Parent Tip: Thursday morning Story & Rhyme sessions (10:30am-11:30am) are particularly popular – arrive early to get a good spot!

Nature & Wildlife

Hope Pastures

Meet friendly horses, ponies, and donkeys at this heart-warming rescue centre where every animal has a story to tell. Your visit supports the vital work of rehabilitating and rehoming abused equines, while giving children a chance to learn about animal care.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: Daily, 10am-3pm
• Location: Weetwood Lane, Weetwood, Leeds LS16 5PH
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Facilities: Café, visitor centre open weekends and bank holidays

What to Expect: Get up close with gentle rescue animals, learn about their care, and enjoy the peaceful countryside setting. The visitor centre offers engaging activities on weekends and bank holidays.

Did You Know? Your free visit helps support the rescue and rehabilitation of horses, ponies, and donkeys that have suffered abuse or neglect.

Rodley Nature Reserve

This urban oasis brings wetland wildlife right to Leeds’ doorstep. Created from scratch on former grassland, it’s now a thriving habitat for countless species and a perfect place for young nature enthusiasts.

Find out more about Rodley Nature Reserve.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, 9am-5pm
• Location: Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Facilities: Education Room, visitor centre

What to Expect: Try pond dipping (April-October), go on minibeast hunts, watch birds from the hides, and participate in moth trapping sessions. The Education Room offers indoor activities on rainy days.

Seasonal Highlight: Spring and summer are perfect for pond dipping, while autumn and winter bring amazing bird watching opportunities.

Temple Newsam Grounds

Experience the majesty of one of Leeds’ most beautiful historic estates, where centuries of history blend seamlessly with natural beauty. The expansive grounds offer everything from formal gardens to adventure playgrounds, making it perfect for families seeking both culture and outdoor fun.

Find out more about Temple Newsam.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: Grounds accessible 24/7
• Location: Temple Newsam Road, Leeds LS15 0AE
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Facilities: Adventure playground, paths suitable for bikes/scooters

What to Expect: Explore three stunning lakes (known as Menagerie Ponds), each with its own character – one perfect for picnics, another bordered by colourful flowers, and a third surrounded by whispering grasses and bamboo. The 18th-century Walled Garden provides a peaceful sanctuary filled with herbs, roses, and vegetables.

Family Favourite: The adventure playground is a huge hit with children of all ages, while the wider grounds offer perfect terrain for biking and scooting adventures.

Reservoir Walks

Discover the peaceful beauty of Yorkshire’s waterways with three distinctive reservoir experiences. These family-friendly locations combine scenic walks with wildlife watching opportunities, making them perfect for active families who love nature.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: Accessible year-round
• Locations:
  • Fewston & Swinsty Reservoir (HG3 1SS)
  • Eccup Reservoir (LS17 7PF)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and pram accessible paths
• Facilities: Well-maintained paths, parking available

What to Expect: At Fewston and Swinsty, enjoy 5.6 miles of purpose-built bike trails and waterside paths with charming shingle beaches perfect for duck watching. Eccup Reservoir hosts over 150 bird species and rare plants, plus 25 hidden geocaches for treasure hunters.

Local’s Secret: The shingle beaches around Swinsty Reservoir make perfect picnic spots, though remember swimming isn’t permitted.

Valley Gardens Harrogate

Step into a Victorian wonderland where stunning gardens meet modern family fun. This premier park combines heritage charm with contemporary play facilities, creating an perfect day out for families of all ages.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: 24 hours
• Location: Valley Gardens, Harrogate HG1 2SZ
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Accessibility: Most paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs

What to Expect: Enjoy an impressive play park featuring zip wires, a fortress, plane, and paddling pool (summer only). Older kids will love the skatepark, while the whole family can try pitch and putt, crazy golf, or Frisbee golf during the outdoor games season (April to October).

Seasonal Highlight: The paddling pool becomes a favourite destination during warm summer months – don’t forget towels and swim gear!

Parks & Gardens

Roundhay Park

One of the largest city parks in Europe, Roundhay Park is a testament to Leeds’ commitment to providing magnificent green spaces for families. This vast parkland combines formal gardens, lakes, woodlands, and playgrounds to create an outdoor paradise for visitors of all ages.

Find out more about Roundhay Park.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: 24/7
• Location: Mansion Lane, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2HH
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Facilities: Playgrounds, skatepark, sports areas, cafés

What to Expect: Explore two specially designed adventure trails: The Magical Fountains of Roundhay for under-5s (fully accessible) and The Secret of Roundhay Castle for ages 6+. Beyond the trails, enjoy bug hunting in wet woodlands, feed ducks on the lakes, or practice tricks at the skatepark.

Parent Tip: Pick up trail sheets from the Lakeside Café, Tropical World, or Mansion art gallery – or download them before your visit for immediate adventure!

Golden Acre Park

Escape to this horticultural haven where every season brings new colours and experiences. Golden Acre Park offers a perfect blend of formal gardens and natural spaces, providing both education and entertainment for visiting families.

Find out more about Golden Acre Park.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: 24 hours
• Location: Otley Road, Bramhope, Leeds LS16 8BQ
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Facilities: Café, scooter/pushchair friendly paths

What to Expect: Discover demonstration gardens, cherry orchards, and wildflower meadows throughout the seasons. The lake attracts various water birds, making it perfect for young wildlife enthusiasts. During summer Sundays, enjoy live band performances in this picturesque setting.

Seasonal Highlight: Visit in spring to see the cherry orchards in full bloom, or in summer for spectacular wildflower meadows.

Kirkstall Abbey

Step back in time at one of Britain’s most complete medieval Cistercian abbeys. This stunning historical site combines architectural splendour with peaceful parkland, creating an unforgettable experience for history lovers young and old.

Find out more about Kirkstall Abbey.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am-4pm
• Location: Abbey Road, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Facilities: Visitor Centre, playground, picnic areas

What to Expect: Explore well-preserved abbey ruins with informative boards explaining medieval life. The surrounding parkland along the River Aire provides perfect picnic spots and wildlife watching opportunities. Monthly markets (March-October) bring local producers and crafters to the abbey grounds.

Local’s Secret: Leeds residents can get a free 12-month pass to explore the Abbey – just bring proof of address to the visitor centre!

The Arium

Leeds’ own plant nursery has blossomed into an exciting family destination. The Arium combines outdoor adventure with opportunities to learn about plants and growing, making it a unique addition to the city’s family attractions.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: Monday-Saturday (9am-4:30pm), Sunday (10am-3:30pm)
• Location: Thorner Lane, Whinmoor, LS14 3FB
• Age Suitability: 1-12 years
• Facilities: Accessible site, ample parking

What to Expect: The play area features age-appropriate zones including a showstopper castle with multiple levels for 5-12 year olds, and a separate toddler area (1-4 years) with swings, seesaws, and climbing frames designed for younger adventurers.

Parent Tip: Check their website for pop-up family events throughout the year – they often include additional free activities!

Walking & Adventure Trails

Meanwood Valley Trail

Embark on an urban adventure that feels worlds away from city life. This seven-mile trail offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical interest, making it an ideal way to introduce children to the joys of hiking.

Find out more about Meanwood Valley Trail.

Quick Facts:

• Length: 7 miles (can be split into sections)
• Starting Point: Meanwood Park, LS6 4LE
• Age Suitability: All ages, though consider distance for young children
• Facilities: Various rest points and picnic areas

What to Expect: Follow the blue circular badge with a white owl through mature woodland, meadows, and alongside babbling streams. Discover the ruins of an old flax mill, the Seven Arches Aqueduct, and spot wildlife including common lizards and orange tip butterflies.

Parent Tip: Scotland Wood makes an excellent halfway point for a picnic break – plan your walk around this natural rest stop.

Leeds Owl Trail

Uncover the city’s fascinating history through its iconic owl motifs. This unique urban trail combines wildlife spotting with historical discovery, making learning about Leeds’ heritage fun for the whole family.

Quick Facts:

• Starting Point: Millennium Square, Calverley Street
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Accessibility: Urban walking route, mostly flat

What to Expect: Choose between two trails – one with 10 stops and another with an additional 15 locations. Each stop features unique owls and reveals fascinating stories about Leeds’ history and architecture.

Did You Know? Owls appear on Leeds’ coat of arms and have become such a significant symbol that they can be found all over the city – from gateposts to tapestries!

Leeds Street Art Trail

Transform an ordinary city walk into an outdoor gallery experience. Leeds’ streets have become a canvas for incredible artworks that tell stories of local heroes, celebrate culture, and add vibrant splashes of colour to the urban landscape.

Find out more about the Leeds Street Art Trail.

Quick Facts:

• Location: Throughout Leeds city centre
• Duration: Flexible
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Accessibility: Urban walking route

What to Expect: Discover 20 different works of street art, including the touching tribute to rugby league legend Rob Burrow and the environmentally conscious INSA X Moniker mural. The trail offers plenty of opportunities to stop at cafes and restaurants along the way.

Parent Tip: Combine your art walk with a visit to Leeds Market for refreshments and a rest break.

Love Exploring App

Turn your phone into a magical window revealing hidden worlds in Leeds’ parks and open spaces. This free app transforms familiar locations into exciting adventure zones through the power of augmented reality.

Quick Facts:

• Cost: Free to download
• Locations: 20+ Leeds parks and landmarks
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Requirements: Smartphone or tablet

What to Expect: Download the app to discover dinosaurs, fairies, and giant bugs in parks across Leeds. Each location offers different activities including games, guided trails, and educational content about local landmarks.

Family Favourite: The dinosaur hunt proves particularly popular with young explorers – watch their faces light up as prehistoric creatures appear in familiar settings!

Active Outdoor Fun

Leeds Urban Bike Park

Pedal into adventure at this purpose-built cycling facility that caters to riders of all abilities. From toddlers on balance bikes to teenagers ready for challenging jumps, everyone can find their perfect track here.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm
• Location: Ring Road Middleton, Leeds LS10 3TN
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Facilities: Various trails and tracks

What to Expect: Explore cross-country mountain bike trails, a jump zone, BMX track, and mini pump track for youngest riders. The park sits within Middleton Park’s 630 acres of ancient woodland, offering additional walking trails and a lake to explore.

Parent Tip: Start younger riders on the mini pump track before progressing to more challenging routes.

Woodhouse Moor Skatepark

Skatepark

Roll into Leeds’ oldest park and discover a modern skating haven that’s been inspiring young riders since 2003. This popular urban sports spot offers the perfect combination of challenges for all skill levels.

Find out more about Woodhouse Moor.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: Daylight hours recommended
• Location: Ash Grove, Woodhouse, Leeds LS6 1AY
• Age Suitability: All ages with appropriate safety gear
• Surface: Smooth concrete for optimal riding

What to Expect: Practice your moves on rails, quarter pipes, spine ramps, and flat banks. The smooth surface provides excellent riding conditions for skateboards, scooters, and BMX bikes.

Local’s Secret: Early mornings or weekday afternoons tend to be quieter, making them perfect for beginners.

Cow & Calf Rocks

Scale the heights of adventure at Ilkley Moor’s most famous landmark. These impressive rock formations offer natural climbing opportunities and stunning views that make the perfect backdrop for family photos.

Quick Facts:

• Location: Ilkley Moor (LS29 8RF for car park)
• Access: Free parking available
• Age Suitability: All ages with supervision
• Facilities: Nearby pub for refreshments

What to Expect: Explore the fascinating geology of the ‘Cow’ (the outcrop) and the ‘Calf’ (the boulder), created according to legend by a giant fleeing his angry wife! The rocks provide excellent scrambling opportunities for supervised children.

Parent Tip: Bring appropriate footwear and stick to established paths, especially in wet weather.

Otley Chevin

Rise above the ordinary at this stunning natural escape offering breath-taking views across the Wharfe Valley. At 280 meters above sea level, clear days reward visitors with vistas stretching up to 40 miles.

Find out more about Otley Chevin.

Quick Facts:

• Location: East Chevin Road, Otley, LS21 3DD
• Access: Open all year
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Facilities: Walking trails, picnic areas

What to Expect: Take on the three-mile Surprise View circular walk, discovering rock formations, timber sculptures, bridges, and streams along the way. Keep eyes peeled for wildlife and participate in the exciting geocaching challenge with at least 7 caches to find.

Seasonal Highlight: Visit in early morning or late afternoon for the most spectacular views and best chance of spotting deer.

Unique Experiences

Aeroplane Watching at Leeds Bradford Airport

Turn your eyes to the skies for an exciting day of aviation spotting. This unique activity combines the thrill of watching massive machines with opportunities to learn about different aircraft and airport operations.

Quick Facts:

• Locations:
  • Multi-flight Café Bar (LS19 7UG)
  • Public Viewing Point (LS19 7UR)
• Cost: Free viewing point available
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Facilities: Café option available

What to Expect: Watch planes taking off and landing from either the comfort of the Multi-flight Café Bar (purchase required) or the free public viewing point off Cemetery Road. Download a flight tracker app to plan your visit around peak activity times.

Parent Tip: Bring binoculars and a camera to make the experience even more exciting for young aviation enthusiasts.

National Coal Mining Museum

Delve into Yorkshire’s industrial heritage at this fascinating museum where history comes alive underground and above. Experience the real-world environment of a working coal mine while learning about the communities that shaped our region.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Times: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:45am-4pm
• Location: New Road, Overton, Wakefield WF4 4RH
• Age Suitability: All ages
• Facilities: Adventure playground, exhibitions, meet pit ponies

What to Expect: Explore 14 galleries and buildings discovering miners’ lives through the ages. Meet retired pit ponies, watch blacksmiths at work, and enjoy the outdoor adventure playground. Underground tours are available with a suggested donation.

Did You Know? The site features acres of woodland where you can learn how excess mine water is cleaned before being returned to local rivers – a fascinating blend of industrial heritage and environmental conservation!

Throughout your explorations of these fantastic free attractions, remember that each site offers its own unique perspective on Leeds’ rich heritage and vibrant present. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, art, or active adventures, there’s something here for every family to enjoy without spending a penny.

General Tips for Your Adventures:

1. Always check opening times before visiting, as these may vary during holidays and seasonal events.
2. Pack appropriate clothing and footwear, especially for outdoor locations.
3. Bring water and snacks, particularly for longer trails and park visits.
4. Consider combining nearby attractions for full-day adventures.
5. Look out for special events and seasonal activities that might enhance your visit.

Happy exploring!