Looking for the best Leeds half term activities to keep the kids busy this May? This is our guide to activities that you’ll enjoy as much as they do.
Whether you’re hunting for poisons at Kirkstall Abbey or meeting newborn lambs at Temple Newsam, there is so much going on in Leeds this half term. It can be hard to know which activities are worth your time, so we’ve pulled together a list of the most exciting, educational – or plain fun activities out there.
Looking for more ideas? Here’s our guide to 50 fantastic family days out in Leeds.
Half term activities in Leeds City Centre
Step back in time at Royal Armouries Museum
Credit: Royal Armouries
Young history lovers can become trainee archaeologists this half term at the Royal Armouries’ immersive Saxon Story Hunters adventure. Follow clues through the museum, investigate a mysterious Anglo-Saxon grave and uncover the identity of the skeleton in the pit. Along the way, children can meet Saxon storytellers, watch live combat demonstrations, try sword school training, enjoy themed crafts and piece together the final mystery in the War Cinema. It’s an action-packed way to bring ancient history vividly to life.
When: Saxon Story Hunters runs from Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st May 2026. Free admission, with bookable morning and afternoon sessions.
Insider’s tip: Make it an adventure by taking the bright yellow Leeds Dock Water Taxi from Granary Wharf to Leeds Dock.
Cost: Free but with a suggested donation of £3.
Celebrate Everyday Heroes at Leeds Discovery Centre
From firefighters to nurses, discover the stories of the people who help our communities every day at this engaging workshop and tour. Families can explore behind the scenes on a Discovery Centre store tour, get hands-on with crafts and interact with fascinating historical objects linked to caring professions past and present. Time it right and you may get the chance to meet a real-life hero during your visit.
When: Everyday Heroes takes place on Tuesday 26th and Thursday 28th May 2026, with morning, afternoon and SEND-friendly sessions available.
Insider’s tip: Combine with a visit to the Royal Armouries for a full day of fun as they’re almost next door to each other.
Cost: Give what you can – suggested donation £3 to £7.
Get creative at Leeds Kirkgate Market
Families can enjoy free hands-on art sessions at Leeds Kirkgate Market, with colourful workshops inspired by painting and Chinese calligraphy. One day children can create horse-themed artwork and try traditional calligraphy techniques, while the next focuses on bunny paintings and Year 2026-inspired designs. Best of all, every participant gets to take home their own handmade masterpiece.
When: Free art workshops take place from 11am to 3pm on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th May 2026.
Insider’s tip: Check out the street food available for Kirkgate market while you’re there – you’ll find everything from Korean to hot dogs – we recommend Pollini’s Pizza Slice.
Cost: Free.
Half term activities in the Leeds area
Find Your Happy at Temple Newsam
Looking for a feel-good family day out? Head to Temple Newsam for a perfect mix of creativity, adventure and springtime fun. Families can get stuck into hands-on crafts, follow an interactive trail around the historic house and enjoy plenty of playful activities designed to bring joy and spark imaginations. Over at Home Farm, little ones can meet the spring babies, let off steam in the Play Barn and enjoy crafts in the Joiner’s Shop, with your ticket giving you all-day access to explore at your own pace.
When: Find Your Happy at Temple Newsam runs throughout May half term during normal opening hours. Crafts, activities and trails are included with admission.
Insider’s tip: Check out the rare breeds at Home Farm – you won’t see animals like that anywhere else in Leeds.
Cost: Admission to the house, Home Farm and the Play Barn is £17.55 for adults, £12.15 for children aged 3–15.
Conservation: Today and Tomorrow at Tropical World
Credit: Leeds City Council Parks and Countryside
Immerse yourself in the rainforest at Tropical World, where families can explore conservation projects happening both locally and across the globe. Wander through vibrant habitats, meet incredible species and learn how small actions can make a big difference for the planet’s future. There are daily keeper talks, hands-on crafts and conservation displays packed with ideas to inspire tomorrow’s eco heroes. When it’s time to refuel, the café serves everything from toasted paninis to stone-baked pizzas.
When: Conservation: Today and Tomorrow runs from Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st May 2026.
Insider’s tip: Head to nearby Roundhay Park to take part in the buzzing bee trail during half term.
Cost: £9.50 for adults and £5.50 for children aged 3-15.
Bugs and Beasties at Harewood House
Credit: Harewood House Trust
There’s a whole world of creepy crawlies waiting to be discovered at Harewood. Families can join minibeast safaris through the grounds, build bug hotels, enjoy wildlife crafts and challenge each other to classic lawn games. Inside the house, children can hunt for hidden insects, discover how historic treasures are protected from tiny invaders and get hands-on with nature-inspired activities. There are also Nature Safari Bags to borrow and family-friendly talks and demonstrations throughout the week.
When: Bugs and Beasties runs from Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st May 2026 and is included with a valid day ticket or membership.
Insider’s tip: If you get the number 36 bus from Leeds or Harrogate, show your ticket for discounted on-the-gate entry.
Cost: Book ahead online for the best ticket prices. Adults are £26.50 and children (4–15) are £10.
Discover nature’s secrets at Kirkstall Abbey
Can you tell the difference between healing herbs and deadly plants? This fun and educational half-term trail at Kirkstall Abbey invites children to explore the ancient ruins while finding out the surprising uses of medieval plants and flowers. Follow the trail, tick off each discovery and learn how monks used herbs for medicine, cleaning and even sweet-smelling church ceremonies – while learning to spot the poisonous ones.
When: Petals and Poisons runs from Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st May 2026.
Insider’s tip: Make it a full day out by combining with Abbey House Museum next door where you can find out what life was like in Victorian Leeds.
Cost: Suggested donation £5.
Love Your Zoo Week at Lotherton
Animal lovers will feel right at home at Lotherton’s Love Your Zoo Week. Follow an animal trail through Wildlife World, discover fascinating facts about the creatures who live there and get involved with hands-on conservation activities in the Nestbox Education Centre. There are keeper talks to help young enthusiasts learn more about the animals, plus a creative zoo-themed craft workshop where little ones can make souvenirs to take home.
When: Love Your Zoo Week runs from Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st May 2026.
Insider’s tip: Go say hi to the spring babies including soft, fluffy lambs, playful piglets, curious calves and tiny chicks.
Cost: Buy ahead for the best price – it’s £10.50 for an adult and £6.25 for a child if you book online. Most activities included in admission (craft sessions £3 per child).
Half terms activities beyond Leeds (but worth the journey)
May half term adventures at Castle Howard
Credit: Charlotte Graham
Castle Howard is all about colour, creativity and outdoor adventure this May half term. Visitors can experience Playshapes: Castle Constructors, a giant interactive installation by Yorkshire artist Pippa Hale where you’ll be able to build towers, dens and imaginative structures using oversized colourful shapes inspired by Castle Howard itself.
Meanwhile, the Arboretum is hosting Mini Beasts, brought to life through bug hunts, wildlife discovery and hands-on nature activities celebrating North Yorkshire’s tiniest creatures. Add in woodland walks, blooming rhododendrons and the always-popular Skelf Island Adventure Playground, and there’s plenty for families to fill a full day outdoors.
When: Mini Beasts runs from Saturday 23rd May to Sunday 7th June 2026.
Insider’s tip: Arrive early to secure the best spot in the car park and avoid walking long distances to the house or gardens.
Cost: £27 per adult and £13.50 per child aged 4-16.
Storybook Spring at Stockeld Park
Become the hero in a real-life fairy tale at Stockeld Park. Along the Storybook Spring Trail, children will meet live-action characters in the Enchanted Forest and decide for themselves how the adventure unfolds, creating their own unique story as they go. There are riddles to solve in the maze, story-writing activities in the theatre and plenty of outdoor adventures still to enjoy across the park, from playgrounds to the Playhive indoor play centre, offering an option for any showery spells.
When: Storybook Spring runs from Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st May 2026.
Insider’s tip: It can be a lot of walking for toddlers so make sure you pack a buggy or carrier.
Cost: £29.89 per person for all day access to the Playhive, The Forest, Maze, Inflatables and other outdoor activities. Book ahead online for best prices.
Roll up for Circus Week at Eureka!
Credit: Jonathan Pow/[email protected]
The circus is coming to Eureka! Head to Halifax for a week packed with acrobatics, comedy and colourful fun. Children can try circus skills workshops, make themed crafts, dress up in circus-themed costumes and enjoy interactive games inside the Little Big Top theatre space. During the weekdays, comedy performers The Wheelnuts will take to the stage with laugh-out-loud circus shows full of tricks, mayhem and jaw-dropping skills.
When: Circus Week runs from Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st May 2026.
Insider’s tip: Halifax train station is right outside, making it an easy trip from Leeds.
Cost: Entry for anyone aged 3 and up costs £18.95. Children 1-2 are free. Entry gives you a free annual pass for the next 12 months.
Eurovision fun at the National Science and Media Museum
Credit: National Science & Media Museum
Celebrate the sparkle and spectacle of Eurovision at the Science and Media Museum’s family festival inspired by its new exhibition, Setting the Stage: 70 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest. Visitors can take part in silent discos, dress-up photo opportunities and interactive game shows to test their Eurovision knowledge together. Children can also design glowing badges using UV pens and create their own hometown-inspired insignia key in creative workshops inspired by Eurovision host cities.
When: Eurovision-themed family activities run from Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st May 2026.
Insider’s tip: Check out the listings at the IMAX cinema next door – an awe-inspiring experience for little ones.
Cost: Free.
Discover the magic of Little Red Riding Hood with Northern Ballet
Credit: Drew Forsyth
It’s never too early to introduce your little ones to the joy of live ballet and Northern Ballet’s magical retelling of Little Red Riding Hood is the perfect opportunity. This playful family production follows Little Red Riding Hood through the woodland on an adventure filled with unexpected friendships, beautiful music and an important message about kindness. Specially created for younger audiences, the show combines storytelling, theatre and dance in a way that families across the country have loved.
When: Little Red Riding Hood performances take place at Huddersfield Lawrence Batley Theatre throughout the day on Tuesday 26th May 2026.
Insider’s tip: The theatre is within easy walking distance of Huddersfield bus and train stations.
Cost: £11-13.
Bee Week at Woldies
Credit: Woldies
Half term is buzzing at Woldies as Bee Week takes over the woodland adventure park. Families can take a peek inside the Observatory Hive to watch real bees at work, follow the Bee Happy Trail and explore gardens filled with pollinator-friendly flowers. There are interactive games teaching children about pollination, plus plenty more outdoor adventures to enjoy, including den building, a dinosaur maze, giant boulders and water play areas.
When: Bee Week runs daily from Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st May 2026.
Insider’s tip: Plan a return visit between the end of June to August to soak in the lavender field.
Cost: £13 for adults and £12 for children.
Roarsome family fun at WX Wakefield Exchange
The dinosaurs are back and they’re taking over Wakefield Exchange with a packed programme of prehistoric fun – and best of all, it’s completely free. Younger children can enjoy dinosaur sand pits, colouring and mini jeep safaris, while older kids can step into immersive VR dinosaur experiences. Across the week you’ll also find slime workshops, family film screenings, dinosaur discos, face painting and even a T-Rex-inspired pilates class. Budding palaeontologists can also test their knowledge at the Roarsome Dino Quiz.
When: Dino Week runs from Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st May 2026.
Insider’s tip: Wakefield Exchange is surrounded by onsite street food vendors. Choose from tex mex, smash burgers and loaded potatoes.
Cost: Cost: Free.
Explore the great outdoors at Fountains Abbey
© Copyright National Trust Images/Joanne Crawford
Adventure is waiting at Fountains Abbey this May half term. Enjoy the fresh air and explore the ancient abbey ruins, wander woodland paths and spot wildlife across the estate as spring is in full bloom. Pick up a Bug Bingo sheet and follow the Minibeast Trail to discover the tiny creatures helping nature thrive, from busy bees to fluttering butterflies. Young nature lovers can also drop into the Swanley Workshop to create their own creepy crawly crafts, while wildlife volunteers will be leading special deer walks where children can handle real antlers and look out for newborn calves in the deer park.
When: May half-term activities run from Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st May 2026, with Creepy Crawly Crafts taking place from Tuesday 26th to Friday 29th May.
Insider’s tip: Children under five are welcome to bring balance bikes and bikes with stabilisers to help them get around.
Cost: Cost: £21 for adults and £10.50 for children aged 5-17. Free for National Trust members.
Play Wentopoly at Wentworth Castle Gardens
© Copyright National Trust Images/Chris Lacey
Family-favourite board game Monopoly has been given a garden-inspired twist at Wentworth Castle Gardens. Families can take on the Wentopoly trail, exploring monuments, hidden corners and scenic beauty spots as they complete challenges and compete to “own” as much of the estate as possible by the end of the day. Designed for all ages – including grown-ups and four-legged companions – the interactive game is a fun way to discover more of the gardens together while enjoying a gentle outdoor adventure.
When: Wentopoly runs daily from Saturday 23rd May and throughout June 2026, with trail maps available from Visitor Reception for £2 plus normal admission.
Insider’s tip: Dress for the weather and exploring outside.
Cost: Cost: £6.50 for adults and £3.25 for children aged 5-17.
