For years, I related to Leeds with grown-up metropolis breaks – all of the procuring, bars, fabulous opera and theatre and funky inns – however having rediscovered town with my daughter, there are such a lot of issues to do in Leeds with children that it’s good for households too.
accommodates affiliate hyperlinks/assessment visits*
For starters it’s extremely walkable (and there are a number of trails to assist persuade children to hitch in), with plenty of pedestrian streets and a string of cool arcades to walk down.
And whereas there are all the standard bonuses of a giant UK metropolis, there are some extra uncommon museums which we cherished, together with locations to eat that handle to tempt each foodies and households with fussy eaters.
For concepts of extra issues to do in Yorkshire with children, take a look at my prime picks
Royal Armouries museum
Once you describe the Royal Armouries – a museum which traces the historical past of warfare, plus actions to see alongside the shows – it doesn’t seize how brilliantly engrossing it’s.
I admit, I’d assumed my daughter and I’d whereas away an hour right here earlier than transferring on, however actually, you could possibly spend a complete day with out problem.
The primary galleries concentrate on the early empires, from the Egyptians and Hittites to Romans, Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, to not point out Persians, Alexander the Nice and extra.
Then the ground are cut up geographically. There’s western Europe, with entire shows on medieval battles, citadel constructing, the event of armour, and thru to the English Civil Warfare and Waterloo, in addition to the First World Warfare.
For a full assessment of a day on the Royal Armouries with children, take a look at my publish
Individually, different shows concentrate on China, Japan and India, with eye-catching displays like armour for an elephant in addition to a duplicate Terracotta warrior and the ferocious armour for the Shogun’s guards.
To not point out displays on fencing, on developments in forensics and new expertise, short-term exhibitions, plus peace protests and the Marketing campaign for Nuclear Disarmament – that is someplace which makes you concentrate on warfare as you discover.
Throughout our go to within the college holidays, there was additionally an opportunity to see riders demonstrating Tudor sword and lance methods on horseback (earlier than visiting the stables), not forgetting swordfighing shows.
And that’s nonetheless solely a short introduction – if you happen to go to Leeds, that is merely unmissable. In any case, the place else are you able to watch horses within the tiltyard, observe the motion at Agincourt and see the inspiration for Darth Vader’s helmet, multi function place?
You possibly can stroll alongside the riverside to get to the Royal Armouries, or take a water taxi from Leeds Metropolis Centre which run each quarter-hour
Thackray Museum
After a £4 million redevelopment, the Thackray Museum reopened with additional galleries becoming a member of outdated favourites like Illness Road, to inform the story of medication and public well being.
Just like the Royal Armouries, it’s positively one thing totally different to the standard run of museums – and is equally fascinating, in addition to being family-friendly.
Beginning with Illness Road, a recreation of Leeds in 1840 (full with genuine smells), you possibly can select a personality from a spinning wheel, then choose up a card to fit in to numerous factors alongside the road, revealing extra of their story. Unsurprisingly, not at all times with a cheerful ending!
Alongside the way in which, there are many startling details – a avenue with over 350 folks would have had two shared public privies, for instance! – plus a number of the main discoveries which nonetheless kind the premise of medication at present.
There are some nice interactives too – similar to difficult children to reply whether or not you might be ‘too clear’, and provoking them to get artistic by inventing their very own gadget, plus quizzes.
Alongside the way in which, there are some bizarre quack treatments, an ornate apothecary’s store and a few stay leeches, by means of to X-rays, transplants, the invention of DNA, and the tip of iron lungs.
There’s additionally a sexual well being clinic space (you possibly can detour round this with youthful children if you happen to choose) and shows to trick your brains – in addition to explanations about how they work.
Whether or not you wish to neglect Covid altogether or recognize simply how far medical science has come, it’s an excellent time out with children in Leeds.
Take a look at my assessment of a go to to the Thackray Museum with children
Leeds Metropolis Museum
The small metropolis museum has a tempting combine of various shows, starting from Romans and historic Egyptians (together with a mummy) to the historical past of Leeds and a cleverly designed pure historical past part.
There’s no entry cost, so it’s nice if you happen to’re searching for free issues to do in Leeds with children, plus it implies that if your loved ones is barely excited about one space – otherwise you fancy a few brief visits moderately than one lengthy one – it’s the best resolution.
We cherished the exhibit on the event of language, from the earliest writings, plus a little bit of code-breaking on the aspect, in addition to the possibility to hint the historical past of Leeds from prehistoric instances by means of Romans, Vikings and Normans to the Industrial Revolution.
There are extra interactive displays right here too (lifting the flaps to search out sweets that contained poison was a stand-out reminiscence).
In the meantime the pure historical past part has a lot on conservation and sustainability, in addition to the possibility to ‘design’ your personal animal, following the traces on the ground.
You can too wander by means of time from earth’s earliest life, discovering out extra about stromalites, ammonites, and fish fossils and the earliest timber, earlier than studying about camouflage.
A go to right here feels a little bit like a treasure trove, the place you’re by no means certain what you’ll uncover subsequent: good for protecting children entertained and nice if you happen to’re searching for an indoor choice on a wet day in Leeds.
Kirkstall Abbey
Some of the full medieval abbeys within the UK, Kirkstall Abbey was based over 800 years in the past as a Cistercian Abbey.
It’s one other nice free time out in Leeds with children, with common household occasions and actions throughout holidays, together with trails and artwork packs.
Everytime you go to, you possibly can stroll by means of the ruined abbey buildings and the stunning parkland on the banks of the river, plus extra concerning the monks who lived right here, on show on the customer centre.
Should you’re driving, there’s a free automotive park close by at Abbey Home Museum, whereas bus 33 additionally runs from town centre.
Abbey Home museum
Within the galleries at Abbey Home Museum, you’ll be transported again to life in Victorian Leeds, strolling recreated nineteenth century streets.
There are retailers, a pub and homes, the place you possibly can peer inside and see how folks lived a century or so in the past, in addition to common new exhibitions.
You can too uncover a complete space on traditional toys, together with conventional video games and Victorian dolls – you possibly can even play a number of the authentic penny slot machines (and purchase an old school penny from the merchandising machine to do it).
Look out for additional occasions and actions throughout the college holidays, for added enjoyable.
Leeds Artwork Gallery
Targeted on trendy and modern artwork, there’s nonetheless a lot which makes the Leeds Artwork Gallery family-friendly – this summer time, for instance, there have been artistic exercise baggage to remove, ideally suited for uplifting your children.
One other of the string of free locations to go to in Leeds with children, you’ll discover displays to get everybody pondering – a Damien Hirst sculpture, in addition to works by Anthony Gormley, between brilliant modern artwork and Victorian work.
There are additionally common short-term exhibitions, and don’t miss Artspace, a artistic area within the coronary heart of the gallery, which is designed to be family-friendly.
Spot the owls
I really like how walkable Leeds is – as we explored, we discovered ourselves criss-crossing the streets, ambling down fairly pedestrianised roads, stumbling throughout alleyways.
However if you happen to want one thing extra to steer your children to get out and discover, Leeds additionally has a string of strolling trails which are perfect for households.
Some change from yr to yr (2021 noticed animatronic dinosaurs in procuring centres throughout town), however you’ll at all times be capable to search for the owls dotted round Leeds, the image of town.
You possibly can obtain the owl path map right here – or purchase it for a pound at Go to Leeds at The Leeds Guests Centre and Artwork Gallery Store (town museum additionally had some of their store throughout our go to).
A number of the statues are discovered across the older buildings, together with Metropolis Corridor, the Library, the warfare memorial and cathedral amongst others, however hold your eyes open and the map handy and you will discover 25 as you discover.
Road artwork path
Leeds was embracing avenue artwork earlier than it was cool – and in case your children love recognizing murals and different imaginative creations, town’s avenue artwork path is one other good strategy to discover Leeds with children.
Some is impressed by town itself – one mural options the elephant armour from the Royal Armouries and the white rose of Yorkshire, one other contains an owl, and even a deep-sea diver climbing out of a washer.
With some tucked away down little alleys and others most seen from the water, it’s a great way to search out works you may not in any other case stumble throughout – some are a number of storeys excessive, however the path is an effective reminder to at all times hold your eyes open.
Junkyard Golf
Loopy golf at all times goes down effectively with my daughter, however with its disco lights, tongue-in-cheek puns (one gap known as Pablo Discobar…) and really enjoyable holes, the course at Junkyard Golf is nice for households.
There’s solely a two-hour window when children are allowed – 4-6 Sunday to Thursday – so take advantage of it by reserving one of many three programs, known as Gary, Pablo and Bozo.
We went for jungle-themed Pablo, which featured a jaguar carrying headphones, a mini volcano, surprising trapdoors in slopes and hidden chutes alongside the way in which.
In contrast to some mini golf programs, that are frustratingly tough, all of the holes are potential to play, which is much more enjoyable.
Take a look at the outdated arcades
Wandering by means of an conventional procuring arcade may not look like an apparent one to placed on an inventory of issues to do in Leeds with children.
However these fantastic classic arcades have some quirky temptations as effectively: in a number of, together with the Grand Arcade and Thornton’s arcade, there are some fabulous clocks with figures which transfer and strike bells on the hour.
Thornton’s arcade options Robin Hood whereas the Grand Arcade has knights in armour, each over 100 years outdated.
Throw in lovely ceilings, to not point out OK Comics in Thornton’s Arcade, and time your stroll by means of to look at the free present.
Take the water taxi
Whether or not you select to take the little yellow water taxis to the Royal Armouries or simply have a mini cruise alongside the river Aire, a journey is a discount at £2.
The 2 boats (Twee and Drie, from Amsterdam) sail between Granary Wharf (close to the Doubletree by Hilton resort) an Leeds Dock, each quarter-hour – and youngsters aged 5 and below are free.
Roundhay Park & Tropical World
One of many largest parks in Europe, Roundhay Park – not removed from town centre – stretches over a whopping 700 acres.
With lakes and woodland within the park, in addition to actions galore and a few open-air theatre in summer time, you too can go to Tropical World, the most important assortment of tropical crops outdoors Kew Gardens.
There are additionally a string of strolling routes, together with previous the citadel ruins and across the lake, and several other play areas to entertain youthful children.
And older ones will love the areas primarily based on well-known gardens from around the globe, together with a recreation of the Alhambra in Granada in addition to Monet’s Backyard, or the extra dramatic panorama of the gorge with its waterfall.
Harewood Home
There’s excess of simply the stately residence to find at Harewood Home – that is someplace to spend all day exploring.
The grounds have three strolling trails that can assist you discover, together with an excellent journey playground, and a pure play space within the woods, a ‘secret’ tunnel to the Norman church, formal gardens, a reasonably lake with a ferry heading throughout to extra gardens and normally boat journeys working too.
You’ll additionally discover a string of farmyard animals, from guinea pigs to precise pigs, and a number of uncommon birds, together with macaws and cockatoos, lovebirds and a flamboyance of flamingos.
My very own favorite was the penguin pool, with its small colony of Humboldt penguins swimming within the water.
Regardless of all of the temptations outside, you shouldn’t miss the home itself. The rooms are as gloriously ornate as you’d anticipate, full of portraits and artworks, together with some extra uncommon African items – alongside the way in which, you too can uncover extra about Harewood’s hyperlinks to the slave commerce.
Followers of interval dramas may already recognise the rooms beneath stairs, which have been used to movie Victoria, Misplaced in Austen and Downton Abbey (Emmerdale can be shot on the property), with attire and reproduction meals on show, to not point out a big assortment of copper saucepans and moulds.
It’s round 20 minutes’ drive from Leeds metropolis centre or you possibly can take bus 36, which takes round 40 minutes together with a brief stroll on the finish.
Learn my full assessment of a time out at Harewood Home with children
Temple Newsam
One other nice historic home with a lot to do within the grounds for teenagers, Temple Newsam is barely round quarter-hour’ drive from Leeds metropolis centre if you happen to’re searching for simple household days out.
The uncommon breed House farm is a giant hit with youthful children – and older ones, for that matter – with all the things from the small and fluffy, together with guinea pigs, to rarer cattle, all set throughout the outbuildings and across the cobbled yard.
There are some beautiful walks across the grounds too if you happen to’re searching for out of doors actions, with nature trails and an journey playground too. Take a look at the three lakes, all designed to have a barely totally different really feel, to decide on your favorite, in addition to exploring the walled backyard and rhododendron stroll.
The home itself was the birthplace of Lord Darnley, husband of Mary Queen of Scots, and there are over 5 centuries of historical past to find right here – you possibly can be taught a number of the tales as you discover and get a way of what life on this grand household residence will need to have been like.
You’ll typically discover additional actions in class holidays too, together with kids’s trails and dressing up.
In addition to parking (paid) on web site, buses 19 and 19A run from Leeds to Whitkirk, round one mile from Temple Newsam – permit round 50 minutes, together with the stroll.
Lotherton
There’s one other beautiful wildlife park to go to within the grounds of this Edwardian nation property, round half-hour outdoors Leeds.
Initially a hen backyard, the celebs at Lotherton Widlife World are usually the penguins, however you too can spot flamingos, in addition to tapir and capybara within the totally different zones, to not point out studying about conservation and the threats from air pollution and local weather change.
There are additionally journey playgrounds for various ages, together with an space for teenagers below eight, plus zip wires within the woodland play space and garden video games within the backyard – anybody for croquet, big chess or getting misplaced within the hay bale maze?
Or spot deer within the woodland, observe certainly one of a number of strolling trails and discover a number of the eight acres of gardens.
The home itself is frozen in time throughout the early 1900s, for a style of higher class Edwardian life, in addition to restored servants’ rooms to find extra about these behind the scenes who made it potential – upstairs is closed throughout the winter months.
There are additionally 5 curiosity cupboards for households to rummage by means of, with objects linked to the historical past of the corridor, trails for teenagers to observe round Lotherton, dressing up, an interactive show concerning the house owners’ travels internationally plus style exhibitions inside the home.
That is one historic home that’s greatest visited by automotive – there’s parking (paid). You possibly can take buses 64/64A to Aberford from Leeds, however you possibly can anticipate a 20-30 minute stroll alongside a busy highway to get to Lotherton.
Stockeld Park, Wetherby
Simply throughout the border from West Yorkshire however nonetheless solely round half an hour north of Leeds, Stockeld Park close to Wetherby is one other nice choice for a enjoyable household time out from town.
The out of doors journey park has an enormous number of fun-filled household actions to select from, and it’s open throughout most college holidays
Little adventurers can discover the themed play areas alongside The Enchanted Forest strolling path, get misplaced within the expansive hedge maze, and go loopy on the go-kart monitor.
There are many seasonal actions and occasions too. Throughout the summer time holidays, you’ll discover an inflatable impediment course and curler skating rink. Then at Christmas, you possibly can go to Santa’s Grotto, discover the gorgeous winter illuminations, choose up a tree from the Christmas tree store, and go ice skating.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Yorkshire with children, together with theme parks close to Leeds, take a look at my prime picks in addition to our visits to Nostell Priory and the Room on the Broom path at Anglers Nation Park
The place to eat in Leeds with children
Should you love your meals, you’re going to like Leeds – and even higher, in case your children aren’t such foodies, there’s nonetheless a lot to maintain everybody completely happy.
At Trinity Kitchen, there’s a complete assortment of avenue meals stands with additional pop-up stalls, so you could possibly eat something from burgers and burritos to pizza and Pho, in addition to a improbable rolled naan wrap and cinnamon dusted doughnuts.
And if you happen to fancy one thing a bit extra adventurous than your children, they will persist with an easier choice when you can experiment. My recommendation? Flip up hungry!
My daughter by no means says no to pizza, and Pizza Fella was a giant hit too – correct massive woodfired pizzas (and £5 margheritas presently at weekday lunchtimes) had been scrumptious.
Save area for dessert as effectively: roasted peanut butter, chocolate and caramel ice cream was improbable.
The identical goes for burgers: Nearly Well-known has burgers so massive and full of substances, you virtually want a wash after scoffing certainly one of them.
My Liberty Island burger was large, oozing with sauces on buttermilk hen – a 3 serviette job – whereas there’s an easier menu for teenagers too.
No room for dessert right here, though my cocktail – a limoncello-based martini – was virtually as candy because the sweet decorations inside our desk.
For someplace a little bit extra uncommon, I cherished Bundobust too. A contemporary twist on traditional Indian dishes, it’s all veggie or vegan Gujurati model, and the thought is to get plenty of little plates and share.
We received totally carried away, and my daughter was persuaded to attempt aloo paratha and chole saag, whereas I additionally tucked right into a spicier bundo chaat.
There’s an excellent beer menu, to not point out a mango coconut mojito, and a dreamy mango lassi for my daughter as effectively.
The place to remain in Leeds with children
You’ll find many of the massive title chain inns in Leeds – and sometimes low cost affords, such because the Be Our Visitor promotion throughout the summer time we visited, to assist hold the prices down.
And one of many issues I cherished about our household vacation in Leeds was how simple it was to get in every single place from our personal resort, the Radisson Blu Leeds, in The Mild.
All the pieces within the metropolis was inside strolling distance: the furthest we ever needed to wander was round 20 minutes to the Royal Armouries (and a beautiful wander it was). The town museum and civic buildings – plus numerous owls from the path – had been about 2 minutes away, the retailers and eating places, all inside about 5-10 minutes.
There’s parking in The Mild too, with a reduction for resort visitors, if you happen to’re planning to drive to the Thackray Museum or Harewood Home.
Our room had a giant cozy mattress, plus an enormous TV (with sanitised distant management!) and a desk the place I may atone for work after my daughter fell asleep – to not point out a fast filling bathtub and Radisson Blu toiletries.
There’s an excellent buffet for breakfast – at all times a spotlight of a resort keep – plus different sizzling meals choices within the restaurant.
Artwork deco touches tie in with the constructing’s historical past as effectively, plus you’ll spot some Leeds influences within the decorations.
Much more enjoyable had been the road artwork model decorations on the open area between flooring – close to the lifts, you possibly can peer down into the walkways and open space between the hall to the rooms to identify them.
For extra data on a household vacation in Leeds, take a look at Go to Leeds
*first revealed 2021, final up to date 2023*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN LEEDS WITH KIDS
Disclosure: This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. My keep, entry to some sights and a few of our meals was free for the needs of assessment, however all opinions are my very own.
Essential picture/Kirkstall Abbey courtesy Depositphotos, all different photographs copyright MummyTravels
