The Easter holidays are here! Besides gorging on chocolate, here are the best things to do with the kids in Leeds…
The Easter holidays stretch from Monday 30th March to Friday 10th April 2026, but how will you keep those little ones entertained? Fear not, we’ve got you covered – from hunting Easter eggs in a forest to getting creative at family-friendly workshops, there are loads of things to do with the kids all throughout the Easter holidays in Leeds. The only question is, what will you do first?
Hats Off to History at Temple Newsam
Credit: Leeds Museums and Galleries
A fun family day out awaits at Temple Newsam this Easter with Hats Off to History. Kids can discover the stories behind some seriously stylish headwear – from bonnets and bowlers to fascinators and flat caps – while trying on historic hats and getting creative with their own designs. There’s crafting, themed trails and even a cheerful Hat Parade through the grand halls of the house. Don’t worry if you forget your own headgear, as there’ll be plenty to try on. Activities run during normal opening hours and are included with general admission.
Hats Off to History takes place at Temple Newsam from Saturday 28th March to Sunday 19th April 2026.
Medieval Easter and International Jousting Tournament at Royal Armouries
Credit: Royal Armouries
Step back into the Middle Ages at Royal Armouries with Medieval Easter. Expect an action-packed programme of combat demonstrations, live shows and hands-on activities for curious little knights and history fans alike, all included with free museum entry. Medieval Easter runs throughout the school holidays, but the real highlight comes over the bank holiday weekend when the famous International Jousting Tournament takes over the outdoor arena. Watch armoured knights thunder down the tiltyard as teams from the UK and across Europe battle it out for honour in a spectacular, family-friendly competition.
Medieval Easter takes place at Royal Armouries from Saturday 28th March to Tuesday 2nd April 2026, then Tuesday 7th to Sunday 19th April 2026. The International Jousting Tournament takes place from Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April 2026 – tickets cost from £5.
Leeds Young Film Festival 2026
© Copyright Leeds-List 2026
Lights, camera… Easter. The Leeds Young Film Festival is back from Saturday 28th March to Sunday 19th April 2026 with a packed programme designed especially for kids, teens and film-loving families. Expect big-screen favourites, brand-new films from around the world and plenty of hands-on fun too – from filmmaking workshops and creative activities to immersive VR cinema experiences. Screenings and events pop up at venues across Leeds and beyond, making it easy to plan a movie day out during the holidays. Perfect for budding directors, mini movie critics or anyone who just loves a good flick.
Leeds Young Film Festival 2026 takes place across various venues in Leeds from Saturday 28th March to Sunday 19th April 2026.
Dragon Quest: The Search for the Lost Eggs at Lotherton
Fancy a fiery fantasy adventure during the school holidays? Head to Lotherton Hall this Easter for Dragon Quest: The Search for the Lost Eggs. Families can follow a trail across the house, estate and Wildlife World to track down 12 lost dragon nests, each linked to a mythical dragon from somewhere around the globe. Crack the clues, solve the code and you might just earn your official Dragonologist status. Along the way there are stories, crafts and extra activities at Basecamp too, making it a magical adventure for curious explorers.
Dragon Quest: The Search for the Lost Eggs takes place at Lotherton from Saturday 28th March to Sunday 19th April 2026.
Boomchikkaboom: Family Rave at Howard Assembly Room
If your little ones have energy to burn, BoomChikkaboom’s Family Rave is the place to be. Taking over the Howard Assembly Room, this joyful, high-energy session invites kids and grown-ups alike to dance, wiggle and jump around to feel-good dancefloor favourites. Expect bubbles, giant balloons, parachute play and even a snow machine – basically everything you need for a proper mini rave. It’s designed to be relaxed and welcoming for all ages and abilities too, so families can join in (or take a breather) at their own pace.
Boomchikkaboom: Family Rave takes place at Howard Assembly Room on Tuesday 7th April 2026. Tickets cost from £3.
Easter Estate Adventure at Harewood House
If you fancy something a little different this Easter, hop aboard the Easter Estate Adventure at Harewood House. This guided experience takes families on a one-hour trailer tour through the estate’s beautiful farmland, where you might spot red kites overhead, deer in the treeline and Highland cows grazing in the fields. After the ride, you’ll tuck into a light Easter-themed lunch before exploring the house, gardens and grounds at your own pace. Tickets also include access to the Golden Egg Heist trail, so there’s plenty of adventure waiting once you’re back on solid ground.
The Easter Estate Adventure takes place at Harewood House from Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April 2026.
Felted Easter Egg Hunt at Leeds Industrial Museum
Credit: Leeds Museums and Galleries
Head to the historic mills at the Leeds Industrial Museum for a slightly different kind of Easter egg hunt. The Felted Egg Hunt challenges families to spot and count colourful woolly eggs hidden around the museum – and if you find them all, you might win a felted prize. There are also drop-in Easter crafts to get stuck into, plus Mystery Matinee film screenings each afternoon. It’s all included with normal museum admission, making it an easy, low-key activity to add to your Easter holiday plans.
The Felted Easter Egg Hunt takes place at Leeds Industrial Museum from Friday 3rd to Sunday 19th April 2026.
Easter Fun at Stockeld Park
Credit: James Glossop
If you’re after a full day of outdoor adventure, Stockeld Park’s Easter activities have plenty to keep little explorers busy. Head into the Enchanted Forest to follow the woodland trail, meet the friendly Hop Squad bunnies and collect stamps as you complete their challenges. Keep your eyes peeled for giant hand-painted eggs hidden among the trees, then say hello to the Easter Bunny at the theatre. There’s even more to discover around the park too – from the Magical Maze and adventure playgrounds to go-karts, boats and the huge indoor Playhive.
Easter activities take place at Stockeld Park from Saturday 28th March to Sunday 19th April 2026.
Aardman: Morph Making Workshop at Hyde Park Picture House
If your kids love Wallace & Gromit or Shaun the Sheep, this one’s not to be missed. Head to the Leeds Heritage Theatres for a hands-on Aardman workshop where young creators can learn the magic behind stop-motion animation. Guided by expert model makers, families will get the chance to sculpt their own clay characters and discover how Aardman’s famous films are brought to life, frame by frame. It’s a fun, creative session that’s perfect for budding animators, crafty kids and anyone who’s ever wondered how those lovable clay characters make it onto the big screen.
Aardman: Morph Making Workshop takes place at Hyde Park Picture House on Tuesday 7th April 2026. Tickets cost £15.
Easter Bunny Fun at Abbey House Museum
Credit: Leeds Museums and Galleries
Bunnies have taken over the Victorian streets at Abbey House Museum this Easter. Wander through the historic shopfronts and keep your eyes peeled for mischievous rabbits popping up everywhere, from grocers weighing carrots to bunny barmaids behind the counter. Kids can join in a bunny-counting competition, follow fun trails and scavenger hunts, and get creative with Easter crafts in the education room. It’s all included with normal museum admission and you can drop in anytime during opening hours – hop to it.
Easter Bunny Fun takes place at Abbey House Museum from Friday 3rd to Sunday 19th April 2026.
The Gruffalo’s Child at Carriageworks Theatre
Credit: Tall Stories
Little theatre fans are in for a treat this Easter with The Gruffalo’s Child at the Carriageworks Theatre. Based on the beloved Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book, this magical show follows the curious Gruffalo’s daughter as she tiptoes into the deep, dark wood in search of the legendary Big Bad Mouse, meeting all sorts of snowy‑woodland characters along the way. Packed with songs, laughs and plenty of imagination, it’s perfect for ages 3 years and up – and a lovely introduction to live theatre for little ones and their grown‑ups.
The Gruffalo’s Child takes place at Carriageworks Theatre from Saturday 11th to Sunday 12th April 2026.
Cover image credit: James Glossop
