50 Fantastic Family Days Out in Leeds

Whether you want to make learning fun, inspire the kids’ creativity or help them burn off some of that boundless energy, check out this list of incredible family days out in Leeds…

Planning a family day out? You won’t have to go far because there are loads of wonderful things to do with the kids in Leeds. From cute farm visits to alpaca treks, treetop adventures to pottery painting, you can pick a different attraction every week. So what will you do first? Delve into the gruesome history of Victorian medicine? Put your heads together to escape the room? Or literally bounce off the walls at a trampoline park? The choice is yours.

Royal Armouries

Kids love Royal Armouries. It’s got knights in shining armour. Elephants too. And just about every weapon under the sun. Think medieval swords, assassin’s crossbows and gangster guns. All stuff that’s sure to capture the imagination!

But what really makes Royal Armouries great for kids is the entertainment. They put on daily shows, where you can watch swordplay and fights, often with the kind of slapstick humour that will have the kids cackling.

All this is free, and there’s enough to keep you coming back, but if you want to have a truly memorable family day out in Leeds, come for one of their jousting tournaments and watch modern-day knights battle it out in the arena.

What? A museum full of historic weapons with live entertainment.
Where? Armouries Drive, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1LT.
How much? Free to visit with ticketed special events like jousting.
Ready to go? royalarmouries.org

Ninja Warrior

As adults, the idea of taking on a Ninja Warrior assault course is daunting, if not downright terrifying, but for kids, it’s an adventure. Luckily, you can sit it out in the viewing area while they climb, clamber and jump over obstacles.

It’s not just a physical challenge, it’s a mental one too, as you try to puzzle out the best way to cross the jungle swings, balance beams and seesaws. Expect to be shown up by the kids if you do give it a go (I certainly was).

Some of the challenges are harder than others, and I’ll admit, there were tears when one sibling could do it and the other couldn’t, but there are enough distractions here to overcome most tantrums. They have a soft play area for under threes who can’t use the main course.

What? A massive indoor obstacle course & soft play centre.
Where? Ramshead Approach, Seacroft, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS14 1NH.
How much? 1 hour from £13.95, 2 hours from £20.95.
Ready to go? ninjawarrioruk.co.uk

Middleton Railway

Choo choo – all aboard the world’s oldest working railway! Machine-obsessed little ones will love this one-mile ride through railway history. They run steam and diesel trains, but the ride itself is just part of the experience.

Before you even get on board, you’ll pass through the museum, where Middleton Railway’s history is brought to life. Here, you can see trains of old, and even unravel the mechanisms within thanks to their cutaway boiler.

It is, at least according to my kids, one of the best days out in Leeds, and we’d highly recommend stopping off at Middleton Park for a family walk before you hop back on the train to Moor Road.

What? A mini museum with a real train ride.
Where? Moor Road Station, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 2JQ.
How much? £8 for adults, £4 for kids & under 2s go free.
Ready to go? middletonrailway.org.uk

Clip ‘n Climb

This is one of the most child-friendly climbing centres in Leeds, but while the bright, colourful challenges might be great for the kids, don’t be fooled, Clip ’n Climb will put parents through their paces too, so don’t just be a spectator.

Safety is paramount here. You’ll get a briefing on arrival, which includes getting those harnesses on, and then it’s a simple case of clipping on to the safety lines attached to each climbing wall.

Ice pick climbs, daring overhangs and race-to-the-top challenges will remind you just how dexterous kids are, but nothing makes a parent gasp more than the moment they (or you) let go at the top and drop serenely to the floor.

What? Kid-friendly climbing with a click-on safety rope.
Where? Tristram Centre, Brown Lane West, Holbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 6BF.
How much? £15 for kids and adults, £12.50 for toddlers.
Ready to go? leeds.clipnclimb.co.uk

Jackrabbits Pottery

As kids attractions in Leeds go, Jackrabbits Pottery is right up there with the best of them. This little pottery cafe is as child-friendly as they come – it’s fun, it’s engaging and it comes with tasty treats.

Simply pick your canvas, with everything from coasters to teapots, then get painting. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate loaded with marshmallows while you work (or even better, a slice of homemade cake) and get it fired when you’re done.

The staff here are genuinely great with kids. They’ll tease and entertain them, give them loads of fantastic tips, and compliment their mini masterpieces pieces when they’re done – it makes the whole day out that much better.

What? Hours of fun pottery painting with a keepsake to take home.
Where? 633A Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 4BA.
How much? £8 to £44 depending what you paint, plus food & drink.
Ready to book? jackrabbitspottery.com

Temple Newsam

There’s loads to do at Temple Newsam. The house itself is great during the school holidays, when they put on loads of activities, but controversial as it may be to say, it’s not the reason we go.

It’s the grounds that keep us coming back. There’s space for picnics, for play and for the kids to run off all that pent-up energy. Lakes, gardens and woodlands mean you’ll never run out of family-friendly walks, and the adventure playground is always a hit.

The best family days out include a trip to the farm, where you can meet new born lambs in the spring and pet guinea pigs all summer long. We don’t recommend going on super-hot days though, as the animals are often kept inside.

What? A historic house with 1500 acres of grounds to explore.
Where? Temple Newsam Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 0AE.
How much? Family tickets are £22 for the house, £13 for the farm or £31.50 for both. It’s free to explore the grounds.
Ready to book? museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

Leeds Central Library

This is the family day out that everyone overlooks, but Leeds Central Library has loads of potential. Inside, there are hundreds of kid-friendly books just waiting to be taken home, as well as cosy corners to read in.

Hunt out their playboxes and you’ll be treated to drawers full of fun designed to entertain under 5s. Even better, you can recreate the activities at home, making this the gift that keeps on giving.

But the best bit about Leeds Central Library is the events. Story time, coding clubs, craft sessions – all of them free – turn a simple trip to the library into a full day of entertainment that won’t cost you a penny.

What? A library full books, activities and events to entertain the kids.
Where? Calverley Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AB.
How much? Free to visit and borrow books.
Ready to book? libraries.leeds.gov.uk

Driftstop

This is go-karting, Mario-style, and it’s one of the most awesome things to do with kids in leeds. Everything about it is designed for children, from the petite electric karts to the water safety barriers that keep everyone safe.

It’s all indoors, so you can visit in any weather, and they’ve given the track a real atmosphere with neon lights, glow in the dark effects and murals that make you feel like you’re inside a computer game.

You don’t just race around the bends here – you drift, you spin, you overtake – it’s exhilarating. And we know that, for a fact, because it’s not just for kids. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to show the kids how it’s done, right?

What? Kid-friendly indoor karting right in the heart of the city.
Where? Calverley Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AB.
How much? From £10 for 15 minutes or £80 for a family of four for 20 minutes with two pizzas.
Ready to book? driftstop.co.uk

Stockeld Park

No one could deny that Stockeld Park is one of the best family days out in Leeds. Admittedly, it’s out in the sticks, but what it lacks in location it more than makes up for in attractions – and the kids will love it.

Mazes, adventure playgrounds and outdoor inflatables will keep the kids entertained for hours, along with pedal go karts, buccaneer boats and whatever seasonal entertainment they have lined up during your visit.

This is more of a treat, it’s a good behaviour reward, but you’re pretty much guaranteed that the kids will have a ball every time they come. Plus, they now have an incredible indoor play area that makes rainy days fun days.

What? An indoor and outdoor adventure centre the kids will love.
Where? Wetherby Road, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AN.
How much? £12.50 for the Playhive, £18 for the adventure or £27 for the adventure with anytime Playhive.
Ready to book? stockeldpark.co.uk

Jackaboos

There’s an art to soft play. You want to be close enough to see your kids at all times, but far enough way to tolerate the eardrum-splitting screams of joy – and that’s why Jackaboos is so popular with parents.

It’s specially designed to give you full visibility, without sending you scampering through tunnels or hurtling down slides. The kids, meanwhile, will have a grand old time climbing, playing and pottering around.

Ball pools, slides and climbing frames all await here, with a WOW Toys play area that boasts trucks, diggers, street cleaners and more. If you get peckish while you’re there, they have a cafe full of kid-friendly treats.

What? Soft play that keeps the kids in sight at all times.
Where? Unit 4, Old Combing, Sunnybank Mills, 83-85 Town St, Farsley, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 5UJ.
How much? £1 for adults and babies, £3 for crawlers and £5.50 for walkers.
Ready to book? jackaboos.co.uk

Leeds Art Gallery

It’s never to early to instil a love of the arts in your kids, and with loads going on at this wonderful family friendly attraction in Leeds, you’ll never be short of things to do, be it a weekend or the school holidays.

First off, you’ve got the exhibitions themselves. Their collection takes you from Victorian art from masters like John Atkinson Grimshaw to abstract works by Gillian Ayres and Albert Irvin – it’s sure to inspire your little artists.

And then there’s the arts space. Totally chilled out, and with loads to keep the kids entertained, especially during the school holidays, it’s the perfect place to go on your next family day out in Leeds.

What? Art gallery & family-friendly event space to inspire young artists.
Where? The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AA.
How much? Free to all.
Ready to go? museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/

St. Aidan’s Nature Reserve

“Hey kids, how about visiting a former open-cast coal mine?” These actually aren’t the words of a parent who hasn’t a clue what to do with the children, but someone who’s planning a day at the surprisingly ace St. Aidan’s Nature Reserve.

It’s part RSPB reserve with plentiful bird-spotting potential, part outdoor playground that’s refreshingly wild. If your kids are tired of over-manicured park spaces and in touch with nature, they’ll lap it up.

If you’ve got really little ones, don’t worry. I’ve pushed a buggy all around this place before and while I may not have covered all eight miles of trails, I got my daily steps in without losing a child along the way. Mark one up for dad.

What? Wildlife and feathered friends in a reclaimed landscape.
Where? Allerton Bywater, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS26 8DD.
How much? Free to all.
Ready to go? rspb.org.uk

Tropical World

A visit to Tropical World is almost a rite of passage for the families of Leeds, but it never feels like a chore. In fact, this rainforest-like destination is one that your kids will definitely want to go back to for repeat visits.

You might want to head to the sculpture trail first but, let’s get real, that’s a battle you’re going to lose – you’ll be making a beeline for the meerkats before absolutely anything else.

You’ll also meet ridiculously cute marmosets, bright-hued lizards and you can pretty much guess what will be waiting to greet you in the famous Butterfly House. Get ready for a burst of pester power when you hit the gift shop on the way out.

What? A world. Tropical. Tropical World.
Where? Princes Avenue, Roundhay Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 1DF.
How much? Adults £8.40, £4.20 for kids up to 15, under-3s go free.
Ready to book? https://tropicalworld.leeds.gov.uk/

Otley Chevin

Want something to do with the kids in Leeds that is cheap as chips and healthy to boot? In fact, a visit to Otley Chevin is cheaper than any chips we’ve ever seen – it’s completely free.

Overlooking the market town of Otley, the Chevin is a mixture of woods, heath and trails that lures in walkers, nature lovers and those in search of majestic views of Leeds.

There are orienteering routes to follow, geocaching, a cafe half-way up and a fine pub – The Royalty – at the top. My kids just like to wander free, however, chasing the dogs into the woods before emerging muddy, stick in mouth. Same goes for the dog.

What? A nature reserve made for wild wanders.
Where? Otley Chevin Forest Park, Johnny Lane, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3JL.
How much? Free to all
Ready to go? leeds.gov.uk/

Leeds City Museum

Got a kid enthusing about the Egyptian history they’ve been learning at school? You don’t need to whip them off to Cairo to find out more – there’s a genuine Egyptian mummy right here in Leeds.

That’s just one of the many curious artefacts to be uncovered at Leeds City Museum, with everything from dinosaur skulls to an impressive Asian gallery. And it’s not just all ancient stuff – your little Loiners can also delve into the history of Leeds.

The only danger is going with more than one kid, as you’ll be pulled from pillar to post as they try to show you what they’ve discovered. Want to keep them really busy? There’s always a workshop or trail to tap into.

What? A brilliant museum spanning centuries.
Where? Millennium Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BH.
How much? Free to all. Some special events are ticketed.
Ready to go? museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

Arcade Club

Want a shortcut to instant parent points? Take them down to Arcade Club and you’ll hit the jackpot. This is one of the biggest arcades in Europe, with two floors packed with digital glories past and present.

You can introduce children weaned on Fortnite to the pixellated joys of 80s retro gems, or join them on racing cabinets. There’s also some bang-up-to-date stuff and a smattering of classic pinball machines.

Even the food is family friendly, with pizzas, hot dogs, burgers and nachos, while harried parents can grab a draught pint or some fizz. It’s ideal fuel for yet more hours of battling it out on House of the Dead.

What? Arcade cabinets and modern consoles in a digital wonderland.
Where? Unit 3, Abbey Retail Park, Savins Mill Way, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3RP.
How much? Adults £18, children under 16 £10. Family of four tickets £46.
Ready to book? arcadeclub.co.uk

Depot Climbing

What says ‘perfect family day out in Leeds’ better than engaging in the eternal war against gravity? Nothing, that’s what. At Depot Climbing, your kids can leave terra firma and ascend to terra, er, higheruppa.

Bouldering is fun, challenging and, with plenty of experts on hand and all the right equipment, very safe. Depot’s junior sessions are certified for kids aged 1 to 14, while they also offer 3.5-hour training sessions for kids between 7 and 13.

What’s in it for you? Well, you can watch your kids develop confidence, practise their problem solving skills and even work towards certificates. And, of course, they’ll be tiring themselves out as well…

What? A state-of-the-art bouldering centre.
Where? 1 Maybrook Industrial Estate, Armley Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 2EL.
How much? Adults £13.50, under 18s £8. Under-5s go free.
Ready to book? depotclimbing.co.uk

Meanwood Valley Urban Farm

You don’t need to leave the city to find yourself surrounded by natural splendour and cute animals – just bob down to Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, one of the best kids attractions in Leeds.

Which will your kids want to meet first? Well, mine are straight over to the ever-popular alpacas, although the squeaking guinea pigs are high on the list too. There’s also cows, sheep, rabbits, goats and pigs, and you can even feed some of them.

There’s more than just fabulous fauna, however, as there’s also a playground, explorable woodlands, an ornamental garden and, when the talking stomachs demand lunch, the excellent Barn Coffee Shop.

What? A lovely city farm in the heart of Meanwood.
Where? Sugarwell Road, Meanwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 2QG.
How much? Adults £3, kids 50p. Under-2s and members go free.
Ready to book? mvuf.org.uk

Roundhay Park

It’s a fact often unrepeated (not least by us), but Roundhay Park is one of the very biggest urban parks in Europe. It is the very lungs of Leeds, and it holds family delights aplenty.

There are sports pitches and skate parks, playgrounds and parkland, plus lakes where wildfowl glide serenely along the surface, until they inevitably see someone breaking up a slice of bread and they make a break for land.

It’s also home to Tropical World (see above), so you can visit there and, weather permitting, follow the children’s adventure trails, shop in The Mansion, tick off all the sculptures or just lounge with a picnic. All human life is here.

What? 700 acres of unbeatable parkland.
Where? Princes Avenue, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 1DF.
How much? Free to all.
Ready to go? leeds.gov.uk

Harewood House

Even without the glut of events that are put on here, there’s an absolute ton of things to do with the kids at Harewood House, one of Leeds’ finest stately homes.

The children might not be bowled over by the art collection – although we make no assumptions – but the gardens, grounds and the house itself are packed with things to see and do. It’s ripe for exploration.

Book ahead (online booking is almost always cheaper at Harewood) for arts and crafts workshops, safaris, brilliant markets and kid-friendly afternoon teas. Your offspring might even end up making a handcrafted Wallace or Gromit with a model maker from Aardman Animations.

What? A grand estate turned art and crafts destination.
Where? Sandy Gate, Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 9LG.
How much? Adults £18, children £9, under-4s go free (online prices).
Ready to book? harewood.org

Go Ape

Kids love climbing – often on furniture they’re not meant to be climbing on, but there you go – and at Go Ape they can clamber to their heart’s content among the trees of Temple Newsam.

It’s perfectly safe, but they also work it so that kids can go higher as they get older – they’ll graduate to Treetop Adventure Plus with its more elevated and difficult crossings if they’ve over 6 years old and above 1.2 metres.

Got kids aged 10 and over? Treetop Challenge is the way to go. It takes 2-3 hours, has a very popular Tarzan swing and the best part of 30 crossings. Make sure you take the right outdoor footwear – you don’t want the kids to miss out.

What? Aerial adventures on treetop zip wires.
Where? Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 0AE.
How much? Activities range from £9 to £59.
Ready to book? goape.co.uk

Thackray Museum of Medicine

Your kids don’t have to dream of being a doctor or want to pursue a career in medicine to enjoy the Thackray. My son loves it and he wants to be a games designer who lives in Tokyo (current time spent on Duolingo: 4 minutes).

That’s because they do a fabulous job of bringing the world of medical breakthroughs and the often grisly history of health and medicine to life in a way that’s constantly engaging.

Highlights include a compelling Victorian street – complete with operating theatre and mortuary (yes, they will see images of dead bodies, so maybe skip that if you’ve got a nervous one) – and loads of hands-on stuff.

What? A fascinating glimpse into the history of medicine.
Where? 141 Beckett Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS9 7LN.
How much? Annual pass for adults £11.95, children 5-16 £8.95, under-5s go free.
Ready to book? thackraymuseum.co.uk

Jump Inc

“Jump for my love” sang The Pointer Sisters, and who’s to say they weren’t singing about Jump Inc, a hugely popular kids attraction in Leeds? Sprawling over 50,000 square feet, this is a massive warehouse of fun.

At heart it’s a trampoline park, but it’s miles away from your old-school jungle gyms. There are interconnected trampolines, tumble tracks, battle baskets and more, while you’ll find a modern laser tag arena upstairs.

If you’ve got tots, worry not – there’s a designated toddler area, but also dedicated toddler sessions where your tiny dots can jump around without any big kids to bump into.

What? Stop your kids bouncing off the walls by letting them bounce off walls.
Where? 1 Benyon Park Way, Holbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 6DP.
How much? Prices vary for event or session.
Ready to book? jump-inc.uk

Yeadon Tarn

If you’re just looking for a nice place to walk the dog with the kids in tow, then Yeadon Tarn fits the bill perfectly. It’s a circular walk around the water itself, with swans and ducks swimming about / goading your dog.

Yet there’s much more to Yeadon tarn than that. It’s got a BMX track, and there are lawns to lounge upon with a picnic – weather-dependent, obviously. This is Yorkshire, after all.

Budding sailors can also take to the Tarn as well, as Yeadon Sailing Club offer a whole load of watersports including stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing and even powerboating.

What? A park, lake and playground in North Leeds.
Where? Cemetery Road, Yeadon, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS19 7BB.
How much? Free to all.
Ready to go? leeds.gov.uk

Hope Pastures

One of the sweetest family days out you can do with the kids in Leeds, Hope Pastures is a petting farm that’s also a very good cause, as it looks after ponies, horses and donkeys who need care and rehabilitation.

In other words, any donations you make can go a long way towards improving the lives of the animals. To make a real difference, book a Hope Pastures Experience which includes time spent grooming the ponies.

There’s also a visitor centre that serves refreshments and hosts activities, so you can make a whole day of it. If there’s one thing little ones love, it’s petting a pony.

What? A charming sanctuary for donkeys, horses and ponies.
Where? Westwood Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS16 5PH.
How much? Admission is free but donations are welcome.
Ready to book? hopepastures.org

Leeds Industrial Museum

A great example of turning an old woollen mill into a modern visitor attraction, Leeds Industrial Museum is an interesting option if you’re looking for something to do with the kids.

It captures the industrial past vividly, with steam engines and Victorian homes, printing presses and vintage photo and movie equipment and even a gallery that charts the history of tailoring in Leeds.

The best bit might be the Palace Picture House, a winningly bijou 24-seat cinema dating back to the 1920s. It’s still a working cinema – you can catch a film here, including festive matinees in the run up to Christmas.

What? A museum that charts Leeds’ industrial heritage.
Where? Canal Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 2QF.
How much? Adults £5.80, children £3.15, under-3s go free. Family tickets are £13.20.
Ready to book? museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

Swithens Farm

Kids love animals. Do animals love kids back? That’s a philosophical question we’re not equipped to answer here at Leeds-List, but the answer would seem to be yes such was the delighted squeaking when my little ones petted the guinea pigs at Swithens Farm.

That’s just one of a whole ark-full of of animals to be met, with ridiculously cute meerkats, ponies, rabbits, llamas and even emus to say hello to, along with more traditional but still lovable farm animals.

Your kids can pet (some of) the animals, and younger ones will also like the play barn, zip wire and trampolines. If you trust your kids not to eat a cow when you’re not looking, you can retire to the cafe for a panini or pie.

What? Farmyard delights for all the family.
Where? Swithen’s Lane, Rothwell, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS26 0BT.
How much? Farm entry is £9. Under-1s go free.
Ready to book? swithensfarm.co.uk/

Kirkstall Abbey

Your offspring don’t need to understand or be interested in the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII to enjoy a day out at Kirkstall Abbey but, hey, it certainly adds a certain frisson if you’ve got a young history buff in tow.

There’s lots to see, do and enjoy anyway. After exploring the atmospheric ruins (creepy on a cold autumn night, a gorgeous picnic spot on a sunny summer’s day) pop inside the interactive visitor centre.

The park is glorious, there are frequent markets and events and there’s an adventure playground should your kids tire of the monk-based magic. Yes, Cistercians are doing it for themselves!

What? Wonderful abbey ruins with loads going on.
Where? Abbey Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3AH.
How much? Free to Leeds residents.
Ready to go? museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

Lotherton

Penguins! Playgrounds! Pelicans! Okay, the last are flamingos, but let’s not split hairs. When it comes to kids attractions in Leeds, Lotherton is one they’ll be dragging you to, not the other way around.

The highlight is undoubtedly the oh-so-adorable Humboldt penguins, and you can now book in for a unique experience with Bilbo, Wobble and the rest of the cuddly crew.

Elsewhere, you’ll meet cheeky monkeys, a tapir, capybaras and more, while there’s also a handsome Edwardian estate and hall to explore. The upstairs is currently being restored but there’s load to see anyway.

What? A historical Edwardian hall with a brilliant zoo attached.
Where? Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS25 3EB.
How much? Adults £9.50. Children £5. Under-2s go free.
Ready to book? museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

TeamSport Go Karting

200C petrol karts that go at 40mph? No way is my kid getting involved in that. Which is exactly what I said until my wheels-obsessed daughter pointed out they have kid’s karts too. Ok, that might work.

At TeamSport, they cater for adult groups (that’s 12 years and over, ideal if you’ve got teens) but also kids from 8-12 in ‘cadet karts’ that they have specially designed. There’s a safety briefing to put your mind at rest.

Best of all, there are mixed racing sessions, so you can take on your kids and show them who is truly boss or, alternatively, suffer a humiliating defeat at the hands of your 9-year-old that you’ll never live down.

What? Go karting with a family friendly approach.
Where? South Accommodation Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1NQ.
How much? Pricing varies, but budget £30-40 per person.
Ready to book? team-sport.co.uk

Live for Today at Hazlewood Castle

Air rifles, archery and axe throwing – even just the ‘a’ section gives you plenty of things to do with the kids at Hazlewood Castle, just outside Leeds. It’s a smorgasbord of stuff to get kids active.

You can hop on quad bikes and go for a drive around the 77 acres of castle grounds, take to the water for paddleboarding or canoeing, climb rocks, climb walls indoors and even go caving. Yes, there are lots of of c’s too.

It’s all priced per activity, and many come with minimum ages, so check before you go that there’s enough for your brood. With escape rooms, bomb defusal and disc golf, there’s truly something for everyone.

What? An activity centre that does a bit of everything.
Where? Hazlewood Castle, Paradise Lane, Tadcaster, West Yorkshire, LS24 9NJ.
How much? Prices vary per activity, but start at £15 each.
Ready to book? live-for-today.com

Abbey House Museum

Just a stone’s throw from Kirkstall Abbey – and that stone had better not be part of the abbey’s ruins, seriously – Abbey House Museum whisks you back to the Victorian era in Leeds.

It might be small, but Abbey House Museum packs a lot into its compact frame, with its old inn, shops and homes doing a great job of bringing that era to life.

The Childhood Galleries with their simple but fun slot machines are a highlight, and adults will experience pangs of nostalgia. Fun game: time the exact moment your kid’s eyes glaze over when you point out another toy you used to have.

What? A simple but sweet recreation of 19th-century life.
Where? Abbey Walk, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH.
How much? Adults £6.80. Kids 3-18 £3.30. Family tickets are available.
Ready to book? museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

Escape Hunt

One of the ‘best’ things about being a parent is having your kid nag you to go somewhere even though you know they’re too young for it. Then you get there and they don’t ‘get it’ and don’t enjoy themselves. Fun!

So be warned, these escape rooms are firmly aimed at kids 10 and over, as well as their parents. You’re in and out in 60 minutes, which makes it a good shout for a rainy day in Leeds with lots of other stuff to do in The Light.

So, which will it be? Our Finest Hour’s wartime spyfest? Piracy on the open seas with Blackbeard’s Treasure, or games inspired by samurai, Alice in Wonderland and King Arthur? Pick wisely and get solving.

What? Superior escape rooms in the heart of town.
Where? The Light, The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 8TL.
How much? £22 each for 4-6 players, £27 each for 2-3 players.
Ready to book? escapehunt.com

Firefly Pottery

Kids love doing pottery. Adults love their kids doing pottery as it feels a bit more worthy and creative than laser tag. What the grown-ups don’t realise is that they have to spend years looking at the resultant ‘pot’. Again, you’ve been warned.

Firefly is actually a brilliant day out, with enthusiastic and helpful staff who’ll help children choose something to work with and guide them through processes from pottery wheels to hand building, glazing to decorating.

It’s more involved than just painting something ready made, so it really fires up their creative synapses. A quick tip – there’s no refreshments, so either take your own or nip next door to Marples for coffee and cakes.

What? Get the kids fired up with pottery classes.
Where? 116 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4AH.
How much? Prices depend on activity.
Ready to book? fireflypottery.co.uk

The Little Bookshop

Whether your kid is still looking at books made of fabric or they’re dipping their toe into the choppier waters of YA fiction, The Little Bookshop in Chapel Allerton has got lots to enchant them.

Adults aren’t left out either – you can browse the shelves full of the latest grown-up reads while your kids delve into a well-curated range that runs the gamut from baby reads to teenage fare.

There are loads of events here too, with stuff like half-term Taylor Swift parties, a monthly children’s book group and they do a free 20-minute story time at 11am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday too.

What? An indie bookshop aimed at kids.
Where? 47 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3PD.
How much? Free to all.
Ready to go? thelittlebookshopleeds.co.uk

Treeside Alpacas

We’ve been to Treeside Alpacas and, trust us, it’s hard not to fall in love. You book, arrive and take your pick of the alpacas to accompany you on a gentle stroll around the nearby countryside.

Will it be Chester? Ambo? Lovely Kimbo, Bruno or Bomber? Don’t worry, whichever one your kids choose will be delighted, and the other ones won’t have their feelings hurt, we promise.

It’s not suitable for under-4s, and those aged 4-7 will have to walk their alpaca along with a parent for safety reasons. Take your camera – these alpacas will join you for some truly amazing selfies.

What? Take an amazing alpaca for a stroll.
Where? Moss Carr Farm, Newmarket Lane, Oulton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS26 9DW.
How much? 1 adult with alpaca £25. 1 child (8-15) with alpaca £20.
Ready to book? treesidealpacas.com

Leeds Owl Trails

Owls have long been associated with Leeds, appearing on the city’s coat of arms and popping up on buildings all over the place. In fact, there’s so many that there’s enough for two separate trails.

If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Leeds that gets them out and about, this is near the top of the list. Tracking down and ticking off all the owls will take you from the Town Hall to the Library, Leeds Museum to the War Memorial.

Some are easy to spot, some will take a bit more detective work but, as you’re in the centre of town, there are lots of places for rest and refreshment. You can even buy or download an owl map to help you – well, owl be damned!

What? A brace of trails to discover Leeds’ heritage.
Where? It starts at Civic Hall, Calverley Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 1UR and Kenneth Hodgson House, Park Row, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5HA.
How much? Free to all.
Ready to go? leedsowltrail.com

Henry Moore Institute

An appreciation of art and culture is vital for children, and Leeds is home to one of the best sculpture galleries in the country – the Henry Moore Institute. So, where better to start?

As well as the permanent collection, there are also lots of temporary exhibitions across a range of themes and, with it being free, you can just dip into it as part of a bigger day out in Leeds.

They’ve hosted some stunning and provocative pieces of art, so why not take along your budding crafter and, once you’re home, get them to recreate something that they’ve seen?

What? A fab sculpture collection with a great gift shop.
Where? 74 The Headrow, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3AH.
How much? Free to all.
Ready to go? henry-moore.org

Golden Acre Park

One of the grandest green spaces in all of Leeds, Golden Acre Park has some 55 hectares for you and the kids to explore. Like all parks, it’s at its best in summer, but the autumnal colours aren’t to be sniffed at.

As well as copious space in which to wander and wonder, there’s also a lake to trek round – spot all the wildfowl – a cherry orchard, arboretum and a wildflower meadow that comes into its own in spring.

Need a bit of R’n’R? The cafe has great views and a big range of food and drink for all ages and diets. Grab a sandwich, a salad and a coffee – there’s also ice cream and cakes for the sweet toothed (i.e all children).

What? The perfect city park.
Where? Off Arthington Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 8BQ.
How much? Free to all.
Ready to go? leeds.gov.uk

LaserZone

It’s a zone. It’s got lasers. It’s LaserZone! Of course, it’s so much more than that – it’s a digital battleground where kids can take on their peers at sharpshooting, before parents decide they’ll show them what it takes.

Trust us, we’ve been there and failed before – no matter how stealthy you try to be, no matter how much you try to hide and snipe, the kids will take you down. They’re just smaller and sharper.

This all takes place in a futuristic backdrop covering some 3,500 square feet, with head-spinning light and sound effects to really make you feel your age as your son and his mates tag you for the 48th time.

What? A multi-level lasertag arena that’s a real blast.
Where? Cardigan Fields Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2DG.
How much? One mini-mission £8.50 Monday to Thursday, £9.75 Friday to Sunday.
Ready to book? laserzone.co.uk

Love Exploring

Okay, so most of this list is about getting your kids off their tablets and smartphones and out doing stuff, but this one most definitely starts you with downloading an app.

Love Exploring is a free download that helps you discover guided trails such as bug hunts or dinosaur footprints in Leeds parks. It uses augmented reality software to really bring those things to life, adding games into the mix.

So, which trail will you follow first? There are 20 to work and walk your way through, including a brilliant Street Art route, and there are also GPS quizzes, interactive maps and audio tours.

What? An augmented reality app for guided trails.
How much? Free.
Ready to download? Available from the Apple Store and Google Store.

MathsCity

The first maths discovery centre in the UK, MathsCity is tucked away in Trinity and is very much focussed on making a sometimes dry subject both fun and hands-on.

The kids won’t be reciting times tables. No, they’ll be seeing what it’s like inside a huge bubble or learning about space or climate change. They’ll also be challenged to build a bridge without tools or screws.

It’s all about gently challenging them in an engaging way, with tactile activities that work across different age groups. A word of advice – you’ll need to book your slot in advance.

What? Hands-on maths in a science centre.
Where? Upper Floor, Trinity Shopping Centre, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AT.
How much? Adults £9.95. Kids 3+ £7.95. Under-3s go free. Family tickets are available.
Ready to book? mathscity.co.uk

Hidden Village

Call Lane might not seem like the natural home for a children’s role-play centre, but that’s exactly where the fabulous Hidden Village is. It’s like a tiny Kidzania smack in the centre of one of the city’s social hubs.

It’s definitely aimed at the younger end of the market, with 90-minute sessions ideal for babies up to 8-year-olds. Parents can sit in the cafe with a cuppa and a perfect view of what the kids get up to.

The little village has everything required to fire their imaginations, with a shop, construction site, vets, post office, beauty salon and more. There’s a shop on-site too, so you can grab something to take home.

What? A kid’s play centre where you wouldn’t expect one.
Where? 44 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DT.
How much? Prices start at £8.95 per child, but additional children are discounted.
Ready to book? thehiddenvillage.co.uk

Gravity Active Leeds

Head to the Gravity Active website and it’s full of videos and pictures of kids romping around with delight. Take your kids in real life and it’s exactly like that. They just go for it.

It’s a trampoline park with bells and whistles, with a modern look that helps immerse the kids in what they’re doing. There’s also plenty on offer, from free jump sessions through to after-school deals and parent and toddler sessions.

If your children are over 1.22 metres (48 inches), they can also take on the Total Wipeout course at Gravity – and they’ll definitely want to. Avoid the cushioned bar for as long as possible, jumping and ducking as you go. It’s ace.

What? A trampoline park that packs in the fun.
Where? Cardigan Fields Leisure Park, Kirkstall Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2DG.
How much? Prices depend on the activity. One-hour open jump sessions start at £13.95 each.
Ready to book? gravity-global.com

Tenpin Leeds

When it comes to a family day out in Leeds, tenpin bowling is a banker. It’s mildly competitive – unless you are Competitive Dad – and it can be adjusted for kids of all ages.

At Tenpin Leeds, they’ve got 26 lanes, meaning you can usually book one not too far in advance. Need the sides up for the little ones? Need a ramp for them to bowl down? It’s all there.

Once your game is up – strikes and spares all round, yeah? – there’s also pool, table tennis, air hockey, arcade machines and a bar. Plus, you can keep the kids fuelled with pizza, burgers, chicken wings and the like. Day out sorted.

What? One of the biggest and best bowling spots around.
Where? 13 Merrion Way, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BT.
How much? One game of bowling from £7.45.
Ready to book? tenpin.co.uk

Leeds Urban Bike Park

Outdoors and exercise? You’ll be flooded with parent points if you get your kids to Leeds Urban Bike Park in Middleton. It’s a really well-designed venue, with four different bike trails to discover.

Choose depending on your kid’s ability – the green trail is the easiest, blue is moderate while the red trail is difficult. Maybe leave the black trail – rated ‘severe’ – for the experts.

There’s also a BMX skills track, and a bike shop offering not just equipment but also services and repairs. If you don’t have your own bikes, you can hire them – and if you don’t want to ride, there’s a very good cafe to wait in.

What? Mountain biking trails of differing difficulty.
Where? Ring Road, Middleton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 3TN.
How much? The park is free to use but donations are welcome.
Ready to book? leedsurbanbikepark.com

Putt & Play

Leeds Putt & Play (formerly known as Puttstars), is tucked away inside Hollywood Bowl at The Springs, so you can fit in a quick nine holes of crazy golf as just one bit of a family day out in Leeds.

They’ve got two different mini-golf courses, so take your pick and grab your club and ball. One is definitely aimed at younger golfers, while the second course is more of a challenge, with some fiendish obstacles.

Book ahead and grab one of the family deals that includes drinks and a meal, otherwise it can soon add up. Finished the course? You can do duckpin bowling, head to the diner or play arcade games to finish up.

What? Crazy golf and more besides.
Where? The Springs, Century Way, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 8GB.
How much? One course for adults from £7.25, under-16s from £6.25. Family tickets are available.
Ready to book? hollywoodbowl.co.uk

LS-TEN Skate Park

From skateboards to roller skates, BMXs to scooters, your kids can do it all and more at LS-TEN. It’s set up with four unique areas and is ideal for all abilities from beginners to experts.

Got kids under eight? They can get involved in the Mini-Riders sessions that run on Saturday and Sunday mornings – book them in and the price includes the necessary equipment and expert coaching.

If your kids have got a bit more experience and confidence, you can book them in for a two-hour session where they can practise their tricks and jumps while you watch on.

What? A multi-age skate park.
Where? Kitson Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1NT.
How much? 2-hour sessions start at £9.
Ready to book? ls-ten.org

Craftea Cafe

For parents with tots and toddlers, Meanwood has the perfect destination. Craftea combines a cafe with a place that encourages imaginative play. That means parents can get a rest while kids have fun – the perfect recipe.

Run by friends Ashleigh and Laura, it’s a place that knows what both children and parents need, and it delivers that and more. You can book in for breakfast or lunch clubs, while lasagne Wednesdays are justly popular.

While the kids get stuck into the toys, you can enjoy a slice of cake and some ethically sourced coffee. Other great ideas included events like LGBTQ+ family play, perfect for peer support.

What? Coffee for the grown-ups, play for the kids.
Where? 232 Meanwood Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 2AH.
How much? Breakfast and lunch clubs cost £4.80 each.
Ready to go? craftealeeds.com